FALL EVENTS IN BURLINGTON

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR

Late August–Early September | Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction

A Vermont tradition for more than a century, the Champlain Valley Fair brings ten days of rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, games, and concerts to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.

The fair's grandstand regularly features nationally touring musicians and performers, while the midway, livestock barns, food vendors, and family-friendly attractions offer plenty to explore during the day.

It's an easy addition to a Burlington trip, located just a short drive from downtown.

Champlain Valley Fair

Festival

South End Art Hop

SOUTH END ART HOP

September | South End Arts District, Burlington

Every September, Burlington's South End Arts District becomes the center of the city's creative community during South End Art Hop.

The annual celebration brings together artists, galleries, studios, makers, musicians, restaurants, and local businesses throughout the South End. Visitors can browse exhibitions, meet artists, shop local work, catch live performances, and explore one of Burlington's most distinctive neighborhoods.

With events spread throughout the district, Art Hop is a great excuse to spend an afternoon exploring Pine Street and the surrounding South End.

South End Art Hop

OKTOBERFEST VERMONT

September–October | Burlington's South End

Looking for a taste of fall? Oktoberfest Vermont brings Bavarian-inspired food, beer, music, games, and festivities to Burlington's South End.

Expect a lively biergarten atmosphere, live music, traditional competitions, and plenty of opportunities to raise a stein with friends. The event is typically geared toward adults and makes for an easy addition to a fall weekend in Burlington.

Pair Oktoberfest with a visit to one of the South End's breweries, restaurants, galleries, or other local businesses for a full day in the neighborhood.

Oktoberfest Vermont

OktoberFest - Barge Canal

Grand Point North Concert on the Burlington Waterfront

GRAND POINT NORTH

September | Waterfront Park, Burlington

Set along the shores of Lake Champlain, Grand Point North combines live music with one of Burlington's best settings.

Founded by Vermont musician Grace Potter, the annual festival brings regional and national artists to Waterfront Park for a weekend of music overlooking the lake. Multiple stages and a walkable festival footprint make it easy to spend the day moving between performances, grabbing food, and enjoying the waterfront.

The festival is one of several ways Burlington's waterfront comes alive with music and events as summer winds down.

Grand Point North

BURLINGTON PRIDE

September | Downtown Burlington

Burlington Pride brings the LGBTQ+ community and allies together for a day of celebration, community, and advocacy.

The annual celebration typically includes a parade through downtown Burlington followed by a festival featuring music, vendors, food, community organizations, and activities. It's a colorful way to experience Burlington's welcoming downtown and the community that makes the city unique.

Check the official event website for the current parade route, festival location, schedule, and ways to participate.

Burlington Pride Parade

Pride March

MORE THINGS TO DO IN LATE SUMMER & EARLY FALL

These major annual events are only part of what's happening around Burlington as summer transitions into fall. It's also a great time to:

Explore the Burlington waterfront by bike, on foot, or by boat.
Catch live music at venues throughout Burlington and the surrounding area.
Explore the South End Arts District and its galleries, breweries, restaurants, and creative businesses.
Visit Church Street Marketplace for shopping, dining, and outdoor events.
Get outside on the Burlington Bike Path, Island Line Trail, and nearby hiking trails.
Enjoy Vermont's early fall scenery as the landscape begins its transition toward foliage season.
Browse the Burlington Farmers Market for local produce, prepared foods, crafts, and more.

PLAN YOUR LATE-SUMMER BURLINGTON GETAWAY

Late August and September offer a sweet spot for a Burlington visit: summer activities are still going strong, while fall events and foliage season are just around the corner.

Whether you're coming for a concert, art festival, fair, or simply a weekend by Lake Champlain, there's plenty to fill your itinerary.

Fall Colors

Known far and wide to unfurl some of the best fall foliage in the world, Vermont never fails to bring the spectacular every Autumn. Starting around mid-September, our trees shift from their rich summer green to vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow. With three-quarters of the state covered in…