By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
There are some events that feel less like a festival and more like a tradition woven into the identity of a place.
In Bennington, Labor Day weekend belongs to Garlic Town, USA.
For more than three decades, this beloved event has drawn visitors from across New England and beyond, transforming downtown Bennington into a celebration of food, farming, music, craft and community pride. This year, Garlic Town returns on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are now on sale.
Held annually at 113 Depot St. in downtown Bennington, Garlic Town has grown from a humble farmers market into what is now widely recognized as the largest farmers market event in New England, a foodie heaven, a curated marketplace, a live music festival and a signature Southern Vermont experience all at once.
Formerly known as the Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival, the event has been recognized among the top 10 garlic festivals in the world by Reuters, featured in Yankee Magazine, awarded Vermont’s Time-Honored Top 10 Event, and is now officially designated a Vermont Signature Event by the state’s Department of Tourism.
A Marketplace Worth Filling Your Pantry For
At its roots, Garlic Town began as a farmers market, and that spirit remains at the heart of the event.
Today, many farmers grow specifically for this festival, bringing an extraordinary range of garlic and specialty ingredients designed to stock your kitchen for the year ahead.
Expect everything from fresh bulbs and braids to black garlic, powdered garlic, jarred delicacies and artisan cooking ingredients.
The marketplace also features a highly curated mix of crafters, makers, distillers and specialty producers, making it as much a shopping destination as a culinary celebration.
For home cooks, food lovers and anyone who enjoys discovering unique regional products, it is one of the most rewarding stops of the season.
Taste Before You Buy
One of Garlic Town’s most beloved features is its “try-before-you-buy” model.
Your ticket provides access to an impressive lineup of farmers and craft food producers offering tastings throughout the grounds.
From savory spreads and infused oils to sweet surprises and garlic-forward specialties, the festival encourages exploration through flavor.
It is this immersive tasting experience that keeps so many visitors returning year after year.
Music, Family Fun and Festival Energy
Garlic Town is also a full-scale entertainment experience.
Live music will feature Vermont-based singer-songwriter Julie Shea, who will open the festival with her soulful, Americana sound, followed by some of the region’s most popular acts, including Buck2Fifty, bringing their New Orleans-inspired R&B sound, the family-rooted Bird Mountain String Band, and headliner Velvet Wave, whose surf rock sound channels the spirit of the 1960s.
Beyond the stage, families can enjoy a dedicated kids area filled with hands-on activities and open-ended play, while the chef demonstration tent offers educational and interactive culinary programming.
With more than 100 volunteers helping bring the day to life, the event reflects the devotion and pride of the local community.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Garlic Town has also become a regional leader in sustainable event practices.
Last year, the festival achieved a remarkable milestone by diverting more than 4,000 pounds of waste from incineration, transforming food scraps into nutrient-rich compost through dedicated sorting and recycling efforts.
Working closely with its Green Team volunteers and Solid Waste Alliance Compost Committee partners, the festival continues its efforts as a “near zero-waste event”, an impressive example of environmental stewardship in large-scale event production.
Plan Your Visit
Parking and shuttle services will be available from Grace Christian School, 104 Kocher Drive, and the Chamber of Commerce, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive. More information on parking, shuttle rides, and tractor rides will be available on the website.
Festival amenities include restrooms, a dedicated dining area, a bar and satellite bar, and easy access throughout the site.
But as any returning visitor will tell you, no article can truly capture the joy, the atmosphere or the unmistakable aroma that fills the Bennington air that day.
For tickets and full details, visit GarlicTownUSA.com
Start planning your Labor Day weekend in Southern Vermont now.
