Montpelier Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Montpelier, Vermont - VT, USA)

There are all kinds of events staged throughout the year in Montpelier, with highlights including performances by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Montbeerlier beer fest in May, and the Independence Day festivities (July 4th).

Those visiting Montpelier in April may like to consider a drive to St. Albans, where the three-day Vermont Maple Festival is a real crowd-drawer, being held over the last weekend of the month. Lots of demonstrations, exhibits, stalls and a parade all come together at this popular event to celebrate the wonder of maple syrup - the pancake breakfasts are not to be missed!

Each February, the Winter Festival in nearby Burlington marks a pleasant interlude during this chilly month, while in October, the Vermont International Film Festival is also staged in Burlington, Vermont's biggest city. Also worth looking out for are the summer evening concerts held on the lawn of the Vermont State House, and one of the New England collegiate baseball games featuring the local Vermont Mountaineers.

Montpelier Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Farmers' Night Series - Wednesday evenings from January to April, held in the State House Chamber. Free events include performances by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, poetry, historic displays, storytelling and more.

February

• Burlington Winter Festival - early February, held in Burlington, about 40 minutes from Montpelier. Highlights include the Snow Carving Competition and the Special Olympics fundraising Penguin Plunge.

March

• Green Mountain Film Festival - late March, established in 1997, this is a ten-day event with showings of a variety of film genres including animations, documentaries, feature and short films.
• Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday before Easter in March / April, held at Hubbard Park. Easter fun aimed at children 12 years old and under.

April

• Vermont Maple Festival - mid- to late April, held in Saint Albans, approximately one hour northwest of Montpelier. Dating back to 1966, this three-day event is fun for all, with maple syrup galore, cooking contests, an antiques show, parades, tasting booths and so much more.

May

• Montbeerlier - early May, at the Three Penny Taproom, celebrating local Vermont beer with live music.

June

• Vermont Mountaineers - baseball games played early June to early August.
• Montpelier Brown Bag Concerts - noon on Thursdays from late June to early September, at the Christ Church Courtyard Park on State Street, includes free performances from local area talent, suitable for all of the family.

July

• Onion River Century Ride - last Sunday in July, held since 2003, participants register for one of three cycle courses, with all proceeds going to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

August

• Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival - late August, staged at venues such as the Unitarian Universalist Church on Main Street and the Chandler Music Hall in nearby Randolph, to the south (reached via Interstate I-89).

September

• Capital City Concerts - founded in 2000, Chamber Music is performed in the Unitarian Church of Montpelier (dates vary each season).

October

• Vermont International Film Festival - mid-October, held 40 minutes from Montpelier in nearby Burlington, Vermont.

November

• Thanksgiving Day - late November, an annual public holiday held all over the United States since the early 1860s, with families getting together around the dinner table for a filling roast turkey dinner, followed by watching the television to see the world-famous Macy's parade in New York.
• Columbus Day - second Monday in October, a statewide public holiday in Vermont, celebrating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, on October 12th, 1492.

December

• Vermont International Festival (VIF) - three-day weekend following Thanksgiving, in Essex Junction, about 40 minutes northwest of Montpelier. Celebrating world cultures with food, handicrafts, dance and music.
• First Night Montpelier - December 31st, fireworks, parades, live music and more.