These 6 Vermont Towns Have The Most Unique Festivals
Vermont may be best known for its stunning landscapes and charming towns. Still, it’s also home to a vibrant array of festivals that celebrate the state’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. In well-known communities like Burlington, unique festivals draw visitors from near and far each year. Few, however, are quite like the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, where colorful boats race along the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, or the Festival of Fools, a nonstop celebration of world-class performers, from acrobats to jugglers, that brings the streets alive with fun and laughter.
In other areas, such as St. Albans, the charm continues with the chance to savor some of the state’s finest maple syrup at the Vermont Maple Festival, while in Quechee, the skies come alive with color during the breathtaking hot air balloon extravaganza. Meanwhile, Tunbridge celebrates Vermont’s rich agricultural heritage at its historic fair, and Marlboro comes alive with the passion and artistry of its world-renowned music festival.
Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival is a beloved summer tradition in Burlington that brings the community together for thrilling boat races and a lively celebration along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain. As a charity event, it raises funds to support local cancer survivors, with proceeds benefiting Dragonheart Vermont and, in 2025, its pledge partner Sail Beyond Cancer VT. Teams of all kinds, from seasoned athletes to breast cancer survivor groups to community paddlers, showcase their creativity as they compete in brightly decorated dragon boats. As a bonus, special “spirit awards” are given out to participants afterward in categories like Best Team Name, Best Chant or Song, Best Team Costume, and Best Tent Site.
Marlboro Music Festival
Set in the small town of Marlboro, the Marlboro Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind gathering where musicians immerse themselves in three weeks of intensive rehearsal and collaboration. These sessions culminate in public performances that highlight the artistry and hard work of each group. Each summer, around 60-80 ensembles explore over 250 works, though only a selection makes it to the stage. Repertoire and performers are chosen weekly, allowing groups who feel their collaboration has reached its peak to recommend pieces for performance. Concerts, held in Potash Hill's Persons Auditorium from mid-July through mid-August, offer Saturday evening, Sunday afternoon, and select Friday night performances. Ticket prices vary depending on seat selection and how close you want to be to the stage.
Vermont Maple Festival
Every April, St. Albans comes alive for the Vermont Maple Festival, a sweet celebration of the state’s maple syrup heritage. Over three fun-filled days, visitors can enjoy a classic pancake breakfast, explore sugarhouse tours, check out displays in the Saint Albans Museum, and so much more. For those interested in shopping, there's a vendor area offering handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty foods, while families can enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, and live entertainment. The weekend peaks with the grand parade on Sunday, winding through the heart of St. Albans. Most events and activities are free, while others, such as the maple banquet, the fiddler's variety show, the youth talent show, and 14th Star Brewing Co.'s maple beverage tasting, require a paid ticket.
Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival
Quechee is home to New England’s longest-running hot air balloon event, the Quechee Balloon Festival. For more than 45 years, this annual June celebration has filled the skies with vibrant colors and thrilling experiences. While the festival is best known for its breathtaking balloon launches, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, and meet and greet with the skilled pilots who bring each balloon to life. Unique highlights include sunrise yoga, guided tours, and raffle prizes, including the chance to win a free balloon ride, providing an unforgettable perspective of Quechee Gorge and the surrounding valley. Admission includes a weekend pass to experience everything it offers.
Festival Of Fools
The Festival of Fools is an annual summer celebration that has been bringing downtown Burlington to life since 2007. Hosted by Burlington City Arts, the festival turns the streets into a lively block party each August, offering nonstop entertainment. The main action occurs at Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park, where open-air stages showcase rotating performances by jugglers, clowns, acrobats, musicians, and DJs. Celebrating world-class talent in a fun, welcoming, and accessible way, the festival is free to attend and offers enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
Tunbridge World's Fair
The Tunbridge World's Fair, held annually in September in Tunbridge, is a beloved Vermont tradition dating back to 1867. This four-day festival celebrates the state’s agricultural heritage with harness racing, pony pulling, livestock exhibitions, tractor pulls, and carnival rides. Visitors can enjoy live music and classic fair foods and explore exhibits that highlight Vermont’s rural roots, while a gift shop offers souvenirs and keepsakes to remember the experience. The fair, which offers an option to buy a single ticket or a multiday pass, offers a nostalgic, fun-filled glimpse into Vermont’s farming culture and provides entertainment for all ages.
From lively boat races and street performances to sweet maple treats, soaring hot air balloons, timeless agricultural traditions, and world-class music, Vermont’s festivals offer something for every interest and age. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of Burlington’s unique summer events or the intimate charm of smaller towns like St. Albans, Quechee, Tunbridge, and Marlboro, each festival provides a glimpse into the state’s rich culture and strong sense of community. These celebrations are events that provide opportunities for you to connect, explore, and experience Vermont in a unique way.
