Brightening Mud Season in Bennington, Vermont

March in Bennington, Vermont, is a time of transformation. As winter loosens its grip and the days grow longer, three of Vermont’s most beloved traditions take center stage—maple sugaring, craft beer, and the arts. Whether you’re indulging in sugar-on-snow at a local sugarhouse or soaking in live music at one of our many venues, or looking for a town that celebrates St.Patrick’s together, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

The Sweetest Season: Vermont Maple Open House Weekend

Mark your calendars for March 22-23, when sugarhouses across the state swing open their doors for Vermont Maple Open House Weekend! This is your chance to experience the magic of maple syrup production up close. In Bennington County, nearly a dozen local sugar-makers will welcome visitors with warm hospitality and an irresistible lineup of maple-infused treats.

From freshly fried donuts and maple creemees to the legendary maple hot dogs, there’s something for every palate. Don’t forget to try sugar-on-snow, a Vermont classic that combines warm maple syrup drizzled over fresh snow for a perfect bite of sticky-sweet goodness.

For those looking to take home a taste of Vermont, be sure to stop by these participating sugarhouses in and around Bennington

• Glastenview Maple Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont  – Known for their unique cinnamon-infused syrup.
• Mance Family Tree Farm (Shaftsbury, VT) – A family-run operation with deep Vermont roots.
• Mountain Valley Maple Farm LLC (West Rupert, VT) – Specializing in traditional and organic maple products.

The list of sugaring operations involved in Maple Open House Weekend has not been finalized yet, so be sure to visit the Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s website to see an updated list. These sugar shacks and farms are also well worth a visit.

• Armstrong Farm, Pownal, Vermont
• Ball Brook Maple, Pownal, Vermont
• Dunn’s Leakee Bucket, Bennington, Vermont
• Maple Hill Maple, Shaftsbury, Vermont
• The Wing Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont
• Sugar Shack, Arlington, Vermont
• Merck Forest, Rupert, Vermont

Bennington has more than just sugaring operations; check out these other area farms to meet the animals, learn about local agriculture, and spend time outdoors.

Beyond the delicious flavors, Maple Open House Weekend offers plenty of family-friendly fun.

Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, wagon rides, and even cooking demonstrations to see how sap is transformed into liquid gold. Whether you’re a longtime maple enthusiast or experiencing this tradition for the first time, Maple Weekend in Bennington is not to be missed!

March in Bennington: A Celebration of the Arts

As the sap starts to run, so does Bennington’s thriving arts scene. March brings a lineup of live performances, historic presentations, and community events that showcase the creative energy of the region.

Vermont Arts Exchange: Basement Music Series

Live music fans, rejoice! The Mammals, hailed as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times), return to Bennington, bringing their blend of folk and Americana. Also taking the stage is Jenna Nicholls, whose soulful melodies transport audiences from New Orleans jazz halls to Western landscapes.

Read the full feature on Matthew Perry and 20 years of Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE).

Bennington Museum: Hidden Treasures

While the museum’s galleries officially reopen in April, March visitors can enjoy a special presentation:

March 16 at 2:00 pm – Scrapbooks: Hidden Treasures, a Bennington Historical Society event showcasing personal histories and preserved memories.

Monument Arts & Cultural Center

Kick off the month with the annual Wellness Weekend, then prepare for a night of laughter and amazement on March 1st at 7pm, when juggler Guy Collins (aka Groovy Guy) takes the stage for an evening of magic and comedy.

Bennington Theater: Live comedy, music and engaging events

Comedy lovers can enjoy a stacked lineup featuring Adam Mawalala, Julia Shipplet, and Jackie Fabulous. Local tip: Grab the Spring Comedy Pass for discounted admission to four comedy shows. Also, don’t miss Americana Women, making their Vermont debut, and the return of Wine & Improv, an interactive workshop hosted by expert Stephanie Phelan.

March Music & St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Downtown Bennington comes alive in March, especially for St. Patrick’s Day!

March 15 – Join the Shires Pub Crawl, a 21+ event featuring great drinks, live music, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Donovan’s is officially reopened and remains Bennington’s only authentic Irish pub.

Click here for a full list of Bennington’s watering holes.

Live music hotspots

Grab a pint and catch live performances at Harvest Brewing, Little City Cider Co., The Coffee Bar, Pangaea, Bennington Ramunto’s, Madison Brewing Company, Dutchman’s Tavern, and Union South.

Did you know? Brian Elwin Haner Sr. (Papa Gates), known for his work with comedian Jeff Dunham, performs regularly at The 421 Craft Bar & Kitchen.

Make the most out of March in Bennington

With maple syrup in the air and music in the streets, March in Bennington is a time of sweet traditions and artistic inspiration. Whether you’re here for the maple treats, the vibrant arts scene, or the St. Patrick’s Day revelry, one thing is certain—there’s no better place to experience Vermont’s charm than right here in Bennington.

Start planning your March getaway now, and be sure to follow Vermont Begins Here for the latest updates on all things Bennington!