In 2019, Vermont officially began recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Native peoples. “Vermont was founded and built upon lands whose original inhabitants were the Abenaki people and honors them and their ancestors,” the new law reads. “The establishment of this holiday will aid in the cultural development of Vermont’s recognized tribes, while enabling all indigenous peoples in Vermont and elsewhere to move forward and formulate positive outcomes, from the history of colonization.”
Art in the Park–Rutland
Downtown Rutland
http://www.chaffeeartcenter.org
802 775-0356
Oct. 12–13: Voted Rutland Herald’s Best of the Best in the category of Best Arts Festival, this festival also boasts food, music, craft demonstrations, and kids’ activities. Gate donations sponsor Chaffee Art Center’s exhibitions, art education, and community outreach.
Dummerston Apple Pie Festival
Dummerston Congregational Church
1038 East-West Road, Dummerston
Oct. 13, 10a–4p: Dummerston Apple Pie Festival annually offers some 1,500 apple pies made by church members and friends and proudly served with Vermont cheese and hand-churned ice cream. Farmers’ breakfast (starting at 7:30a), grilled lunch, tag sale, craft fair.
Empty Bowls
Landmark College, Putney
http://www.groundworks.rallybound.org/empty-bowls-2019
Oct. 12: Sittings at 5 and 6:30p. When Vermonters go hungry their neighbors act. That’s why volunteers are preparing for near sellout capacity at the annual benefit for the Brattleboro Area Drop-in Center, an essential resource for people in need in Brattleboro and the surrounding area.
Harvest Arts & Crafts Show
Main Base Lodge, Mount Snow, West Dover
802 464-4191
Oct. 12–13: More than 50 vendors, local artisans, and specialty food makers.
Heirloom Apple Tasting Day
Scott Farm, Dummerston
http://www.scottfarmvermont.com
802 254-6868
Oct. 13–14, 9a–4p: Celebrating heirloom apples—fresh, baked, and squeezed. Join orchardist Zeke Goodband at 10a or 1p for apple lore and a tasting of some of Scott Farm’s 130 varieties of heirlooms. Guests can purchase favorite heirlooms and freshly pressed heirloom cider. Whetstone Ciderworks of Marlboro offers complimentary hard cider samplings (21 and up). Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, make-your-own caramel apples, PYO apples, shopping in the Farm Market, guided dry stone wall tours by The Stone Trust. No pets.
Heritage Festival
Newfane, on the Common
http://www.newfaneheritagefestival.com
Oct. 12–13, 10a–4p: Historic Newfane Village hosts the 49th Heritage Festival, celebrating community, fine craft, food, and entertainment. Hundreds from around New England and beyond gather for a quintessential Vermont experience during beautiful fall foliage season. More than 90 juried craftspeople display their work in tents around the Windham County Courthouse, a Registered National Historic Landmark, in Newfane. Acquire–or just browse—unique quilts, ironwork, pottery, furniture, photographs, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, and more. Community nonprofits host activities for kids. Don’t miss the Super Raffle! Rain or shine. Festival proceeds go to Newfane Congregational Church, an integral part of the community.
Oktoberfest
Mount Snow, West Dover
802 464-4191
Oct. 12–13: Like most German-themed Oktoberfests, this annual event offers plenty of beer, schnitzel, and oom-pah music. Kids’ games, pumpkin painting, an apple sling shot, and the famous schnitzel toss add up to two days of family fun.
Stratton Weekend
Stratton Resort, Stratton
802 297-4000
Oct. 11–14: Enjoy fall colors from southern Vermont’s highest peak. Festival fun for the whole family. Food, games, hayrides, lift rides, craft brew fest, chili cookoff, live music, and a race to the summit.
Weston Craft Show
Weston Playhouse, Weston
http://www.westoncraftshow.com
Oct. 11–13, 10a–5p: The 36th juried exhibit of exceptional Vermont artisans’ work: baskets, ceramics, folk art, glass, jewelry, lighting, paper, fiber, leather, mosaics, pastels, sculpture, wearable art, wood. An easy upbeat shopping experience for discerning visitors looking for something unique and exquisite.
