It may not seem like it, but summer is just around the corner. Soon enough, you’ll be sitting around wondering what to do all day. The Hive wanted to share some of the best, most exciting experiences in Vermont this summer.

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

To kick off the summer, EHS’s own jazz band, Essex Jazz Collective, will be performing at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival  in downtown Burlington. The festival runs from June 7-11 and features many local bands, including multiple Vermont school jazz bands. Performances are held on Church Street, at the Flynn, and in/around restaurants nearby. 

The Hive spoke with Heather Trutor, the EHS band director, about the annual festival.

“The Burlington Discover Jazz Fest is actually celebrating their 40th year this year. It’s become an extremely beloved event where people travel to Vermont because it’s so huge,” Trutor mentioned, “Every year students look forward to feeling like stars.”

When asked why people should attend the Burlington Discover Jazz Fest, Trutor states, “It’s free. It’s local musicians. And it’s a way to support your community.”

Old Stage Summer Series

Looking for something to do in Essex? The Hive learned more about the annual Old Stage Summer Series held at the Double E Performance Center at the Essex Experience. This event is a series of concerts held outdoors throughout the summer. Various groups including Lorrie Morgan and The Sugarhill Gang come to play at certain times between June 17 and August 19. Most tickets range from $20 to $35, but some even cost nothing. 

Independence Day Fireworks

Another free activity is the annual Independence Day fireworks show at Waterfront Park. This is the largest fireworks display in Vermont. People from all over come to watch these fireworks at night on July 3rd every year, eating from the best restaurants nearby and gathering with their friends to enjoy the evening together. 

Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball

Many people also bring their friends and family to watch the Vermont Lake Monsters during their summer baseball season. They play at Centennial Field in Burlington for home games and travel to other areas including New Britain, CT, and Pittsfield, MA. At Centennial Field, you’ll find many options for food, drink, and merchandise while you watch the game. Individual ticket costs range from $6 to $17, but season passes that allow you access to all games range from $100 to $418. 

Festival of Fools

Later in August, another festival will be happening on Church Street, the Festival of Fools. This festival features some of the world’s greatest street performers to entertain many families and friends. The Hive wrote to Zach Williamson, Burlington City Arts’ (BCA) Festival and Event Director, about this cost-free, three-day event.

“BCA has been producing this festival for 16 years, with the main purpose of bringing live performances to the street, where people can interact, embrace laughter, and celebrate community,” Williamson wrote, “Many of the performers we bring together for Festival of Fools have Vermont roots. The Vermont culture and interest in the arts is what drives this festival year after year.”

In response to the question of why people should attend the festival, Williamson responded: “Years from now, are you going to remember the time you clicked through Instagram reels, or will you remember when you and your friends were asked to throw a head of cabbage at the spiked helmet of a clown-nosed fire juggler riding a 10-foot unicycle?”