Vermont Public Community Calendar

Spend an hour, a day, or the entire weekend to help us get ready for our next summer of camping. Your time and energy help grow and maintain the vision and legacy of Brian J. Stephens, who started this rescue effort!

Camp with us, enjoy the campfire at night with old and new friends, and hang out with the farm animal rescues.
We have a number of projects that we need help with in addition to the annual spring clean-up around the grounds.
We will be building two new campsites (camping is a big income generator for the rescue). Plus there is painting of the greenhouse and the tent decks that volunteers built last year.
There are donkey hooves to trim, wood debris to be gathered, poop to shovel, and more!

No experience is necessary.

Pack your tent & sleeping bag so you can spend the weekend and commune with the critters! Boots and gloves are recommended (it can be muddy and poopy).

Plus, the 8,000 daffodils (all planted by volunteers just like you!) should be in bloom this weekend!

The Green Mountain Chamber Players will perform works for string and piano at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier on Sunday, May 10 at 3:00pm. Featuring GMCMF Artist Faculty violinist Elizabeth Chang, violist Nardo Poy, cellists Emily Taubl and Caleb van der Swaagh, and pianist Hiromi Fukuda. The program includes Xenakis's Dhipli Zyia for violin and cello, Arensky's String Quartet No. 2 for violin, viola, and two cellos, and Dvořák's Piano Quartet No. 2 in E♭ major. Tickets are $35 general admission, $20 for music educators and under-20, and free for students. Visit gmcmf.org to purchase tickets.

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].

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].

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.

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.

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].

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

Dragging some nightlife to the capital city. Every other month you can catch the terrific Vermont Drag Trip, Rhedd Rhumm, Sasha Sriracha and Miss Chekova giving you a great way to end your month! Live singing, dancing, lip syncing, comedy and whatever else decides to happen, this is the place to be! You must be 21 or over to attend.

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. 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.

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.

Dragging some nightlife to the capital city. Every other month you can catch the terrific Vermont Drag Trip, Rhedd Rhumm, Sasha Sriracha and Miss Chekova giving you a great way to end your month! Live singing, dancing, lip syncing, comedy and whatever else decides to happen, this is the place to be! You must be 21 or over to attend.

“The Music of Queen, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin & More”​
From ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to ‘Free Bird’ — an unforgettable night of strings and light.

An Immersive Candlelit Journey Through Iconic Rock Anthems
“Rock and roll meets classical music in a gorgeously crafted hour of music.”

Step into a world of shimmering light, where legendary rock anthems are reborn through a single violin — played with the fire and intensity of a full band.

This is not just a tribute show. This is Blue Violin — a genre-defying, conservatory-trained virtuoso who has sold out venues from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall, and now brings his world tour to Australia, Europe, Asia, and across the U.S.

Often described as “Ed Sheeran meets Lindsey Stirling,” Blue Violin delivers fiery virtuosity and cinematic flair in every performance.

Blue Violin has been earning international accolades for genre-bending performances that blur the line between classical virtuosity and rock energy with appearances alongside artists including John Mayer and Paul McCartney.

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this important milestone, the Vermont Historical Society is launching a new exhibit called 50 for 250, a project that is designed to examine the ways that Vermont’s story has evolved over the past 250 years.

50 for 250 will highlight 50 items from our collections that symbolize themes, trends, and moments from the state’s long and proud history. These items are the focus of intensive research and scholarship by VHS staff and invited scholars, and will be part of a major exhibit that will open on Friday, July 3rd, 2026. Admission will be free for the opening.

To celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra hits the road with Summer Festival Tour: America 250, bringing music to communities across the Green Mountain State. There’s nothing like a balmy July evening in the Vermont outdoors, especially when the state’s orchestra performs beloved favorites like Morton Gould’s American Salute (based on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”), Aaron Copland’s Hoe-Down from Rodeo, a lively selection of music by John Williams and John Philip Sousa, and more. Music Director Andrew Crust invites you to bring a picnic blanket and relax under sunny skies to enjoy this cherished tradition.

The New England Language Academy is hosting a Spanish Marathon from July 6 through July 31. This month-long Spanish immersion experience is designed to help participants practice conversation, build confidence, and connect with others interested in Spanish language and culture.

Participants may join in person in Montpelier or online via Zoom from anywhere. All levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced speakers.

The marathon will conclude with a community dinner at Casa Azteca in Montpelier for those who are able to attend in person.

For more information or to register, contact
spanish@newnela.com
or call 641-261-9079.

The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon!
Take it easy or take it tough...we have a race for every runner at any level.

The 15th Annual Mad Marathon, Mad Half, relays, 5K and 10K are scheduled for July 12, 2026 in the gorgeous Mad River Valley, located in Central Vermont.

You will be running through this extraordinary rural community on back and dirt roads, with breathtaking views of the Green Mountains, challenging rolling farmlands with tough climbs and descents, quaint villages, historic barns, covered bridges and fields of our famous Vermont cows!

Registration is online through our website madmarathon.com

Dragging some nightlife to the capital city. Every other month you can catch the terrific Vermont Drag Trip, Rhedd Rhumm, Sasha Sriracha and Miss Chekova giving you a great way to end your month! Live singing, dancing, lip syncing, comedy and whatever else decides to happen, this is the place to be! You must be 21 or over to attend.

Dragging some nightlife to the capital city. Every other month you can catch the terrific Vermont Drag Trip, Rhedd Rhumm, Sasha Sriracha and Miss Chekova giving you a great way to end your month! Live singing, dancing, lip syncing, comedy and whatever else decides to happen, this is the place to be! You must be 21 or over to attend.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 34th Annual New World Festival!

Vermont's premier Celtic & Québecois music festival. This vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture promises to be a day filled with joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

With a lineup featuring talented artists from around the world, you'll be treated to a diverse range of performances that will ignite your senses and leave you inspired.

​Food and drink from local vendors will keep you energized throughout a full day of song, dance, and spectacle in beautiful Downtown Randolph, VT.

​Kids 12 & Under get in FREE, with a host of activities to stay engaged and entertained.