Summer Concerts, Performances and Arts in Stowe

July 5, 2018

by STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION

Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy Vermont’s scenic beauty, while also catching a concert, a show, or an outdoor movie. This summer, Stowe has a lineup of family-friendly events, such as the ever popular Music in the Meadow concerts, the first ever Spruce Peak Folk Festival and Saturday Cinema on the Lawn. For those looking for a break in outdoor activity, catch a show with “Hello, Dolly!” and “Heathers the Musical.”

Combine a few of your favorite things with one of these outdoor concerts and summer performances.

Music in the Meadow
When: July – August, 2018
Where: Trapp Family Lodge
A long-standing tradition in Stowe, Music in the Meadow began in 1976 in Whisker’s Field on Mountain Road, but at the suggestion of Johannes von Trapp, the concerts were moved to the meadow at Trapp Family Lodge. The concert meadow provides a beautiful backdrop for evening concerts. Along with stunning sunset views, it acts as a natural amphitheater, allowing performances to clearly project over the green. Concerts begin on July 8 with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, followed by Marcia Ball on July 15, The Dustbowl Revival on July 29 and Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers on August 5.

“Heathers the Musical”
When: July 18 – August 4, 2018
Where: Ackley Memorial Building
The Stowe Theatre Guild has been producing plays in Stowe for more than 50 years and this year is no exception. From July 18 – August 4, see the show based on the cult classic movie from the late 80’s, “Heathers the Musical.” The story follows Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenager, who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique; the Heathers. Also upcoming this season, The Stowe Theatre Guild is presenting “The Bridges of Madison County” and “The Odd Couple.”

“Hello, Dolly!”
When: July 19 – 22, 2018 and July, 26 – 29, 2018
Where: Hyde Park Opera House
Produced by the Lamoille County Players, this classic Broadway hit is filled with romance, humor, dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker, are certain to thrill and entertain audiences. Watch this classic come to life July 19 – 22 and 26 – 29. Also upcoming this season, the Lamoille County Players will present ” All Shook up,” “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” and “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!).”

Stowe Arts Week 2018
When: July 21 – 29, 2018
Where: Various Stowe Locations
The first ever Stowe Arts Week will make Stowe the epicenter of the local arts and culture scene. This event will celebrate Stowe’s long history and involvement in the arts and will feature events from a wide variety of local arts and cultural organizations. Go on a nature photography walk with a local photographer and a family hike to Sunset Rock with Stowe Land Trust. Browse local art during Art on Park and get hands-on with paper mache making with Stowe Parks & Recreation. Tab Benoit will be performing at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center (July 21), as well as StarStruck: A Cosmic Circus (July 29). Stowe Arts Week will also coincide with the opening of “Exposed”, Helen Day Art Center’s outdoor art exhibit, which features sculptures along the Stowe Recreation path and throughout Stowe village.

Gazebo Concerts
When: July 24 – August 14, 2018
Where: Helen Day Art Center Gazebo
Throughout July and August, Stowe Performing Arts presents a series of free outdoor concerts every Tuesday. Perfect for a relaxing summer evening, these concerts take place in the middle of Stowe’s historic village, which offers a scenic backdrop for live music. This season’s lineup includes the Swing Peepers (July 24), The Will Patton Ensemble (July 31), Morrisville & Waterbury Combined Bands (August 7) and Cold Chocolate (August 14).

Saturday Cinema on the Lawn
When: July 28, 2018 & August 11, 2018
Where: Park Street
Stowe is taking outdoor film screenings to the next level! On July 28, experience the magic of “Coco,” the Academy Award-winning animated movie, free of charge on the lawn in front of the Helen Day Art Center. A Day of the Dead fiesta will take place, before the screening, as part of the Stowe Arts Week 2018 festivities. The fiesta will offer food, drinks, music, face painting and you’ll be able to decorate your own Coco cookies. Costumes are welcomed.

On August 11, watch “The Sound of Music” in the hometown of the von Trapp family with a special lawn party celebrating everyone’s “Favorite Things!” The lawn party will feature songs from “The Sound of Music,” Austrian food, beer garden, children’s activities and more! Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for this Stowe tradition. Come in your dirndl or lederhosen to add to the fun.

Spruce Peak Folk Festival
When: August 11, 2018
Where: Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Take in an all day, family-friendly festival in the heart of the mountains in Stowe! At the Spruce Peak Folk Festival, hosted by Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, pack a picnic lunch, pick the perfect spot and spend the day taking in the scenery and the music. Performers include Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Daniel Rodriguez of Elephant Revival and many Vermont busker acts.

Photo credit: Stowe Theatre Guild, Stowe Performing Arts, Albert Paley (featured image) and Jaume Plensa (Exposed)