Fall is in full swing, and we’re loving every minute of it. The changing leaves, crisp air, and cozy sweater weather have made for some beautiful days around the Islands. October is also bringing plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season, from harvest festivals and Oktoberfest to haunted trails and Halloween fun. Here are a few local events to add to your October calendar.

CIFM Harvest Fest | Saturday, October 1

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market is celebrating the season with its annual Harvest Fest at Allenholm Farm in South Hero from 10 AM–3 PM. More than 52 local vendors will be there with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts, and more. Enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, family activities, and a free needle-felting workshop. Learn more about Harvest Fest here.

Emmons Island Haunted Trail | Saturday, October 10

Looking for a little Halloween excitement? Head to the Emmons Island Haunted Trail at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle from 4:30–10 PM. Tickets are $20 or 12 perishable food items, with all proceeds and donated food going directly to the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. Expect plenty of scares, surprises, and spooky fun. Visit their Facebook page for more info and updates. 

Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard | Sunday, October 11

Celebrate the 2026 grape harvest at Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery from 12–4 PM. The afternoon will feature wine, spirits, live music, more than a dozen local artisans, delicious food, specialty fall cocktails, campfires, and free wagon rides. If you’re up for a little adventure, take the short hike to Fox Hill Scenic Overlook for beautiful views of the fall foliage. Learn more about the Harvest Festival.

Two Heroes Oktoberfest | Saturday, October 24

Oktoberfest is coming to South Hero! Two Heroes Brewery is hosting its first-ever Oktoberfest with special menu items, friendly competitions, and live music from German band Inseldudler. You can even pre-order a custom Two Heroes stein to take home. Get the details here.

Trunk or Treat In the Islands | October 24 & 31

Halloween is almost here! Several communities around the Islands will be hosting family-friendly Trunk or Treat events, with costumes, decorated cars, and plenty of treats.

• Grand Isle: Saturday, October 24 at The Grand Isle Fish Hatchery. Learn more. 

• South Hero: Saturday, October 31 at Folsom Elementary School. Learn more. 

• Alburgh: Saturday, October 31 hosted by the Alburgh Fire Department. Learn more.

Halloween Weekend at The North Hero House | October 30 & 31

The North Hero House is getting into the Halloween spirit with a full weekend of fun. Friday night features a family-friendly costume contest and dancing, while Saturday brings a Murder Mystery interactive dinner experience. Add in gourmet food, cocktails, costumes, and special weekend room rates, and you have a festive way to celebrate Halloween in the Islands. Check out their facebook page for updates or visit their website for reservations and event details. 

Enjoy Fall in the Islands

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a little Halloween excitement, or simply a reason to get outside and enjoy the foliage, there’s plenty happening around the Champlain Islands this October. Grab a sweater, invite a friend, and make the most of the season!

Step into the holiday season with these remarkable local events—an opportunity to celebrate and actively uplift our community. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, let's rally behind our local businesses, farmers, and artisans. Embrace the ethos of shopping small and sustaining our community's economy by keeping our dollars close to home. Keep reading to learn more about these joyful traditions in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont.

Holiday Hoopla at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty 

Our office is hosting a festive celebration open to the community with a free wreath giveaway, Polaroid Pictures with Santa, and an incredible Cookie and Hot cocoa bar from Let’s Pretend catering. The event is at our Coldwell Banker Islands Realty office in South Hero on December 2nd from 10 am to 1 pm.   

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Holiday Markets at Viva Marketplace 

Viva Marketplace will be reopening its doors and hosting two holiday markets with an array of unique gifts on the Saturdays of the first and second week of December. These will run from 11 am to 5 pm in South Hero, Vermont. 

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Champlain Islands Christmas Parade

The annual Christmas parade will occur on December 2nd, starting at 5 pm in South Hero! It will kick off at the Community Health Center on U.S. 2, wind its way to South Street, and conclude at the Folsom School parking lot. Enjoy food trucks from El Gato Cantina and Pizza at the Folsom School lot after the parade. It's a free, fun-filled celebration for all! 

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Alburgh Fire Department's Craft Fair & Cupcake Walk

Mark your calendars for the annual Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department’s Craft Fair on December 2nd, from 10 am to 3 pm. They will have various vendors, food and drink, a Christmas raffle, and a pie and cupcake walk.  The event is located at the Alburgh Fire Department Hall. 

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Grand Isle Craft Fair 

The Grand Isle Craft Fair will return with over 35 local vendors this year at Grand Isle Elementary School. Stop by to shop from 9 am to 3 pm on December 2nd. There will also be a raffle table with local goods! 

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Tree Lighting at North Hero House

The North Hero House will light its Christmas tree on Sunday, December 3rd, from 5 to 5:30 pm. The event will have cookies and caroling, and they will light their 20-foot tree near their event barn. 

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Holiday Makers Market @ Kraemer and Kin 

Kraemer & Kin will be hosting multiple Maker's Markets throughout December. Saturdays from 3 pm to 8 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm at their tasting room at Alburgh Golf Links. There will be local makers, growers, and artisans. They will also have live music, food, and their local beers at every market gathering.

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Indoor Winter Farmers Market 

You can find the Champlain Islands Farmers Market at their indoor winter market location on the first three Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Hero Congregational Church. They will have local food, fresh veggies, & handmade goods and more. 

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From enchanting local holiday markets to heartwarming gatherings, these festive happenings infuse the islands with a contagious sense of cheer and camaraderie. We hope this guide inspires you to join in on these joyful community events and embrace this season's magic in the Lake Champlain Islands.