summer
sensations
MANCHESTER STREET FESTS
JUN. 19 & JUL. 17
Manchester’s Main Street closes down
for a townwide block party two Friday
evenings in the summer (between
Thai Basil and The Mountain Goat) for
the community to gather, listen to live
music, taste local specialty food, browse
booths, and more. Main St., Manchester.
manchester-vt.gov
MANCHESTER SUMMER CAMP
JUN. 22–AUG. 14
The Battenkill Adventurers and Equinox
Explorers are geared to children 5–12.
Throughout the eight-week summer
camp, children will go on exciting field
trips and weekly hikes, enjoying all the
wonderful trails in the Battenkill Valley.
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park,
340 Recreation Park Rd., Manchester.
802-753-8161 or manchester-vt.gov
VERMONT SUMMER FESTIVAL
JUN. 30–AUG. 9
Top equestrian riders from across the
United States and Canada compete for
prizes, points, and national recognition
at northern New England’s largest
“AA”-rated hunter and jumper show.
Spectators welcome. Harold Beebe
Farm, 2971 Vermont Rte. 7, East Dorset.
802-489-4945 or vt-summerfestival.com
VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
SUMMER FESTIVAL TOUR
JUL. 2
This outdoor concert is a family-
friendly annual tradition. Picnics
are welcome, and the concert
closes with fireworks. Hunter Park,
410 Hunter Park Rd., Manchester.
802-864-5741 or vso.org
STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN
FRIENDS AND FREEDOM
JUL. 3–5
A weekend-long celebration where adults
will enjoy food specials, music, local brews,
and outdoor activities. Join in for some
old-fashioned fun including hayrides, a hot
dog eating contest, and three-legged races.
Fireworks on Jul. 4. Stratton Mountain Resort.
1-800-STRATTON or stratton.com
TOWN OF MANCHESTER INDEPENDENCE
DAY CELEBRATION
JUL. 4
An all-day celebration that includes
live music, games, family activities,
fireworks, and more. Dana L.Thompson
Memorial Park, Manchester.
manchester-vt.gov
CIRCUS SMIRKUS: THE GREAT AMERICAN
ROAD TRIP
JUL. 7 & 8
Step right up because
the circus is in town.
Amazing circus
performers will bring you
laughs, thrills, and non-
stop fun. Join us for a
spectacular line up of
unforgettable acts and dazzling skills on full
display under the big top! Dana L. Thompson
Memorial Park, 340 Recreation Park Rd.,
Manchester. 802-533-7443 or smirkus.org
SOLARFEST
JUL. 26
SolarFest combines great music and
inspiring speakers with delicious food,
family fun, and the most interesting
conversations. Workshops include inspiring
thought-leaders on renewable energy,
green building, carbon-free transportation,
farming, arts, and activism. Earth Sky
Time Farm, 1547 Main St., Manchester.
516-314-6063 or solarfest.org
20 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine.com
GRACE COTTAGE HOSPITAL FAIR DAY
AUG. 1
The Boston Globe has called it “New
England at its best!” Live auction, bargain
booths, baby parade, pony rides, great
food, music, art show, and more. Free
admission and parking. Townshend
Common, 66 Common Rd., Townshend.
802-365-9109 or gracecottage.org
NORMAN’S ATTIC
AUG. 1
More than 60 vendors from all over New
England line Route 7A with unique items,
gifts, crafts and collectibles. The always
popular St. James’ Homemade Chili and
Soup Café will be in operation. Home-baked
apple pies will be available for purchase and
The White Elephant Booth will be loaded
with bargains. 46 Church St., Arlington.
802-375-9952 or stjamesarlingtonvt.org
MANCHESTER ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALES
AUG. 6–9
Every August the Town of Manchester hosts
its annual sidewalk sales. Mark your calendar
to shop the streets of Manchester that are
filled with unique specialty shops alongside
the Manchester Designer Outlets. Enjoy a
unique retail experience and find a bargain.
manchestervermont.com
GREEN MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS AND
ROOTS FESTIVAL
AUG. 13–16
A four-day music festival featuring a
variety of bluegrass, roots, and Americana
music from both icons of the industry
and innovative up-and-coming artists.
Featuring a main stage, dance tent,
camping, children’s activities, local food
trucks, Vermont craft beer and wine, and
a magical Green Mountain setting. Hunter
Park, 410 Hunter Park Rd., Manchester.
802-824-3575 or
greenmountainbluegrass.com