MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing have announced the winners for the 2025/26 Vermont Signature Events program. These signature events offer experiences that fuel the Vermont visitor economy. In 2023, visitor spending contributed $4.0 billion to Vermont’s economy.
2025/26 Vermont Signature Events:
- Quechee Balloon Festival (June 20-22, 2025): Vermont’s longest-running hot air balloon festival, featuring colorful balloon launches, live entertainment and family-friendly activities in Quechee.
- Summer Solstice Sessions (June 21, 2025): At Jay Peak Resort, outdoor activities and live music combine with a rare summer skiing experience on preserved terrain.
- Lake Morey Summer Concert Series (Thursdays from June 26 – Aug. 21, 2025): Held in Fairlee, this weekly concert series brings live music, local food vendors and nationally acclaimed artists to the community.
- Best of Vermont Summer Festival (Aug. 23-24, 2025): In Ludlow, more than 125 vendors, live music, hot air balloons and family-friendly activities come together to celebrate Vermont’s culture.
- South End Art Hop (Sept. 5-7, 2025): Burlington’s three-day celebration features hundreds of open studios, art exhibitions and live music in the South End Arts District.
- Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival (Sept. 28, 2025): In Stowe, pumpkin launching via trebuchets, live music, food and a variety of activities create a fun-filled festival atmosphere.
- Heirloom Apple Day (Oct. 12, 2025): Celebrate Vermont’s apple heritage with heirloom apple tastings, farm tours and local food at Scott Farm in Dummerston.
- Woodstock Wassail Weekend (Dec. 12-14, 2025): Woodstock becomes a holiday wonderland with horse-drawn carriage rides, artisan craft fairs and festive musical performances.
- First Night North (Dec. 31, 2025): In St. Johnsbury, this family-friendly arts festival offers live performances, food vendors and a community countdown to the new year.
- Curds & Curling (February 2026): In Greensboro, winter festivities include cheese tasting, curling competitions, live music and local food in a festive atmosphere.
The Vermont Signature Events program offers an invaluable opportunity for events to garner widespread recognition. Signature events are awarded annually and showcase the rich variety of experiences to be had in the Green Mountains. These top-rated events offer a true taste of all that is local, bringing visitors into the heart of communities and serving as an important component in the Vermont visitor economy.
