Top New England Events
New England Events attract hundreds of thousands annually to attend Country Fairs, Festivals, Celebrations, and Annual Traditions.
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Champlain Valley Fair
The Champlain Valley Fair — Vermont’s Big, Friendly Summer Block Party
There are county fairs, and then there’s the Champlain Valley Fair — the kind of place where you’ll find Vermont’s agricultural heart beating loud and proud under a tarp by the grandstand. Held each late August at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, the fair is a joyful mash-up of animal shows and demo pits, funnel cakes and maple creemees, classic midway thrills, family bands and headline concerts. It’s equal parts hometown tradition and summer spectacle — a place where decades of memories and new moments collide on the grass.
This is a suggested New England Event from New England Living Magazine.
A Short History: Roots in Agriculture, Grown into a Regional Celebration
The Champlain Valley Fair has roots that stretch back to the early twentieth century. The Champlain Valley Exposition association was founded to support agricultural activities and community events, and the fair itself has been staged on its current grounds since the early 1920s. Over the years it evolved from a modest agricultural exhibition into a multi-day regional fair that keeps the agricultural traditions alive while adding concerts, large-scale midway rides, and modern entertainment offerings.
The fair’s long arc tells a larger Vermont story: a state that treasures its working farms but also embraces entertainment and tourism. You’ll still find the classic fair staples — 4-H competitions, cattle and horse shows, and horticultural displays — alongside contemporary attractions like big-name musical acts on the grandstand and elaborate midway setups. The balance between old and new is part of the Champlain Valley Fair’s charm.
When to Go and How Long to Stay
The Champlain Valley Fair typically runs in late August and lasts about ten days. The schedule usually includes a mix of daytime family programming and evening concerts or headline events at the grandstand. If you can, plan for at least a full day to soak in the food, exhibits, and midway. Two days is ideal if you want to catch a concert one night and explore the agricultural side the next day.
For photographers and anyone chasing sunsets, late afternoon into evening is especially photogenic — the golden hour on a Ferris wheel is a Vermont keepsake.
What to Expect — The Essentials
Arrive ready for variety. The Champlain Valley Fair is a full sensory experience: sights, sounds, and smells that change with each row of tents.
The Midway
Expect classic fair midway attractions: rides that make kids squeal and adults who swear they’ll just take one spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl. The midway is a hub of color and motion and often changes slightly each year with carnival operators and new rides. Games, stuffed-animal prizes, and walking food stands fill the lanes between attractions.
Agriculture & Exhibits
At the core of the fair are the agricultural exhibits. Livestock pens host cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and poultry shows — with 4-H members and local farmers competing and demonstrating best practices. Horticulture displays, floriculture entries, and culinary competitions showcase regional crops and homegrown talent.
Grandstand Events
The grandstand hosts headline entertainment that runs the gamut from local bands to national touring acts, and there are also motorsports, horse shows, and other large-scale spectacles. These evening programs are often what people remember most — the music, the lights, the communal vibe.
Family & Free Entertainment
The fair offers free entertainment stages, talent contests, craft demonstrations, and interactive family programming during the day. These are great ways to experience local culture without extra cost.
Food & Flavor
Vermont flavors abound — you’ll find the obligatory fried fair foods and also regional specialties like maple treats, local cheese plates, and, for many, the must-have maple creemee. Food vendors run the gamut from breakfast stalls to late-night snack counters. Plan to graze — arriving hungry is half the fun.
Highlights & Must-See Corners
Spend your time where heart and heritage meet.
The Livestock Barns
Walk through the livestock barns in the morning when the animals are active and competitions are gearing up. Conversations with exhibitors — often kids and families involved in 4-H — are a window into Vermont’s farm community.
The Craft & Artisan Row
Vermont has a thriving maker culture, and the fair is a showcase for woodworking, textiles, small-batch foods, and artisanal crafts. This is an excellent spot to pick up a handmade souvenir while supporting local creators.
Demo Tents and Educational Stages
Look for hands-on demonstrations: cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, and agricultural machinery displays that connect urban curiosity to rural practice. Good for kids and adults alike.
Grandstand Night
If you love live music, plan a grandstand night. The energy of a packed fair grandstand under the lights is a classic summer memory. Concert tickets can sell out quickly, so it’s best to buy ahead for popular acts.
Champlain Valley Fair Tickets, Prices & Practicalities
Tickets vary by day and by event. General admission covers entry to most fair attractions, while grandstand concerts and specialty spectacles may require separate tickets. Multi-day and season passes are often available and can be a good value for locals or out-of-town visitors planning multiple visits.
Accessibility is considered, but large crowds and grassy terrain can make movement slow. If accessibility is a concern, call ahead to confirm accommodations for your visit.
Safety & Comfort Tips
Dress in layers — Vermont weather in late August can be warm midday and pleasantly cool after sunset. Comfortable shoes are essential; you’ll be on your feet. Bring cash for smaller vendors (though most accept cards nowadays), and keep a portable phone charger handy. Hydration matters: there are water refill stations on site some years, but bringing a reusable bottle is wise.
For families with small children, pick a visible meeting spot in case your group separates. If you’re photographing, be mindful of animals and children — ask permission before zooming in on a competitor’s entrant or a young exhibitor.
Where to Stay — Champlain Valley VT Hotels and Nearby Options
If you want to turn a fair day into a weekend, the Champlain Valley Exposition’s location near Essex Junction puts you within easy driving distance of Burlington, Williston, Colchester, and scenic Lake Champlain — all great bases for exploring. Below are recommended places to stay across a range of styles and budgets.
Spark by Hilton Essex Junction Burlington — 20 Farrell Street, Essex Junction, VT. A modern, convenient choice minutes from the Expo with clean rooms and helpful on-site amenities.
The Essex Resort & Spa — 70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT. Upscale option with on-site dining, spa services, and an easy drive to downtown Burlington and the fairgrounds.
Hampton Inn Colchester/Burlington — 1 Essex Way, Colchester, VT. Good mid-range pick with family friendly rooms and quick access to Route 15.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Williston/Burlington — 37 Susie Wilson Road, Williston, VT. Apartment-style suites suitable for families or visitors wanting a kitchenette.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williston/Burlington — 2 Essex Way, Williston, VT. Reliable, budget-friendly option close to shopping and dining.
Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center — 1850 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT. A solid mid-range hotel with conference facilities and easy access to the lakefront.
Hotel Vermont — 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT. If you want downtown Burlington charm right on the lake, this locally minded boutique hotel offers character and proximity to Church Street and waterfront parks.
Courtyard Burlington Harbor — 2 North Avenue, Burlington, VT. Lakefront views and a short drive to the Expo make this a scenic and convenient pick.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Williston — 55 Durkee Road, Williston, VT. Good for longer stays and families who want extra space.
Pro tip: book early during fair week. Champlain Valley Fair draws visitors from across the region and nearby states, so rooms in Burlington and Williston can fill fast on concert nights and peak weekend evenings. For a quieter stay, consider small inns or vacation rentals in neighboring towns like Jericho, Richmond, or Stowe if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
Food & Drink Near the Fairgrounds
While the fair offers plenty to eat (and then more), you might want a relaxed dinner or craft beverage outside the gates. The larger Burlington area is a well-known food city, with farm-to-table restaurants, microbreweries, and lakefront dining. In Essex Junction and Williston you’ll find local taverns and family restaurants serving Vermont staples. Grab some artisan cheese or a bakery pastry the morning of the fair — a delicious way to start your day.
Making the Most of Your Visit — Local Gems & Day Trips
If you’re extending your trip, the Champlain Valley is full of quick escapes:
Lake Champlain — Just a short drive from the Expo, the lake offers boat tours, scenic parks, and great sunset views. Burlington’s waterfront is lively in summer.
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington — A pedestrian mall full of shops, restaurants, live performers, and street vendors. Great for a pre- or post-fair evening stroll.
Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms — Both are family friendly and provide deep dives into art, agriculture, and local history.
Stowe and the Green Mountains — If you’re in the mood for hiking or a mountain drive, Stowe is about forty-five minutes away and makes an easy day trip.
For Exhibitors, Volunteers & Competitors
If you’re bringing an exhibit or planning to compete, the fair’s entry categories include 4-H, horticulture, arts and crafts, and livestock. The volunteer corps keeps the fair running: from gate staff to barn help, volunteers are the backbone of the event and often return year after year. Reach out to the Champlain Valley Exposition office if you’re interested in participating — they’ll point you to the right forms and schedules.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
There’s something reassuring about an event that feels both timeless and refreshingly local. The Champlain Valley Fair’s mix of agricultural pride, family entertainment, and big-night energy creates an inclusive atmosphere: kids in 4-H show ribbons one minute and teenagers are waiting in line for corn dogs the next. For Vermont residents it’s an annual marker of summer’s end — for visitors it’s an authentic way to experience New England’s rural culture without sacrificing fun.
Practical Vermont Visit Checklist
- Check the official event and grandstand schedules; buy concert tickets early.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and a small portable charger.
- Carry some cash; most places also accept cards.
- Plan your parking ahead — arrive early on peak days.
The Champlain Valley Fair is a celebration of community and countryside that offers something for everyone: agricultural competitions that honor tradition, midways charged with laughter, and music and events that bring people together. The fairgrounds in Essex Junction host year-round events that promote agriculture, education, arts, and culture in the region.
For more photos and information about Vermont check out Vermont Living.