Photo credit - John Lazenby
Celebrate Spring During Montpelier Mayfest!
May 2nd - 3rd, 2026
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From Green Up Day and the return of the Capital City Farmers Market, to the whimsical joy of All Species Day, the weekend is packed with community events, creativity, and seasonal cheer. Find music, specials, parties, and more all across downtown and check out our Community Calendar for even more! Don't forget 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—our iconic bridges start glowing at dusk.
Hungry for more? Discover where to eat in Montpelier.
Weekend Highlights
Saturday:
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Capital City Farmers Market - 9:00am-1:00pm @ 133 State Street. The market returns to their summer location after their winter season at Alumni Hall. *Featuring music by Django Soulo |
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Green Up Day - 9:00am-1:00pm Stop by the Farmers Market or Montpelier City Hall to pick up a Green Up bag and help make Montpelier sparkle! Areas like river banks and the parking lots behind downtown buisinesses need extra love. Download the Green Up Day app to "claim" a spot to clean! |
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Sunday:
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All Species Day - 12:00-4:00pm. Opening ceremonies begin in Hubbard Park, followed by a parade downtown, and pageant at the State House. Come dressed as your favorite species and join in celebrating our interdependence with all of life. Watch the 2025 livestream HERE. |
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| Photo Credit Top Row: All Together Now |
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Photo Credit Bottom Row: James Matthew Gallagher |
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More Festivities Around Town
One of the sweetest additions to Mayfest weekend is the opening of Red Hen Baking Company's new café on Main Street (in the old Rabbel Rouser location). After years in Middlesex, Red Hen is bringing its beloved breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee into downtown Montpelier, with doors opening May 1st!
Stop in during Mayfest to check out their new space, grab a sandwich or pastry, and enjoy a classic creemee, now right in the heart of the action.
Story Songs of the 70's
Saturday, May 2nd 7pm
Unitarian Church of Montpelier
Story Songs of the 70s is a seasonal concert series by Maine-based singer/songwriter, Tom DiMenna, and features songs by 3 legendary songwriters of the vinyl era — Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. This folk-rock act blends lush vocals, intricate guitar playing and iconic story songs into a sound that’s both intimate and powerful. While rooted in the folk tradition, this special Spring edition celebrates the first day of Spring with the fresh energy of the season (“Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens, “Early Morning Rain” by Gordon Lightfoot, “Taxi” by Harry Chapin) and has toe-tapping rhythms, sing-along choruses, and a fully amplified presence that has charmed audiences all over New England. It’s a carefully crafted presentation of the timeless songs that shaped a generation — performed with heart, humor, and resonance.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all weekend long by exploring Montpelier’s local Mexican spots. Whether you're grabbing tacos, margaritas, or just soaking up the vibes, you’ll find great options at Arandas Mexican Cuisine, Julio’s Cantina, Mad Taco, and Chico’s Tacos and Bar, perfect fuel for a full weekend of Mayfest fun.
Be sure to check out our Dining directory for all the incredible options in Montpelier.
May means patio season and the Three Penny Taproom patio is open! Join them at 108 Main Street on Mayfest weekend for opening weekend of their parklet patio and celebrate their 17th anniversary.
The rooftop patio at Hugos (44 Main St) is also open!
(Fans of Charlie O's patio need to wait another couple of weeks!)
Nature Poetry Affinity Group Program for
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Community Members
Saturday, May 2nd 12-3pm
North Branch Nature Center
Join Toussaint out on the land as we build community, connect with nature and each other, and find inspiration in nature to write poems together. In an open-discussion format, we’ll share our experiences in nature and explore ways to express ourselves while fostering collective liberation. Registration Required. For adult LGBTQ+ and/or BIPoC community members.
Slap Happy Jack
Saturday, May 2nd 7:30pm
Hugo's - 44 Main St
This is going to be a special night. A swanky, sultry, (dare I say sexy?) speakeasy show.
We have an amazing lineup of songs and musicians for you. Blues, Jazz, Swing (maybe a little Rock). Lounge with your favorite cocktail or dance with your date.
No date? Find one here.
No cover, but voluntary contributions at the door will be gratefully accepted so the musicians can be paid!
Musicians:
Andy + Joey Dorwart Crane
Mike Duplessis
Ryan Masè
Sam Markewich
and Terry Youk on sax!
Vermont Jazz Foundation’s Sunday Jazz Jam Session
Sunday, May 3rd
2-5pm
Gary Library, 35 College St, Montpelier, VT 05602
Join Vermont Jazz Foundation for the first monthly Sunday Jazz Jam Session at the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub. These sessions will happen every month on the first Sunday of the month! The first month will feature the Rich Davidian Quartet (Rich Davidian, Andy Gagnon, Michael Hartigan, and Glendon Ingalls). This is an open jam session for all ages!
Consider "No Mow May" during the month of May to help pollinators get a strong start! By simply eliminating or sharply reducing the mowing of your lawn and allowing more flowers to bloom offers bees and other pollinators a wonderful playground of floral resources at a critical time in their lifecycle. Studies have shown this simple act can increase abundance and diversity of wildlife in your yard, especially pollinators.