By Dave Hoffenberg
As the days stretch longer and the scent of lilacs fills the air, Vermont’s live music scene is warming up right alongside the weather. From jazz duos and fiddle tunes to bluegrass jams and benefit festivals, the Green Mountain State is alive with sound this spring. While many music series extend into summer, now through June 21 is packed with can’t-miss performances—perfect for filling your calendar before the Solstice.
Here are some of the top music happenings to enjoy this spring across the region:
Weekly vibes in Quechee
Harry’s Cocktail Lounge is your weekend headquarters for live music, featuring local folk, jazz, and acoustic acts every Friday (5 p.m.), Saturday (6 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.). A standout pick this season: The Preacher & The Teacher, a soulful jazz duo with Rev. Leon Dunkley and Stephen Stuntz, performing Friday, May 16.
Just down the road, The Public House offers a steady weekly lineup with Jim Yeager (Tuesdays), Kim Wilcox/Chris Pallutto (Wednesdays), and weekend bands starting at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss Jacob Green on June 7 with his impressive one-man-band setup, or Kind Bud on June 20, delivering a blend of covers and originals with feel-good energy.
Music on the Mountain returns to Okemo
The 2nd annual Music on the Mountain festival is back Saturday, May 17, at Jackson Gore Resort in Ludlow. This family-friendly, substance-free event benefits the Divided Sky Foundation and features a powerhouse lineup including Karina Rykman, Sun Ra Arkestra, and the Divided Sky All-Stars with Anders Osborne and more. The music runs from 2–7 p.m., with plenty of food, fun, and good vibes.
Poultney and Killington keep it local
Head to the Poultney Pub on May 30 for a performance by Marcos Levy, known for his roots in traditional Irish and folk music with Cold River Band and Extra Stout. His current project, The Plumb Bobs, blends original songs and classic tunes.
Over in Killington, Still on the Mountain hosts Nancy Johnson and Barry Schoenwetter on May 31 at 6:30 p.m.—a last chance to catch the duo live before Barry heads to Alaska for the summer.
A double bill in Woodstock
Make it a music-filled evening on May 31 with the Ben Kogan Band and The Freeze Brothers performing at the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre at 6 p.m. Bluegrass fans will also want to know Ben hosts an informal jam at the Ottauquechee Yacht Club every other Monday starting May 12.
Feast & Field kicks off in Barnard
The beloved Feast & Field Concert series begins May 29 and runs through Sept. 25 at Fable Farm in Barnard. The first show features Chad Hollister Band. Enjoy live music, farm-fresh food, and family fun every Thursday night.
A classic musical outdoors
BarnArts presents “The Sound of Music” at King Farm in Woodstock, running June 19–22 and June 27–29. This outdoor theater event combines Vermont’s natural beauty with timeless melodies—bring a picnic and enjoy under the stars.
Upcoming series to watch
Several concert series begin just before summer and offer a taste of what’s to come:
Music on the Hill at Artistree in Pomfret starts June 11, bringing weekly Wednesday shows at 6:30 p.m.
Tunesday Concerts at Pittsford Village Farm kick off June 17, with local and regional bands playing 6–8 p.m. Keep an ear out for The Mojo Birds on July 1, a funky group with Colorado roots that wowed crowds last year.
Rutland’s Seven to Sunset Concert Series returns June 25, along with the grand reopening of the Main Street Park Gazebo, and continues every Wednesday evening through the season.
Looking ahead
While summer may bring more outdoor stages, music festivals, and backyard jams, spring is when Vermont sets the tone. Whether you’re enjoying jazz with a cocktail in Quechee, catching fiddle tunes in Poultney, or grooving on the mountain in Ludlow, there’s no shortage of ways to dance into the season.