FAQs Summer Festival

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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. In 2011, the Grafton Music Festival became a 501C-3 organization.

 

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. At the other events, 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 is a fundraising event.

 

Where can we park?

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

VSO, July 3: If you are coming early and staying for the VSO concert, you can park at Grafton Ponds provided you have your tickets.


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 shows are fenced off venues on the Grafton Inn property so 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, local nonprofit organizations will be selling food, as they do every year for fundraising (and your eating pleasure!). Or stop by the Grafton Village Cheese Specialty Cheese & Wine Shop 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 (outdoor concerts Fri & Sat will move inside to Phelps Barn Pub at the Grafton Inn). In the case of the VSO concert, the rain location is in the beautiful Bellows Falls Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Pre-purchased ticket holders welcome; will announce the day of if there are more seats available for walk-ups.