Local Events

From lively dinners and seasonal celebrations at our Inns to concerts, festivals, and cultural happenings throughout Southern Vermont, there’s always something going on. Explore our curated calendar of events to discover what’s happening during your stay, whether it's a wine tasting, trivia night, live music, or a local farmers market. Join us at the Inns of Dorset or venture out to experience all the charm the region has to offer.

Sunday Dorset Farmers Market
May
10
to Oct 11

Sunday Dorset Farmers Market

EVERY SUNDAY

We’re a year-round, producer-only market—everything you see is made by the vendors at our stands. Ask questions, build connections, and enjoy locally made products, with pre-order and pickup options available.

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Dorset Theatre Festival
Jun
19
to Sep 5

Dorset Theatre Festival

Founded in 1976, the Dorset Theatre Festival presents a professional Main Stage season at the historic Dorset Playhouse in Vermont, showcasing both new plays and classic works. Running from June through September, the Festival brings together leading theatre artists from across the country and has earned growing recognition for its acclaimed world and regional premieres. As the Boston Globe noted, it has become “a new destination for playwrights.”

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REUNION
Jul
28
to Jul 29

REUNION

A film of “ordinary lives viewed up close”. Join us for dinner ahead of time at curATE cafe and head off to Arkell Pavilion to view the film!

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Jul
29

Live Music at Barrows House: Carl Anton

Live Music on the Patio: Carl Anton

Join us for an evening of live music on the patio at Barrows House and enjoy great tunes, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. Gather with friends, unwind under the summer sky, and make the most of the season.

Call to make reservations: (802) 867-4455

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Advice
Jul
31
to Aug 15

Advice

An anniversary dinner derails when a chaotic friend unveils his self-help book-while his own life is a mess. Wine flows, truths spill, and a “friendly” intervention explodes in this sharp comedy.

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Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival
Aug
13
to Aug 16

Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival

A four-day summer music festival that blends bluegrass, Americana, folk, roots, and acoustic music in a our perfect Vermont setting — mountain views, camping fields, local beer, food trucks, kids running around barefoot, and late-night jam sessions under the stars.

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Lobby Hero
Aug
21
to Sep 5

Lobby Hero

In a Manhattan lobby, a murder investigation traps a security guard, his boss, and two cops in a web of secrets. Loyalties shift, truths blur, and justice gets personal in this tense, darkly funny drama.

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Live Music at Barrows House: Sammy Blanchette
Jul
22

Live Music at Barrows House: Sammy Blanchette

Live Music on the Patio: Sammy Blanchette

Join us for an evening of live music on the patio at Barrows House and enjoy great tunes, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. Gather with friends, unwind under the summer sky, and make the most of the season.

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Jul
17

Live Music at Barrows House: Sherman Foote

Live Music on the Patio: Sherman Foote

Join us for an evening of live music on the patio at Barrows House and enjoy great tunes, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. Gather with friends, unwind under the summer sky, and make the most of the season.

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Live Music at Barrows House: Adam and Alli
Jul
15

Live Music at Barrows House: Adam and Alli

Live Music on the Patio: Adam and Alli

Join us for an evening of live music on the patio at Barrows House and enjoy great tunes, delicious food, and refreshing drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. Gather with friends, unwind under the summer sky, and make the most of the season.

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The Under Study
Jul
10
to Jul 18

The Under Study

“Break a leg!”… or someone else’s. An unlucky actor lands a Broadway understudy gig, and crosses egos with a Hollywood star in this quick-witted comedy about ambition and backstage chaos, served with a side of Kafka.

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Dead of Summer Music Festival
Jul
9
to Jul 12

Dead of Summer Music Festival

Four  (4) days of Live Music, 21 Bands on two stages.

Featuring Food, Clothing, Art and Craft Vendors. 21 + On-site Bar, Family/Kid Friendly, RV Camping and Tent Camping, Disc Golf, and Yoga.

Gates Open at 4PM Thursday July 9th.

(4 Day Pass or Single Day Thursday ticket required for early entry) 

Festival site clears at 9pm Sunday July 12th. 

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New England Lobster Boil and Clam Bake at Barrows House
Jul
4

New England Lobster Boil and Clam Bake at Barrows House

After the Block Party on the Dorset Green, join us at Barrows House for a traditional New England Lobster Boil & Clam Bake featuring fresh lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, cold summer salads, delicious appetizers, and all the traditional fixings.

Sip on frozen margaritas, seasonal cocktails, and enjoy an unforgettable summer afternoon with friends and family.

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4th of July Dorset Village Block Party
Jul
4

4th of July Dorset Village Block Party

🇺🇸 Celebrate 250 Years of America with Us! 🇺🇸

Join us on the Village Green on July 4th from 12–2 PM for a fun community celebration!

Enjoy wagon rides, kids' crafts, local music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.

Dorset Fourth of July T-Shirts are available for $15. Designed by local elementary students, with all proceeds benefiting the school.

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Vermont Wild Vs. Inter Connecticut
Jun
27

Vermont Wild Vs. Inter Connecticut

The Wild’s inaugural season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League brings high-level women’s soccer to Southern Vermont while creating a new community gathering place for players, families, fans, and the next generation of athletes.

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Vermont Wild vs. Rhode Island Rogues
Jun
20

Vermont Wild vs. Rhode Island Rogues

The Wild’s inaugural season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League brings high-level women’s soccer to Southern Vermont while creating a new community gathering place for players, families, fans, and the next generation of athletes.

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Deceived
Jun
19
to Jul 4

Deceived

Fog-bound 1901 London: A young bride sees dimming lights and hears whispers. Her husband says it’s madness. Is she unraveling- or is he? A chilling thriller about trust turned deadly.

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Library Nights at Barrows House
May
27

Library Nights at Barrows House

Join us this spring at the Barrows House Inn for dinner, drinks, and a relaxed book talk. The Dorset Library will receive 10% of the evening’s proceeds. RSVP with the Library to save a seat.

Prefer a quiet dinner? Dine at the Barrows House on April 29th or May 27th and mention you’re supporting the Dorset Library. Reservations recommended.

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Manchester VT Food and Wine Festival
May
22
to May 24

Manchester VT Food and Wine Festival

Indulge in an unforgettable culinary escape in Manchester, Vermont. Sip exceptional wines, savor inspired dishes, discover offerings from Vermont’s finest purveyors and artisans, and mingle with fellow food and wine enthusiasts along the way.

Mark your calendars for May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026 and get ready for a weekend filled with flavor, experiences and fun!

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Something Rotten
May
15
to May 24

Something Rotten

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

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Spring Retreat: Yoga and Wellness at the 1880 House
May
8
to May 10

Spring Retreat: Yoga and Wellness at the 1880 House

Join yoga instructor and wellness coach Lina C. Hanson for a weekend retreat designed to slow you down and open you up. Set at the intimate 1880 House in the heart of Dorset Village, this April getaway weaves together yoga practice, guided meditation, and wellness conversation in one of Vermont's most beautiful corners.

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Northshire Book Festival
May
1
to May 3

Northshire Book Festival

  • 4869 Main Street Manchester, VT, 05255 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us May 1–3, 2026 at the Manchester Northshire Bookstore for a lively weekend of author talks, readings, signings, and celebration.

Day passes or three-day tickets available. Events take place at the bookstore and at First Baptist Church across the street.

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Library Nights at Barrows House
Apr
29

Library Nights at Barrows House

Join us this spring at the Barrows House Inn for dinner, drinks, and a relaxed book talk. The Dorset Library will receive 10% of the evening’s proceeds. RSVP with the Library to save a seat.

Prefer a quiet dinner? Dine at the Barrows House on April 29th or May 27th and mention you’re supporting the Dorset Library. Reservations recommended.

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Clue: On Stage (Saturday)
Apr
18

Clue: On Stage (Saturday)

On a dark and stormy night, a group of mysterious guests gathers at Boddy Manor for a strange dinner party that quickly turns deadly. Based on the cult classic film and beloved board game, CLUE is a fast-paced comedy filled with secrets, suspects, and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Clue: On Stage (Friday)
Apr
17

Clue: On Stage (Friday)

On a dark and stormy night, a group of mysterious guests gathers at Boddy Manor for a strange dinner party that quickly turns deadly. Based on the cult classic film and beloved board game, CLUE is a fast-paced comedy filled with secrets, suspects, and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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After School Activities at the Dorset Library
Apr
16

After School Activities at the Dorset Library

NEW! After-School Activities | From 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Kids can drop-in on Thursdays after school to do a different activity each week at the library. We’ll have games, science experiments, arts and crafts, LEGOs and more. For ages 10+. No registration required.

April 16th – Origami

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Clue: On Stage (Saturday)
Apr
11

Clue: On Stage (Saturday)

On a dark and stormy night, a group of mysterious guests gathers at Boddy Manor for a strange dinner party that quickly turns deadly. Based on the cult classic film and beloved board game, CLUE is a fast-paced comedy filled with secrets, suspects, and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

View Event →
Clue: On Stage (Friday)
Apr
10

Clue: On Stage (Friday)

On a dark and stormy night, a group of mysterious guests gathers at Boddy Manor for a strange dinner party that quickly turns deadly. Based on the cult classic film and beloved board game, CLUE is a fast-paced comedy filled with secrets, suspects, and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

View Event →
After School Activities at the Dorset Library
Apr
9

After School Activities at the Dorset Library

NEW! After-School Activities | From 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Kids can drop-in on Thursdays after school to do a different activity each week at the library. We’ll have games, science experiments, arts and crafts, LEGOs and more. For ages 10+. No registration required.

April 9th- Oobleck

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