Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Downtown Bennington, VT
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
When autumn sweeps across Vermont, Downtown Bennington wears the season like a crown. Golden foliage arching over historic brick sidewalks, the air cool and fragrant with apples, and Main Street alive with the hum of neighbors and visitors mingling.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, that magic will take center stage as the 4th Annual Harvest Fest transforms downtown into a lively celebration of crafts, flavors, music, and community spirit.
“It’s my favorite time of year,” says Jeanne Mintrone, Executive Director of the Better Bennington Corporation and producer of the event. “The fall foliage, the crisper air, the smell of apples, it’s just so inviting. Harvest Fest captures the very heart of the season.”
A Feast for the Senses
With more than 100 vendors lining Main Street, Harvest Fest offers something for every taste and treasure hunter. Visitors can browse everything from artisan crafts and handmade gifts to seasonal foods that highlight Vermont’s bounty.
This year, guests can look forward to new maple vendors, an alpaca farm with cozy goods perfect for chilly days, and a new bakery making its festival debut with fresh breads and pastries. And for those craving something savory, don’t miss the crowd-favorite Bavarian pretzel stand, twisting up golden, salty knots right on the street.
All the while, the comforting aroma of mulled cider will drift from the information booth, adding one more layer to the day’s sensory charm.
Entertainment for All Ages
Live music is woven throughout the event, bringing an upbeat soundtrack to the day. The BBC presents performances on the main stage at Lucky’s, including headliner The Velvet Wave, as well as music at Nichol’s. Meanwhile, Knapp’s Trailer will host its own lineup organized by Knapp’s Music Shop.
Festival traditions also return, like the crowd-pleasing medieval fighters, who bring history to life with fall-themed reenactments, and the always-anticipated dancing witches flash mob that sweeps through the streets with a burst of costumed fun.
Family Fun in the Kids Zone
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Merchants Park Kids Zone, sponsored by The Bank of Bennington, is a lively hub where children and families can learn, play, and create together.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors can catch three live raptor shows, each lasting 30 minutes and spaced out between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, giving everyone multiple chances to see these incredible birds of prey up close. Presented by experts from the natural history museum, the shows combine awe-inspiring demonstrations with fascinating educational facts about Vermont’s wildlife.
The fun doesn’t stop there; The Vermont Museum of Natural History will also be on display in the park, inviting kids (and curious adults) to explore Vermont’s nature, animals, and the environment.
For those feeling creative, pumpkin decorating stations will be stocked and ready, while balloon twisting adds splashes of color and joy throughout the day. With so much to do in one spot, the Kids Zone is truly a place where families can linger, laugh, and make lasting memories.
A Community in Celebration
Harvest Fest is as much about supporting the community as it is about celebrating the season. Raffles throughout the day offer prizes like mums, Downtown Dollars, gift cards from local businesses, and original art from the Better Bennington Corporation, with proceeds helping to keep downtown vibrant year-round.
The Scarecrow Contest invites visitors to vote for their favorite creations, adding a playful and colorful touch to the streetscape. Storefronts will be dressed in seasonal décor, and downtown businesses will join the festivities with specials, giveaways, and warm welcomes for festival-goers.
Stay and Explore
While you’re here, take time to enjoy Downtown Bennington’s historic charm, a walkable district filled with locally owned shops, cafés, restaurants, and breweries. All parking downtown is free, making it easy to explore at your own pace. For those making a weekend of it, stay at a local inn or motel and discover even more of what Southern Vermont has to offer.
Mark Your Calendar
As the sun sets on Harvest Fest, visitors leave with more than just bags of baked goods and handcrafted treasures. They carry the memory of Main Street at its most vibrant, the warmth of shared community, and the unmistakable feeling of having experienced fall in Vermont at its very best.
The 4th Annual Harvest Fest is a day to savor the colors, flavors, and spirit of the season, right in the heart of Downtown Bennington.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Kids Zone: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Bennington, VT
Admission: Free | Raffle tickets available for purchase
For more information, please visit BetterBennington.com
