Burlington is already one of the most livable small cities in America — walkable, food-forward, sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks rising across the water. For ten days every June, it becomes something more: one of New England’s genuinely great music destinations, when the Discover Jazz Festival takes over Church Street, the waterfront, clubs, parks, and concert halls from one end of the city to the other.
The festival has been running since 1984. Over four decades it’s evolved from a modest local showcase into a 200-event program pulling international artists alongside Vermont’s best players. Much of it is free. The Church Street outdoor stages alone account for dozens of performances. The indoor ticketed shows range from intimate club sets to full-orchestra concerts at the Flynn Performing Arts Center.
If you’re based in Woodstock, Quechee, or anywhere in the Upper Valley, Burlington is ninety minutes northwest. It makes for an excellent overnight or a long day trip. Here’s how to approach it.
The Lay of the Land
Burlington’s festival footprint spans three distinct zones:
Church Street Marketplace — The pedestrian main street hosts free outdoor stages throughout the festival, typically afternoons and early evenings. This is the accessible heart of the event: browse the independent shops, eat well, and catch world-class musicians performing in the open air without a ticket.
The Waterfront — Battery Park and the ECHO Leahy Center area host larger outdoor performances, particularly on weekends. Watching jazz with Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks as your backdrop is an experience that doesn’t need embellishment.
The Flynn Center — Burlington’s primary performing arts venue hosts the festival’s headline ticketed shows. The Flynn is a well-restored Art Deco theater; even a modest show sounds exceptional in it. Book these well in advance — they sell out.
What to Prioritize
The festival publishes its full schedule in April or May. A few categories worth prioritizing:
Free outdoor sets: Don’t overlook these. The festival’s commitment to free programming means that some genuinely excellent artists perform on Church Street to whoever walks by. Check the schedule daily — these sets are often where you’ll catch a surprise.
Late-night club shows: Burlington’s clubs — Nectar’s, the Higher Ground, Radio Bean — host late-night festival shows that bring a different energy than the concert halls. Smaller rooms, closer to the musicians, and typically running past midnight.
Sunday afternoon: The last weekend of the festival often hosts larger outdoor events that function as a celebration of the whole run — more informal, more collaborative, Burlington at its most relaxed and festive.
Before or After the Music
Church Street: The street itself is worth time even outside festival performances. Outdoor seating, independent retailers, and a constant pleasant energy in June.
The Waterfront: Rent kayaks or a paddleboat from Community Sailing Center and get on the lake. An hour on Lake Champlain in June is not something you’ll regret.
Hen of the Wood Burlington: If you’re making a proper dinner of it, this is the place. Vermont-sourced and exceptional. Reserve ahead.
Farmhouse Tap & Grill: More casual, on Bank Street, excellent local beer list and solid food. Reliably good without the advance planning.
Lake Champlain Ferry: If you want to extend the day, the ferry crossing to Port Kent, New York takes 12 minutes and gives you a view of the city from the water that clarifies why people choose to live here.
Getting There from the Upper Valley
From Woodstock or Quechee, take I-89 North to Burlington — roughly 90 minutes without traffic. The drive through the Winooski Valley is pleasant. Parking in Burlington requires a strategy: the Church Street area has several garages, and the waterfront has surface lots. On festival weekends, plan to park once and walk.
If you’re making a night of it, Burlington has good overnight options at every price point — Hotel Vermont on Battery Street is the city’s best, The Courtyard and Hilton are solid and convenient, and there are well-reviewed Airbnbs throughout the Hill District. That said, staying in the Upper Valley and driving back is perfectly manageable if you’re catching an afternoon or early evening show.
Planning Details
- Dates: Ten days in early-to-mid June (typically first or second week; check discoverjazz.com for 2025 exact dates)
- Free programming: Most outdoor and many indoor shows are free
- Ticketed shows: Flynn Center events range from $25–75; buy early
- Drive from Woodstock: 90 minutes via I-89 North
- Parking: Church Street Garage on St. Paul Street is most central
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is one of those events that reminds you Vermont punches well above its weight. Plan around it at least once — you’ll find yourself going back.