Events
Burlington has the most expansive and diverse array of cultural activities and commerce of any population center between Montréal and Boston, and the Church Street Marketplace is the epicenter of this vigorous community. Year-round events either originate from or criss-cross the Marketplace’s award-winning, four block pedestrian mall.
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January
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
First Run
802-863-8412
www.runvermont.org
On New Year’s Day, create a costume, then bring the kids, the stroller, or the family dog and run or walk the 5K course through downtown. “Kids' Fun Run” starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 11:00 a.m. There will be a post-race food and awards ceremony with age group, costume, and raffle prizes.
February
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade
www.magichat.net/mardigras2010
On Saturday February 27, be on the Church Street “Quarter” for this annual festival and Laissez les bon temps rouler! At 3 p.m., line the parade route and watch as a promenade of 45 fantastic floats passes by, along with the frenzied hurling of beaded booty (as well as Lake Champlain Chocolates).
March
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Irish Heritage Festival
During the week surrounding St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), this celebration of Irish-American culture and community combines music, lectures, movies, drama, and dance. Most of the festival events are presented with free admission, making the fundraising prize raffle a great draw. www.vtirishfestival.org
May
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon & Marathon Relay
802-863-8412
www.runvermont.org org
Over Memorial Day Weekend, more than 5,000 runners take to Burlington’s streets and bike paths to compete in the second largest marathon in New England. The event begins at Battery Park on the Waterfront, winds its way through the Marketplace and a variety of urban and suburban terrain, and then returns to the Waterfront for a dramatic finish, set against the Lake Champlain backdrop.
June/July
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Discover Jazz Festival
802-863-7992
www.discoverjazz.com
This exuberant and diverse festival began as a way to celebrate not only jazz’s breadth, but also the Vermont performers who were contributing to its evolution. Twenty-six years later, it has grown into a 15-day (June 5 – 14), 30-venue celebration featuring world-renowned artists (including Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, and Pink Martini), local and regional performers, and burgeoning student musicians who make downtown come alive with concerts, dances, jams, street parties, cruises, and workshops.
August
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Festival of Fools
Held from August 7-9, this is a curated festival of street theater devoted to community engagement through the celebration of circus arts, music and comedy for family audiences. The festival features the best international street performers from around the globe. Audiences of all ages will feast their eyes on some of the zaniest comic performers as downtown Burlington becomes an epicenter for laughter and spirited entertainment! Four main stage locations surrounding the Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park will feature continuous street theater each day and dazzling variety performances Friday on the marketplace and Saturday evening on the outdoor stage at Red Square.
September
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Marketfest
www.churchstreetmarketplace.com
The Church Street Marketplace and Burlington Town Center celebrate fall with our famous fortune cookie discounts at participating stores and Stowe Points Card promotion offered by Stowe Mountain Resort. Live music and other attractions take place throughout the weekend. On Saturday, experience a vibrant street festival, with musical performances and a craft fair with juried Vermont crafters. Kids are the focus on Sunday’s “MarKID’fest”: a celebration for children that includes a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, music, and dancing.
October
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Halloween Costume Parade and Festival
www.churchstreetmarketplace.com
We celebrate October’s spookiest day with our annual fright fest on Saturday, October 24. Trick-or-treating at participating stores from 10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a children’s costume parade up the Marketplace.
November
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
Holiday Kick-Off
www.churchstreetmarketplace.com
On Friday, November 27 (the day after Thanksgiving), downtown comes alive with the holiday spirit with a mixed-venue pre-winter festival.
December
( 10/06/2009 3:02 PM )
First Night Burlington
www.firstnightburlington.com
On New Year’s Eve, experience Vermont's premier, affordable, substance-free New Year's Eve celebration of the arts. Hundreds of artists perform in 30 venues from noon to 1:00 am. 802-863-6005,
