Middlebury, VT | May 8 to May 16

The first annual New England Family Theatre Festival (NEFTF) brings a vibrant, multidisciplinary celebration of the performing arts to the Town Hall Theater (THT) this spring. The weeklong festival features an exciting lineup of theatre, music, circus, puppetry, and dance, alongside interactive experiences and community engagement activities designed to spark creativity and connection for audiences of all ages. Developed by THT, NEFTF is created with families at heart, but it’s not just for kids! The festival showcases exceptional talent from across New England and beyond, with programming thoughtfully curated to engage a wide range of ages. A cornerstone of the festival’s mission is expanding access to the arts through free school matinees, made possible by generous individual donors and grant support. All shows will also be available to the public, and free workshops are available with registration. For tickets and the full schedule, visit here or call the THT Box Office at 802-382-9222. 

Sandglass Theater’s Feral: A Piece About Women & Wolves

Mario the Maker Magician

Arlington, VT | April 30 - May 2

The 5th Annual Battenkill Fly Fishing and Arts Festival celebrates the rich history of fly fishing, world-class art, and vital conservation efforts surrounding the iconic Battenkill River. The festivities begin Thursday evening with a high-energy cocktail party to raise funds for the Battenkill and the Arlington Common. Attendees will enjoy a luxury silent auction and a sneak peek of the new art exhibit, Mountains, Valleys, and Rivers. Friday events include the American Museum of Fly Fishing’s Battenkill Bamboo Derby and fishing with VTFlyGals. On Saturday, The Performance Hall will host fascinating presentations on fly-fishing and history from experts and authors, including Orvis legend Tom Rosenbauer. The festival raises awareness and funds for the Battenkill Fund, supporting initiatives to address human impacts on the river and promote responsible stewardship. Lawson’s Finest Liquids returns as the beer provider, alongside local favorite Sauced BBQ and live music. For more, visit here.

Manchester, VT | April 29, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

The Northshire Area Trail System (NATS) invites the public to a spring kick-off celebration at Lost Marble Brewing. The event will offer an opportunity for community members to meet, connect, and learn more about NATS and its mission to build and maintain mountain bike trails in the Dorset-Manchester area. A nonprofit organization affiliated with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), NATS currently supports the Humphreys, Raptor Lane, and Grouse Lane trail systems in Dorset. The evening will feature food, door prizes, and a cash bar. NATS is also looking for volunteers to join its Marketing, Trails, and Events committees as the organization works to grow participation, strengthen community involvement, and continue expanding and maintaining local trails. For more, visit here.

Bennington, VT | April 29, 11am to 4pm

United Counseling Service (UCS)’s division of Children, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) invites young people ages 16-22 looking for employment to attend the UCS Teen Job Fair at the Spring Center. Attendees will have the chance to meet with local employers, learn about employment opportunities, and ask questions. UCS staff will be on site to support attendees. UCS’ CYFS division offers a wide range of home, school and community-based services designed to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, including therapy and counseling, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), Psychiatric Urgent Care for Kids (PUCK), case management, supportive opportunities for teens, and therapeutic after-school and summer camp programs. Contact JChaplin@ucsvt.org with any questions and visit here for more.

Second Chance Animal Center | Arlington, VT

Celia is a sassy and sweet, 8-9 month old domestic short hair that was brought to Second Chance Animal Center when her previous owner had to move and couldn't take her with them. She enjoys climbing the cat tree, playing with her toys, rolling in catnip, and soaking up attention from her favorite people. This sweet girl can live with children, friendly felines with a slow introduction, and possibly a feline-savvy dog. To meet Celia or any of her other furry friends awaiting adoption, visit here or call 802-375-2898. Your new family member awaits!

Manchester, VT | June 3, 6pm

At Hats Off to Summer, an evening of music, food, and community awaits you, all at the Inn at Manchester Event Barn. Tap your toes to Shermtone and The Bonfire, savor bites from Haystack Catering, explore the silent auction, and enjoy the cash bar. This event is also a fundraiser for GNAT-TV, supporting the local programs and projects that keep community voices on the air. Your ticket helps make it all possible, so you can celebrate summer knowing you’re backing something that matters. Tickets are $125. Casual summer cocktail attire. Hats are encouraged! Find out more here. 

Rutland, VT | May 8, 5pm to 8pm

Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) invites the community to celebrate the start of the growing season at its Spring Fest at VFFC’s Farmers Hall. This family-friendly evening will bring together local food vendors, live music, and community to celebrate spring and the region’s vibrant agricultural community. Spring Fest will feature live music and contra dancing with music by Silas & Friends. Guests can enjoy a variety of meal options available for purchase directly from each vendor. Admission is $5 at the door and children are free. Each ticket purchase automatically enters attendees in a raffle for a chance to win one of two Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares from local farms. To celebrate Mother’s Day, all mothers present will be given two raffle entries with their ticket purchase. Proceeds will support VFFC’s initiatives by strengthening the regional food system through food access, educational programs, and infrastructure development. For more, visit here.

Manchester, VT | June 15 to July 13

Taconic’s 10th Summer Festival is around the corner! From Bach to jazz, from piano trio to string octet, from Young Artists chamber concerts to the Taconic Pops Orchestra, there truly is something for everyone in the four weeks of musical celebration. All chamber music concerts take place at Burr and Burton Academy’s (BBA) Riley Center for the Arts in Manchester Village. The pops orchestra will be at Southern Vermont Arts Center’s Arkell Pavilion. This year, thanks to a new and greatly improved box office system, they are pleased to offer flexible purchasing options, including Full Season and Chamber Music Subscriptions. Of course you can always mix and match! Please join us in welcoming the Young Artists of our 2026 Chamber Music Intensive! Mark your calendars for the Young Artists Concerts on Monday evenings at 7pm, June 29 and July 13, also at BBA. Visit here for tickets & more.

Putney, VT | May 2, 7:30pm

Alice Howe & Freebo

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present a special evening of contemporary folk music at Next Stage Arts. This singer/songwriter showcase brings together four acclaimed artists – Alice Howe, Freebo, Sam Robbins, and Halley Neal – for an intimate, in-the-round performance that highlights both individual artistry and collaborative spirit. Each performer will take turns presenting original songs while also joining one another on stage. Freebo, a folk, rock, and blues icon, is widely known for his decade-long tenure as bassist with Bonnie Raitt. Alice Howe, winner of Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards, captivates listeners with the natural beauty of her voice and finely crafted songs. Sam Robbins is an emerging voice in contemporary folk – an “old soul” troubadour whose thoughtful songwriting has earned national attention. Halley Neal, a Boston-based singer/songwriter originally from Nashville, TN, brings award-winning vocals and uplifting, peace-centered themes to her music. Visit here for tickets and more.

Middlebury, VT | April 30 to May 1; May 7 to May 10

The Middlebury Acting Company is proud to present celebrated California-based playwright Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day in the Anderson Studio at Town Hall Theater, which will transform into an intimate black box theater for the occasion. The Eureka Day School in Berkeley, CA, is a bastion of progressive ideals: representation, acceptance, and social justice. In weekly meetings, Eureka Day’s five board members develop and update policy to preserve this culture of inclusivity, reaching decisions only by consensus. But when a mumps outbreak threatens the Eureka community, facts become subjective and every solution divisive, leaving the school’s leadership to confront the central question of our time: How do you build consensus when no one can agree on truth? For tickets and more, visit here.

The cast of Middlebury Acting Company's Eureka Day

Manchester, VT | May 9, 6:30pm

Guests at the Wilburton’s 2025 Million Dollar Movie Mystery Party

More fun than flowers, more delicious than chocolates, The Wilburton Inn’s Mother’s Day Mystery offers a unique Vermont experience for the whole family! Escape to a glamorous 1930s Hollywood mystery dinner party in Manchester. Perched on a dramatic hilltop, The Wilburton’s 1902 mansion – filled with wood-paneled rooms and winding passages – is the setting for an elegant, immersive whodunit. Dress in festive cocktail attire or as your favorite film character, and become part of the story. Join the scheming stars, take a screen test, compare clues and follow the action through the mansion’s grand salon, library, and billiard room to solve the mystery of The Dangerous Divorcee. Tickets include a three-course dinner, music, entertainment, and a cash bar with themed specialty cocktails. A professional photographer will capture portraits as a souvenir. Tickets are $75 + tax and service. There is a Weekend Lodging package available. Call for reservations 802-362-2500 or visit here.