Busy Btown here, reporting for the BurlingtonVT Moms Blog with some family-friendly weekend events around Chittenden County for the month of June.
The warmer weather is finally here, and the rain should be letting up soon (pretty please!) Like many of you, we’re excited to get out and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer us outdoors. Many of the weekend events in June center around food and music—two pretty amazing combinations! Basically, if you don’t have them already, it’s time to invest in a nice picnic blanket or some comfortable, portable chairs.
Let’s kick off the summer season with some great tunes, delicious food, and relaxation (because parents, you deserve it).
In addition to the list below of family-friendly weekend events, there are plenty of farmers markets each week around Chittenden County. Here’s a calendar view of the summer markets, or visit busybtown.com for more information.
Every Friday
ArtsRiot Truck Stop
Where: ArtsRiot, 400 Pine Street, Burlington
When: 5pm-10pm
This free outdoor block party features popular food trucks, live DJs, outdoor entertainment, and adult beverages from Citizen Cider and Fiddlehead Brewing Company. Just note that while this is always a good time, it can be crowded, which can make it sometimes challenging to find a space to eat with your little ones. However, the all ages free music show can be totally worth it.
Now through Sunday, June 9th
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Where: Burlington
When: various
There are ample free live music opportunities on four stages in downtown Burlington, through Sunday, June 9th. See the full schedule here.
Saturday, June 8th
SunCommon’s Annual Sun CARnival
Where: C. Douglas Cairns Arena, South Burlington
When: 1pm-5pm
This is a free family-friendly event to celebrate new electric transportation that can be powered by the sun. Parents will have the chance to drive or ride in a variety of electric vehicles. There will be live music by Red Hot Juba, food trucks, Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream, a solar-powered bounce house, and yard games.
Sunday, June 9th
Winooski Rotary Market
Where: Winooski Rotary Park
When: 12pm-3pm
Find local artists and makers, musicians and your community at the Winooski Rotary Park. This takes place on the same day as the Winooski Farmers Market, so you can make a day of it with fresh food, drinks, music, a photo booth, vendors and more.
Friday, June 14th
Free Summer Concert Series – Grayson Ty
Where: Lower Church Street near City Hall, Burlington
When: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Burlington City Arts’ annual summer concert series, presented by VSECU, are free music concerts that take place near City Hall. This concert features music by Grayson Ty.
Saturday, June 15th
Classic Auto Festival: Trucks!
Where: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: 10am-5pm
On Father’s Day weekend, celebrate with both dad and the kids at Shelburne Museum’s Classic Auto Festival, featuring trucks from every era. You’ll find games, hands-on activities, and a BBQ, not to mention everything else the museum has to offer. Regular admission costs apply.
The Music of the Grateful Dead for Kids
Where: Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Road, South Burlington
When: 12pm
Listen to the music of the Grateful Dead by the Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family music concert for children ages ten and under (however, it’s fun for the whole family). The show is interactive, with games to encourage movement and build a lifelong love of music.
Sunday, June 16th, June 23rd & June 30th
Burlington Concert Band Band in the Park
Where: Battery Park, 1 North Avenue, Burlington
When: 7pm-9pm
The Burlington Concert Band is a non-profit organization. Associated with the Burlington City Arts and the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department, they provide free, live concerts every Sunday night during the summer season. Bring a blanket or chairs and some snacks, sit back, and enjoy.
Friday, June 21st
Free Summer Concert Series – The Useless Cans
Where: Lower Church Street near City Hall, Burlington
When: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Burlington City Arts’ annual summer concert series, presented by VSECU, are free music concerts that take place near City Hall. This concert features music by The Useless Cans.
Food Truck Festival
Where: Essex Alliance Church, 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Junction
When: 3pm-8pm
Kick-off the summer season at the Essex Alliance Church. You’ll find local food trucks, giant inflatables, and music. This event is family-friendly, open to the whole community, and free, but bring some cash for food. You can also bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
Underhill Food Truck Night in Moore Park
Where: 15 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill
When: 5pm-8pm
Located across from the Underhill Town Hall, come and enjoy music from members of King Me, food trucks, and of course, community.
Saturday, June 22nd
23rd Annual Strawberry Festival
Where: Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, 277 Lavigne Road, Colchester
When: 11am-4pm
Celebrate the Strawberry Harvest at Sam Mazza’s Farm Market. You can pick your own strawberries, enjoy a variety of strawberry treats (like milkshakes, fudge and jam), and sample food from other vendors. Kids can also find games, face painting, pony rides, and the petting zoo.
Kites In The Park
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington
When: 5pm-7pm
Bring a kite or make one. South Burlington Recreation & Parks will provide all the materials for you to create a family kite. Color it, construct it, and then fly it. This free event will be held at the Pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park (one kit per family).
Backyard Camp Out
Where: Sand Hill Park
When: 4pm-9am (6/23)
Join the 6th Annual Great American Backyard Camp out at Sand Hill Park. Reserve a campsite, set-up your tent, and enjoy all that camping has to offer (games, campfire BBQ dinner, bonfire). There’s also swimming at Sand Hill Pool. Light fare is provided along with access to a grill, but you’ll need to bring your own camping gear.
Friday, June 28th
Free Summer Concert Series – The Revenant
Where: Lower Church Street near City Hall, Burlington
When: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Burlington City Arts’ annual summer concert series, presented by VSECU, are free music concerts that take place near City Hall. This concert features music by The Revenant.
Saturday, June 29th
Vermont Teddy Bear’s Birthday Party
Where: Vermont Teddy Bear, 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: 11am-2pm
Celebrate the 38th BEARthday Party at the Bear Factory! With free activities and fun for kids of all ages, you’ll find a bouncy house, Blue Truck games, a red fire truck, and face painting by HyperFocus Art.
We hope to see you at some of these family-friendly weekend events! Feel free to tag us in pics #BVTMB and #BusyBtown
