Events in and around Charlotte – September 22 – October 12, 2022

Please send event listings at least three weeks in advance.

A capella at Stine Orchard
Thursday, Sept. 22, 5-7 p.m.
Stine Orchard in Monkton (formerly Boyer’s Orchard) welcomes Root 7, a modern a cappella group, for free entertainment. Food available from Bushel Market and beverages from Bevo catering. Bring the family and blankets.

Atlatl workshop
Friday, Sept. 23, noon-5 p.m.
Experts from Thunderbird Atlatl teach traditional and modern techniques of atlatl and dart construction, including coaching on proper use. Chimney Point Historic Site in Addison hosts. Preregistration required.

Pickin’ and grinnin’
Friday, Sept. 23, 6-8:15 p.m.
Self-described as folk-rocking cow pokes, Ryan Ober and the Romans entertain at Shelburne Vineyard. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for picnics; blankets and chairs encouraged. Click for more info or tickets.

Vergennes block party
Friday, Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m.
Groovin’ on the Green is a free community event for the whole family with music, food and drinks, and an appreciation of all that Vergennes offers.

Green Mountain Book Festival
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 23-25
Three days of literary celebration in downtown Burlington features numerous readings by local authors, used and new books, and social gatherings. Click for a full schedule.

eBird workshop
Saturday, Sept. 24, 9-10 a.m.
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh and Green Mountain Audubon of Huntington host a free workshop on successful use of the eBird app. The app enables citizen scientists to contribute valuable data on bird identification and location over time. eBird is a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Bring binoculars, if possible, as well as a well-charged electronic device. Register here.

Walk to defeat ALS
Sat., Sept. 24, 10 a.m.
The Vermont Walk to Defeat ALS 5K takes place at Oakledge Park in Burlington. It’s not too late to sign up to walk and raise funds for the cause. Questions may be emailed. Click for more info.

Stream clean-up
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-noon
The Rethink Runoff team of Chittenden County welcomes volunteers to a stream clean-up effort of the Morehouse Brook in Winooski. Group meets at Landry Park in Winooski; dress appropriately for stream conditions with boots. Gloves and bags provided. Sign up by emailing Adelaide or visit the website.

Thoughts into words
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-noon
Write in the Garden is a free workshop held at Horsford Gardens and Nursery in Charlotte. All levels of writing experience are welcome; registration required. Organized by Project Write Now. Click to register.

Harvest festival
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bristol celebrates fall beauty and harvest abundance in a town-wide community gathering based on the town green. Crafters, vendors, food and music as well as merchant sales on Main St. Click for more info.

Abenaki Land Link Festival
Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
This growing season, volunteers around Vermont grew crops from traditionally saved Abenaki seeds. Those crops are used in the Abenaki Helping Abenaki food security program. The festival in Richmond celebrates this year’s crop and offers tastings, demonstrations, corn and bean processing, and tours of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps farm in Richmond. Preregister for free event.

But Why: Live!
Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Jane Lindholm and Melody Bodette present a stage show based on the popular Vermont Public (VP) podcast But Why? Kids get in free for this barnyard romp, held at Vermont Public headquarters in Colchester. A craft session follows and time with live animals. Click for more info and to register for a performance.

Orchard pickin’ party
Saturday, Sept. 24, noon-3 p.m.
Pick fruit at the Stine Orchard in Monkton (formerly Boyer’s Orchard) while listening to local singer-songwriter John Daly. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring blankets if desired. Click for more info.

Teen science cafe
Saturday, Sept. 24, 5-7 p.m.
All youth in grades 7-12 are invited to a free interactive workshop with pathologists from the University of Vermont Medical Center. Learn all about autopsies, meet scientists and learn about their careers in this specialized field. The event includes free food. Click for more info and to register. Sign up as soon as possible. Related events may be found on the website.

Forest walk
Sunday. Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-noon
Part of the Ferrisburgh Day celebration is a guided walk in the Ferrisburgh Town Forest. The walk is 3 miles roundtrip and involves some steep and uneven or wet terrain. No dogs please. To participate, email or call 802-318-7197.

Music and movement
Sunday, Sept. 25, 10-11 a.m.
Emma treats young people to a morning of song and dance at Shelburne Orchard. Geared to ages birth to 5, the free event is fun for all ages. Click for more info.

Music in Monkton
Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m.
At the Yates Family Orchard in Monkton, listen to the jazz sounds of the George Petit Quintet while you pick apples or relax under the apple trees. Click for more info about this free event.

Climate change webinar
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Climate forester of Vermont, Ali Kosiba, leads a free webinar on the changing climate’s impact on our forests, and how landowners can increase forest resilience, Her talk, organized by the Vermont Woodlands Association, is followed by a Q&A. Click to register.

Music while you pick
Wednesdays, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, 12:30-2 p.m.
Free music by local group The Meatpackers will wend its way through the trees at Shelburne Orchards, while visitors pick fruit and relax for a spell. The group has played bluegrass and gospel together for decades. The orchard is on the Shelburne-Charlotte line off Greenbush Road.

Film about Olmsted
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6-8 p.m.
Shelburne Farms screens the film Olmsted and America’s Urban Parks at the Coach Barn. The free movie is an exploration of the urban planner and landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. To attend, please send an email.

Music of Steve Hartmann
Thursday, Sept. 29, 5-7 p.m.
Listen to original music from Vermont-based Steve Hartmann while you pick apples or purchase food from Bushel Market and 802 Wagyu. Beverages from bevo catering. Free event is at Stine Orchard in Monkton (formerly Boyer’s Orchard). Click for more info.

For One Day of Freedom
Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m.
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh presents a free lecture, via Zoom, on the book For One Day of Freedom by Blyden Jackson. Jackson’s novel is the tale of a young man’s attempt to escape slavery. The discussion is led by Jackson’s widow and others. Register here for the lecture.

Day of racial equity
Friday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network presents a day of workshops, speakers, music, and conversations with legislators in the spirit of youth activism to fight racism. Local food trucks on site at the State House lawn in Montpelier. Register or find out more.

Taiko drumming
Friday, Sept. 30, 4:30 or 5:30 p.m.
Burlington’s Taiko performs two half-hour sets on the back lawn of the Mahaney Arts Center at Middlebury College. Free and open to all ages, rain or shine; come to one or both shows. Be thrilled by the powerful sounds of Taiko drums. If you get there by 3:30, you can join in a Japanese Lion Dance parade from central campus and walking to Mahaney for the performances. Click for more info. Event repeats Sat., Oct. 1, drumming at 2 or 3 p.m.

Fingerstyle guitar
Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg presents award-winning English guitar player Richard Smith in an acoustic performance in the school theater. Smith is adept in bluegrass, blues, ragtime and jazz. Doors open 6:30. Tickets may be purchased at the door (cash or personal check only) or in advance.

Charlotte:
Follow the yellow signs
Sat., Oct. 1 and Sun., Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Several Charlotte and Hinesburg artist neighbors will be participating in Vermont Crafts Council’s Open Studio weekend. Artists and makers all over the state are opening their studios to sell and talk about their wares. To plan your tour, or see a map of locations, and look for the yellow signs.

Writing with voice
Saturday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte welcomes writers of any experience level to partake in a two-part writing workshop at the farm. Event is outdoors or indoors, weather-depending. Journals for writing are provided or bring your own; bring a pen or pencil and drinking water. Optional lunch is available to purchase when buying tickets. Click for more info or to register.

Traditional music with Rowan
Saturday, Oct. 1, noon-2 p.m.
Celtic and traditional folk songs, plus original tunes, serenade apple pickers at Shelburne Orchards with Rowan, a group of six musicians who enjoy carrying forward the old tunes. Free concert for a fall day. Click for more info.

Science spark workshop
Saturday, Oct. 1, 1-3 p.m.
Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to a free event at the University of Vermont on human brain anatomy. This hands-on laboratory experience introduces students to neuroanatomy and health science studies. Limited registration for this event, led by university professors and graduate students. Learn more here or register.

Book talk on Olmsted
Monday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7 p.m.
Author, landscape architect and historian Rolf Diamant discusses his book Olmsted and Yosemite. Diamant writes about the history of the national park system, of which landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted was a great supporter. Held at the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms, the talk is free and you can register here.

Concert for turbulent times
Monday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Nights of Grief and Mystery is described as “an improbable, impossible night of words and music, involving a singer, a storyteller, and a band.” The evening is a collaboration between recording artist Gregory Hoskins and band, and stories from Stephen Jenkinson. Learn more and buy tickets here. This event is at the Vergennes Opera House; doors open 7 p.m.

Basic chainsaw use
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
This class for beginners covers use and safety of chainsaws, including maintenance, sharpening, and body mechanics. Instructors from Northeast Woodland Training conduct the workshop at the Watershed Center lands in Bristol. Click for more info and tickets.

Making herbal teas
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5-6:30 p.m.
With the knowledge and assistance of an herbalist, learn about medicinal herbs and how to use your garden bounty for making herbal teas. Class is at Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg. Click for more info and registration.

Reflections on writing
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Vermont writer and illustrator Jason Chin, winner of the 2022 Caldecott Medal for Illustration, speaks at a Vermont Humanities event at the Brownell Library in Essex Junction about his passion for nature, science, art and how these influence his work. This live event is free. More info at 802-878-6955.

Evening at the vineyard
Thursday, Oct. 6, 6-8:30 p.m.
Shelburne Vineyard hosts musical guests Antara and Chris Cheney. This free event is open to all. The New Deal food truck will be on hand for purchases. Bring blankets or lawn chairs if it’s a nice evening. See the Vineyard event list.

Abolition lecture
Thursday, Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh presents a lecture with professor Ford Risley, speaking on abolition and the press. The lecture is held at the Starr Library at Middlebury College. This free event requires registration.

Western Vermont Choral Lab
Begins Thursday, Oct. 6, 7-8 p.m.
Singer and composer Moira Smiley will lead two choirs this fall; one group in Bristol and one in Burlington. Her mission is to create a musical and social community between new and established Vermonters — through singing together. Music will reflect the diverse languages and cultures of the members. Classes meet weekly through mid-December. Bristol group begins Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. To learn more and sign up.

Press your own cider
Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get into the spirit of fall at Charlotte’s Horsford Gardens and Nursery with their cider pressing event. Bring a maximum of one bushel of apples per family group, plus clean containers for the cider. Vermont Homestead Cider provides a mobile cider press. One ticket issued per family, so all may participate. Click for tickets and info.

Pianist Clayton Stephenson
Saturday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson makes his Vermont debut at the Middlebury College Mahaney Arts Center. He is fresh from the Van Cliburn Competition finals and will perform Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and more. For more info and tickets, see tinyurl.com/2a53p9kp.

Make fire cider
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 4:30-6 p.m.
Get your tickets early for this popular event held at the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms. Participants will use ingredients grown at the Farm to make a vinegar infusion of herbs and vegetables. After steeping, the resulting liquid, called fire cider, is beneficial for the immune system through the winter. Click for more info and registration.

Farther Afield

Forest festival
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, try your hand at woodworking, or explore the forest on a guided nature walk. Learn about the forest cycle, from horse-logging to milling with a portable saw and woodcraft demonstrations. This free event at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock highlights the uses of the forest in everyday life. Guided hikes with author Tom Wessels require registration and a fee. Click for more info, or to register.

Storytelling Night
Friday, Sept. 30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Share a potluck meal and share a story of your travels in a Traveler’s Circle evening around the fire at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. Tonight’s theme is Encounters with Unusual Wildlife in your travels. Free family event is outside in good weather, indoors if needed. Sharing stories is not required; bring a dish to share, your plates and utensils. Event repeats Fri., Oct 28. Click for more info.

Dead Creek Wildlife Day
Saturday, Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife invites families to Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison for a day filled with wildlife demos, guided nature walks, bird banding demos, decoy carving, birdhouse building, and more. Free event and parking. Come for an hour or stay all day. Click for a complete schedule.

Music in Salisbury
Saturday, Oct. 1, 7-9 p.m.
Popular Vermont musicians and singer/songwriters Patti Casey and Colin McCaffrey perform at Salisbury Congregational Church. The concert, with limited seating, benefits the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. Learn more and buy tickets.

Marrowbone
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2
Marrowbone is described as a theater in Lincoln of stories in word, gesture and song. The audience experiences the performances on a guided half-mile path, rain or shine. Performances begin at noon. Reservations highly recommended. Children welcome. All may gather for refreshments at the end of the path; cash only. No pets allowed. Click for more info and tickets.