Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Grafton Music Festival come to be?

Many members of the local community see thousands of people flock to Grafton for the annual Vermont Symphony Orchestra concert & fireworks on July 3, but no one comes into the Village. Most people just stop at the Grafton Ponds, and enjoy the show. There is so much to offer in Grafton that in 2009, organizers felt this would give people an opportunity to showcase what the town has to offer fans of music and culture.

Are all the events for all ages?

Yes, all the events surrounding the Grafton Music Festival are family-friendly.

Can I bring pets?

Pets are not allowed for the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) concert/fireworks or at the Friday night concert. If you're walking around on Saturday, leashed dogs are welcome; though if you're going to the VSO, it's best to leave pets safely at home and not in vehicles!

Is there a cost to events?

The VSO concert has a cost associated with it as it benefits the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center. Ticket information can be found here.  All other live performances are Free.

Where can we park?

Friday: There are a variety of local parking lots in Grafton where you can park for the evening concert. Look for signs.

Saturday: If you are coming early and staying for the VSO concert, you can park at Grafton Ponds provided you have your tickets. Gates open for the VSO at 4 p.m. Don't have them yet? You can purchase them at the gate. If you are coming for Saturday afternoon festivities, we will have parking in a variety of locations in the Village, which will have parking signs pointing visitors to the correct locations.

How do I get from Grafton Ponds to the Village?

Signs highlighting the walking paths to the village will be marked for you: "easy route" and one that will go through one of Grafton Ponds' trails for a more "natural" route.

Can I bring my own cooler with food & drinks to the events?

You can certainly do that at the Vermont Symphony Orchestra concert & fireworks, like you have always been able to do. However, the Friday evening and Saturday show are fenced off venues on Old Tavern property so you bringing a cooler with beverages on-site is not allowed.

There will be ample food and drink options on both days. On Friday night, enjoy food at Mack's Place Eatery, Flatbread pizzas and Phelps Barn pub menu. On Saturday (daytime), Mack's Place Eatery, the snack shack at the Grafton ballfield, The Scoop ice cream stand and the Grafton Village store will all be open and available.

At the VSO concert, the Grafton FAST (Rescue) squad will be on-hand selling hot dogs & burgers hot off the grill. Or stop by the Grafton Village Cheese Specialty Cheese & Wine Shoppe in the village and build yourself a picnic basket full of goodies - cheese, wine, crackers, fresh bread, etc. to take with you to Grafton Ponds.

If it Rains?

We will conduct all events rain or shine. In the case of the VSO concert, their rain location is in the Bellows Falls High School. Details on their rain plan can be found here.