There’s something about summer in Vermont that makes live music feel even better. Maybe it’s the long daylight hours, fresh air, or cold local beer in hand. Whatever the reason, the Burlington area is full of places that combine the best of local entertainment with good food, drinks, and welcoming vibes. From cozy vineyard patios to bustling brewery lawns and restaurant courtyards, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy a show this summer.

If you love wine and live acoustic sets, check out Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, where Thursday Night Concerts run weekly through August. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy a glass of wine, and listen to local bands surrounded by vineyard views and Lake Champlain breezes. Shelburne Vineyard is another great option, often hosting music events and food trucks on the lawn next to their tasting room.

For a livelier scene, head to breweries like Zero Gravity Beer Hall on Pine Street or Burlington Beer Company in Williston. Both venues frequently host outdoor music events, featuring everything from indie rock to funk. Foam Brewers, located right on the waterfront, is another local favorite. With rotating live music, small-batch brews, and scenic sunset views, it's a must-visit spot on warm summer nights.

Restaurants are also joining in the fun. The Old Post in South Burlington has live music nights on their patio, and Leunig’s Bistro on Church Street often features jazz duos during dinner hours. If you’re up for a weekend brunch with a side of banjo or guitar, keep an eye on Honey Road and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, which occasionally host local musicians in the heart of downtown.

You’ll also find great music in public spaces. Battery Park in Burlington hosts the Battery Park Concert Series every Thursday evening, featuring well-known Vermont acts and regional talent. Memorial Park in Winooski and local town greens in places like Essex and Hinesburg often schedule live music throughout the summer as part of family-friendly community events.

Whether you're looking for a laid-back evening in a vineyard, a high-energy night with a band at a brewery, or dinner with a soundtrack, Burlington has it all. Keep an eye on social media and local calendars so you don’t miss a show. Summer in Vermont moves quickly, but the memories you make listening to live music under the stars will stick around long after the season ends.

Vermont summers are short, sweet, and made for outdoor adventures. From quiet lakeside escapes to wooded mountain retreats, the Green Mountain State has no shortage of beautiful campsites that fill up fast in July and August. Whether you’re in an RV, pitching a tent, or towing a pop-up camper, here are some of the most popular (and scenic!) places to camp across Vermont in mid to late summer.

1. Grand Isle State Park (Grand Isle, VT)

This popular island destination on Lake Champlain offers 115 tent/RV sites and 36 lean-tos, perfect for waterfront views and warm-weather relaxation. Enjoy swimming, paddling, fishing, and stunning sunsets over the lake.

Best for: Families, water lovers, and RV campers
Amenities: Boat rentals, playgrounds, coin-op showers, and easy access to Burlington by ferry or car

2. Smugglers’ Notch State Park (Stowe, VT)

Nestled between mountain peaks, this rugged and scenic campground offers tent and lean-to sites just minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. It’s also close to local breweries and shops in nearby Stowe.

Best for: Tent campers and hikers
Popular mid-summer activity: Hiking the Long Trail or visiting Bingham Falls

3. Little River State Park (Waterbury, VT)

Set along the Waterbury Reservoir, Little River is a local favorite for mid-summer getaways with both wooded and waterfront campsites. With 81 tent/RV sites and 20 lean-tos, it’s large enough to feel lively but still relaxing.

Best for: Campers with kayaks, paddleboards, and kids
Don’t miss: The park’s historical hiking trails that take you past old cellar holes from 1800s homesteads

4. Half Moon Pond State Park (Hubbardton, VT)

A peaceful spot tucked in the forest, this park has tent and lean-to sites, along with camper cabins for a cozier experience. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier parks.

Best for: Quiet retreats and rustic campers
Bonus: It's part of Bomoseen State Park, so you get access to two parks in one

 5. Button Bay State Park (Vergennes, VT)

Located on the western edge of Vermont, Button Bay overlooks Lake Champlain and offers tent/RV sites, lean-tos, and cabins. With scenic walking trails and lake access, it’s a great mix of nature and accessibility.

Best for: RVs, families, and first-time campers
Highlight: The swimming pool and interpretive nature center are great for kids

6. Green River Reservoir State Park (Hyde Park, VT)

This is a paddlers’ paradise, accessible only by non-motorized boats. Campsites are only reachable by water, making it one of the most peaceful, remote experiences you’ll find.

Best for: Experienced campers, backcountry paddlers
Tip: Plan ahead. Sites are primitive and carry-in/carry-out only

7. Jamaica State Park (Jamaica, VT)

Set on the West River, this campground is ideal for tubing, hiking, and forest bathing. It has 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, with the iconic Hamilton Falls hike just a short distance away.

Best for: Weekend getaways and water activities
Tip: Check the tubing schedule, some weekends the river is perfect for floating

8. Brighton State Park (Island Pond, VT)

One of the more remote state parks in the Northeast Kingdom, this campground offers peace and quiet alongside a pristine lake. A great spot for those looking to escape the summer crowds.

Best for: Tent camping and solitude seekers
Activities: Canoeing, wildlife watching, and stargazing

Tips for Camping in Vermont in Late Summer

-Reserve early: Popular spots book months in advance for weekends in July and August.

-Pack layers: Vermont evenings can still be chilly, even in August.
-Watch for bugs: Bring eco-friendly bug spray. Mosquitoes love Vermont summers too.
-Respect nature: Most parks follow “Leave No Trace” principles. Pack it in, pack it out!
 

Final Thoughts

Camping in Vermont during July and August is a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike. With so many beautiful options, it’s just a matter of choosing your vibe. Wherever you end up, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, starry skies, and that sweet Vermont summer magic.

 

Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend in Chittenden County 🎆

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July around Burlington? From lakeside fireworks to small-town parades, here’s your go-to guide for a festive holiday weekend.

Start the celebrations early on Thursday, July 3, at Burlington’s Waterfront Park for one of Vermont’s largest displays. Arrive by 5 PM to enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, all capped off with a dazzling fireworks show as the sun sets.

On Friday, July 4, take the morning to check out a local town parade followed by live music and fireworks at bay-area parks like in Colchester. There’s plenty of space for lawn chairs, food trucks, and community fun, making this a great day for families.

For a more refined experience, head to a museum or outdoor concert venue such as the Shelburne Museum, where you can enjoy a symphony concert followed by fireworks in a relaxed, scenic setting.

If carnival rides, inflatables, and big-bang family fun are your style, make your way to the fairgrounds in places like Essex Junction or St. Albans on Friday evening. Expect games, food stalls, and a lively fireworks finale!

Feel-Good Extras:

• Join a fun run or community 5K early on the Fourth, often followed by parades or pancake breakfasts.
• Bring blankets, bug spray, and snacks. Some venues recommend arriving early or taking shuttle buses to avoid parking hassles.
• Keep an eye out for town cookouts, live music at local parks, and kid-friendly activities like face painting and balloon artists.

No matter your style, whether you're strolling the waterfront, cheering on your town parade, or enjoying a family carnival, Greater Burlington offers a vibrant and memorable Fourth of July celebration!