Events & Festivals
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, February 4thStratton Mountain
Meet us at The Sun Bowl Nordic Center for the Full Moon Snow Shoe Hike. Featuring classic New England terrain for beginners and experts, the trail system is unique and varied with trails winding through hardwood forests and over streams. We will end our hike back at the campfire with S'Mores and Hot Chocolate. You won't want to miss out on this memorable experience, it's quintessentially Vermont! *no restroom available at the Nordic center
2011/2012 Schedule: February 4; March 18
Hikes will depart from the Nordic Center at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. $15 for non-members. The fee does not include snowshoes. Snowshoe rentals are available at First Run Ski Shop, the Sun Bowl Adventure Center or the Nordic Center. If snow coverage does not warrant the use of snowshoes we will forge ahead on foot. Please dress appropriately for the conditions at the time of your hike; you may want to stash a headlamp or flashlight in your pocket just in case.
2011/2012 Schedule: February 4; March 18
Hikes will depart from the Nordic Center at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. $15 for non-members. The fee does not include snowshoes. Snowshoe rentals are available at First Run Ski Shop, the Sun Bowl Adventure Center or the Nordic Center. If snow coverage does not warrant the use of snowshoes we will forge ahead on foot. Please dress appropriately for the conditions at the time of your hike; you may want to stash a headlamp or flashlight in your pocket just in case.
20th Annual Chili and Mac and Cheese Challenge
Thursday, February 9thRockwell Room, Equinox resort
Doors open at 5pm! Voting and silent auction conclude promptly at 8pm. Rates: $8.00 per person at the door; $4 for children 12 and under!
Musical entertainment by the Panhandlers Steel Drum Band. Every paid admission receives one chili/macaroni voting ballot.
All proceeds from the silent auction go toward the Manchester Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program.
Musical entertainment by the Panhandlers Steel Drum Band. Every paid admission receives one chili/macaroni voting ballot.
All proceeds from the silent auction go toward the Manchester Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program.
Ice Skating
Winter Season HoursRiley Rink at Hunter Park
The rink will be open for public skating times.
Monday to Friday 10am to 12:45pm
Friday night 7:15pm to 9:15pm
Saturday 1:45pm to 3:45pm
Sunday 1:45pm to 3:45pm
Monday to Friday 10am to 12:45pm
Friday night 7:15pm to 9:15pm
Saturday 1:45pm to 3:45pm
Sunday 1:45pm to 3:45pm
Vermont Sugar House
February 11thBromley Ski Resort
On-site at Bromley with Vermont specialty food samples, including Maple Syrup on Snow, Cabot cheese and more. YUM! Bromley Mountain
February Festival & 75th Anniversary Fireworks Display
Saturday, February 18thBromley Mountain Ski Resort
Hey everybody, it's February Festival time! It all starts at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday the 18th, the torchlight parade goes off at 7:15 p.m. followed at 7:30ish by the fireworks. Then it's dancing in the Wild Boar, the silent auction, vacation raffle, dessert tasting and all of the other frivolity from 8-11:00 p.m. in the base lodge.
For more information, call (802) 824 5522
For more information, call (802) 824 5522
Author Events
February 2012 -- 7:00 pmNorthshire Bookstore
Join noted authors as they discuss their works at local owned and operated Northshire Bookstore.
February 4 Toby Lester Da Vinci's Ghost
February 11 Daniel Bullen Love Lives Of The Artists: Five Stories Of Creative Intimacy
February 18 Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It,
February 4 Toby Lester Da Vinci's Ghost
February 11 Daniel Bullen Love Lives Of The Artists: Five Stories Of Creative Intimacy
February 18 Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It,
12th Annual "Vermont and Beyond"
February 18th and 19thWeston Playhouse
12th Annual “Vermont & Beyond” fine art exhibit with music and refreshments at the Weston Rod & Gun Club (Rte 100 1.2 miles north of village), 11AM –5 PM. Free admission.
Harris Hill Ski Jumping Tournament
February 18th and 19thBrattleboro, VT
Not only is it the Pepsi Challenge and Fred Harris Memorial Tournament, but our 2012 event is the ONLY US stop on the FIS tournament and the finals of the USA Ski Jumping tournament. The best of the best will be in Brattleboro!
Harris Hill Ski Jump of Brattleboro, Vermont is the only 90 meter ski jump in New England and one of only six in the USA of our size and caliber. We have completed an extensive renovation of the jump in order to continue its reputation of a first-class venue in the sport of ski jumping. Harris Hill is a symbol of pride for the Brattleboro community and throughout the Northeast.
Harris Hill Ski Jump of Brattleboro, Vermont is the only 90 meter ski jump in New England and one of only six in the USA of our size and caliber. We have completed an extensive renovation of the jump in order to continue its reputation of a first-class venue in the sport of ski jumping. Harris Hill is a symbol of pride for the Brattleboro community and throughout the Northeast.
Family Fridays at Bromley
Every Friday **Bromley Mountain Ski Resort
Combine Bromley’s $49 midweek/non-holiday ticket with Bromley’s fantastic Family Friday deal, where each paying adult pays just $15 per kid for up to three kids, the savings positively snowballs. ** Our Family Fridays are good to go every Friday this winter season except during the holiday periods!
Equinox Preserve Naturalist Hikes
Saturday, February 11th -- 9:00 amEquinox Preserve -- Entrance to spa
Join Rick LaDue, Forest and Trails Steward for the Equinox Preservation Trust, for a guided hike on the 914 acre Equinox Preserve. Hike to the Equinox Pond followed by an optional visit to Robin's Lookout, with a splendid view of the Valley of Vermont. Along the way we will explore the cultural history of the Preserve lands, the natural history of the rich northern hardwood forests and the geologic history of the mountain.
The hike features a 500 foot elevation gain. Dress warmly, in layers, and bring along a drink, camera, questions and your sense of adventure. We will meet at 9:00 am at the Entrance to the Equinox spa.
Hikes on 2/11, 2/18, 2/20, 2/21, 2/25 plus more will be planned.
The hike features a 500 foot elevation gain. Dress warmly, in layers, and bring along a drink, camera, questions and your sense of adventure. We will meet at 9:00 am at the Entrance to the Equinox spa.
Hikes on 2/11, 2/18, 2/20, 2/21, 2/25 plus more will be planned.
Stratton Fire and Ice Festival Week
February 17th to 25thStratton Mountain ski resort
A week full of different events for guests of all ages. A bon fire, snow sculpture contest and live music are just the tip of the iceberg!
Opus Wine Dinner
Friday, March 2nd; 6:00 pmEquinox Resort and Spa
Executive Chef Sean McKee in collaboration with award winning Opus/Mondavi Vintner John Smith has created a five course dining experience pairing each course with a complimenting Reserve wine. Join us Friday evening in the Colonnade Ballroom with a 6pm reception followed by the wine dinner commencing at 7pm. and enjoy the resulting culinary pairings. Please call Concierge desk for dinner reservations (802) 362 4700.
30th Annual US Open Snowboarding Championships
March 4th to 11thStratton Mountain Ski resort
The 30th annual US Open Snowboarding Championship is the event of the season and one that you don't want to miss! Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, come take part in the longstanding US Open tradition.
Not only is the USO the final stop of the Burton Global Open Series, where the top male and female in the series will be awarded $100,000 each, but the USO is also the culminating stop on the men's TTR World Snowboard Tour and the top male will be awarded the TTR world title.
Not only is the USO the final stop of the Burton Global Open Series, where the top male and female in the series will be awarded $100,000 each, but the USO is also the culminating stop on the men's TTR World Snowboard Tour and the top male will be awarded the TTR world title.
11th Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
March 24th & 25thSouthern Vermont area
Vermont Maple Syrup Open House Weekend is March 24-25 2012. This is the official celebration of the maple season, when sugar houses around the state are open to visitors.
Vermont is the largest producer of pure maple syrup in the US and was the first state to establish a maple law to mandate high standards of quality. Vermont's maple syrup is 100% natural.
Many Vermont maple sugar houses are open all year long and visitors can learn about the sugarmaking process. Visit vermontmaple.org. for a list of sugarhouses open year round and be sure to visit several during your stay in Vermont.
Vermont is the largest producer of pure maple syrup in the US and was the first state to establish a maple law to mandate high standards of quality. Vermont's maple syrup is 100% natural.
Many Vermont maple sugar houses are open all year long and visitors can learn about the sugarmaking process. Visit vermontmaple.org. for a list of sugarhouses open year round and be sure to visit several during your stay in Vermont.
Merck Maple Sugaring Celebration
March 24th & 25thMerck Forest and Farmland Center
Merck Forest & Farmland Center's Maple operation is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Our famous Open House Weekend, with its Pancake Breakfast, Wagon Rides, and Farm Tours will be held March 24-25. Please check back for more details as the event draws nearer.
Sprint US Freestyle Championships
March 22nd to 25thStratton ski resort
The contest will bring the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team as well as the best of divisional skiers from across the country to Stratton Mountain Resort to compete for the top title in moguls, aerials, halfpipe and dual moguls.
With six days of events on and off the hill, including concerts, free swag and a chance to meet the superstars, the Championships have something in store for everyone!
Be sure to book early, space on the mountain is limited and demand to get into the country's biggest Freestyle event is sky high.
With six days of events on and off the hill, including concerts, free swag and a chance to meet the superstars, the Championships have something in store for everyone!
Be sure to book early, space on the mountain is limited and demand to get into the country's biggest Freestyle event is sky high.
Heart and Soul Event
Saturday, March 31stThe Equinox Resort
Get ready for the coming of spring with a new event that will take the chill off of a late winter’s evening. On March 31st, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) will present Heart and Soul, a fundraiser for the hospital’s cardiology services. The event, to be held at the Equinox Resort in Manchester, will feature fine wines, outstanding hors d’oeuvres and light dinner fare, and dancing to the sound of one of Bennington’s best bands, The Prescription.
Stratton Spring Fling Weekend Celebration
April 7th and 8thStratton Ski resort
There's no better time to be at the mountain than the last weekend of the year. BBQs, the annual Pond Skim and more!
Stay Tuned as this event approaches for updated details.
Stay Tuned as this event approaches for updated details.
Easter Day Brunch
Sunday, April 8th; 10am to 3 pmColonnade Grand Ballroom
Join us in our Colonnade dining room. Buffet brunch includes a full selection of traditional Easter dishes such as French toast and Eggs made to order. Our hot selection includes Roasted Leg of lamb, Prime Rib and Cedar Plank Scottish Salmon. More than 50 selections to choose from. Lastly, you’ll need to save room for our sumptuous dessert table. For reservations or additional information, call the concierge desk (802) 362 4700.
9th Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium
April 13th and 14thEquinox Resort
Hold on to your gardening hats! This inspirational and exhilarating symposium, that has sold out for several years, will energize your approach to gardening. The symposium will be held at The Equinox Resort, a world-class, four diamond resort in Manchester, VT.
The symposium features six info-packed lectures led by nationally and regionally renowned professionals in their fields as well as a vendors area. Exchange ideas and swap 'the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat' gardening stories with other passionate gardeners at workshops, meals and free time. Drawings for great gardening gifts throughout the Symposium. One and two night packages available as well as a day-only rate.
This event is sponsored by:
The American Horticultural Society; Equinox Valley Nursery;
Espomoa; Fine Gardening magazine; Gardener’s Supply Company; Liquid Fence;
Luster Leaf Products; Neptune’s Harvest; Proven Winners; SmileMonster.com;
The symposium features six info-packed lectures led by nationally and regionally renowned professionals in their fields as well as a vendors area. Exchange ideas and swap 'the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat' gardening stories with other passionate gardeners at workshops, meals and free time. Drawings for great gardening gifts throughout the Symposium. One and two night packages available as well as a day-only rate.
This event is sponsored by:
The American Horticultural Society; Equinox Valley Nursery;
Espomoa; Fine Gardening magazine; Gardener’s Supply Company; Liquid Fence;
Luster Leaf Products; Neptune’s Harvest; Proven Winners; SmileMonster.com;
26th Annual Manchester Car Show
June 9th and 10th, 2012Dorr Farm, Manchester, VT
The 26th Annual Manchester Antique and Classic Car Show will be held at the Dorr Farm in Manchester Center, VT from June 9th and 10th. The car show is the "kick-off" to the summer season. This year elegance and sport will be celebrated through featured models Cadillac and Porsche.
Gates open at 8am
Children under 12 FREE
Adults $8 per day or $12 Weekend Pass
No pets allowed on the show field
Gates open at 8am
Children under 12 FREE
Adults $8 per day or $12 Weekend Pass
No pets allowed on the show field
VSO concert and fireworks display
Monday, July 2ndHildene Meadowlands
Enjoy music fit for a king…or a summer evening in Vermont! Handel’s fireworks begin the program and Northstar’s fireworks conclude it, in this musical homage to royalty. Our noble procession includes Scheherazade’s Kalendar Prince, the King and Queen of Troy, and the King of Siam. In honor of Independence Day, we celebrate our freedom from monarchical rule with America’s own version of royalty, Duke Ellington! The performance is crowned, as always, by the majestic 1812 Overture and selections from Sousa, the March King.
Gates open at 5:00 PM for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30 PM
Gates open at 5:00 PM for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30 PM
Weston Playhouse -- 75th Season
June 26th to September 11thWeston, VT -- Mainstage
Exciting Live Theatre in Vermont's Oldest Professional Theater in Weston, Vermont. Mainstage productions include:
The Hound of the Baskervilles -- June 26 to July 7
Ella -- July 12 to July 28
Fiddler of the Roof -- August 2 to August 25
Pregnancy Pact -- August 30 to September 11
Mary's Wedding -- July 19 to August 5
Bad Dates -- August 16 to September 9
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown -- June 21 to July 8
The Hound of the Baskervilles -- June 26 to July 7
Ella -- July 12 to July 28
Fiddler of the Roof -- August 2 to August 25
Pregnancy Pact -- August 30 to September 11
Mary's Wedding -- July 19 to August 5
Bad Dates -- August 16 to September 9
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown -- June 21 to July 8
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
Weekly through August 12thHarold Beebe Farm, East Dorset, VT
The Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows are a chance for equestrians to spend July and August where the summer is its most beautiful: Vermont's Green Mountains. Quaint New England towns of the Manchester & the Mountains area, noted for their charm, first class accommodations, world-class dining and excellent show facilities, host the fourteenth annual Vermont Summer Festival.
The Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset is the perfect site for the six weeks of competition. Its lovely peaceful view of the Green Mountains, just off scenic Route 7 North, offers a well equipped hunter/jumper facility. The show grounds boast FIVE all weather rings, including one of the largest Grand Prix fields in New England, as well as several all weather schooling and riding areas, permanent wash racks, paddocks and extended trails for casual enjoyment.
The Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset is the perfect site for the six weeks of competition. Its lovely peaceful view of the Green Mountains, just off scenic Route 7 North, offers a well equipped hunter/jumper facility. The show grounds boast FIVE all weather rings, including one of the largest Grand Prix fields in New England, as well as several all weather schooling and riding areas, permanent wash racks, paddocks and extended trails for casual enjoyment.
20th Annual Komen Vermont/NewHampshire Race for the Cure
Saturday, July 28thHildene Meadows, Manchester, VT
Our Vision: A World without Breast Cancer. Join us for an inspiring walk or run in lovely Southern Vermont with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation. 5K walk/ run and kids run. For more information, please visit us online.
Manchester Sidewalk Sales
August 9th to 12thManchester Center
It's the sport of shopping - sidewalk sales - and this August. From locally owned shops to designer outlets, some of the finest merchandise will spill out onto the sidewalks at unprecedented savings. All stores are open 10 am to 6 pm, and many will have extended hours. Specials will be offered both on the sidewalks and inside.
Maple Leaf Half Marathon & 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, September 8th 9:00 amManchester, Vermont
Half Marathon and 5K through lovely Manchester, Vermont during the peak foliage season. Special events, movies, dinners and activities are planned thoughout the two and half day event with the main race taking place on Saturday. Sponsored by The Perfect Wife restaurant and the Spiral Press Cafe. Registration and information is available the Manchester and the Mountains chanber of commerce at 802 362-6313 or online at www.manchestervtmapleleaf.com
