Experience Vermont’s Vibrant Autumn with Scenic Drives, Local Culture, and Celebrations Across the Green Mountain State
Vermont’s fall foliage season turns the state into a vibrant masterpiece of color, where the Green Mountains become a stunning canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows. As the leaves change, Vermont’s landscape transforms into a visual wonder, drawing visitors from afar to experience this natural spectacle.
Peak foliage season varies across the state, typically from late September to mid-October. The Northeast Kingdom sees its colors peak in late September, while the Upper Green Mountains and Central Vermont showcase their best hues in early to mid-October.
But Vermont’s autumn beauty is more than just the leaves. The crisp air, bountiful harvests, and festive atmosphere create a truly magical experience. Fall festivals across the state celebrate this season of abundance. From the Autumn on the Green in Danville, featuring over 200 artisans and crafters on October 6, 2024, to the Tap to Table Autumn Market in Cuttingsville on October 1, 2024, which delights food lovers with offerings from 70+ Vermont vendors, there’s something for everyone.
Stratton’s Fall Festival and Brewfest adds to the seasonal fun with scenic gondola rides, live music, local beer tastings, and activities for all ages. These festivals perfectly blend Vermont’s natural beauty with its rich culture and craftsmanship, offering an ideal way to embrace the state’s autumnal charm fully.
Signature Events in Vermont’s Fall Festivities
Vermont’s autumn landscape comes alive with vibrant festivals celebrating the season’s bounty and beauty. These events showcase local artisans, delicious foods, and traditional crafts against a backdrop of stunning fall foliage.
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)
Location: West Springfield, MA (near the Vermont border)
Date: September 13-29, 2024
Attendees: Over 1,500,000 (with approximately 100,000-150,000 visiting the Vermont Building)
What to Expect: The Big E is one of the largest fairs in the Northeast, celebrating the agricultural and cultural traditions of all six New England states, including Vermont. Visitors can explore the Vermont Building on the Avenue of States, where they’ll find a showcase of Vermont’s finest foods, crafts, and products. The fair also features rides, games, live entertainment, and a wide array of food vendors, making it a must-visit event for those near the Vermont border.
Tunbridge World’s Fair
Location: Tunbridge, VT
Date: September 12-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 35,000-40,000
What to Expect: The Tunbridge World’s Fair is a beloved Vermont tradition that dates back to 1867. This four-day event offers a unique blend of agricultural exhibits and entertainment, featuring oxen pulls, horse shows, and livestock competitions. Visitors can marvel at prize-winning produce and enjoy demonstrations of antique farm equipment that showcase Vermont’s rich agricultural heritage. The fair’s midway rides and games add excitement for all ages, while live music and performances keep the atmosphere lively. Classic fair treats with a Vermont twist are served by local food vendors, making this a quintessential New England fair experience.
Vermont Maple Festival
Location: St. Albans, VT
Date: April 26-28, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000-35,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Maple Festival is a celebration of the state’s iconic maple syrup industry. This three-day event in St. Albans offers maple syrup tastings, maple cooking contests, and tours of local sugar houses. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of maple-themed activities and treats, making it a perfect event for anyone with a sweet tooth and an interest in Vermont’s agricultural traditions.
Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
Location: Stowe, VT
Date: October 11-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000-15,000
What to Expect: The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is a beloved autumn tradition that transforms Stowe into a haven for art lovers. Visitors can explore works from 150 juried fine artists and artisans, showcasing a wide range of contemporary and traditional crafts. Browse paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry while savoring Vermont specialties from local food vendors. The festival’s timing coincides with peak foliage season, offering a visual treat as guests enjoy the arts amid stunning fall colors, all to the sound of live music that enhances the festive atmosphere.
Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival
Location: Mount Snow, West Dover, VT
Date: September 20-21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000-10,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival is a paradise for food and wine lovers, celebrating the state’s thriving wine industry. Attendees can sample wines from over 20 Vermont wineries, with local chefs offering cooking demonstrations using seasonal ingredients. Artisan food producers showcase gourmet treats like cheeses and chocolates, complemented by live music that creates a festive mood. The event’s Grand Tasting is a highlight, featuring the best of Vermont’s wines against a picturesque backdrop of stunning fall foliage, making this festival a must-visit for those looking to indulge in the flavors of autumn.
Stratton Fall Festival and Brewfest
Location: Stratton, VT
Date: Dates TBD for 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000-7,000
What to Expect: Stratton’s Fall Festival and Brewfest is a lively event that combines the best of autumn with the excitement of a mountain resort. Featuring live music, scenic gondola rides, and lift-served mountain biking, this festival offers something for everyone. The brewfest showcases craft beers from across the region, making it a perfect spot for beer lovers to enjoy fall in the Green Mountains.
Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival
Location: Tunbridge, VT
Date: October 5-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000-7,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival is a unique celebration of Vermont’s fiber arts tradition, drawing enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can watch sheep shearing demonstrations and herding dog trials, while exploring fleece shows and fiber animal displays. The festival offers workshops on spinning, knitting, and other fiber arts skills, with over 70 vendors selling yarns, fleeces, and handmade fiber products. Local food trucks serve up tasty Vermont fare, and the vibrant fall colors of the surrounding countryside add to the festival’s charm, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in fiber arts and rural traditions.
Peru Fair
Location: Peru, VT
Date: September 28, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 4,000-5,000
What to Expect: The Peru Fair is a charming one-day event that captures the essence of small-town Vermont. This lively celebration begins with a parade featuring antique tractors and local groups, followed by over 100 craft and food booths lining the village streets. Visitors can shop for handmade goods like pottery, woodwork, and textiles, while enjoying live music throughout the day. Kids will love the pony rides and face painting, and the fair’s highlight, the Peru Fair Pig Roast, serves up delicious local pork, making this event a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the warmth of Vermont’s community spirit.
Southern Vermont Art & Craft Festival
Location: Manchester, VT
Date: September 6-8, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 4,000-5,000
What to Expect: The Southern Vermont Art & Craft Festival in Manchester features carefully selected artists showcasing their best work in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visitors can browse unique jewelry, ceramics, and wood carvings while enjoying the natural surroundings. This festival is a perfect blend of art and nature, offering a serene and inspiring experience for all who attend.
Killington Brewfest
Location: Killington, VT
Date: October 5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000-4,000
What to Expect: The Killington Brewfest brings together craft breweries from across New England, offering a wide selection of beers to sample. Set against the backdrop of Killington’s stunning fall foliage, this event features live music, scenic gondola rides, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts looking to enjoy the flavors of fall in one of Vermont’s most beautiful mountain resorts.
Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival
Location: Manchester, VT
Date: Dates TBD for 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000-4,000
What to Expect: The Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival offers hands-on activities and demonstrations, where visitors can learn simple crafts from expert artisans. Kids and adults alike can try their hand at weaving, wood carving, and other crafts, making it an interactive and educational experience. This festival is a great way to discover new skills and take home a handmade souvenir from Vermont.
Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show
Location: Springfield, VT
Date: October 7, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 2,000-3,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show is a celebration of all things apple, featuring pie contests, a farmer’s market, and a craft show with local artisans. Guests can enjoy fresh apple treats and explore the 21+ beverage tent, offering cider and other apple-inspired drinks. This family-friendly event is a quintessential fall experience in Vermont.
Vermont Golden Honey Festival
Location: Morristown, VT
Date: September 14-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 2,000-3,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is a sweet celebration of the state’s honey production and beekeeping traditions. Guests can sample a variety of honey flavors and learn about the art of beekeeping from local experts. The event features honey tastings, cooking demonstrations, and a chance to meet local beekeepers. With activities for all ages and delicious honey-infused treats, this festival is a delightful way to experience Vermont’s natural sweetness.
Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival
Location: Plymouth Notch, VT
Date: August 31 – September 1, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,000-2,000
What to Expect: The Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival brings together Vermont’s top folk and blues musicians for a weekend of live music in the historic birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. This festival offers a mix of local talent and international stars, set in the picturesque surroundings of Plymouth Notch. With its intimate setting and high-quality performances, this event is a hidden gem for music lovers.
Vermont Wildlife Festival
Location: Bennington, VT
Date: September 14, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,000-2,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Wildlife Festival in Bennington offers a unique opportunity to get up close with local animals, including birds of prey and reptiles. The event features fun nature activities for kids and educational displays about Vermont’s wildlife. It’s a perfect outing for families and nature enthusiasts looking to learn more about the state’s natural inhabitants.
Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival: Fall Edition
Location: Bennington, VT
Date: October 5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,000-1,500
What to Expect: The Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival is a beer lover’s dream, featuring over 120 unique brews from homebrewers across the region. This fall edition of the festival lets attendees taste a wide range of fall-inspired beers, from pumpkin ales to spiced stouts. Visitors can vote for their favorite brews and enjoy live music, making it a festive day out for anyone passionate about craft beer and autumn flavors.
Vermont Cheese Festival
Location: Shelburne, VT
Date: August 11, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,500-2,000
What to Expect: The Vermont Cheese Festival is a haven for cheese lovers, bringing together over 40 cheesemakers to showcase their award-winning products. Visitors can sample a wide range of cheeses, watch cheesemaking demonstrations, and pair their selections with local wines and beers. This one-day event at Shelburne Farms is a must for anyone looking to indulge in Vermont’s world-renowned dairy products in a beautiful setting.
Norwich Antiques Show
Location: Norwich, VT
Date: August 17-18, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,000-2,000
What to Expect: The Norwich Antiques Show is one of Vermont’s premier events for antique lovers. Held in the historic town of Norwich, this show features a curated selection of antique dealers offering everything from vintage furniture to rare collectibles. It’s a perfect event for those who appreciate the charm and history of bygone eras, set in a picturesque Vermont village.
Visitors’ Informative Guide
Planning a trip to Vermont’s fall festivals requires some know-how. Smart travelers can make the most of their experience with the right tips and tricks.
Travel Tips and Accommodations
Split lodging early for popular fall festival weekends. Hotels in Stowe and Killington fill up fast. Consider cozy bed and breakfasts in smaller towns like Danville or Chester for a more intimate stay.
Rent a car to explore the scenic routes between festivals. The drive from Brattleboro to Jay Peak offers stunning foliage views. Pack layers – Vermont weather can change quickly in autumn.
Many inns offer special fall packages. Look for deals that include festival tickets or guided foliage tours. Some farmstays let guests help with the apple harvest.
Scheduling and Event Planning
Most Vermont fall festivals happen on weekends from mid-September to late October. The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival runs October 11-13, 2024. Meanwhile, Newfane’s Heritage Festival is set for October 12-13, 2024.
Buy tickets in advance for popular events like the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe on October 6, 2024. Some small town festivals, like the Chester Fall Festival on September 21-22, 2024, are free.
Create a flexible itinerary. Leave time to explore charming towns like Middlebury between scheduled events. Many festivals offer multi-day passes for the best value.
