Area Events & Festivals

January

The Brookfield Ice Harvest Festival is held the end of January each year in Brookfield. This family event provides the opportunity to see how ice was harvested on Sunset Lake at the turn of the century. Activities include ice cutting and ice boom demonstrations, an ice-hauling contest, a chance to try hand-made snowshoes and view ice sculpting. Admission is FREE. For more information call 802-276-3959.

March/April

The Annual VT Maple Open House Weekend will be held when the sap is running in the Spring. Activities will include the opportunity to watch syrup being made (weather permitting) and possibly sample syrup and other maple products at sugarhouses. Information about the dates, participants and activities that are part of Open House Weekend can be found online at www.vermontmaple.org.

The 2nd annual Night on the Town in Bethel is happening Sunday, April 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are for sale at these locations: Bethel Village Sandwich Shop, Babes Bar, Cockadoodle Pizza, Dandelion Acres, Bethel Library. Come enjoy downtown Bethel and this great event!

July

The Fourth of July Parade and Festival in Randolph is held on July 4th rain or shine. This event is organized by the White River Valley Chamber of Commerce and is one of the largest Independence Day parades in Vermont. After the parade, attendees head to the festival in the town center for food from many different vendors, live entertainment, crafts, games and more. A detailed list of events and activities as well as maps and descriptions is published as a supplement in the local weekly newspaper, The Herald, the week before Independence Day, so pick it up at almost any local store. Or you can contact the Chamber where extra copies are available for free. Contact the Chamber for information at 802-728-9027 or email us at info@whiterivervalleychamber.com.

July/August

Concerts in the Park series is held on the green next to Gifford Medical Center every Tuesday during the months of July & August. Bring your lawn chair and settle in for some fabulous music provided be area musicians. This event is FREE to the public. Each week, we also invite a community organization to be on hand to sell refreshments of their choosing, as a fundraiser for their group. This event is brought to you courtesy of Gifford Medical Center and the White River Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Chamber for information at 802-728-9027 or email us at info@whiterivervalleychamber.com.

August

The Annual Last Mile Ride, hosted by Gifford Medical Center, 44 South Main St., Randolph,. The festivities start off on Friday with a 5k race and walk in support of end-of-life care. Funds raised support special services for patients in advanced illness and at the end of life, whether they are at home or staying in the “Garden Room” suite at Gifford Medical Center. Then on Saturday, bicyclists take off for a 38 mile loop and motorcycles ride 80 miles, taking to the streets to raise money and awareness for the end-of-life care program at the award winning medical center. For more information contact Gifford Medical Center at 802-728-2726, or visit their website at www.giffordmed.org.

September

The 25th Annual New World Festival is scheduled for September 4, 2022 from noon to midnight . This all-day festival of Celtic and French Canadian music and dance featuring artists from New England, Canada and the British Isles is performed on five stages simultaneously in the historic Chandler Music Hall and in other all-weather facilities. This event is consistently voted a Top 10 Summer Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Location: Chandler Center for the Arts, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. For more information call 802-728-9878 or visit their website at www.newworldfestival.com.

A Vermont Top 10 Fall Event listing, the 150th Tunbridge World’s Fair, Sept 15-18, 2022 is a blend of active livestock shows with beautiful farm animals, a good old fair-time midway, and a competitive harvest and crafts exhibition. As a family venue this couldn’t be better for all ages and interests tucked away in a charming valley. Location: Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Route 110, Tunbridge. For more information call 800-889-5555 or visit their website at www.tunbridgefair.com.

Bethel Community Forward Fest is being held on September 24, 2022 starting with a Pancake Breakfast by the Knights of Columbus at the St. Anthony’s Church Hall. Thoughout the day there will be various demos and food vendors. You can also participate in a 5K Run the begins at the Mascoma bank or enjoy Story Hour at the Bethel Library. Mid-day you can watch the Horse & Pony Pull, or you could visit the Historical Society Art Show. Finish out your day of fun at the Soup-a-thon at 5pm at the White Church. The Pumpkin People Parade…All Fall!