Festivals, Fairs & Amusements

If you're looking for big time amusement parks, you won't find them in Vermont. In fact, we invite you to take a break from the typical and come enjoy Vermont's country fairs and festivals that celebrate the simpler things in life. A great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy our local culture, and maybe even learn something along the way!

Many of these highlights are provided by the 2008 Summer Vermont Vaction Planner, a publication of the Vermont State Chamber of Commerce. Visit their site for a complete listing of what to see and do in Vermont.

Festivals and Fairs - some highlights

Vermont Morgan Horse Heritage Days in Tunbridge. A summer tradition at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds. Come to this favorite meeting place for Morgan Horse lovers from across the country and see these majestic creatures compete and race. Visit www.vtmorganheritagedays.org to learn more.

Strolling of the Heifers Parade and Festival in Brattleboro, VT. A mardi-gras type celebration featuring a livestock parade, food, agricultural demos, Vermont frams products and family fun. More at www.strollingoftheheifers.com

Vermont Mozart Festival taking place statewide - 19 concerts in all.  The series features both indoor and outdoor concerts over a period of three weeks.  Visit www.vtmozart.com to learn more.

Annual Quechee Scottish Festival features all things Scottish including pipe band competitions and formations, sheepdog trials, Scottish country dancing, balladeers, Highland dancing competition and more. Learn more at www.quecheescottishfestival.com

Harpoon Championship of N.E. Barbecue in Windsor. Teams throughout New England compete for $5,000 in prize money and to be crowned State of Vermont BBQ Champion. Many vendors and live music, this event is the largest barbecue championship in Vermont.  More at www.harpoonbrewery.com

Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction. Vermont's largest agricultural and entertainment event celebrating agriculture, commerce, education, music, food and fun. Learn more at www.cvfair.com

Vermont Quilt Festival in Essex Juntion promises to offer magical experiences for the whole family. Enjoy workshops, gallery talks, shopping and fun programs for the kids.  Visit www.vqf.org for more information.

Plus! - The Vermont Heritage Days in Windsor, Vermont State Fair in Rutland, the Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival and so much more.  Visit www.vtchamber.com for details!

More Amusements

The Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour will delight audiences young and old. Each summer, the circus travels the state with a group of talented troupers ages 10 to 18 with a new storyline and an original full-length show that combines the best of traditional and contemporary circus styles. The troupers are completely immersed in circus life, including rigorous training, daily chores, loading in and loading out the Big Top, and performing in over 70 shows in 14 towns in just seven weeks! It's definitely a show worth seeing. Learn more and see their schedule at www.circussmirkus.org

The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on museum located in Norwich, Vermont, offering dozens of exciting exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the Museums' outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre exhibit area in a beautiful, park-like setting. Also outside is a network of easy-to-moderate walking trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The Montshire Museum is an official visitor center for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Learn more at www.montshire.org

The Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone is probably the closest thing you'll find to an amusement park with alpine sliding, water slide, rock climbing wall and other amusements.  Situated in the base area of the Bromley Ski Resort, the Thrill Zone is a great place that your kids will thoroughly enjoy.  While they enjoy all the fun, you can sit back on the deck and enjoy great food and drinks with spectacular views. There is even live entertainment on weekends. Check their site for more information at www.bromley.com

Green Mountain Railroad in Bellows Falls. Follow the beautiful Connecticut River on a 2-hour excursion that crosses the gorge, waterfalls at Brockways Mills, and pass covered bridges. See places you can only see by rail.  Call (802) 463-3069 for more information.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne is always a favorite with the kids. Educational and fun, they call it "one of the most unique attractions in the United States". Tours available daily. Outdoor picknicking and ice cream available during summer months. Learn more at http://shop.vermontteddybear.com/storeinfo.html