May 14 Thursday
The Mad River Valley community is set to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and young talent at the upcoming Student Art Show, hosted at the Big Red Barn at Lareau Farm & Forest. The exhibition will run from May 14 through May 24, open Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This vibrant showcase features artwork from students across the region, including Crossett Brook Middle School, Fayston Elementary, Green Mountain Valley School, Harwood Union High School, Moretown Elementary, Neck of the Woods, Spring Hill School, Sugarbush Day School, Vermont Farm & Forest School, Waitsfield Elementary, and Warren Elementary.
A highlight of the event is its emphasis on strengthening connections between schools and the broader community. By bringing student artwork into a shared public space, the exhibition reflects the belief that art is both a personal and social experience—one that thrives when shared. The collaboration among so many local schools creates a unique and inspiring environment for visitors of all ages.
The public is warmly invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, May 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where guests can meet young artists, view a wide range of creative works, and celebrate the artistic spirit of the Mad River Valley.
Nökings Jazz Trio is Allison Mann - voice & guitar, Denis Thibouthot - guitar, and John LaRouche - chromatic harmonica. Swing, Latin, ballads and more in an intimate and lovely setting.
May 15 Friday
Listing: Bookstock, the Vermont Festival of Words, will return to Woodstock, VT, on May 15-17, 2026. Please join us on The Green and around the scenic village of Woodstock for our famous book sale of almost-new and charmingly old volumes, including first editions; a poetry festival; hands-on workshops; author readings and presentations; events for children; great food; and many more festivities. To keep up to date, please subscribe for our email updates at our website [https://bookstockvt.org/subscribe/] or email us [info@bookstockvt.org] or follow us on Instagram [@bookstockvt].
A Fun Way to benefit the Cutler Memorial Library!
Dance and sing to your favorite club classics from the disco era with DJ Rick Stephens of Summit Spins. Please bring dance shoes or other clean indoor shoes.
Everyone is Welcome!
For more information: 802-793-1857
May 16 Saturday
Join us to celebrate 25 years of classical music education and community in central Vermont! Over the last quarter century, GMYS has made music with more than 800 students and shared dozens of performances across the state. From first notes to final bows, we’ve watched young musicians grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. Our 25th anniversary is a celebration of the students, families, educators, and supporters who have made these moments possible. It is an invitation to gather, listen, and look ahead to the next 25 years of music-making together.
Enjoy live music from the Tom Cleary Trio alongside joyful performances by GMYS ensembles, highlighting the energy and talent of our students. There will be refreshments, beverages available for purchase, and a fun silent auction featuring an assortment of local items and experiences. Throughout the evening, we will honor the dedicated GMYS leaders and instructors who have inspired generations of young musicians. All are warmly welcome – families, friends, music lovers, and community members alike.
Chandler Center for the Arts is excited to announce this year’s The Next Generation concert. On Saturday evening, May 16, five young classical musicians from high schools and homeschools across Vermont and New Hampshire will showcase their artistry, with some making their debuts on the Chandler stage. The concert begins at 7:00 PM and will also feature an ensemble performance with 16 students from the Upper Valley Music Center. A reception to greet the artists will follow the performance.
In 2007, to kick off Chandler’s centennial celebration, pianist Christopher O’Riley brought his acclaimed NPR Boston program From the Top to the Chandler stage, drawing enthusiastic audiences. Among the eight performing teenagers, only two were from the local area; the others came from Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York. The format proved so appealing that Chandler created its own version, featuring young musicians from the region.
For this concert, the area’s top music teachers have recommended students whose accomplishments deserve special recognition. These performers have been selected through a competitive audition process.
Ozarks heartland rock meets Vermont soul — Drew Hutson Rogers Band brings their country-fried, Petty-inspired originals up from Fayetteville, Arkansas, with support from Jaded Ravins and Sons of Williams.
Drew Hutson Rogers Band: Ozarks heartland original rock — described as "Tom Petty and Grateful Dead had a country-fried devil child." Based out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Drew Hutson Rogers Band blends rock with Americana and roots influences, delivering high-energy performances fueled by honest songwriting and road-tested grooves.
Jaded Ravins: Kelly Ravin and Halle Jade — a modern-day Johnny and June. Jaded Ravins pour soulful Americana and country rock originals into every performance, with Kelly's powerful voice and Halle's tasty harmonies creating a dynamic, heartfelt experience. From backcountry bars to big city clubs, they always leave it all on stage.
Sons of Williams: Bow Thayer and his son River are Sons of Williams — rooted in Americana and folk tradition, they deliver heartfelt performances with engaging storytelling and dynamic energy. Their sound resonates deeply with audiences, blending original songwriting with a live presence that captivates from the first note.
The Montpelier Contra Dance happens every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday at the Capital City Grange Hall. We dance to live music with contra dance bands and callers from around New England and beyond. Beginners, singles, and all ages are welcome; all dances are taught. We use gender neutral role terms. There's a newcomers lesson at 7:45 pm and dancing 8-11pm. Some months on 3rd Saturdays there is a Waltzing Session 7-7:45. Check the website or Facebook page. Please bring clean soft-soled shoes. More info at www.montpeliercontradance.org. $12 adults, $5 kids/low-income, $20 dance supporters. Cash preferred. Venmo or CC accepted. Questions? 802-225-8921 or cdu.tim@gmail.com.
May 17 Sunday
Renowned pianist David Feurzeig will perform his 99th Vermont concert in Tunbridge with local performers Isabella Weed, Nan Frost, and Rudi Ruddell, continuing David’s exciting tour — a free show in all of Vermont’s 252 towns to spread the joy of music and promote environmentally sustainable performance.
In May of 2022, he embarked on his Play Every Town project: 252 free concerts in each of Vermont’s 252 towns to combat climate change through the power of community and music. With this project David will become the first musician to perform in every Vermont municipality. He will travel in his solar-charged electric vehicle throughout the state, offering free concerts to bring attention to the interrelated issues of climate and community, while bringing the joy of music to his audiences.
May 21 Thursday
May 22 Friday
May 23 Saturday
Step inside the creative world of Montpelier artist Katie O’Rourke during Vermont Open Studio Weekend. Visit her second-floor studio to experience vibrant intuitive abstract paintings inspired by movement, emotion, and imagination, along with a behind-the-scenes look at her process.
Each painting begins with play, courage, and a willingness to let go of outcome—often within a chosen color palette—trusting that nothing is fixed. From there, a call-and-response unfolds as composition emerges through intuitive exploration and problem-solving, until the work reveals what it wants to become.
Her studio is located in a shared, historic arts building with fellow artists, an art supply shop, and the Savoy independent cinema, offering a glimpse into a working creative community in central Vermont. Free and open to all.
Mad Arts is excited to present Off The Wall, our annual community art fundraiser and a beloved Mad River Valley tradition.
Artists from across the Valley and throughout Vermont have been invited to create original works on a 12 × 12 inch panel—each piece a unique expression of creativity and experimentation. Proceeds from the exhibition directly support the ongoing work of our community art center.
Tickets are $150 and include entry into a lottery to win a panel of your choice—off the wall.
From bold and playful to thoughtful and refined, every panel offers something new to discover—making this exhibition an accessible and inspiring entry point for seasoned collectors and first-time visitors alike.
Join us for this vibrant, limited-time showcase and celebrate the artists who help shape and sustain our local creative community.
May 2–May 23, 2026
May 24 Sunday