Manchester, VT | July 14, 5:30pm to 7pm

Peter Galbraith, author and former US Ambassador to Croatia

Green Mountain Academy welcomes author and former United States Ambassador to Croatia, Peter Galbraith, to talk about the situation in Iran and the Near East. The talk will take place at Hildene’s Lincoln Hall. In the spring of 2026, the United States launched military operations against Iran, opening a new and consequential chapter in the long and troubled history between the two nations. But what comes next? This talk will examine the origins, conduct, and human costs of the conflict – and wrestle honestly with the hardest question of all: what kind of Iran will emerge from the rubble? Drawing on historical precedent, regional expertise, and frank reflection on the limits of military power, Galbraith will explore three plausible futures – an Iran nudged toward political reform, a successor regime more hardline and hostile than the one it replaced, or a descent into prolonged civil war and fragmentation. This is not a lecture with easy answers but an invitation to think carefully and grapple with a crisis that will shape the region – and American foreign policy – for generations. Registration is $20 per person. For more information or to register, please call the office at 802-867-0111 or visit here.

Bennington, VT & Poultney, VT | TONIGHT, July 8, 6pm

The premise of Sharing the Spirit of America is pretty simple; to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and its first public reading on July 8, 1776. It is the simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence across the country (and around the world) 250-years later, organized by America 250. Each location will be reading the entire Declaration of Independence as a distinct activity; however, they are all part of a broader organized program. Because the readings are all commensurate with 6pm (EDT), July 8, they are all happening simultaneously, and thus, will all be reading “together.” One reading will be at the Bennington Battle Monument. In addition to the reading, there will be a performance by the US Army Band starting at 4pm. The Poultney Historical Society will also hold a public reading at the East Poultney Schoolhouse. For more, visit here.

Bennington, VT | July 9, 7pm

Attention all trivia lovers! Tomorrow’s Trivia Night is a summer fundraiser for Bennington Theater. Come in for a summer trivia brush-up and help the Theater at the same time! Gather your friends, family, or co-workers for an unforgettable evening of brain-busting fun – all in support of your local theater! Trivia Night Live is where wit meets laughter in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Test your knowledge across a mix of categories: movies, music, television, food, geography, science, sports, and a few surprise topics! The top two teams will take home brag-worthy prizes! Delicious refreshments will be on sale at the theater. No outside food or drinks, please. Play solo or in teams of up to 6 players. Don’t want to fly solo? No problem, join in and make some new friends! For tickets & all the details, visit here.

Rupert, VT | July 11, 8:45am to 3pm

Ascend into Merck Forest’s canopy guided by the instructors from the Women's Tree Climbing Workshop^®, an all-women instructor team with decades of experience elevating people into the canopy. This is a full day of adventure at Merck Forest & Farmland, with hands-on learning and genuine fun open to all experience levels. Participants get to know a tree and life from a new perspective. Everyone will receive an event t-shirt, so please indicate size in your registration. You will experience Being in a Tree while also experiencing the art and science of Arboriculture, nature’s art, and the magic of psithurism. This safe, empowering experience will renew your spirit, and allow you to bond with other “arbor-curious” people. You will receive coaching, instruction, use of top of line professional tree climbing gear, and an experience you will never forget! To register, visit here.

Photo courtesy of Merck Forest & Farmland

Rutland County Humane Society

Chico is a striking, 5-year-old neutered male brown tabby with a gorgeous coat and bright green eyes that are impossible to miss. Despite a rough start, this playful and outgoing boy has plenty of love to give and is ready to put his past behind him. Chico was abandoned by his previous home, left in a box outside until a kind-hearted individual found him and brought him to us. His story could have ended there, but Chico's warm personality and resilient spirit make it clear that the best chapter of his life is still ahead. If you're looking for a handsome, playful cat with a heart full of love to give, Chico is ready to find his people! To meet Chico or  his other furry friends, visit here.

Manchester, VT | September 15

Northshire Day School (NDS) will host its annual Harvest Moon Gala at the Celebration Barn at the Inn at Manchester. The community fundraiser will bring together supporters for an evening of dining, music, and philanthropy in support of NDS’ mission to provide exceptional early childhood education and strengthen families throughout the Northshire region. Last year's Gala raised more than $50,000 in support of their mission. Guests will enjoy an evening featuring a dinner by Haystack Catering, live music, a spirited cash call, and opportunities to support Northshire Day School throughout the evening. Early Bird tickets are $100 through July 15. Beginning July 16, tickets are $125 per person. Tickets and event information are available here.

Harvest Moon Gala 2025

Manchester, VT | July 11, 7:30pm & July 13, 7pm

The third of Taconic Music’s Chamber Music Saturdays concerts, Vibrant Masterpieces, will take place at the Riley Center for the Arts on July 11. The concert features faculty members Heather Braun, violin; Tom Landschoot, cello, and Young Woong Cho, piano bringing Joseph Haydn’s fiery Piano Trio No. 39, “Gypsy” to life. It continues with the Indianapolis Quartet (Zachary DePue and Joana Genova, violins; Michael Strauss, viola, and Egor Antonenko, cello) performing Erwin Schulhoff’s 1923 suite, Five Pieces for String Quartet. After intermission, the quartet is joined by Braun, violist Ariel Rudiakov, Landschoot, and violinist Rose Drucker. On July 13, the Young Artists from Taconic’s Chamber Music Intensive will take to the Riley Center stage in the final concert of the Summer Festival. Violinists Atticus Margulis-Ohnuma, Javier Torres Delgado, Belle Wang, and Manxi Xu; violists Keigan Iwanicki and Gregory Moix; cellists Adan Caldera Quintero and Layla Morris; and pianist Benjamin Wien will perform works by Schumann, Debussy, Shostakovich, and Mendelssohn. For tickets and more, visit here.

Bennington, VT | July 10, 5pm

Big Stone Gap will be performing as part of the Concerts in the Courtyard series at the Bennington Museum. Big Stone Gap is a bluegrass and old-time band from Cambridge, NY. Their repertoire of over
50 songs ranges from traditional bluegrass to raucous fiddle tunes to up-tempo swing to beautiful waltzes,
so there is something for everyone! The band is composed of Alyson Slack on fiddle, Chris Fisher Lochhead on viola, Dave Lawlor on mandolin, Dave Cuite on bass, and Aaron Pacitti on guitar. Please bring your own blankets or lawn chairs! Sage Pizza will set up shop in front of the new Courtyard serving delicious pie and the Museum will serve beverages. Museum educators will provide free children’s activities during the show. Kids of all ages will find a fun makerspace at the picnic tables where they can create art based on art and objects featured in the Museum, which will remain open until 7pm on these days (regular admission applies). Visit here for more!

Dorset, VT | July 14, 6pm; July 18, 10am; July 21, 6pm

Kicking off their 99th season, the Dorset Players are thrilled to announce open auditions for two all-female productions that celebrate the strength, wit, and unbreakable bonds of women! Auditions will be combined for Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Michelle Cox and POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger, directed by Renee Wymer. This is an historic moment for The Dorset Players as it is their first season featuring two back-to-back all-female casts. Sides (scene excerpts) will be available one week prior to auditions and will also be provided at the audition itself. To receive the sides in advance, call 802-867-5570 and leave a voicemail with your email and they will be sent to you. Women ages 18 years old and up are eligible to audition for these two shows, and both experienced actors and first-timers alike are warmly invited! For performance dates and more, visit here. 

Arlington, VT | July 16 & July 19, 7pm

Arlington Common Community Theater (ACCT) invites you to audition for its upcoming October production of Noel Coward’s classic smash-hit comedy, Blithe Spirit, directed by local theater enthusiast Tim Rice. Blithe Spirit is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy with a supernatural twist, making it the perfect project to welcome fall. All roles are open (two male and five female parts) to diverse actors of all ages. Not looking to step into the spotlight? Theater is the ultimate team sport, and it takes a village to bring a ghost story to life! If you are interested in costuming, building sets, managing props, handling lights and sound, or simply helping out a great local arts initiative, ACCT would love to have you! Auditions at the Arlington Common Performance Hall will be relaxed and casual, consisting entirely of cold readings from the script. For more info, visit here.