Festivals and Events

The Capital City loves a celebration!

Montpelier is a vibrant community with a very full festival and event calendar. Below is a general list of events hosted in Montpelier annually so you can get an idea of what we are like. For more event listings, visit the community calendar and individual event pages on this site.

Montpelier Alive is fortunate to be generously underwritten by our Downtown Champions National Life and VSECU. Due to the support of local companies like these, and others, almost all Montpelier Alive events are free of charge, and we are always adding events to the calendar.

We have many volunteer opportunities assisting our staff with event planning and production. If you are interested in volunteering, email us at [email protected].

See you downtown!

	Art Walk, supported by Northfield Savings Bank and presented by Center for Arts and Learning First Fridays in February, April, June, August, October, December Enjoy the local art! Upwards of 20 art openings on one night in Montpelier! Start at any venue and stop by as many participating venues as you like. Many will have the artist in attendance and refreshments for art viewers. Guidebooks will be available at participating business.
	Ice on Fire Early February This annual festival is a celebration of winter. Bring family and friends for an afternoon of sledding, hot drinks and songs. Pop-up storytelling, puppets, fun with snow (weather permitting) and other events take place throughout the day. The event closes with a Christmas tree bonfire! Held in Montpelier on a Sunday afternoon in early February.
	Cabin Fever Weekend Mid March Montpelier Alive’s Cabin Fever weekend’s goal is to help folks to experience all the City has to offer during the transition to Spring. During the weekend, the downtown will feature its amazing locally-owned stores with sales and specials.
	PoemCity The month of April PoemCity is presented by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in celebration of National Poetry Month. For the month of April, poems are displayed in the windows of downtown Montpelier businesses to create a walkable anthology of poetry by Vermonters. A full schedule of poetry programming is also offered including readings, workshops, and discussions. Visit www.kellogghubbard.org/poemcity for more information.
	All Species Day Held the 1st Sunday in May Come Dressed as your Favorite Species and join in Celebrating our Interdependence with All of Life with a parade and Birth of Spring Pageant.
	Montpelier Mayfest The first weekend in May is host to a full calendar of fun, family friendly events in the Capital City.
	Green Up Day First Saturday in May Our beautiful Green Mountain state is made greener on this day as thousands of volunteers cooperate to get rid of litter on banks, highways, streets and parks in a massive spring clean up. Join the effort!
	July 3rd Independence Day Celebration Spread your blanket on the State House lawn, or bring your chairs, and enjoy a ringside seat for the Independence Day parade, live music and dance, and spectacular fireworks. July 3 is the best day of the year in Montpelier when everyone comes together for family activities and picnics in the heart of the Capital City. More than 35 food and craft vendors offer everything from traditional fried dough to fresh falafel. There’s something for everybody—a national holiday celebrated in a small town way.
	Parkapalooza Thursday Evenings, July-August Each summer, Hubbard Park hosts a free summer concert series known as Parkapalooza. These family-friendly, open-air concerts are held at the Tuning Forks Stage, next to the Old Shelter, and feature live music from talented local and regional artists. With plenty of space for young legs to roam, spread out a picnic blanket and play outside, these events are the perfect end to a summer day.
	Do Good Fest Held each July A free summer concert benefitting cancer patients \| Music, food, games, fireworks, and more. For local resources during your Do Good Fest weekend experience, CLICK HERE
	Hunger Mountain Co-op Brown Bag Summer Concert Series, presented by Monteverdi Music School Thursdays at noon, July-Mid September FREE music at lunch time at Christ Church! Summer says eat outdoors in Montpelier. Why not grab a lunch from one of the many take-out options in downtown and join us for a diverse line-up of local and regional musicians.
	Held in September Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival - Features signature dishes from Montpelier's eclectic restaurants, local artisan foods, beer and cocktail gardens and local artisan crafts. Add on world-class street performers, and it's an event not to be missed.
	Enchanted Forest Held in October The Enchanted Forest is Montpelier’s night time community celebration of Autumn. Located in historic Hubbard Park, guides bring groups of people deep into the park where they are led by guides through candle-lit paths to stages of storytelling, music, fire, and enchantment.
	Moonlight Magic Held in October Get a jump on holiday shopping during the annual Moonlight Magic. So come stroll, shop and support local businesses in downtown Montpelier at Moonlight Magic.

Planning an Event Downtown?

Great choice! Downtown Montpelier is a wonderful place to hold your event, and we can help make your event a success. We offer technical support, funding opportunities, and other resources. Please consult our Downtown Events Guide for more information.