Unhurried pace. Unspoiled natural beauty. Unimaginable fun and adventure. This is summer in Stowe—a time to visit and experience all this. Imagine yourself amidst a lush Green Mountain landscape—strolling, hiking, dining, sipping, shopping and playing in an historic Vermont village—while enjoying one of Stowe’s signature summer events. Plan your summer visit around one of Stowe Vibrancy’s distinctive community events. There really is something for every age and taste!

Gardens of Stowe

Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Stowe Reporter presents a glorious, self-guided private garden tour that sweeps through Stowe’s most interesting gardens. Visit sloping hillside gardens, ponds, formal ornamental gardens, vegetable and herb gardens, fruit orchards and more. The event closes with a tented and catered reception, a gardening talk by Vermont Public Radio’s Master Gardener, Charlie Nardozzi, a floral arranging demo and silent auction. This rain-or-shine event is not-to-be-missed! Get pre-sale tickets online for a discount ($20). Regularly priced tickets ($25) will be available at the door on June 24. View event information.

Art on Park

Thursdays between June 28 – September 6, 2018 from 5 – 8 p.m.

Art on Park summer series highlights the handmade creations of Vermont artisans and also features food, live music, face painting, henna body art and samplings from local distilleries and wineries. This acclaimed artisan fair takes place every Thursday evening from June 28 through September 6 (except for July 5) and is located on Park Street and the Main Street Village Green in the Stowe Village. Every market event features more than 30 Vermont artisans specializing in fine art, fiber art, woodwork, jewelry, clothing and accessories, basket weaving, specialty foods, skincare and more. Take a free family photo home with you at the August 9 and September 6 Art on Park events. View event information and live music schedule.

B3 Fest – Bikes, Brews & Beats Block Party

June 29 from 4:30 – 9 p.m.

The B3 Fest – Bikes, Brews & Beats is an annual is an annual celebration of Vermont mountain biking, craft beverages and music. Organized by the Stowe Trails Partnership, this three-day, town-wide festival offers family-friendly events, food and drink specials, live music, group rides and more. Join Stowe for the B3 Fest Block Party on Park Street in the Village featuring samples and tastings from some of the area’s finest producers of craft brews and artisan foods and, of course, music. The Block Party kicks off the Critical Mass Ride down the Mountain Road to Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge. View full event schedule.

An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

July 4, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July is a signature Stowe event. Stowe is the only Vermont town to feature two unbeatable parades, so bring your family and enjoy the day alongside the entire community of Stowe. The historic, 40 year-old Moscow Parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by an Old Fashioned Village festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a special daytime Art on Park artisan market and pie-eating contest in Stowe Village. At noon, join the “World’s Shortest Marathon,” a 1.7-mile fun run to test everyone’s speed. Stowe Vibrancy’s Fifth Annual Main Street Parade starts at 1 p.m. The party continues at 6 p.m. featuring tons of family fun and a spectacular fireworks show at dusk with Stowe Parks & Recreation at the Mayo Event Field.
Complimentary parking is available in the Village. There is also ample overflow parking at the Mayo Event Field. From there, hop on the courtesy Village shuttle provided by Sushi Yoshi. Presented by Shaw’s General Store, the Old Fashioned Fourth of July also coincides with 7 Miles of Sales, a celebration of Vermont’s independently owned retailers featuring sales for every style along the seven mile-long Mountain Road and beyond. View full event schedule.

About the author:

Shari Vermeulen is the executive director of Stowe Vibrancy, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization with a mission to increase the vibrancy of the Town of Stowe through the enhancement of social, recreational, cultural, economic and physical characteristics of the village. Stowe Vibrancy helps the Town of Stowe maintain its Vermont Downtown Designation in the historic village. In addition to producing more than 20 annual community events that are open to the public, Stowe Vibrancy partners with the town and many local businesses to support Village infrastructure and economic development.
Photos courtesy of: Stowe Vibrancy, Mark Vandenberg