Manchester Has it All This Summer and Fall!
The Manchester Business Association and its members help play a key role in making Manchester, VT, and the surrounding area, the incredible year-round travel destination it is. Offering worldclass lodging, the best local cuisine, high-end and artisan shopping, arts and cultural events, and other unique experiences that can only be found here. The summer and fall seasons in picturesque Manchester are chock full of opportunities and excitement- check out the events we have in store for you!
Festivals of all kinds are in abundance, starting with theatre and music! The Weston Theatre Company’ s dynamic season( June 11-October 12), kicks off with a musical celebrating the life of musician John Denver( Almost Home) and closes out with a modern twist on a classic Shakespeare comedy, The Twelfth Night Show. The Dorset Theatre Festival( June 20-September 6) presents four thought-provoking productions sure to dazzle audience members with stellar performances and memorable new works. Taconic Music’ s 9 th Annual Summer Festival( June 21-July 14) will celebrate chamber music with Saturday concerts and Young Artist concerts, as well as a benefit performance for the Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary and School. For classical music lovers, the Manchester Music Festival( July 10-August 7) presents their annual series of concerts with the theme of“ Music & Storytelling”, illuminating the profound
connections between literature, poetry, song, and music.
The Dead of Summer Music Festival( July 11-13) will deliver its classic cohort of rock and jam bands again this year for a full weekend of joy and revelry, followed by The Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival( August 14-17), which brings Vermont’ s favorite bluegrass, roots, and Americana musicians together for an unforgettable weekend of great music. Both festivals are conveniently located in Hunter Park, where all kinds of food, beverage, and retail vendors will be happy to serve you, whether you’ re
camping nearby or staying at one of our premiere lodging sites.
But wait … there are even more festivals to enjoy, including the HITS Vermont Summer Festival( July 2-August 10), a six-week all-inclusive horse show with competitions at all levels that are fun for the entire family. Manchester Street Fests( June 13 & July 11), bring the block party vibe downtown with food and drink vendors, activities sponsored by local organizations, and free live music. You’ ll be dancing in the street!
While you’ re in town, why not get in a little shopping? Manchester has a variety of retail shops to satisfy all your wants and needs any time of the year. This summer, be on the lookout for special shopping experiences, like the Memorial Day Weekend Sales( May 23-May 26) and the Annual Sidewalk Sales( August 7-August 10), when many of our member businesses are offering deals you won’ t want to miss!
And don’ t forget to check out our other townwide events, including a 4 th of July celebration with fireworks and weekly free Concerts on the Green( Wednesdays, June 25-August 13), showcasing some of the region’ s most talented bands.
This October, amid Southern Vermont’ s gorgeous fall foliage season, you can look forward to Manchester’ s Fall Festival, complete with a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Up on Stratton Mountain, join in the annual fun at HarvestFest & Brew- Fest, where flannels, chilis, and brews are all part of the attraction. And, of course, October wouldn’ t be complete without a Halloween party! Southern Vermont Arts Center’ s annual Halloween on the Hill will round out the month nicely with family fun and kids in costumes as far as the eye can see! Make sure to check the daily calendar at manchestervermont. com for the latest dates and details on all member events happening in the area.
24 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine. com