ALL WEEKEND LONG…
August 23-25: Experience a driving event of equine proportions during the Green Mountain Horse Association’s Combined Driving Event & Combined Test – complete with Driven Dressage, a Cross Country Marathon, and Cones Driving Competition!
August 23-26: Then, catch a showing of Quentin Tarantino’s latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, an exploration behind the silver screen in 1969 and a glimpse at the life of Sharon Tate, playing at Pentangle Arts’ Woodstock Town Hall Theatre.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22…
Find fun on the Billings Farm for the whole crew, young and old, with tactile, textile fun and hands-on culinary delights, including:
2 – 3:15 PM: Visionary landscape paintings were key influencers to the conservation movement, and you can learn how during an Art Tour at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park's (NHP) mansion. Registration required, see link for details.
Then, an evening of free, live music awaits in Bridgewater and Barnard, both just a stone’s throw from Woodstock… So hop in your car and take your pick:
- 4 – 7 PM: The Melting Nomads perform live at Long Trail Brewery’s Summer Music
- 5 – 8:30 PM: Kalbells perform live at Feast and Field
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23…
10 AM – 5 PM: Take your food prep into the past during Foodways Fridays at Billings Farm & Museum! You’ll discover how produce grown right on the premises is used in historic recipes, then take home a recipe to try yourself. See link for details.
2 – 3 PM: Descend into a 1960s fallout shelter and back in time during Fallout Fridays at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP. During this tour of the Rockefeller Family’s bunker, you’ll learn how the Cold War influenced conservation thinking, what life was like on the brink of nuclear war, and more. Registration recommended, see link for more information.
3:30 – 5:30 PM: The work of plein air painters through the Upper Valley convene in this spectacular series of “Summer Gems” at the Odanaksis Art Exhibit Opening Reception! Displayed in the Mezzanine Gallery of the Norman Williams Public Library, these paintings feature various mediums, from watercolor to pastel, oils, acrylics, ink, and photography.
4 – 6 PM: Next up, it’s Summer Sips with Farmhouse Pottery – where you can sample local spirits in honor of this sunny season.
From 5:30 – 7 PM, there are three paths for evening activities… choose wisely between:
- A taste of the finer thing in life with Ice Cream & Flowers with the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP and Billings Farm
- Friday Evening Ladies Rides for an empowered mountain biking experience at Suicide Six
- A performance by folk jazz favorite Jay Nash at the final Music by the River concert of the summer season, presented by Pentangle Arts. Oh, and did we mention it's free and open to all?
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24…
9 AM – 12 PM: Lace up and get running with this week’s Parkrun timed 5k at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP, presenting the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs in the confines of our national park. Runners and walkers welcome, just be sure to preregister online!
9:30 – 10:30 AM: If a leisurely stroll is more your speed, head to Kelly Way Gardens for this edition of their Summer Garden Tour Series, with tips on how to make a great garden smoothie. Complimentary for Woodstock Inn & Resort guests, $10 for visitors.
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Or admire the Mt Tom views of the national park from down below at the Mt Tom Farmers' Market!
10 AM – 4 PM: Party like the Rockefellers during a special Summer Celebration at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP, complete with games, golf, tennis, art, and special tours. No registration required!
11 AM – 2 PM: Later… there’s no shame in having dessert first when there’s a Tasting with Farmhouse Chocolates at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market!
Then, beginning at 2 PM, choose from:
- 2 – 3 PM: Life in Full Bloom tour at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
- 2 – 3:30 PM: Stephen Collins performs a one-man play, "Sailing Towards my Father" at Norman Williams Public Library
4 – 10 PM: It’s time for the annual Bridgewater Celebration! Join the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department as they grill up chicken and corn while serving tasty sides and groove-worthy live music by The Gully Boys.
7 – 9 PM: Then, learn the basics of fishing and get your hands dirty (or in this case, wet!) at the free Let's Go Fishing Clinic at Silver Lake.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25…
9 AM: Challenge yourself for the love of adventure to The Overland, Vermont's Gravel Road Race. While most spots are filled up, there’s still time to snag a spot – but the registration deadline is Thursday, August 22nd at noon ET – so don’t delay!
1 – 3 PM: Then, visit the site of the first ski tow in the United States during an Excursion to Gilbert’s Hill with the Woodstock History Center, a free walking tour made complete with food and music!
4 – 6 PM: Classical music lovers, this one’s for you. Visit the North Universalist Chapel in Woodstock for the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival presented by Pentangle Arts. An evening of Beethoven is in your future!
6 – 9 PM: Dinner is served! Experience the full farm-to-table experience with Executive Chef Rhys Lewis during this Red Barn Dinner at Kelly Way Gardens. This menu includes soy maple glazed salmon crostini, a braised Cavendish Farm pork shoulder, roasted corn pudding, a blueberry emulsion tart, and more. See link for pricing and reservations.
