Free outdoor concerts, a mud run, food and wine festivals, and more
KILLINGTON – The Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA) has announced a full slate of events for the 2015 summer season. Beginning with the Killington Stage Race on Memorial Day weekend and continuing through September with the Spartan Race.
The robust lineup includes the return of several signature summer events including the free Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series, as well as new events including the Dirty Girl Mud Run and the Vermont JerkFest.
“From music fans, to families, to outdoor enthusiasts and competitors alike, everyone is going to find something to love about Killington this summer,” said Amy Morrison, director of the KPAA.
The summer season officially gets underway Memorial Day weekend when hundreds of cycling enthusiasts from throughout the Northeast converge on Killington for three days of professional bike racing. Highlights of the summer schedule include:
Killington Stage Race: May 23-25
One of cycling’s top Eastern events, this race attracts over 600 competitive cyclists annually from across the country for three days of racing one of New England’s most challenging courses.
Downhill Throwdown: June 6-8
The Town of Killington will host the second annual skateboard and streetluge on East Mountain Road June 6-8. Riders from all over the world will gather to ride two miles of the fastest course east of the Mississippi. Reaching speeds of over 60 mph, gravity lovers have a new reason to visit Killington in the summer.
Killington Junior Golf Championship:
June 21-25
Come watch 144 of the best junior golfers in the world challenge “Vermont’s Favorite Golf Course” Green Mountain National! The AJGA is a non-profit organization that helps young golfers receive college scholarships. AJGA Alumni include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Paula Creamer & many more.
Long Trail Century Ride: June 27
Benefitting Vermont Adaptive, this ride offers a course for every ability level, as riders may choose the 100-mile loop, 50-mile loop, or 20 mile loop. All courses start and finish together at Long Trail Brewery, located on Route 4. Post-ride festivities at the Brewery include a BBQ, live music and family entertainment, refreshments, and more.
Fourth of July Activities: July 4
The Killington Fire Department and the Killington Parks and Recreation Department hosts an all-day 4th of July party and fundraiser, featuring a parade, live entertainment, family activities, a BBQ, pool party, and fireworks on the River Road recreation fields. (Fireworks rain date July 5.)
Vittoria Eastern States Cup: July 4-5
Mountain bikers will gather at Killington Resort for the Downhill and Enduro USAC Regional Championships on July 4-5. The Eastern States Cup is officially sanctioned by USA Cycling for Mountain Biking.
Killington Mountain Adventure Camps Series: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24
Camps, offered by Killington Mountain School in conjunction with Killington Resort, will offer participants the opportunity to utilize Killington’s amazing summer opportunities, including their brand-new 2015 offerings like the High Ropes Course, the Soaring Eagle Zipline, and the Amazen Maze. In addition, campers will have access to the resort’s state of the art mountain biking terrain.
River Road Concert Series: Thursdays, July 9-Aug. 13
Head to the Sherburne Memorial Library Thursday evenings for this summer concert series. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to relax, while enjoying a variety of free musical entertainment.
Dirty Girl Mud Run: July 11
Dirty Girl Mud Run is an obstacle course run for women of all ages and athletic abilities. Don’t worry – it’s not a “race” in the traditional sense. It’s an untimed 5k mud run designed to push you slightly out of your comfort zone, but only as far as you want to go. Forming teams is encouraged, and so is helping your fellow Dirty Girls to the finish with some mud, sweat and cheers. At a Dirty Girl Mud Run you’ll find excitement, laughter and camaraderie—as well as lots of music and even some adult beverages. It’s a mud-covered day you’ll never forget.
VSWGA Ruth Raymond Jones Memorial Senior Championship: July 15-16
Green Mountain National is proud to host the Vermont State Women’s’ Golf Associations’ Senior Championship.
Jeep Jamboree: July 17-19
Whether you’re a seasoned Jamboree veteran or interested in attending your first one, the Killington Jeep Jamboree is an event you will not want to miss. The Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa will serve as event headquarters and offer a relaxing and comfortable way to unwind after a full day of outdoor exploration and adventure.
Killington Wine Festival: July 17-19
The Killington Wine Festival continues to bring hundreds of fine wines from around the world to Killington in summer. Events include the Estate Tasting at the Peak Lodge, the Grand Tasting and Wine and Nine Golf Scramble. The Killington Wine Festival is produced by the Killington Pico Area Association.
Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series: July 18-25, Aug. 8 – Sept, 5
The Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series, presented by Long Trail Brewing Company, returns to Killington’s Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars at the K1 Base Lodge every Saturday beginning at 3:30 p.m. The free concerts also include outdoor activities, a beer garden and BBQ.
Biggest Loser Run/Walk: July 26
The event returns for the third year, providing participants a fun, healthy way to stay active in non-competitive environment. Killington Resort hosts the race, which includes a half marathon and 5k, as well as a 1-mile fun run for children. The event includes a health expo on Saturday and a post-race concert and celebration with Biggest Loser Contestants on Sunday.
Chili Cook-Off: July 30
The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off is guaranteed to bring back the best tasting chili in town! Join the competition and bring your finest dish to compete for the title of Best Chili, or stop by the event to taste the chef’s creations.
Vermont JerkFestival: July 31 – Aug. 1
Killington welcomes Vermont’s first JerkFest, a celebration of Jamaican Jerk food and Caribbean culture with live reggae and world music, family friendly activities, steel bands, Chef demos, cocktail demos, Rum & Brew and more!
Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally: Aug. 27-30
The Classic is Vermont’s premier motorcycle event featuring some of the best touring in New England along the picturesque roads of Vermont. Produced by Americade, the rally returns to the Foundry Restaurant for the second year, featuring social events, a vendor village, stunt shows, live music, and a 12-mile parade of bikes.
Killington Hay Festival: Labor Day – Columbus Day
Visitors to Killington, Vermont this fall will have a surprise once they start exploring the region – amid the mountain vistas and fall foliage, they may find themselves face-to-face with a 25-foot bear or 30-foot moose! The festival features nearly 25 giant hay sculptures and a packed schedule of special events including Killington Restaurant Week, Killington Resort’s Brewfest Weekend, and the Spartan Race.
Vittoria Eastern States Cup – Enduro Finals: Sept. 6
Mountain bikers will gather at Killington Resort for the Enduro Finals on Sept. 6. The Eastern States Cup is officially sanctioned by USA Cycling for Mountain Biking.
Spartan Race: Sept. 19–20
Home of the 2014 Spartan World Championship, this course is brutal. Located in what is known as ‘Joe’s backyard,’ this land is where the company was founded; that means anything goes. Steep slopes. Muddy waters. Huge hills. This epic setting makes for one of our most badass, challenging, demon-riddled Beasts of the year. We’re looking for the baddest beasts of the east to come tear up the terrains where Spartan Race has its roots. Be forewarned though, the course is known to destroy the body, legs, mind and soul. Competitors can choose to race in the Ultra Beast: 26+ miles, the Beast: 12+ miles or the 3.5+ mile Sprint. Additionally, young Spartans are invited to race the Spartan Kids Races.
For more information visit www.discoverkillington.com.
