Events In Burlington

Burlington hosts events year-round across a wide range of interests. From world-class music festivals, food and drink events, and arts showcases to outdoor adventures, farmers markets, holiday celebrations, and family-friendly activities. 

You can browse the full Burlington events calendar right here on this page. Filter by date, category (like Concerts & Live Music, Arts & Culture, or Food & Drink), or keyword to find exactly what you're looking for. You can also check the "This Weekend" filter for a quick look at what's coming up soon.

Local organizers and venues can submit events directly through our Submit Your Event page at helloburlingtonvt.com/events/submit-your-event/. Listings are reviewed and added to the public calendar at no cost.

Absolutely. Burlington is one of New England's most vibrant small cities, with a packed events calendar that draws visitors every season. From nationally recognized music festivals to intimate neighborhood celebrations, the city offers a compelling reason to visit any time of year.

Burlington offers a range of accommodations from boutique hotels like Hotel Vermont and Hotel Champlain (Curio Collection by Hilton) to larger chain properties like the DoubleTree by Hilton. Other lodging options are also available like bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Many properties are within walking distance of major event venues. Booking early is especially important for peak summer weekends and during major festivals. Browse accommodations on our Places to Stay page or book your room here!

Every season offers something special in Burlington. Summer (June–August) is the most event-dense period, with festivals nearly every weekend. Fall (September–October) combines stunning foliage with signature events like the Art Hop and Grand Point North. Spring brings the Vermont City Marathon and UVM Graduation Weekend. Winter offers unique experiences like the Hotel VT Ice Bar and easy access to Vermont ski resorts. There is truly no "off season" in Burlington, just an adjustment to temperature! 

The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is a beloved 10-day annual celebration of jazz held in June, presented by the Flynn. It brings world-class musicians alongside emerging artists to stages throughout the city. including outdoor venues, clubs, and restaurants, making it one of the most immersive music festivals in New England.

Summer is Burlington's most event-packed season. Highlights include the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (10 days of performances across outdoor stages, restaurants, and clubs), the Vermont Brewers Festival (50+ craft breweries at the waterfront), and Waterfront Concerts featuring national headline acts. The Champlain Valley Fair, one of Vermont's largest agricultural fairs, caps off the summer in late August.

Yes! Burlington embraces Halloween with a variety of seasonal events, including haunted houses, pumpkin patches, costume events at local bars and venues, and family-friendly fall festivals. Check the events calendar each October for the latest listings.

Fall is one of Burlington's most spectacular seasons, combining vibrant foliage with a rich events calendar. The South End Art Hop one of Vermont's largest arts events takes place in September, transforming the South End Arts District into a citywide open studio weekend. Grand Point North, Higher Ground's annual music festival, also takes place in September at Waterfront Park. Halloween celebrations, apple picking, and foliage festivals round out the season through October.

The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon is typically held on the last Sunday of May. It is a signature Burlington spring event that draws runners from across the country and features a scenic course along Lake Champlain.

Spring in Burlington is energized and celebratory. The season kicks off with Waking Windows, a beloved multi-day music, art, comedy, food, and drink festival held in nearby Winooski. Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the busy summer season, and the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon — one of the region's premier road races — typically takes place in late May, drawing thousands of runners and spectators to the waterfront.

Yes — Burlington is a wonderful winter destination. In addition to signature events like the Ice Bar, the city offers skiing and snowboarding at nearby Stowe, Bolton Valley, and Sugarbush; cozy restaurants and craft beverage destinations; ice skating; and a vibrant arts and live music scene. Vermont is also famous for its maple sugaring season, which begins in late winter (February–March) and offers a uniquely New England experience.

Burlington doesn't slow down in winter — it leans in. The Hotel Vermont Ice Bar is one of the city's premier winter events, transforming the hotel's outdoor terrace into an elaborate ice sculpture experience each January. The holiday season brings festive celebrations, holiday markets, and special dining events throughout December. Winter wellness retreats, craft beverage events, and live music at indoor venues keep the calendar full through February and March.