By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
The scent of garlic, the sound of live music, and the hum of community spirit will fill the streets of Bennington once again this Labor Day Weekend as Garlic Town USA celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
What began as a modest local harvest celebration has grown into one of New England’s largest garlic festivals, a highly anticipated tradition that draws thousands of visitors each year. This year’s event, presented by Union South and Hoffman Car Wash, promises to be the biggest yet, with a music lineup that spans the entire day, more than 130 hand-curated vendors, and a celebration of Southern Vermont’s agricultural and creative vitality.
Garlic Town is more than a food festival, it’s a love letter to local farms, families, and the pulse of Bennington County. Walking through the shaded streets of downtown, guests are greeted by the unmistakable aroma of sizzling garlic, the joyful energy of families and friends reuniting, and an endless variety of goods that reflect the richness of the region. Every vendor is handpicked to ensure a blend of garlic farmers, prepared food artisans, pantry staples, spices, pickles, jams, syrups, and farm-to-festival eats that’ll fill your pantry well past frost. From seasoned garlic braids to one-of-a-kind condiments and cold craft drinks, this is where taste meets tradition.
At the heart of it all is the spirit of community. More than 100 local volunteers power the event each year, welcoming guests, guiding activities, and preserving the legacy of this beloved festival. You can spot the tie-dye shirt wearing helpers throughout the event thanks to this year’s volunteer sponsor, The Bank of Bennington. Garlic Town has become a symbol of what’s possible when neighbors, farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs come together around something as simple, and flavorful, as garlic.
A Soundtrack for the Day
For its 30th year, Garlic Town is proud to host five outstanding bands, each offering a different rhythm to suit the day’s mood. From morning jazz grooves to sunset dance jams, the 2025 lineup, sponsored by Coggins Auto Group and produced in partnership with Bennington Theater, is built to complement the spirit of the festival, with full sound, stage, and lighting support from the region’s top theater and production crew.
2025 Garlic Town Music Lineup:
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Buck2Fifty
A smooth, Southern-flavored opener with New Orleans R&B, early rock, and soulful standards that invite you to ease into the day with sway. - 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | The Julie Shea Band
Bennington’s own party rock legends return for a festival-exclusive reunion. Expect sing-alongs, dancing, and the joyful energy of a hometown favorite. - 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | like bunny
A poetic indie-folk interlude from singer-songwriter Lani DePonte-Disorda. Honest, tender, and perfect for the mid-day festival pause. - 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | StartAgain
Alt-rock duo J. Frey and J. Lauzon deliver a high-energy “power hour” of digital rock, blending covers and originals with full production punch. - 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | The Prescription
An eight-piece local favorite bringing Garlic Town home with funk, blues, soul, and groove. A finale that honors the festival’s deep community roots.
This year’s stage will shine brighter than ever thanks to Bennington Theater, joining as the official production sponsor to elevate every note, mic check, and power chord.
A Festival Built by the Region
What makes Garlic Town USA truly special is its foundation in the local community, from the produce to the people. This year’s event features:
- Chef Demonstration Tent sponsored by couch + cork, where guests can learn from top regional chefs and sample new creations, including the crowd favorite garlic-infused ice cream sampling!
- Bar Tents featuring Vermont craft beers, garlic-themed cocktails and delicious non-alcoholic beverages sponsored by Hoffman Real Estate.
- Free Parking thanks to Oliver Ford of Bennington, and shuttle rides from and to the festival grounds.
- A curated vendor marketplace featuring over 130 farms, food trucks, crafters, and producers.
- Kids’ activity areas and vendors, free downtown tractor rides, and live entertainment to keep the whole family engaged.
- And new for 2025: a celebration of our Garlic Town Champions, sponsors who have stepped up to support the 30th anniversary, including:
T-Mobile, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Dartmouth Health, Burger King, Front Porch Forum, JK Adams, and Power Guru: Solar Energy Experts.
Media sponsors for the 2025 festival include Vermont News & Media, Bennington Banner, and Old Mill Road Media, ensuring that Garlic Town continues to be shared with the entire New England region and beyond.
Be There for the 30th
Garlic Town USA 2025 is set for Saturday, August 30 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Downtown Bennington, Vermont. Discounted tickets are available online now at GarlicTownUSA.com.
This Labor Day Weekend, be part of a festival that has grown from a backyard celebration to a cultural and culinary landmark. Whether you come for the garlic, the music, or the memories, Garlic Town welcomes you home!
