Fall in Burlington runs on a short, intense calendar. Foliage peaks, orchards open, festivals stack up, and then it's gone. Here's how to make the most of it, whether you've got one weekend or the whole season. Curious to know when to expect peak Fall Foliage? Check out our blog, When is Peak Fall Foliage in Vermont.
Here's a quick list of ways to enjoy Fall in Burlington and throughout Vermont.
Apple Picking in the Orchards
An orchard visit is the easiest way to spend an afternoon outside once the leaves turn. Shelburne Orchards grows 40+ varieties right on Lake Champlain, presses cider on site, and has the "Apple Room Door" people photograph on their way out. Yates Family Orchard has 28 pick-your-own varieties, a farm stand full of Vermont goods, and Live Music Sundays through the season. Their Dreamee — a cider doughnut with a creemee on top — is worth the trip alone.
For a longer list of orchards and tips on timing your visit, see our full apple picking guide.
Oktoberfest and Vermont Cheese Week
Two of the bigger fall gatherings, if you're planning around a specific weekend:
Oktoberfest Vermont returns to 377 Pine Street, September 18 and 19, 2026 — beer garden, live music, carnival games, and pours from local breweries including Zero Gravity, Switchback, and Citizen Cider. Full details at oktoberfestvermont.com.
Vermont Cheese Week runs across the state each September, with tours, tastings, and the Vermont Cheese Trail if you want to build your own route. Check vtcheese.com closer to the date for the current year's event lineup, including any farm tours at Shelburne Farms.
September Arts and Culture
September doubles as Arts Month in Vermont, with The Flynn anchoring a season of free and low-cost performances around the state. Burlington's own contributions include the South End Art Hop, a weekend of open studios and installations in the South End, and Grand Point North, the waterfront music festival returning September 18 through 20, 2026, at Waterfront Park.
Scenic Walks and Drives
For foliage on foot, the Ethan Allen Homestead Trail, the Intervale Center, and Red Rocks Park Trail are easy enough for the whole family and still deliver the views. Check out Ethan Allen Park and hike up to the Ethan Allen Tower for great views of Lake Champlain and the regions foliage.
For foliage from the driver's seat, take Route 7 south through Shelburne and Vergennes to Middlebury. It's a straightforward drive that looks like it shouldn't be real for about three weeks in October. Route 15 takes you through Jericho, Underhill, and Johnson through the mountains. Or Route 2 North through the Lake Champlain Islands. Make it an overnight and book a room along the way.
Pumpkins and Corn Mazes
Sam Mazza's Market covers the rest of fall's checklist — pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and farm animals for anyone under twelve who needs convincing to get in the car.
Want to keep exploring? See 50 things to do in Vermont for more of the season.
