Burlington hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. This list changes every year but the following events staples of the community.
First Night, December 31st. Parades, performers, and fireworks help to mark the coming of the new year. Burlington continues the First Night tradition with plays, performers, and a grand welcoming of things to come.
Winter Carnival, Feburary time frame. Celebrate the winter with Ice Scptures, parades, and sleigh rides.
Mardi Gras Parade, weekend before Ash Wednesday. Burlington hosts its own Fat Tuesday parade which is usually scheduled for the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. A large parade goes up Church Street, bands play in the clubs and streets, and special events hosted by Magic Hat Brewery.
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon, Sunday before Memorial Day . A qualifying race for major national marathons, it is one of the largest sporting events in the city with street vendors, musicians and food stalls during and after the race. The marathon begins and ends at Waterfront Park and traverses much of the city. Expect major city streets to be closed down in the morning hours and most hotel rooms booked far in advance.
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, first two weeks in June . The Discover Jass festival is the largest event of its kind in the state and draws internationally renowned performing artists to the city each summer, as well as throngs of jazz, blues, gospel and Latin music fans. Its the highlight of the summer festival season. Venues throughout the city, including Waterfront Park, Memorial Auditorium, Contois Theatre, Waterfront Theatre, and The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, .
Independence Day Fireworks, evening of July 3. The City of Burlington holds its' fireworks the evening of the 3rd, so as to allow people to attend both it and the smaller towns' festivities on the 4th. If you go to the latter, prepare to leave early as many roads are closed for parades and it's not always possible to reach towns without Interstate exits between mid-morning and late afternoon of the 4th.
Vermont Brewers Festival, mid-July, . Taste microbrews from Vermont and throughout New England during this annual summer gathering on Burlington's waterfront. General admission is $25/session which includes 10 tasting tickets and a complimentary tasting glass. Discounts are available for admission tickets purchased before July 1st.
Festival of Fools, early August. A curated festival of street performers. .
Dragon Boat Festival, early August, . The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival is hosted by Dragonheart Vermont, a breast cancer survivor and supporter dragon boat team. Local companies man 10 person dragon boats in head to head races on Lake Champlain.
Vermont Air Show, late August. Watch an air demonstration of older and newer airplanes. Sometimes held at Hanscom Field and sometimes held over the downtown area.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Burlington (Vermont)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Burlington (Vermont) - updated May 2024
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