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.
'Paper Transformed' Exhibit at SVAC
January 18 – March 29, 2026
Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum
Paper Transformed, curated by Michelle Samour, features artists working in colored paper pulp, using pouring, casting, layering, and surface techniques to expand paper into sculptural and painterly forms.
Closing Reception: March 29, 3–5 p.m.
Artist talks at 4 p.m.
The Gin Game: A Staged Reading (Friday)
This 1978 Pulitzer Prize–winning drama uses a game of gin rummy as a metaphor for life. When two nursing home residents begin playing cards together, their friendly games gradually reveal personal histories, deep frustrations, and the quiet battles that shape their lives.
Dorset Farmers Market: Indoors at JK Adams
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.
The Gin Game: A Staged Reading (Sunday)
This 1978 Pulitzer Prize–winning drama uses a game of gin rummy as a metaphor for life. When two nursing home residents begin playing cards together, their friendly games gradually reveal personal histories, deep frustrations, and the quiet battles that shape their lives.
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.
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.
Northshire Book Festival
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.
Dorset Farmers Market: Indoors at JK Adams
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.
Swan Lake Performed by the Grand Kyiv Ballet of the Ukraine
Performed by the Kyiv Ballet of the Ukraine, Swan Lake is a classic ballet that weaves love, magic, and tragedy across four acts. It tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a swan princess cursed by a sorcerer to spend her days as a swan and her nights as a human. As the two fall in love, the sorcerer complicates their romance by introducing his daughter, Odile, leading to confusion and challenges. Through heartbreak, forgiveness, and perseverance, Siegfried and Odette’s love triumphs, bringing the story to a joyful and enduring conclusion.
Barrows House Trivia
Join us for a lively evening of Trivia at Barrows House! Smart questions, great drinks, and friendly competition. Topics span from pop culture, history, music, and more, with prizes and bragging rights on the line.
Trivia starts at 6:30 PM.
Call to make a reservation! 802-867-4455
Southwestern Night with Chef Jon
Chef Jon’s Southwestern Night returns Wednesday, March 4 at The Restaurant at The Dorset Inn. A warm, unhurried menu of ceviche, Hatch chile pozole, tamales, red snapper tacos, and tres leches, plus specialty cocktails. Reservations recommended.
'On Paper' Exhibit at SVAC
‘On Paper’ features work by Elfriede Abbe, Barbara Ackerman, Tom Fels, Annie Ireland, Crystalle Lacouture, and Carolyn Shattuck, all part of SVAC’s Artist Member community. Through printmaking, drawing, cyanotype, collage, and mixed media, they explore paper as a creative surface. Interactive stations at Yester House invite visitors to engage with the materials and process firsthand.
Artists at the Table
Artists at the Table is an intimate dinner series at curATE café at Yester House at SVAC, where guests share a seasonal meal inspired by current exhibitions at the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
This evening celebrates Tom Fels. Chef Julie Heins’ menu draws from On Paper, exploring flavor, color, and texture in conversation with the work. Featured artists and SVAC Curator Danny Volk will join guests at the table for a lively, informal discussion throughout the evening.
Valentine’s At Barrows House
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening that feels warm, indulgent, and effortlessly romantic. Barrows House offers the perfect setting to slow down, linger over dinner, and enjoy a thoughtfully crafted dining experience in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.
Valentine’s Day at The Dorset Inn
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Dorset Inn with a special dinner featuring elegant dishes, curated wines, and festive cocktails in a timeless setting.
Artist at The Table
Artists at the Table is a new dinner series at curATE café at Yester House, bringing the gallery into the dining room for an evening of conversation, creativity, and thoughtfully prepared food. Each dinner invites artists currently on view at the Southern Vermont Arts Center to connect with guests over a shared meal inspired by the work on display.
Chamber Music and Dinner at The Dorset Inn
Join us at The Dorset Inn Wednesday, January 28 for an evening of live chamber music with the Rhodora String Quartet, followed by a three course dinner. Concert begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. A portion of proceeds supports Manchester Music Festival.
New Year’s Eve at The Dorset Inn & Barrows House
Ring in the New Year in style with a celebratory evening at either The Dorset Inn or Barrows House. Enjoy a special holiday menu, festive cocktails, and the warmth of good company as you toast to 2026 in the charm of Dorset Village.
Make it a night to remember—book your stay and dinner early for a truly special celebration.
Christmas at The Dorset Inn & Barrows House
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Dorset with inspired holiday menus and cozy ambiance at The Dorset Inn and Barrows House.
Santa Express Evening Train(21+)
Santa Express Evening Train (21+)
Enjoy a festive 2-hour holiday train ride for adults 21 and up, featuring seasonal cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and cozy Christmas ambiance. After the ride, return to The Inns of Dorset to unwind fireside and continue your Vermont holiday escape.
Santa Brunch & Carriage Rides at The Dorset Inn
Enjoy a festive Santa Brunch at The Dorset Inn with live holiday music, carriage rides through Dorset Village, and a visit from Santa.
Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours
Step inside beautifully decorated inns across the Shires for a festive holiday tour that supports local food programs. Tours run December 6 and December 13.
Santa Party at Barrows House
A family favorite—join us for the Santa Party at Barrows House with private Santa visits, cocoa, crafts, and holiday treats.
Kids Ski Free Week at Stratton Mountain 12/6-12/12
Stratton Kids Ski Free Week 12/6-12/12
Hit the slopes at Stratton while kids 17 & under ski free — then unwind just minutes away at The Inns of Dorset, your cozy winter retreat in the heart of Vermont. Enjoy crackling fires, charming village surroundings, and relaxed comfort after a full day on the mountain. Make your family ski getaway feel effortless, scenic, and truly memorable.
Repeal Night
Come to The Dorset Inn Tavern Friday, December 5 to celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. We’ll have live music, specialty cocktails, and vintage pizzazz. Come as you are, or dress with 30s flair and raise a glass with us!
Santa Weekend - Welcome Reception for Houseguests
Kick off Santa Weekend with a festive welcome reception for overnight guests at Barrows House.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Dorset Playhouse
Enjoy a heartwarming holiday classic—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer live at The Dorset Playhouse throughout Santa Weekend.
Dorset Tractor Parade
A beloved Dorset tradition! Join us the Friday after Thanksgiving for the annual Dorset Tractor Parade — a festive procession of lighted tractors circling the Village Green.
Thanksgiving at The Dorset Inn & Barrows House
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Dorset with a festive meal at The Dorset Inn or Barrows House, featuring seasonal favorites and warm New England hospitality.
Northshire Readers Retreat
“Fall” Into a Great Book – Northshire Bookstore Readers Retreat at Barrows House. Spend a cozy autumn weekend immersed in books, author talks, and relaxation at the historic Barrows House Inn. Hosted by Northshire Bookstore, this retreat features readings, discussions, tours, and delicious meals in a beautiful Vermont setting.
Owen Roe Wine Pairing Dinner
Join The Dorset Inn for a five-course Owen Roe Wine Pairing Dinner on November 14. Enjoy seasonal Vermont cuisine and expertly paired wines.
Halloween on the Green
Celebrate Halloween in the heart of Dorset with festive spirits and seasonal charm. Join us on the Dorset Green for an outdoor bar in front of The Dorset Inn, where we’ll be serving autumn-inspired cocktails and fall favorites. Gather with friends, enjoy the crisp Vermont evening, and raise a glass to the season.
Fall Harvest Day in Manchester
Fall Harvest Day
📍 Manchester, Vermont (Downtown & Town Green)
🗓️ 10/18, 2pm-5pm
Celebrate the season at Manchester’s annual Fall Harvest Day — a community tradition filled with autumn charm!
✨ Highlights include:
🍂 Local vendors & seasonal foods
🎶 Live music & entertainment
🛍️ Handmade crafts & artisan goods
🎃 Family-friendly activities & kids’ fun
🌾 The beauty of Vermont’s fall foliage
The Dorset Players present – What the Constitution Means to Me
What the Constitution Means to Me – Dorset Players
Join the Dorset Players at the Dorset Playhouse for Heidi Schreck’s Tony-nominated play, What the Constitution Means to Me. This witty and moving production explores how America’s founding document continues to shape our lives today.
📅 Show Dates: Friday October 3 and Saturday October 4 @ 7:30pm and Sunday matinee, October 5 @ 2pm.
🎟️ Tickets:https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=dpi22
Dorset Farmers Market
Dorset Farmers Market
📍 H.N. Williams Store, 2732 VT-30, Dorset, VT
🗓️ Every Sunday, May–October | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Discover fresh produce, local foods, and artisan goods at the Dorset Farmers Market — a beloved community tradition in the heart of Vermont. Meet local farmers and makers, shop handcrafted products, and enjoy a lively Sunday atmosphere with neighbors and friends.
The Dorset Players present – What the Constitution Means to Me
What the Constitution Means to Me – Dorset Players
Join the Dorset Players at the Dorset Playhouse for Heidi Schreck’s Tony-nominated play, What the Constitution Means to Me. This witty and moving production explores how America’s founding document continues to shape our lives today.
📅 Show Dates: Friday October 3 and Saturday October 4 @ 7:30pm and Sunday matinee, October 5 @ 2pm.
🎟️ Tickets:https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=dpi22
Fall Craft Market at Southern Vermont Arts Center
Celebrate autumn in the Green Mountains with local crafts, fine art, and cozy seasonal finds at the Southern Vermont Arts Center.