Manchester, VT | June 17, 11am

Photo of Craig Light courtesy of SWVT Chamber & the Manchester Business Association

Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Business Association are teeing up for the annual B2B Golf Classic at the Golf Club at the Equinox. There’s still time to register to play! Business connections, deals, and networking are encouraged before, during, and after the Classic. Invite your friends—anyone can join! Lunch will be provided. “The B2B Golf Tournament brings together the local workforce at a beautifully scenic golf course,” says Craig Light, Digital Marketing Manager of Green Mountain Media Group, “while also providing some incredible prizes that can be won with a little friendly competition!” In addition to tournament play, golfers will have the opportunity to participate in contests including Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Hole-In-One, Putting Challenges, and more, while businesses and organizations will showcase their brands through on-course activations and sponsorships. The online auction is now live and filled with fantastic items from generous businesses and supporters. You don't have to be a golfer to participate in the auction; anyone can join the fun! Bidding closes at the end of tournament day at 6pm.

Bennington, VT | June 13, 5:30pm

Join the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) for a fabulous evening dedicated to cultivating the future of family medicine in our region. Support SVMC and win incredible prizes through the SVHC Foundation’s Summer Gala Raffle and – new this year – the Online Auction! Open to the public, the raffle and auction both feature exciting local experiences, handcrafted items, restaurant gift certificates, wellness packages, and cash prizes – all while supporting important healthcare initiatives in our community. The Summer Gala Raffle Prizes: Grand Prize – $5,000; Second Prize – $2,500; and Third Prize – $1,000. Plus, themed prize packages valued at $1,000 or more. Only 500 raffle tickets will be sold, so don’t wait to purchase yours! Winners will be announced at the Summer Gala on June 13, and you do not need to be present to win. The online auction remains open through June 14. Visit here for more.

Manchester, VT | June 12, 6pm

Northshire Bookstore welcomes Randall Balmer, an historian and ordained Episcopal priest, who will discuss his book, America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State, which offers everything you need to know for shaping and defending your own beliefs on the role of religion in American life. The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution codified the principle that the government should play no role in favoring or supporting any religion, while allowing free exercise of all religions (including unbelief). More than 200 years later, the results from this experiment are overwhelming: The separation of church and state has shielded the government from religious factionalism, and the United States boasts a diverse religious culture unmatched in the world. But changes have been taking place at an accelerating pace in recent years. Despite the fact that the 1st Amendment and the separation of church and state has served the nation remarkably well, he argues, its future is by no means assured. More here.

Early Bird Deadline: August 28

The Shires 1-Minute Film Fest is returning this fall, inviting filmmakers, students, first-time creators, and storytellers from across the region to create an original film that is 60 seconds or less. Presented in collaboration by CAT-TV and GNAT-TV, the festival celebrates local creativity, accessible storytelling, and the power of community media to connect people through shared stories and creative expression. Selected films will screen publicly on October 17 at the Bennington Theater. In addition to the festival, GNAT-TV will host a filmmaking workshop on August 1 from 1pm to 3pm focused on filming, editing, storytelling, and helping participants begin the creative process before submissions are due. CAT-TV will also offer Youth Video Workshops during Summer 2026. The festival is open to filmmakers ages 10 and older. Visit here for all the details.

Ludlow, VT | August 22 & 23, 11am to 5pm

The Best of Vermont Summer Festival returns, bringing two full days of music, food, artisans, family fun, and Vermont‑made excellence to Okemo Field. This year’s festival features an energized musical lineup spanning folk, rock, Americana, jam, and interactive dance programming, including the Bear Mountain Boys, The Rustie Bus, Sammy Blancette, and more! Set against the scenic backdrop of the Green Mountains, the festival offers something for everyone: 100+ vendors featuring Vermont artisans, makers, and specialty food; food trucks and a dining tent with lobster rolls; beer & wine from regional producers; family fun zone, expanded this year, clown antics, facepainting, games, and hands‑on fun; agriculture demos, and community displays; artisans, woodworkers, fine art, and more. Visit here for all the details.

Submission Deadline: September 7, Labor Day

The Londonderry Arts and Historical Society (LAHS) is inviting community members—quilters and non-quilters alike—to help create a special community quilt celebrating Londonderry’s 250th anniversary. The theme is simple: “What does Londonderry mean to you?” A centerpiece for the commemorative quilt has already been designed by LAHS’s artistic Collections Manager, and volunteers are ready to assemble the finished work. Now LAHS is seeking community participation through the creation of individual quilt squares that reflect personal connections to Londonderry and the people, places, and memories that make it meaningful. LAHS has supplies available for anyone who would like to create their square on site. Quilt kits, which include fabric and instructions, are available for $20, with proceeds benefiting LAHS. Questions may be directed to Bev Foster at missbev1958@gmail.com. Visit here for more.

June 13, 3pm to June 14, 3pm

Vermont-based musician, radio host, recovery advocate, and viral content creator Benjamin Lerner will celebrate his 10 years of sobriety by hosting CLEAN Jam 2026, a 24-hour live radio and social media broadcast marathon, airing continuously on WEQX 102.7FM– and simultaneously livestreamed across social media by Old Mill Road Recording. CLEAN Jam 2026 will mark the first-ever 24-hour live broadcast in WEQX history. CLEAN Jam 2026 blends music, celebrity appearances, recovery conversations, audience interaction, listener call-ins and giveaways, and community fundraising into one continuous multi-platform live experience. The event is a fundraiser for two non-profit organizations central to Benjamin’s recovery journey: The Wilson House and 1761 Arts. Expected guests include: TONY® and GRAMMY® Winning performer Heather Headley; Comedian Tom Papa; 4-time EMMY® Award Winning Journalist and TV Anchor John Gray; Composer David Friedman, Singer-Songwriter A.J. Croce; 2-time GRAMMY® Winning Conductor Marin Alsop, Legendary Drummer Kenny Aronoff, and OSCAR®-Winning film composer, Paul Blair (aka DJ White Shadow). Also joining in the celebration are recovery advocates, musicians, and social media figures, including Colicchie, KC Makes Music, Matt Keegan, Skyler Ray, ZT Speaks, Quinn LaPeyre, The Real Young Swagg, and more. Visit here for all the details.

Bennington, VT | Fridays, 5pm to 7pm

The Bennington Museum has received an anonymous grant once more for 2026 Concerts in the Courtyard. All concerts are free to the public! 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. In the event of rain, the event will be cancelled by 2pm on Fridays. Museum educators will provide free children’s activities during the concerts. 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. The Museum will stay open until 7pm on these days, and regular admission applies. The next Concert in the Courtyard features Eric Kufs, a Los Angeles singer/songwriter currently living in upstate New York. Eric is one part crooner, one part protest singer, and every part artist. With the lyrical bite of an Elvis Costello, the dynamic voice of a Van Morrison, and the passion of a Bruce Springsteen, his prowess eventually led to performances around the world.

Weston, VT | June 10 to July 11

Weston Theater Company launches its 90th Anniversary Season with the return of a Weston favorite, Ring of Fire, at Walker Farm. Recently extended by popular demand, this electrifying musical celebration of Johnny Cash brings together more than 30 of the legendary artist’s most iconic songs in a powerful evening of storytelling, rebellion, and live music performed by a company of actor-musicians. Forged from the passions and poetry of Cash’s rebellious spirit, Ring of Fire journeys through the life, love, and legacy of one of America’s most enduring voices. Featuring unforgettable songs including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” “Jackson,” and “A Boy Named Sue,” the musical captures the grit, humor, heartbreak, and humanity behind the Man in Black while celebrating the enduring power of gathering together through music. Directed by Weston Executive Artistic Director Susanna Gellert, the production revisits a title deeply connected to the theater’s recent history. Tickets and season subscriptions are on sale now here or by calling 802-824-5288.

Bennington, VT | July 13-17 and July 27-31

This summer, Bennington Theater invites students entering 5th grade and up to dive into the world of theater through an immersive, hands-on training camp designed for curious, creative young artists. Participants will explore every side of theater-making: from acting, voice, and movement to lighting, sound, scenic design, costumes, props, and more. Every stagecraft session is taught by working theater professionals, offering students real insight into how productions come to life both onstage and behind the scenes. Rather than working toward a polished final performance, campers will end each day with an informal sharing of what they created, explored, or learned together. Each day combines performance, design, technical theater, collaboration, and creative play. 2 Sessions available, sign up for one or both: Session 1 is July 13-17 and Session 2 is July 27-31, both from 9am to 3pm. More here.