Montpelier MudFest | April 25-26, 2026
Celebrate mud season in true Vermont style with Montpelier MudFest! From outdoor adventures to local craftsmanship, this two-day event embraces spring’s messiest, most fun traditions. Get ready to embrace the mud, adventure, and community spirit of Montpelier.
While you're in town for MudFest, take time to explore all that downtown Montpelier has to offer. From cozy cafés and craft cocktails to unique shops and local art, there’s something for everyone. And don’t miss the magic after dark, the live music scene is lit! Speaking of lit—our iconic bridges will be glowing all weekend long. Check out our Community Calendar or keep scrolling for everything going on around town.
Hungry for more? Click here to discover where to eat in Montpelier.
Weekend Highlights
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 Photos by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur |
Saturday:
Muddy Onion Gravel Grinder – 8:30am
A classic Vermont gravel ride through scenic backroads hosted by Onion River Outdoors.
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Come out of your winter hibernation for a fully-supported gravel grinder, with turn-by-turn fully marked courses looping many of the amazing dirt roads Central Vermont has to offer! These early spring roads can be challenging (could they possibly be as challenging as 2025, though??!!) but the views, exploration, and camaraderie are definitely worth it. For those who are just getting their bike legs under them, there is a shorter 20-mile loop that will still give you plenty of dirt, ponds, streams, mud, fun, and cow sightings, in addition to the longer 40 and 60+/- mile XL options. For more info and to register visit the Muddy Onion webpage. Start time for the 60-mile loop: 8:30am. |
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Gear Makers Festival
11:00am-4:00pm @ School Street
| The Gear Makers Festival showcases Vermont-made outdoor gear, goods, and apparel, with opportunities to meet the makers and shop local. |  |
Muddy Onion After Party
4-7pm at Barr Hill
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After the festivities downtown, head over to 116 Gin Lane for the after party hosted by Barr Hill! Featuring live music with Marc Gwinn & D. Davis and outdoor grilling. |
Sunday:
The Mucker & Mini Mucker- CANCELED
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Live Music & Night Life:
Langdon Street Tavern
Friday 4/24: Cobalt 8pm
Three Penny Taproom
Friday 4/24: GRG Trio 7pm
Hugos
Friday 4/24: Monachino, Jarrett & Stats 7:30pm
Saturday 4/25: Pluto Rising 7:30pm
Charlie O’s
Saturday 4/25: Cobalt 8:30pm
Sunday 4/26: Free pool all day
Cafe Noa
Saturday 4/25: Sanctuary Mutts 1-3pm
Capital City Concerts
Unitarian Church-130 Main St
Saturday 4/25: Fauré Foray 7:30pm
Violinist Laurie Smukler returns with a group of NYC musicians for a program celebrating Gabriel Fauré, featuring his Piano Quartet No. 1, Violin Sonata No. 1, and Fantaisie for flute and piano. The concert also includes the Sicilienne from Pelléas et Mélisande, performed by a guest ensemble of flutists and piano.
Shaun Booher
Unitarian Church-130 Main St
Sunday 4/26: Live organ concert 3-4pm
Around Town
Pizza Pop-Up
Friday & Saturday, April 24 & 25
4:30-9:30pm
Ondis X Hook & Peel Pizza
207 Barre St
Special pizza pop-up with Hook & Peel Pizza Kitchen! Ondis will be closed for regular business and instead offering drinks and pizza, dine-in or take-out.
Earth Day Tree Planting
Saturday, April 25
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm Street
Third annual Earth Day tree planting event! Plant trees and shrubs to restore the riparian floodplain at NBNC . Efforts will improve the habitat for the many species who frequent this area and buffer against flood damage and erosion.
Our Town
Lost Nation Theater
39 Main Street
Catch the last weekend of this beloved American classic. The production features local actors with modern and unforgettable moments!
Mudfest showtimes:
Friday, April 24th 7:30pm
Saturday, April 25th 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, April 26th 2pm
Rather relax indoors? How about a movie!
Savoy Theater - 26 Main St
Saturday, April 25th 1:30pm
Screening movies we love: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Capitol Theater - 93 State St
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| Photo Credit: Paul Richardson | Photo Credit: Jeb Wallace Brodeur | Photo Credit: Paul Richardson |