Maple Steam, Green Celebrations, and a New Theater Season

March in Bennington feels alive.

The steam starts rising from sugarhouses. Storefront windows turn green. Restaurants roll out seasonal menus. The theater lights come up for a new community season. Basement Music Series returns to the stage.

This is the month where winter loosens its grip and Vermont culture takes the lead.

If you want to experience Bennington the way locals do — not just during peak foliage — March is the time.

Maple Season in Full Swing

In Vermont, March means maple.

Vermont Maple Open House Weekend (March 21 & 22, 2026) is one of the most authentic statewide traditions you can experience. More than 90 sugarhouses open their doors to the public for tours, tastings, demonstrations, pancake breakfasts, maple donuts, music, and family-friendly events. It’s free, it’s educational, and it’s deeply rooted in working-land traditions.

In our region, Glastenview Maple Farm in Shaftsbury is a strong stop on your maple route — offering visitors a firsthand look at the sugaring process and the chance to taste syrup fresh from the source.

And maple isn’t just found at the sugarhouse.

Locally produced, high-grade Vermont maple syrup is available throughout Bennington at:

• Powers Market in North Bennington
• Bennington Community Market
• Jay’s Art Shop
• The Local & Co
• And many other local retailers

The Vermont Maple Map helps you plan your weekend route — but even if you miss Open House Weekend, maple season runs all month long.

To explore more local farms, markets, and specialty food producers, visit VermontBeginsHere.com.

St. Patrick’s Day: Join the Celebration

Bennington doesn’t label St. Patrick’s Day as a “tradition.” We just celebrate it.

March brings a noticeable shift downtown — storefronts decorated in green, bartenders experimenting with festive cocktails, neighbors gathering for seasonal specials, and visitors stepping into a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Local spots that embrace the spirit include:

• Donovan’s Irish Pub
• Madison’s Brewing Company & Restaurant
• Harvest Brewing
• Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza
• 421 Craft Bar and Kitchen
• Union South
• Miller’s Toll
• Kelli’s Tavern
• Kevin’s Pub and Kitchen
• And for brunch with a mimosa or beer, Angry Egg 2

On Saturday, March 14th, the 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl

Hosted by the Shires Young Professionals runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants move from location to location enjoying themed drinks, food specials, and giveaways. No registration required — just show up and join in. All 21+ welcome.

March is a good reminder: joining Bennington during any holiday means stepping into a community that enjoys celebrating together.

To see all dining, brewery, and nightlife options in Bennington, visit our Dining & Drinks Guide at VermontBeginsHere.com.

Community Theater Season Opens

March also marks the beginning of the 2026 Community Theater Season at Bennington Theater.

This year’s four-production lineup brings contemporary theater, classic works, comedy, and a holiday musical to the stage — alongside the launch of a new Community Theater Season Pass.

The season opens with A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath — a modern sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s landmark play exploring marriage, independence, and the long shadow of personal freedom.

“This season reflects the range and vitality of community theater,” said Kaiya Kirk, Executive Director of Bennington Theater. “We are bringing bold contemporary work, a locally resonant Shakespeare, smart comedy, and a joyful holiday production to our stage. Each show invites our community not just to attend, but to participate in the creative life of Bennington.”

The 2026 season continues with:

• Much Ado About Nothing (June), directed by David Dubov-Flinn, reimagined and set in Bennington during the American Revolution in recognition of Vermont’s upcoming 250th anniversary commemorations.
• Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Fall), Steve Martin’s absurdist comedy directed by John Lugar.
• Nuncrackers (December), a festive holiday favorite blending music, comedy, and audience participation.

The newly introduced Community Theater Season Pass allows patrons to select two to four productions at a 20% discount, choose their seats and dates at purchase, and engage with multiple performances across the year.

Performance dates and Season Pass information are available at benningtontheater.org.

Community theater in Bennington isn’t seasonal filler — it’s part of the town’s creative backbone.

To explore more arts, galleries, and cultural experiences in Bennington, visit the Arts & Culture section at VermontBeginsHere.com.

Live Music: The Basement Series Continues

The Vermont Arts Exchange Basement Music Series returns this March, presented live at Bennington Theater.

In 2024, the series celebrated 20 years of bringing national and regional touring musicians to intimate stages in Bennington — a milestone highlighted in Vermont Begins Here’s feature on the Vermont Arts Exchange and the Basement Music Series’ two decades of programming.

This month features Jenna Nicholls, whose songwriting has appeared in film and television and whose performances have spanned from Carnegie Hall to smaller community venues across the country.

Her sound blends folk storytelling, piano, and ukulele with lyrical depth that critics have described as “a voice that stops pedestrians in their tracks” (Relix).

The Basement Music Series remains one of Bennington’s most consistent live music offerings — intimate, high quality, and community-supported.

To discover more live music and upcoming performances, visit the Events Calendar.

March Is Not the Off-Season

There’s a tendency to treat March as in-between.

In Bennington, it isn’t.

It’s sugaring season.
It’s holiday celebrations.
It’s opening night.
It’s live music.
It’s neighbors and visitors sharing space at the bar, in the theater, and around a pancake breakfast table.

The days get longer. The calendar fills up. The town shifts forward.