Oktoberfest is upon us! While the official festivities in Munich may be winding down, the spirit of Oktoberfest lives on throughout October here in Vermont. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with friends, enjoy hearty food, and of course, indulge in some delicious Märzen-style lagers.

But where to go to get your fill of festive cheer? Look no further than these Vermont breweries, each offering their own unique take on Oktoberfest:

Chittenden County:

• Switchback Brewing Co. (Burlington): Known for their traditional ales, Switchback might surprise you with a special Oktoberfest brew. Check their website and social media for updates on seasonal releases and events. (http://switchbackvt.com/)

• Zero Gravity Brewery (Burlington): Zero Gravity often crafts an Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, brewed with German malts and hops for a truly authentic taste. Keep an eye on their website and social media for release dates and any Oktoberfest events. (https://www.zerogravitybeer.com/)

• Foam Brewers – Burlington: Foam Brewers are known for their experimental and innovative beers. While a traditional Märzen might not be their style, they might just surprise you with a unique, hoppy take on the Oktoberfest theme. (http://www.foambrewers.com/)

Addison County:

• Frost Beer Works (Middlebury): Frost Beer Works often features seasonal brews, so check their tap list for an Oktoberfest lager or a festive fall ale. (http://www.frostbeerworks.com/)

• Drop-In Brewing Company (Middlebury): This community-focused brewery might have an Oktoberfest celebration up their sleeve. Check their website and social media for event announcements and special releases. (http://www.dropinbrewing.com/)

• Foley Brothers Brewing (Brandon): Foley Brothers is known for their dedication to quality and traditional styles. They often brew an Oktoberfest Lager, a Bavarian-style Märzen with a classic copper color and malty flavor. (https://foleybrothersbrewing.com/)

Lamoille County:

• Lost Nation Brewing (Morrisville): Lost Nation often embraces seasonal brewing traditions. Check their tap list and social media for any Oktoberfest-inspired beers or events. (http://lostnationbrewing.com/)

• The Alchemist Brewery (Stowe): While famous for Heady Topper, The Alchemist might surprise you with a limited-release Oktoberfest beer. Keep an eye on their website and social media for any announcements. (https://alchemistbeer.com/)

• Idletyme Brewing (Stowe): This brewpub often features seasonal beers and events. Check their website or stop by to see what they have planned for Oktoberfest. (https://idletymebrewing.com/)

Beyond the Beer:

Many of these breweries also offer delicious food, live music, and a festive atmosphere, making them the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest with friends and family. Don’t forget to check their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on special events, beer releases, and hours of operation.

Prost!

Get ready for the 3rd annual Camp Takumta Softball-a-thon and family fun day with The Vermont Lake Monsters at Centennial Field in Burlington this Saturday! Bring the kids for “touch-a-truck” from 9am-1pm and stay to watch some of the all-day softball game to benefit Camp Takumta in South Hero. Plus, the Shelburne Taphouse, Lake Monsters Pizza, East Coast Ice will be on hand along with facepainting, inflatables, lawn games and more!

GET THE FULL DETAILS HERE: 

This Saturday from 10am – 4pm, visit the Babbie Rural & Learning Museum in Peru, NY for the Kids Fair & Festival. Enjoy kids’ Old-Time Games with a prize for every child, pumpkin painting, Hands-on corn shelling, milking Apple Blossom, butter making for kids, Hopscotch, sack races, egg races Stagecoach rides Demonstrations for Adults including Blacksmith Shop, Shingle Mill, Planer and Hay Bale Raising ‍.

GET MORE INFORMATION HERE

Embrace the final days of summer and celebrate Labor Day weekend amidst the stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene of the Champlain Valley! From August 30th to September 2nd, 2024, a diverse array of events and activities promises an unforgettable experience on both sides of Lake Champlain.

Vermont Festivities

Champlain Valley Fair: Grand Finale Festivities The Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, VT, culminates in a Labor Day weekend extravaganza! Don’t miss out on the final days of thrilling rides, captivating entertainment, and delectable fair food.

• Cole Swindell Concert: Friday, August 30th, 7:00 PM. Country music star Cole Swindell takes the stage with special guest Tigirlily Gold. Grab your tickets and get ready to sing along to chart-topping hits. Champlain Valley Fair Website
• Roots N’ Boots Tour: Saturday, August 31st, 7:30 PM. Experience a night of classic country music with Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye. This unforgettable concert will have you tapping your toes and reminiscing about the good old days. Champlain Valley Fair Website
• Pentatonix Concert: Sunday, September 1st, 7:30 PM. The Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix will mesmerize you with their incredible vocal harmonies. Prepare to be amazed by their unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul. Champlain Valley Fair Website

New York Celebrations

Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration: Immerse yourself in history as Plattsburgh, NY, commemorates the pivotal Battle of Plattsburgh. Witness reenactments, parades, and historical exhibits that bring this significant event to life.

• Annual Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration: Events happening throughout the weekend, including a Grand Parade on Saturday, September 1st. Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Website
• Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market: Sunday, September 1st, 10 am-2 pm. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market, where you’ll find fresh, local produce, artisanal crafts, and live music. Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market Facebook Page [invalid URL removed]
• Peru Community Church Chicken BBQ: Sunday, September 1st, 11 am-2 pm (or until sold out). Savor a delicious chicken barbecue while supporting the Peru Community Church. It’s a great way to enjoy a Labor Day meal and contribute to a good cause. Peru Community Church Website [invalid URL removed]

Champlain Valley Adventures

Beyond the fairs and festivals, the Champlain Valley offers boundless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

• Lake Champlain Exploration: Set sail on a scenic ferry ride, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax on the sandy shores of Lake Champlain. The breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Lake Champlain Ferries Website
• Hiking and Biking in the Adirondacks and Green Mountains: Lace up your hiking boots or hop on your bike and explore the majestic Adirondack and Green Mountains. Discover hidden waterfalls, panoramic vistas, and charming villages nestled amidst the verdant landscape. Adirondack Mountain Club Website | Vermont State Parks Website
• Farm-Fresh Delights: Visit local farmers’ markets and farm stands on both sides of the lake to sample the bounty of the Champlain Valley. From juicy berries and crisp apples to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted maple syrup, you’ll find a delicious array of local products to savor.

A Labor Day to Remember

Labor Day weekend in the Champlain Valley is a time to honor the spirit of hard work, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the beauty of the region. With its diverse offerings, this long weekend promises to be one to remember.

Opening day of the Champlain Valley Fair on Friday did not disappoint! With clear skies and 70 degree temperatures, fair-goers enjoyed $8 admission, $25 ride bracelets and Flo-Rida kicking of the entertainment in the grandstand. Country acts Cole Swindell and The Roots ‘n Boots tour with Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Colin Raye round out the week.

GET THE FULL FAIR SCHEDULE HERE

If you’ve attended the local barrel racing in Vermont or New York, chances are, you’ve seen either Cassidy or Paige competing while their father quietly coaches from the sidelines and occasionally smooths the arena with the tractor. Both the Superneau sisters are competing at the NBHA Nationals in Virginia this weekend with purses that will help feed their hay burners, Hank, Jet, Millie and Jaycee.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF THE ST. ALBANS MESSENGER HERE 

The 17th Annual Festival of Fools begins Saturday, August 3rd from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All weekend long you can find performers from around the globe bringing their talents to the heart of the Queen City.

Zach Williamson, director of Burlington City Arts, said from dancers to musicians and even circus acts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“You get to watch amazing skills: acrobats, fire juggling, really insane stuff,” Williamson said.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE

It was the beer can hurled ’round the world… her response to a heckler at her comedy show in New Jersey went viral and thrust Ariel Elias into the spotlight with guest appearances on Jimmy Kimmel, to name a few.  Elias is gearing up to tape her first standup special Saturday night, August 3rd and she’s chosen to record it at the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington.

“Well, I’ve never headlined in Burlington, so I haven’t burned an audience yet,” the New York City-based comic joked when asked why she chose the Queen City to tape her special.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT HERE