HarvestFest Weekend is one of our favorite events of the season. As Vermont’s leaves burst into vibrant fall color, Stratton comes alive with flannels, fall cheer and plenty to do. Take in peak foliage from a scenic lift ride, taste local brews while listening to live music, explore the mountain by hiking or biking, and enjoy delicious food and family fun across Southern Vermont’s highest peak.
Brewfest
Saturday is a day you won’t want to miss, with Stratton’s annual Brewfest on October 10. The Base Area fills with craft beer, food and live music from 11:30AM–5:30PM, with doors opening at 11AM and the final pour at 5PM. Sample Vermont craft ales, lagers, porters, sours, ciders and more, or add Chili Cook-Off sampling and help choose this year’s fan favorite.
Music runs throughout the event with The Bennett Brothers, Saints and Liars, and A Man Named Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute band, taking the outdoor stage. The Stratton Farmers Market will also be in the Courtyard from 10AM–5PM on Saturday.
Tickets are required for Brewfest and are limited, so purchasing in advance is recommended.
Fall Views on the Mountain
There may be no better way to see Vermont in October than from above. Scenic Gondola Rides run Thursday through Monday from 10AM–4:30PM, carrying you above the changing trees and up to the summit of Stratton.
Once you’re at the top, keep the adventure going with a hike to the Stratton Fire Tower. The tower sits at Stratton’s true summit, near the crossing of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and fall foliage.
Prefer to see the colors at a little higher speed? Stratton Bike Park is open Thursday through Monday from 10AM–4PM, making HarvestFest Weekend the season finale for lift-served mountain biking.
North Face Tails and Trails Hike & Race to the Summit
HarvestFest goes well beyond Saturday. On Sunday, October 11, start the morning with The North Face Tails and Trails Hike, heading to the summit from 9AM–10AM with a complimentary Gondola ride back to the Base Area. The Farmers Market returns from 10AM–5PM, followed by free live music in the main Base Area from 3PM–5PM.
Then on Monday, October 12, runners can close out the long weekend with The North Face Race to the Summit, a 2.18-mile uphill challenge beginning at 9:30AM.
Make a Weekend of It
There’s plenty to fill the time between events. UTV Tours run daily, the Stratton Golf Course offers tee times throughout the weekend, and CLIMB, the Stratton Training and Fitness Center, tennis, pickleball and more give you even more ways to spend a fall day on the mountain.
Grab your flannel, bring your crew and come celebrate fall on Southern Vermont’s highest peak. HarvestFest Weekend runs October 8–12, 2026.
HarvestFest may be one of the highlights of the Fall season, but there’s plenty more fun coming up here at Stratton. From live music and mountain adventures to festivals, races and seasonal events, there’s always another reason to head to the mountain. Check out the Events Calendar to see what’s coming up and start planning your next visit.