2014-05-12

Montpelier, VT – Upcoming festivities celebrate a variety of Vermont’s spring and early summer traditions. Some events are playful, like fiddlehead picking competitions; others are enriching, like plein air festivals and history exhibitions. Here’s a sampler of the hundreds of VermontVacation.com events you’ll want to experience in the months ahead:

Watercolors: The Artist’s Story
Now Through June 30, Brandon

Gayl M. Braisted, Lyn DuMoulin, Maurie Harrington, and Andrea Varney express their story through watercolors. Listen as Lyn, Maurie, and Andrea share their story, techniques and maybe even some secrets at ‘Story Hour’ on May 25. www.cmacvt.org

Opening Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum

May 1-4, Woodstock

Horse-drawn wagon rides, free ice cream, sheep-shearing and several hands-on farm education programs. www.billingsfarm.org

The Neolithic World of Stone from Gobekli Tepe to Stonehenge

May 1, Stowe

Art historian Bob Manning will examine two Neolithic sites, Stonehenge, and Gobekli Tepe, which predates Stonehenge by 6,000 years. Bob will focus on these “stone circles” as two distinctly different windows through which to view ancient humankind. www.vermonthumanities.org

An Evening with Groucho

May 2, Randolph

This two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs. Accompanied by Pianist Jim Furmston, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Greta Garbo, and MGM’s Louis B. Mayer. www.chandler-arts.org

Alfred Hitchcock and the Art of Suspense

May 2, South Londonderry; May 22, Brattleboro; June 5, *Shelburne

By drawing on twelve film clips, starting with his 1925 silent “The Lodger” and continuing through to his Hollywood classics such as “Notorious and Rear Window,” Rick Winston will illuminate the arc of Hitchcock’s brilliant career. *RSVP required at Shelburne location. www.vermonthumanities.org

Inventive Vermonters: A Sampling of Farm Tools & Implements

May 2, Jericho

Vermonters have always been inventive, especially when it comes to agricultural innovations. Retired engineer Paul Wood presents a sampling of farm tools, implements, and artifacts invented or produced in Vermont and the often fascinating stories of the inventors themselves. www.vermonthumanities.org

The comedy BORN YESTERDAY

May 2 – 11, Hyde Park

Harry Brock, a loud-mouthed and corrupt tycoon goes to Washington, D.C. to manipulate legislation of a crooked deal. He brings his girlfriend, Billie Dawn, a dim-witted and uneducated ex-chorus girl. Brock worries that Billie’s lack of social graces will embarrass him and hires a magazine journalist to tutor his “dumb broad” to fit in with Washington society. www.LCPlayers.com

Mom’s Day Out

May 3, Burlington

Luxury events and great shopping deals to celebrate Mom! Enjoy free beauty treatments, style tips, shopping discounts and prizes while loved ones shop for the perfect Mother’s Day gift! http://www.burlingtontowncenter.com/events/2014/05

Duty’s Faithful Child: A Visit with Louisa May Alcott

May 3, Ludlow

Famous as the author of “Little Women,” Louisa May Alcott was herself a fascinating character. Her life was formed in the intellectual and philosophical hotbed of 19th-century Concord, Massachusetts, home of Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, and her philosopher father, Amos Bronson Alcott. Jeanne Austin draws on the life and writings of this remarkable woman. www.gfwcvt.org

Springfield Community Chorus Concert

May 3, Grafton & May 4, Springfield

The chorus of 50 singers directed by Kenneth Olsson will perform a spring concert featuring songs of inspiration, hope and freedom. The moving strains of “Hear my Prayer” by Moses Hogan, opens the concert of Spiritual Songs and sets the tone for a presentation of songs born in the heart of a slave set free. sites.google.com/site/springfieldvtcommunitychorus/home

Sarah Blacker at Brandon Music

May 3, Brandon

Sarah Blacker, New England Music Awards ‘Female Performer of the Year,’ returns to Brandon Music. The Boston Herald’s Jed Gottlieb said, “Sarah Blacker makes some of the most interesting folk music in Boston – mostly by making folk the starting point and reaching out toward rock, Americana and prog.” www.brandon-music.net

Benson Bear Obstacle Challenge

May 3 & June 21, Benson

3.1 or 6.2 challenging miles of cross-country and wooded terrain with 30+ or 50+ obstacles and challenges on the famous Benson Bear Obstacle Challenge Course. www.ShaleHillAdventure.com

VYO 50th Anniversary Concert

May 4, Burlington

This 50th anniversary season culminating concert features the return of former VYOA music director Troy Peters to conduct an orchestra of VYO alumni, a new work for chorus and orchestra by alumnus Tim Woos, and Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony, including soloists, the VYO Chorus, and music community members in the Ode to Joy. www.flynntix.org

Middlebury Maple Run – The Sweetest Half          

May 4, Middlebury

The Middlebury Maple Run – The Sweetest Half has earned a reputation as being well-organized and friendly event, a “Must-Do” for New England runners. Plus, the beautiful, scenic course features vistas of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. www.middleburymaplerun.com

The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggart

May 4, Guilford

From Topsham, Vt., Charles Ross Taggart went on to a forty-year career performing in countless stage shows across the country, including the famous Red Path Chautauqua circuit. Fiddler Adam Boyce portrays Mr. Taggart near the end of his career, circa 1936, sharing recollections of his life and career interspersed with live fiddling and humorous sketches. www.vermonthumanities.org

Eleanor Roosevelt – Wife, Mother, and First Lady

May 4, Waterbury

Actress Elena Dodd brings life to Eleanor Roosevelt in this one-woman drama and historical interpretation of 40 years of marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt. She recalls life as a young wife and mother, her growing involvement in politics and social issues, and her gradual emergence as an independent force. www.waterburypubliclibrary.com

Herrick’s Cove Wildlife Festival

May 4, Rockingham

The Herrick’s Cove Festival, on the Connecticut River, hosts one of the most popular festivals in the area. The festival includes nature walks, fly tying demonstrations and live animals. There will also be hands-on activities, a ‘creepy crawly’ exhibit, guided nature walks and a puppet show for families. www.nature-museum.org

Ani DiFranco

May 6, Rutland

A folkie in punk’s clothing, Ani DiFranco emerged as one of the most influential and inspirational cult heroines of the 1990s. Her songs tackle issues like rape, abortion, and sexism with insight and compassion, the music’s empowering attitude and anger tempered by the poignant candor of singer/songwriter confessionalism. www.paramountvt.org

Spiritual Adventure Novelist Nora Caron

May 9, Burlington

Spiritual adventure novelist Nora Caron will discuss and sign copies of her book, “New Dimensions of Being.” Nora’s mission in life is to help people break away from negative thoughts and destructive behaviors in order to find true joy and love in life. www.phoenixbooks.biz

TradNation

May 9, Randolph

TradNation artists perform repertoire from their own families, new roots-inspired music compositions, or music learned from local traditions that are unique to the only officially French-speaking population in North America. Among these artists are award-winning musicians and dancers, ethnologists, and composers. Featured performers are New World Festival favorites, Dentdelion and Les Poules à Colin. www.dentdelion.net/dentdelion-english/

Middlebury Arts Walk

May 9 and June 13, Middlebury

Stores and businesses will remain open, becoming galleries displaying the work of dozens of area artists. Art will be featured in restaurants, on the town green, and in other exciting and unlikely places. Visit Middlebury on the second Friday of every month. www.middleburyartswalk.com

Lights, BELLS, Action! Northern Bronze Handbell Concerts

May 9, South Hero; May 10, Bristol; May 11, Essex Junction

If you love show tunes, you will be dazzled to hear them played on handbells. This concert series includes favorites such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Muppets” and more! www.northernbronze.org

B.A.S.H. – Big Arty SPA Happening

May 9, Barre

A benefit for Studio Place Arts (SPA) includes great art, music and a silent auction. Enjoy rock band, Swale, and blues and folk musician Andy Pitt. Wine will be served by the Grand View Winery (cash bar) and there will be black & white desserts created by students at the Barre Tech. Center’s Bake Shop. www.studioplacearts.com

Vermont Vaudeville: Red Tape

May 9 – 10, Hardwick

The founders of Vermont Vaudeville, Rose Friedman, Justin Lander, Brent and Maya McCoy, are back at the historic Hardwick Town House with an action packed show, including circus stunts and comedy. This show features the Vermont Vaudeville House Band as well as new guest performers. www.vermontvaudeville.com

The Russian Soul – The Russian Voice

May 10, Putney

Explore two great masterworks of the 19th and 20th Centuries, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio and Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Trio, in the context of Russian literature and the Russian language. Guided by mentors from both fields, Trio Cleonice will explore not only these two beloved Russian piano trios, but parallel works of fiction. www.yellowbarn.org

An Evening of Variety Entertainment – A GMAD Benefit

May 10, Burlington

The North End Studio is host to a night of various entertainment presented by Aviano Entertainment including Zumba with Angel, local performers, a silent auction, door prices, and light vegan fare courtesy of Shelburne Supermarket, Pingala Cafe and Snaffle Sweets. www.gmad.info/events

Young Tradition Contest Weekend

May 10-11, Burlington

Presented as part of Kid’s Day, talented performers under the age of 25 will dance, sing and play instruments in traditional styles. The Sunday concert features winners of the 2014 Young Tradition Contest and Tristan Henderson and Hazen Metro, winners in 2013. www.youngtraditionvermont.org

Chamber Music Concert at Middlebury College

May 11, Middlebury

Royal College of Music Violin Professor Viktoria Grigoreva is joined by Pianist Diana Fanning and Cellist Dieuwke Davydov for an evening of chamber music. http://www.middlebury.edu/events#/?i=6

The Wailin’ Jennys

May 11, Randolph

Founding members Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta along with New York-based Heather Masse continue to create some of the most exciting and exquisite music on the folk-roots scene, stepping up their musical game with each critically-lauded recording and thrilling audiences with their live performances. www.thewailinjennys.com

The Vermont Civil War Songbook

May 13, Fairfax

Dressed in period costume, singer/researcher Linda Radtke shares songs from Vermont during the Civil War period, with engaging commentary and letters from Vermont soldiers. Subjects of the seldom-heard songs range from satire on Jefferson Davis to a soldier returning home to die. Radtke is joined by pianist Arthur Zorn. www.fairfaxvtlibrary.org

Full Moon Paddle

May 14, East Charleston

There is nothing like being out on the Clyde River during a full moon, witnessing the transition from sunset to moonrise while paddling along the slow moving waters. Bring a flashlight, warm layers, a hot thermos, and a camera if you so please. www.northwoodscenter.org

The Next Generation

May 16, Randolph

“It is hard to overstate the quality of the musical experience presented by these two dozen young people, one as young as 12 and some as “old” as 17, singing and playing piano, strings, flutes, and marimba, sometimes in solos and sometimes in ensembles. The performances, without exception, were riveting, inspirational.” – The Randolph Herald www.chandler-arts.org

DIY: Hypertufa Planters Workshop

May 17, Woodstock

Create rustic, textured planting containers from a mixture of concrete, peat moss, perlite and water.  Instructor Fiona walks you through the ratios for mixing the concrete, choosing and preparing your forms and molding your planter. Leave the planter here to set and for a few days and come back to get your finished work, ready to be planted and set in your garden! www.artistreevt.org

Plein Air Open Art Day in Milton

May 17, Milton

Calling all artists to Milton, Vermont! The second annual Plein Air Art Day is free to all and open to the public. All mediums welcome: bring friends and supplies. Registration May 17 at 7am at Milton Grange, Reception at 1pm – 2 pm. Art supplies will be available for purchase. www.miltonartistsguild.org

Burlington Chamber Orchestra “Celebration of Youth” Concert

May 17, Colchester

The Annual Celebration of Youth Concert is led by Conductor Yutaka Kono, UVM’s Director of Orchestra, in a performance of works by Schubert, Frederick Delius, and Mozart, as well as a commissioned piece by student composer Adele Woodmansee. www.flynntix.org

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball

May 17, Middlebury

Red Cedar School celebrates its 25th year with its very own Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball.  The Ball is an adults-only evening to benefit the school’s scholarship fund.  It features a live band, The Grift, a cash bar, appetizers, desserts and an amazing silent auction featuring unique gifts from across Vermont and beyond. www.redcedarschool.org

Brattleboro Concert Choir: Missa Gaia

May 17 – 18, Brattleboro

A grand celebration of creation, Missa Gaia was premiered on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1981 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. An exhilarating fusion of sound and drama. www.bmcvt.org

Woofstock 2014: Dog Festival

May 17, Vergennes

Enjoy the day with a Fun Run and Walk—dogs welcome, of course—great demos, vendors galore, kids’ activities, a silent auction to benefit Homeward Bound, a doggie play park, a shelter dog parade and more!  http://basinharbor.com/event/woofstock-2014-dog-festival/

Honoring Heirlooms with The Beekman Boys and Landreth Seed Co. 

May 18, Vergennes

Join us during opening weekend for an immersion into the world of heirloom vegetables with the Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook and a presentation from Landreth Seed Co. on Americas Great Seedhouses and the Art and Science of Saving Seeds. www.basinharbor.com/event/honoring-heirlooms

Sage City Symphony

May 18, Bennington

Program includes Allen Shawn’s Concerto for Cello, with Maxine Neuman as soloist, and Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Op. 36. Conducted by Michael Finckel. www.sagecitysymphony.org

Lincoln and Vermont

May 18, Swanton

Beginning with Lincoln’s preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and continuing through to the consecration of the National Soldiers Cemetery at Gettysburg, historian Howard Coffin traces how Lincoln’s leadership of the Federal war effort and his political canniness shaped the relationship between the president and Vermont, a state Lincoln admired though never visited. www.vermonthumanities.org

Beatrix Potter Revisited

May 21, Middlebury

Using books, props, and bibliography, Helene Lang presents the life of Beatrix Potter, highlighting her artistic talent, her writing ability where every single word is appropriate and perfectly arranged, and finally, her years as a countrywoman raising Herdwick sheep. www.ilsleypubliclibrary.org

Green Mountain Comedy Festival

May 21 – 25, Burlington, Montpelier and Barre

The Sixth Annual Green Mountain Comedy Festival features national headliners Tig Notaro, Myq Kaplan, DeAnne Smith, Upright Citizens Brigade and Specter Improv, plus over 100 Vermont comics, improv and sketch performers, and Burlington punk rockers Rough Francis will open for Tig’s two shows. www.greenmountaincomedy.com

The Vermont Country Store Tent Sale

May 22 – 26, Weston

Pop in to our big tents at the Weston and Rockingham stores for a wide variety of sale and one-of-a-kind items. Satisfy your hunger at Mildred’s Dairy Bar or The Bryant House Restaurant. www.vermontcountrystore.com

First Annual Fiddlehead Festival

May 23 – 25, West Dover

Marketplace featuring Vermont products, food, and entertainment. Bragging rights and cash prizes for our Fiddlehead competitions: Best pickled fiddleheads, a barbeque competition and fiddling competition. Area artisans will be showing their works and there’s a block party! www.vermontfiddleheadfestival.com

Mayfest Juried Arts & Craft Festival      

May 24, Bennington

Main Street closes down for Bennington’s largest event of the year; come celebrate the 29th annual festival of handmade arts and crafts. www.betterbennington.com

Statewide Open Studio Weekend

May 24-25, Statewide

Open Studio Weekend is a self-guided statewide celebration of the visual arts, offering a unique opportunity to meet a wide variety of artists and craftspeople in their studios, some of which are only open to the public during this event. The tour features the work of glassblowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, furniture makers, weavers, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, quilt makers, and wood carvers. http://www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html

Cheese & Dairy Celebration at Billings Farm & Museum

May 24 – 25, Woodstock

Celebrate Vermont’s distinctive dairy heritage during a weekend of sampling delicious New England cheeses and dairy products and meeting local cheese makers, dairy education programs, making cheese, ice cream, and butter. www.billingsfarm.org

Sugar Social

May 24 – 25, Waterbury Center

Come celebrate an old fashion sugar on snow with donut, pickle and hard-boiled egg. There’s also a maple bake sale with baked beans, candy, pies, breads & more. Waterbury Center Community Church on Rt. 100. For more info, call 802-244-8089.

The Changing Music Scene of the 1940s

May 26, Enosburg Falls

Take a look at the popular music scene of the 1940s and how styles evolved from the beginning of the decade to its end. This talk, by Martin Bryan of Catamount Arts, includes selections from original 78 rpm recordings, ranging from Big Band swing to wartime music, from popular Broadway musicals to bebop. Americans marched off to war and returned to a changed society. www.vermonthumanities.org

The Italian Girl in Algiers, Comic Opera by Rossini

May 30, June 1, 5, 6 & 7, Middlebury

Opera Company of Middlebury presents “The Italian Girl in Algiers” by Gioachino Rossini. An Italian beauty finds herself stranded in small-town America in the 1950′s, but using her wits (and Rossini’s brilliant score) she soon beats the boys at their own game. The cast of professional singers is directed by Douglas Anderson and conducted by Maestro Emmanuel Plasson. www.townhalltheater.org

Beethoven String Quartet Op. 74 – Ives String Quartet No. 2

May 30, Putney

Since its founding, the Momenta Quartet has been exploring new ways of expanding the tradition of the string quartet, presenting works by living composers of diverse musical backgrounds and cultures that are often underrepresented or unknown in this country. Enjoy works by Beethoven and Ives, two composers who revolutionized the musical traditions of their own times. www.yellowbarn.org

Piano Cabaret

May 30, Shelburne

Shelburne United Methodist Church presents a Piano Cabaret featuring Dr. Joe Utterback, jazz pianist. Call 802-985-3981 for free tickets to help us plan for you, seating on first come basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Refreshments will be available. www.ShelburneUMC.org

2014 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

May 30 – June 8, Burlington

For 31 years the Discover Jazz Festival has been celebrating amazing live music in Burlington, Vermont. Music resonates from every corner of Downtown Burlington — from the Flynn Center, to Church Street Marketplace, to Waterfront and City Hall Parks, to clubs and restaurants. www.flynntix.org

Coyote Scramble Ultras

May 31, East Burke

The Coyote Scramble is not a race, but more of a rambling party at Kingdom Trails. There’s routes of 40′ish/30′ish/20′ish miles; you’ll earn bonus minutes/miles for wandering, yet within the 12 allotted hours for said scrambling. Sidebar activities of pre-/post-scramble feeds, maybe even some bowling, help fill your weekend. www.coyotemoonultras.com/scramble

World Masquerade Ball: A Dates for Coffee Benefit

May 31, Brattleboro

The World Masquerade Ball is a benefit for the film Dates for Coffee and promises to be a magical evening of enchanting live entertainment, delicious refreshments, dancing, and lively conversation. Enjoy cocktail hour, live entertainment and an auction of masks created by local artists. www.facebook.com/events/263390663845271/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Now Playing Newport – A Vermont Music Series

June 1, Newport

Tune into a variety of music including Classical and Celtic. Heather plays the silver flute as well as Native American flutes.  Chris plays classical guitar and the Celtic harp.  Light refreshments following. www.nowplayingnewport.com

Windham Orchestra: Tosca

June 1, Brattleboro

Windham Orchestra and Panopera join forces for a semi-staged production of Puccini’s Tosca. The opera tells the brutal truth about what drives us, our passion and desires. It’s essential Puccini – lurid, ravishing and hugely enjoyable. www.bmcvt.org

Piano and Choral Music Concert

June 1, Shelburne

Shelburne United Methodist Church presents a Piano and Choral Music Concert, with Dr. Joe Utterback, pianist.  The Shelburne United Methodist Church Choir will be singing anthems composed by Dr. Utterback and featuring Newtown Requiem in memory of those lost in the December 2012 shooting in Newtown, Ct. www.ShelburneUMC.org

Ice Cream Sundays at Billings Farm & Museum

June 1 – 29, Woodstock

Every Sunday, in celebration of Dairy Month, lend a hand making, then tasting ice cream – a different flavor each week.  Learn the history and scientific facts about this dairy treat. www.billingsfarm.org

June is Dairy Month at Sugarbush Farm

June 1 – 30, Woodstock

Free sampling of 15 kinds of cheese from mild to 8 years old. Receive tips on cooking with cheese, storage and safe travel with cheese. Nature walk, educational sugar house, make friends with farm animals. www.sugarbushfarm.com/newsatfarm.aspx

Attempting the World’s Longest Contra Dance Line

June 7, Rutland

Nationally known caller Will Mentor and Perpetual E-Motion and Giant Robot Dance will play for the record attempt. A large evening dance will follow. We need 2209 dancers! www.facebook.com/pages/Attempting-The-Worlds-Longest-Contra-Dance-Line/1405616956326045

Bharata Natyam and South Indian Classical Dance

June 7 -8, Brattleboro

SoBo Studio brings a taste of India to Brattleboro. Jaan weaves the interpretation and Hindu mythology of this riveting art form as well as provide the interpretation of the poetry in the sung text. The following day, Jann will explore South Indian Classical Dance. www.facebook.com/SoboStudio

Retreat from Canada: Revolutionary War Re-enactment

June 7 – 8, Burlington

Revolutionary War re-enactors recreate an encampment of colonial militia who were training to reinforce the American forces in Canada in 1776. This event will feature tools and crafts displays and presentations of both home-life and military camp-life. www.ethanallenhomestead.org/index.php?id=105

Lyndonville Downtown Street Festival

June 13, Lyndonville

Music, food, fun and shopping. Depot Street is closed to traffic from 6 pm to 9 pm and vendors and businesses set up all along the street. www.lyndonvermont.com

Antique Engine Show and Barbeque

June 14, Brownington

Antique engines and classic cars on display. Blacksmithing Demonstration. Join a blue grass jam and enjoy a chicken barbeque in the afternoon. www.oldstonehousemuseum.org

Vermont Gran Fondo

June 14, Hancock

The Vermont Gran Fondo is a non-competitive, challenging ride through Vermont’s Green Mountains. There are amazing views at the top each gap—savor them for a moment before you speed downhill. Ride 103 miles, 75 miles or 45 miles. www.vermontgranfondo.com

Vermont History Weekend    

June 14 – 15, Montpelier

Vermont Civil War Hemlocks are hosting an overnight encampment at Morse Farm, with period uniforms and equipment. Crafters, vendors, historical societies and Native American medicines. www.dawnlandpromotions.com

Yellow Barn Young Artist Program

June 19 & 27, Putney

Yellow Barn presents the Young Artist Program for outstanding composers and performers ages 13-20. Three concerts in June include classical repertoire and world premiere performances of works created during the program. www.yellowbarn.org

NEMBAfest Mountain Bike Festival

June 20 – 22, East Burke

Ride some of the 110 mile Kingdom Trails’ trail system, visit NEMBAfest Expo Center and camp onsite. From the latest gear to the newest bikes to demo, as well as live music and festivities, there will be entertainment for all ages. www.kingdomtrails.org

Sandiwood Farm to Fork Sunset Dinner and Farm Tour

June 20 – Oct. 7, Wolcott

Using produce grown on the farm and other local farm ingredients, chef Sandi will prepare a farm-to-plate experience that promises to be an exceptionally unique event. Reservations recommended for this monthly event. www.sandiwoodfarm.com

Burlington Wine & Food Festival

June 21, Burlington

World class wines paired with creations of Vermont’s top chefs, artisanal cheese, and live jazz lakeside. This event showcases fine local, domestic and international wines. Admission includes wine tastings, menu samples, and seminars. www.flynntix.org

Fairbanks Feast with the Beasts

June 21, St. Johnsbury

Partake in a party that celebrates the flavors of the Kingdom in northern New England’s Natural History Museum. Ticket sales benefit the museum’s educational services and programs. Wear feathers or fangs or other “wild” accessories for beastly fun!  www.fairbanksmuseum.org

Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive

June 21, Killington

The annual Long Trail Century Ride is a recreational century, 60 or 20 mile ride that starts and ends at Long Trail Brewery. The brewery hosts a celebration with food, live music and entertainment and flowing beverages. www.vermontadaptive.org

Vermont History Expo: Artists & Artisans

June 21 – 22, Tunbridge

Tour through exhibits on community history developed by more than 150 history and heritage organizations statewide. Artists, musicians, authors, crafters, and genealogists complete this history-filled fete! www.vermonthistory.org/expo

The Great Race 2014

June 22, Bennington

The Great Race rolls into Bennington for lunch on their last stop before they leave New England on their way to Florida. Visit the drivers and their crews while you check out the cars and have lunch as the Bennington Fire Department hosts a BBQ. www.betterbennington.com

Central Vermont Cycling Tour

June 22, East Montpelier

Ride in a fully supported bike tour on beautiful dirt roads past farms, woods, lakes and historic towns. Local food lunch. Choose 13-miles, 33-mile or a 60-mile ride with 6,000 feet of climbing. www.centralvtcyclingtour.org

Vermont Symphony Orchestra                 

June 26, Chittenden

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour returns to The Mountain Top Inn & Resort. www.mountaintopinn.com/calendar_of_events_details.php?event_id=21

Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival

Tunbridge, June 26-29

Experience Bluegrass Green Mountain Style! As soon as you arrive at the gates you are officially part of the Jenny Brook Family. Choose from multi-day or single-day admission. Camping is available. http://www.jennybrookbluegrass.com

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark KIDSTheater

June 26 – 28, Lyndonville

While exploring one afternoon, siblings Jack and Annie discover a tree house full of books. Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly the wind begins to blow and the tree house starts to spin wildly. www.vermontchildrenstheater.com

Jane Austen Weekend: Pride and Prejudice

June 27 – 29, Hyde Park

A leisurely literary-inspired weekend has something for every Austen devotee: Regency dinner party, discussion of Pride and Prejudice, afternoon tea, informal talk on Regency life, English country dancing, sewing workshops, sleigh ride, quiz with prizes. www.onehundredmain.com/events/jane-austen-weekends/

Westminster Cares Garden Tour

June 28 – 29, Westminster

Wesminster Cares 13th Annual Garden Tour features five gardens, including the gardens of Mary and Gordon Hayward, garden designer, author and lecturer. www.westminstercares.org

Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition

June 29 – July 27, Waitsfield

The Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition celebrates the many styles and techniques of the watercolor medium. This juried show features outstanding artists from around across the country with the works of the highest quality. Artwork is on exhibit in the Red Barn Gallery at Lareau Farm. www.valleyartsfoundation.org

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