Spring is in the Air
Spring in Montpelier is like turning the knob on a jack- in-the-box. Anticipation builds as the snow begins
to melt, animals come out from their winter homes, and temperatures begin to rise. Then suddenly spring explodes and the beautiful colors and smells take us by surprise. A walk through downtown can feel like a visit to a botanical garden. Here are a some of our favorite things to do in spring:
- Taste sugar on snow at a local maple sugarhouse.
- Green Mountain Film Festival: March 12th-15th. A non-competetive film festival showcasing narrative, documentary, and experimental features and shorts from all over the world.
- Cabin Fever Weekend: March 20th - 21st. store discounts and deals all over town!
- ArtWalk: Art walk provides a fun and casual way to experience art, meet local artists, and explore downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries. This bi-monthly, First Friday event is brought to you by The Center for Arts and Learning and is held on February, April, June, August, October, and December.
- The Muddy Onion: April 25th. A fully supported gravel ride celebrating mud season and back roads. Hosted by Onion River Outdoors, the ride offers three loop options (20, 40, or 60 miles) and is all about fun, dirt, bikes, and classic Vermont spring vibes.
- Gear Makers Festival: April 25th. Celebrating Vermont-made outdoor gear, apparel, and the people who design and build it. Timed to coincide with the Muddy Onion bike ride, the festival invites folks to shop local, meet the makers, and soak up a lively spring day in downtown Montpelier.
- MayFest: First weekend in May. Includes All Species Day, Green Up Day, Montbeerlier, and many more festivities around downtown!
- The Capital City Farmer's Market kicks off its season, the first Saturday in May, at 133 State Street. Bringing farm fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisan crafts to the capital of Vermont.
This is spring here, tumultuous and dramatic, and full of wonder. It’s as if we forget every year, and are taken by surprise as the sun sets and the evening wood frogs chime in. But, as I step outside at dusk, I smell the smoke from a nearby grill, and hear the voices of children running around without jackets on (even though it’s only 52 degrees out), I remember the hope and serenity a peaceful spring evening can bring. - Enjoying Spring in Montpelier by Montpelier Alive Executive Director, Katie Trautz