Our Story
More Than 50 Years of Vermont Tradition
Every September, as Vermont's maple trees start to turn into their vibrant colors, visitors make their way to the historic village of Chester for one of the state's most beloved fall traditions.
The Chester Festival began in 1974, when a small group of local artists gathered on the Chester Green to celebrate the harvest season and share their handcrafted work with the community. What started as a modest artisan market quickly became an annual tradition, drawing neighbors, travelers, and leaf peepers from across New England.
Community organizations have helped expand the event over the years, transforming it into a weekend celebration of Vermont craftsmanship, local food, music, and culture. By the early 2000s, thousands of visitors filled the streets each fall, making the Chester Festival one of southern Vermont's signature fall events.
Today, the festival is proudly organized by the Chester Community Events Committee, a nonprofit group of dedicated volunteers committed to preserving the event's history while helping it grow for future generations. Every parking attendant, information booth volunteer, committee member, and community partner plays a role in making the weekend possible.
A Celebration of Handmade
The heart of the Chester Festival has always been its makers.
From pottery and woodworking to jewelry, fiber arts, photography, glasswork, home goods, specialty foods, and more, every artisan is carefully selected to showcase authentic handmade craftsmanship.
Supporting independent artists and small businesses remains one of the festival's founding values, creating a marketplace where visitors can meet the people behind every piece and hear the stories that inspire their work.
Looking Ahead
More than five decades after it began, the Chester Festival continues to honor its roots while embracing new generations of artists, volunteers, and visitors.
The festival has outgrown its original location on the Village Green, which is a great problem to have! We are thrilled to continue growing the festival to showcase Vermont at its best to visitors.
Whether you're discovering the festival for the first time or continuing a family tradition, we invite you to this year's event!We can't wait to welcome you to Chester this September.