Garlic Town USA returns to Bennington for 31st anniversary

Expanded Entertainment, Chef Demonstrations and Family Programming

Vermont Business Magazine Garlic Town USA, Southern Vermont’s signature Labor Day weekend festival, will return to downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 5, celebrating its 31st anniversary with new vendors, expanded programming, a reimagined chef demonstration tent and a full day of live entertainment.

Formerly known as the beloved “Garlic Fest,” the annual festival has grown into one of Vermont’s largest family-friendly agricultural celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country to downtown Bennington each Labor Day weekend. Produced by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Garlic Town USA showcases local agriculture, food, music, artisans and community organizations while celebrating all things garlic.

New this year is a significantly expanded culinary experience led by Demonstration Captain Mikayla Fissette, bringing fresh energy and new programming to one of the festival’s most popular attractions. Fissette, of Green Mountain Home Health & Hospice (formerly VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region) and recipient of the 2026 Young Woman In Leadership Award at the Women In Leadership Luncheon, has developed a lineup designed to inspire home cooks, gardeners and garlic enthusiasts alike.

The demonstration schedule includes:

Garlic Braiding with Michelle Scutt of Harmony Acres Garlic Farm
Home & Garden Composting 101 with the Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance
Black Garlic Magic with Tony of Rolling Rock Farm
Healthy Eating with Garlic with Dr. Jenn
The festival’s fan-favorite garlic ice cream and garlic infused gelato sampling demo

“After 31 years, Garlic Town is still growing, evolving, and bringing our talented community together – and that’s what makes this festival so special. From learning how to braid garlic from our farmers, sampling garlic-infused gelato, or even mastering home composting from our zero waste partners, our Demonstration Tent truly has something for everyone. It’s a fun, hands-on way for festivalgoers to learn, taste, and take a little garlic inspiration home with them.” added Mikaela Lewis, Event Manager.

Beyond the culinary stage, organizers have expanded entertainment throughout the festival grounds with continuous live music featuring regional performers spanning Americana, rhythm and blues, bluegrass and surf rock.

The 2026 entertainment lineup includes:

Julie Shea (10–11:30 a.m.), a Vermont singer-songwriter performing an acoustic mix of Americana, folk, country, pop and classic rock; Buck2Fifty (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.), delivering a high-energy blend of New Orleans-inspired rhythm and blues, funk, early rock ’n’ roll and American standards; Bird Mountain String Band (1:30–3 p.m.), a Vermont family ensemble playing lively bluegrass, old-time music and its signature “mountain jazz”; and Velvet Wave (3–5 p.m.), a Bennington-based surf-rock band featuring reverb-soaked guitars, 1960s favorites and danceable energy.

Garlic Town USA will also feature more than 120 curated vendors and small businesses, specialty food trucks, more than 50 tasting opportunities, free children’s activities, downtown tractor rides, artisan shopping and family entertainment throughout the day.

The festival continues its commitment to sustainability as a Near Zero Waste event, offering composting and recycling stations throughout the grounds. More than 100 volunteers will welcome guests and help operate the event.

This year’s presenting sponsors are Union South, Comprehensive Computing and Hoffman Car Wash. Additional sponsors include Oliver Automotive Group (Parking and Transportation Sponsor), Coggins Auto Group (Music Sponsor), The Bank of Bennington (Volunteer Sponsor), Heritage Family Credit Union (Kids Zone Sponsor), Wells Builders and Hayden Plumbing & Heating (Bar Sponsors), Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (Zero Waste Sponsor), Jack Miller Contractors and Wise Oak (Demonstration Tent Sponsors) and Vermont News & Media and the Bennington Banner (Media Sponsors). Small Business Sponsors include Maple Leaf Realty, Silver Therapeutics, PerformanceXtra, Bennington Theater, GVH Studio, The Gamer’s Grotto, The Coffee Bar, A&K Agriservices, M.J. Lewis & Daughters Construction, Southern Vermont Paving, Centerline Architects and LeBlanc’s Auto Recycling.

“Garlic Town is the kind of event that reminds us what makes this community special,” says Tom Hoffman Jr., CEO of Hoffman Car Wash, Presenting Sponsor at this year’s festival. “It brings thousands of people into Bennington, supports our local businesses, strengthens tourism, and creates energy downtown. Hoffman Car Wash is proud to support an event that brings people together while making a real economic impact across our region.”

Festival favorites returning this year include:

Over 120 vendors featuring garlic, local food, art and handmade goods
Specialty food trucks and festival favorites
More than 50 samples and tastings
Live music throughout the day
Free children’s activities
Downtown tractor rides
Free parking with shuttle service
Garlic-inspired food and products throughout the festival

Garlic Town USA will be held rain or shine. Pets, large coolers, smoking and outside alcohol are not permitted on festival grounds.

Discounted advanced tickets, event information and frequently asked questions are available at www.GarlicTownUSA.com. Festival updates can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at @GarlicTownUSA.

Garlic Town USA returns to Bennington for 31st anniversary

About Garlic Town USA

Garlic Town USA is Southern Vermont’s premier garlic festival and one of the region’s largest family-friendly agricultural events. Celebrating its 31st anniversary in 2026, the festival welcomes thousands of visitors to downtown Bennington each Labor Day weekend for a celebration of local farms, food, music, artisans and Vermont hospitality. The event is produced by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

BENNINGTON — SWVTChamber.com