Looking for the ultimate Memorial Day weekend in Burlington, VT? Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and Burlington, Vermont, is the perfect spot to kick off the season. The M&T Vermont City Marathon & Relay is the city's signature event to welcome the summer season. Not a runner? No problem. There are local events and lakeside adventures all around Queen City. From lakeside views, outdoor adventures, and exciting seasonal events, this guide is here to help you make the most of your stay.

Ready for a Vermont weekend road trip?

Local Tips for a Three-Day Weekend in Burlington, VT

  • 3-Day Itinerary for Memorial Day in Burlington, Vermont: Friday arrival, Saturday lakeside and downtown adventures, Sunday shopping and brunch!

  • Best outdoor activities: Ride along the Bike the Burlington Bike Path, cruise Lake Champlain, hike nearby trails or catch a Vermont Green Football Club or Lake Monster baseball game.

  • Where to eat and stay: Local favorites like Farmhouse Tap & Grill and Hotel Vermont offer the best local flavor and comfort

A family checking into Hotel Vermont in Burlington

Friday Arrival: Kick Off Your Memorial Day Weekend in Burlington, VT 

Ease into your Memorial Day weekend getaway in Vermont by checking into one of Burlington's top hotels. Check in, drop your bags, and start exploring:

 

  • Hotel Vermont offers cozy rooms with a locally crafted interior, just steps from Church Street and the lake.

  • The Essex Resort & Spa is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation just outside the city, complete with a full spa.

  • Comfort Inn & Suites is a great family-friendly option with easy access to downtown.

Rally behind the Vermont Green Football Club, Burlington’s semi-professional soccer team, as they take on The Albany Rush, Kickoff is at 7 pm at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field. 

Dinner: Head to the Farmhouse Tap & Grill for a locally sourced meal and over 30 craft beers. Eat outside in their beer garden if the weather’s warm. For a pre-marathon pasta feast, enjoy authentic, expertly prepared Italian cuisine at downtown eateries Pascolo Ristorante or Trattoria Delia.

After Dinner: Head to Shelburne Vineyard to catch the Bluegrass & BBQ show, featuring live music from Brett Hughes & That Bluegrass Band. With plenty of craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy one of Vermont’s favorite music styles. Live music is always popping up around Burlington, so check our Events Calendar for updates.


 

Saturday: Memorial Day Events and Lake Adventures in Burlington

Wake up and grab breakfast at one of these popular breakfast spots! Each one offers something unique and different, but all of them are equally staples in each visit to Burlington

  1. August First Bakery - A Burlington vibe, delicious breakfast sandwiches, scones, maple biscuits, and other pastries. A laidback atmosphere to enjoy an early breakfast or leisure lunch.
  2. Haymaker Buns - Best buns in the city. From sweet to savory twists on the traditional cinnamon bun. We would highly recommend grabbing a few different ones to try while you're there and taking an order to go just in case!
  3. The Grey Jay -  A fresh take on brunch with bold Middle Eastern flavors woven throughout. From shawarma wraps to shakshuka and tahini-sweet treats, it’s a menu built for mixing, matching, and trying something new.
  4. Juniper at Hotel Vermont - Rooted in Vermont ingredients and seasonal flavors. From maple-drizzled pancakes to hearty plates like red flannel hash and locally sourced egg sandwiches, it’s a menu that balances comfort with quality at Hotel Vermont
  5. Henry's Diner - A true Burlington classic serving up no-frills diner fare from morning through early afternoon. From all-day breakfast and stacked skillets to eggs benedict and homemade corned beef hash, it’s the kind of spot where comfort food, quick service, and a counter seat still go a long way. 

Next on the list of possible things to do during Memorial Weekend: Lunch & Activities, & More

Set off on a nice leisurely walk along the Burlington Bike Path - or rent bikes! - You can walk south to Oakledge Beach or North to North Beach or even as far as the Lake Champlain Causeway. (If you're participating in the marathon, this is part of the running route and a beautiful part of the city)

Stop by Foam Brewers on your way back into the city, which is conveniently located on the Burlington Waterfront. A quick lunch may be in order, which could be found at Skinny Pancake, one of the many local breweries, or along the Church Street Marketplace at local restaurants like the Farmhouse, Sweetwaters, Halvorson's, or American Flatbread. 

Head over to South Burlington for an afternoon of sampling beers at Brew the 802, a brand-new, family-friendly beer fest celebrating local Vermont brews and craft vendors. Organized by the South Burlington Recreation and Parks Department, the event takes place Saturday, May 23rd from 4–8pm at City Center on Dattilio Drive in South Burlington. Check out more information here.

If you're looking for something more curated, join Adventure Dinner and The Portable Mini Golf Company for the BTV Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt, proudly sponsored by Hello Burlington! Check in at the Church Street pop-up tent to grab your gear and play 18 holes of walkable mini golf scattered across Burlington's best shops, cafes, and hot spots — from Phoenix Books to Mad River Distillers to Vermont Comedy Club and beyond. Your $35 ticket includes a chef-prepared Adventure Dinner box lunch to keep you fueled along the way. Just make sure to return your scorecard before 4pm for a chance to win prizes!

 

​Dinner: 

After a full day of exploring, you've earned a proper sit-down meal. Satisfy that appetite with a cubano and a mojito at Santiago's Cuban Cuisine, just steps from the waterfront, or dig into slow-smoked meats and scratch-made mac & cheese at Bluebird Barbecue, with a patio view of the Winooski River. Or cap the night with a spectacular Burlington sunset and lakeside cocktails at Spot on the Dock or Splash at the Boathouse. Find even more options in our restaurant guide.

Late-Night: 

Looking for more? Swing into Devil Takes a Holiday for some extraordinary cocktails. If you're a gamer, the Archives is a great late night spot with a full bar and throwback arcade games great for friends and family. And if you're looking to keep the party rolling, we'd recommend the full list of bars that can be found here! 

Photo of a Farmers' Market with vendors and families shopping

Sunday: Final Day of Your Burlington VT Memorial Day Weekend

The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon brings an electric energy to Burlington — streets buzzing, crowds cheering, and the whole city feeling alive. If you want to be part of the action, get downtown early to stake out a good spectating spot and soak it all in. Prefer a quieter morning? Head for the hills — literally. Rock Point Trails offers a scenic escape for beginners, while Camels Hump is a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers. Find more options in our Spring Hiking Guide. Either way, once the race wraps up around 2pm, make your way down to Waterfront Park for a relaxed afternoon by the lake.

Tips for spectating the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon and Relay

Some of the best places to watch the Marathon are: 

  • Battery Street or Battery Park - As runners work to get to the top of Battery Street, you can hear to Tiako Drummers throughout the city. But cheering on racers to the beat of the drums is a true Vermont City Marathon experience
  • The Waterfront - The finish line is right in the center of Waterfront park where the announcers, music, vendors, and more are set up for the grand finale. If anything, this is where you should plan to be come late morning.
  • Church Street Marketplace - The race runs along the corner of the Church Street Marketplace and Main Street. Enabling spectators to do a little shopping around as runners pass by. 

Grab lunch at one of the local vendors or food trucks on the waterfront. If you haven't had it before, you'll have to track down A-Maize-ing Kettlekorn. While it should probably come with an "highly addictive" label, it's worth every penny and one of the best snacks you can find in Burlington. 

Remember to wear your comfy shoes and get ready to cheer! We hope you have an amazing trip to Burlington for Memorial Day. 

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