July in Vermont is a time when the state truly comes to life - not just with lush greenery and abundant harvests, but with sunshine, daylight, and vibrant energy. Farmers markets, PYO berries, and restaurant patios are wide open for eats and sips.
But for the weekend of July 19 - 21, sip and taste your way through the best of Vermont’s food and beer scene with two amazing experiences: the Vermont Brewers Festival on the Burlington Waterfront and the Vermont Fresh Network's Annual Forum Dinner at Shelburne Farms.
Psst: This year the Vermont Fresh Network and the Vermont Brewers Association are partnering to offer a special discount so you can make it a weekend! Ticket buyers get a discount if you go to both events.
Let’s Make Plans!
Photo by Winter Caplanson of New England Food & Farm
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
31st Annual Vermont Brewers Festival, Burlington
The Vermont Brewers Festival is back for the 31st year, on July 19-20, 2024. Established in 1991, the Vermont Brewers Festival is a premiere two-day craft beer event hosted at one of Vermont’s most picturesque locations, the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. You’ll be able to taste Special Festival brews you won’t find anywhere else. This year's lineup features 50+ craft breweries from around the state, live music, games, and more.
Photo by Winter Caplanson of New England Food & Farm
SUNDAY
Vermont Fresh Network's 26th Annual Forum Dinner, Shelburne
Meanwhile, the Vermont Fresh Network's Annual Forum Dinner showcases the best of Vermont's food and beverage scene. This grazing dinner features 20 Vermont chefs and restaurants, and 35 Vermont specialty food and beverage producers, who use farm-fresh, local ingredients in their culinary creations. Guests will enjoy local music, samples, sips, and small bites throughout the evening. This event also includes a very popular silent auction of Vermont experiences. This dinner is also a fundraiser for the Vermont Fresh Network — all proceeds go to annual programming that supports the farmer-chef relationship and celebrates Vermont's local food makers.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND!
Stay:
Vermont has no shortage of fantastic lodging options, in Burlington and beyond! Go back in time with a stay at the historic Shelburne Farms Inn (Shelburne), stay at one of Vermont’s trendiest hotels at Hotel Vermont (Burlington), relax at the luxurious Essex Resort & Spa (Essex), or enjoy a classic bed and breakfast experience at Sinclair Inn (Jericho). Don’t forget the Farm Stays!
Eat:
Experience farm-fresh dining at local favorites including Bleu Northeast Kitchen (Burlington), Salt + Bubbles (Essex), The Grey Jay (Burlington), The Big Spruce (Richmond), Pizzeria Verità (Burlington), Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling (Essex), or Starry Night Cafe (Ferrisburgh). Find more eateries here.
Drinks
Although Vermont is known for our craft beer scene, the state has lots of other great beverages and spirits to offer! Explore Vermont wines, spirits and cider at Shelburne Vineyard (Shelburne), Mad River Distillers (Burlington), or Vermont Cider Lab (Essex). Explore more breweries & cideries here, and wineries & distilleries here. Don't leave the dog behind! Enjoy these pup-friendly patios.
Photo by Winter Caplanson of New England Food & Farm
Add to your weekend itinerary!
Explore the outdoors
Since you'll be eating and drinking your way through the weekend, in your downtime plan to explore a few of Vermont's great walking and biking trails. Whether you like road biking, mountain biking and/or walking and running, Vermont has some of the best outdoor recreation experiences around. There is a place to explore for every skill level and distance.
Take a ride on the Maple Creemee Trail
Indulge in Vermont's favorite refreshing treat - the maple creemee! There are countless creemee stands around the state of Vermont, but we've compiled a few of our favorites on the Vermont Maple Creemee Trail.
Seasonal Picks!
July is prime berry season. Is there anything better than picking a blueberry or raspberry and popping it into your mouth? We don’t think so.. Head over to Adam's Berry Farm, Paul Mazza Fruit and Vegetables, Sweet Roots Farm, or another farm in the area for a quart or two of fresh berries.
Take a stroll through a Vermont Farmers Market!
On Saturday mornings all summer long, check out the Burlington Farmers Market or the Shelburne Farmers Market, or head further into the state to explore the Waitsfield Farmers Market or the Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier. If you prefer to do your shopping on Sundays, give the Winooski Farmers Market a visit.
