There are lots of ways to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, such as picnics, BBQs, baseball, parades, fireworks, outside concerts… But I always feel that no matter how you choose to spend Independence Day weekend, that you remember to include at least some of these essential ingredients: friends, family, fun and relaxation.
Below are some of my favorite Vermont celebrations taking place this weekend. If I don’t see you at one of these great events, I hope you have a happy, healthy and safe weekend! Cheers!
- Friday July 1 -
- Raising Appalachia, Black Door, Montpelier, VT - Start off the weekend right with some bluegrass in the State Capital.
- The Gultch, The Big Picture Theater & Cafe, Waitsfield, VT – Emily Forbes on Violin and Chicky Stoltz on Drums join Chuck and Brendan to kick off the Fourth Weekend in the Mad River Valley
- Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Sugarbush, Warren, VT – In this musical homage to royalty, the procession includes Scheherazade’s Kalendar Prince, the King and Queen of Troy, and the King of Siam, as well as America’s own version of royalty, Duke Ellington, as well as the 1812 Overture and selections from Sousa, the March King. Gates open at 5:00 PM for picnicking. Concert begins at 7:30 PM
- Saturday July 2 -
- Waterbury 4th of July Parade, Main Street, Waterbury, VT - 11am This year’s parade theme is “Memories.”
- Stowe 4th of July Celebration, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT – 6-11pm, Revelers dine at a barbecue with Austrian specialties while the Joshua Panda Band supply Americana ditties. Fireworks follow at dusk. $15 entrance fee, or free for kids 12 and under; $10 food ticket; $6 beer ticket.
- Vermont Lake Monsters - Centennial Field, Burlington, VT, 6:05PM – The Lake Monsters face the Tri-City Valley Cats in the first of a quick two-game home stand.
- Waitsfield Farmer’s Market – find fresh produce, flowers, seedlings, honey, wool, eggs, meat, cheese and other farm products. In addition you can find crafts made in Vermont, baked goods, and prepared food.
- Sunday July 3 -
- Mad River Glen Yard Sale & Float Building, Fayston, VT – Starting at 10am at Mad River Glen, peruse the MRG yard sale for treasures galore, enjoy a delicious BBQ, listen to live music and partake in outdoor games and float building! Family fun for everyone!
- Independence Day Celebration, Montpelier, VT – Festivities throughout downtown Montpelier include a pancake breakfast, pool party at Montpelier Rec Department, Montpelier Mile road race, street dances and performances on the State House Lawn. Gigantic parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Vermont Lake Monsters - Centennial Field, Burlington, VT, 1:05PM – The Lake Monsters face the Tri-City Valley Cats in the second of a quick two-game home stand.
- Monday July 4 -
- Warren Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks, Warren, VT – Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the wild and wacky parade along Main Street. It’s party time the rest of the day with music, dancing and plenty of food and drink. Fireworks at dusk at Sugarbush Resort, 1840 Sugarbush Access Road.
- Vermont Symphony Orchestra & Fireworks at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT – The Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents a salute to Vermont’s own Uncle Sam. Fireworks accompany the 1812 Overture for a dramatic bon soir. Location: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road. Time: Gates at 5 p.m.; concert at 7:30 p.m.
