LGBTQ+ Travel

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Two people walk and hold hands along next to a lake on a sunny day.

Seen from behind, two people hold hands and walk through a field on a bright, sunny day.

A Place All Its Own

LGBTQ+ Vacation in Vermont

Vibrant communities celebrate the state’s motto, “Freedom and Unity.” From the towering heights of Mount Mansfield to the water flowing through the base of Quechee Gorge, there’s so much to see and do in the Green Mountains. As the first state in the U.S. to legislatively legalize same-sex marriage and home to among the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ people in the nation, Vermont has a long heritage of LGBTQ+ support, acceptance, and celebration. From queer-owned businesses to lively events, including year-round Pride celebrations that spill into the streets and echo along waterfronts, Vermont is a haven of natural beauty, offering the freedom to feel and the wide-open spaces to take it all in.

Trip Ideas and Itineraries

From immersive foodie travel to trips centered around Vermont’s various pride events, the Green Mountain State is a place with intentional space for LGBTQ+ joy. Discover itineraries and planning resources to inspire your vacation.

365 Days of Pride in Vermont

With the highest rate of same-sex couples in the nation, a deep pride you can feel runs through Vermont’s veins. Discover majestic green mountains, scenic hiking trails, and events centered around LGBTQ+ joy in a place with the freedom to feel.

How to Plan an LGBTQ+ Vermont Vacation

Guided outings, downtown days, sampling what’s in season, and hikes that include secluded waterfalls and sweeping views beckon. Get planning for any season.

Celebrating Vermont Pride: A State of Freedom and Unity

In Vermont, pride feels like it’s grown from the ground up, with a strong sense of community and caring. Celebrate all kinds of pride every September in Burlington, Vermont’s biggest city.

Rainbow Road Trip: The Ultimate Green Mountain Adventure

A rainbow road trip through Vermont includes scenic byways dotted with hiking trails and waterfalls, local ingredients elevated at immersive restaurants, and some of the country’s finest small-batch beer and landcrafted cheese.

The Food Scene in Vermont is a Gay Traveler’s Paradise

With a literal smorgasbord of curious food festivals, food experiences and breweries popping up in every corner of the state, Vermont is the place to take your foodie adventures to the next level.

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH YEAR-ROUND EVENTS

From ski weeks that create a space for gay travelers to get outside to dance parties where you can really let loose, explore LGBTQ+ events to add to your Vermont calendar.

Vermont Pride Week

Sept. 1-7, 2025

Celebrate Pride for a week in Vermont’s biggest city, featuring vendors, drag, burlesque, dance, and musical performances, culminating in a bold, bright parade through the city.

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Montpelier Pride Fest and Parade

May 30, 2025

The Capital City’s LGBTQ+ community and allies gather on the State House lawn for music, dance performances, a drag show, and a late afternoon parade through the historic downtown.

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Essex Pride Festival

May 31, 2025

A parade is just the beginning – settle in for drag story hour, enjoy a Pride roller disco skate party, and let loose with a family-friendly dance party, with an afterparty into the evening.

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Barre Pride Fest

June 7, 2025

In June, Barre comes together to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. A downtown rainbow bike ride, drag story hour, a bake sale, and family activities make the day one to remember.

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Winter Rendezvous

Jan. 21-25, 2026

Stowe’s annual gay ski weekend includes drag performances, dance evenings, hot tubs, and more, bringing the LGBTQ+ community together on the mountain.

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NEK PRIDE FEST

During June 2025

Come celebrate Pride Month in the Northeast Kingdom and discover Vermont’s most rural region while engaging with a thriving LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural community.

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Pride of Woodstock, Vermont

June 6-8, 2025

This inclusive event celebrates LGBTQ+ pride in Woodstock with a two-act play, a high heel race, drag brunch, a comedy show, an arts and crafts fair, live music by a gay composer, and a dance.

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Pride Weekend

Annually in March

Sugarbush Resort’s Pride Weekend brings together skiing, dancing, drag, and more for a festive celebration of LGBTQ+ pride on the slopes, including a Pride Parade Run.

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Rutland County Pride Festival

June 21, 2025

This annual festival kicks off in the morning with a parade and continues into the afternoon with live music, drag, vendors, and more in a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in Vermont’s Stone Valley.

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BRATTLEBORO QUEER DANCE PARTIES

Regularly Throughout Summer

Dance at the Stone Church with LGBTQ+ affinity groups in a friendly space while a DJ spins hits at these monthly celebrations in southern Vermont.

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St. Albans Pride Weekend

June 6-8, 2025

A drag show starts the festivities alongside Lake Champlain, followed by an all-day celebration the next day. A late afternoon parade through Taylor Park and fireworks show celebrate Pride.

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Two people in suits hold hands facing each other and smile as they get married outdoors. Confetti swirls around them.

A green historic marker sign titled Vermont Equality for Same-Sex Couples.

Vermont Makes LGBTQ+ History

LGBTQ+ History and Heritage

Vermont Pride runs deep. LGBTQ+ history in Vermont includes Pride celebrations starting in 1983, the election of an out transgender lawmaker, a newspaper dedicated to the community, and a rainbow of diverse stories represented on stage.

Things to Do in Vermont

Scenic drives that offer beautiful views, skiing and riding through Vermont’s groomed trails or backcountry, soaking in wellness and relaxation at a spa or sauna, and following a foodie trail are all great frameworks for a memorable trip.

Experience

Covered Bridges

Vermont’s 100 covered bridges, dating to 1820, are the settings for history, weddings, scenic drives, beautiful photography, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience

Performing Arts

Vermont’s performing arts put the rock in the mountains. From Broadway-direct theater to circus arts to internationally ranked classical and contemporary music, there’s so much to discover on Vermont’s stages.

Itinerary

72 Hours in Bennington

Vermont’s Shires region is a stronghold of arts, history, culture, and things to do, as well as access to bountiful outdoor recreation options. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Bennington.

Five Places to Stay for Foodies

Food-forward travel calls for first-rate dining on-site. Sleep and eat well at these five lodging destinations serving up cuisine that will surprise and delight.

Historic Downtown

Downtowns

In Vermont’s historic downtowns, storied architecture is home to modern shops and an unmistakable sense of community welcomes travelers. Mountain peaks and rivers give each town its own distinctive backdrop and vibe.

Pride Center of Vermont

Pride Center of Vermont is the region’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and the health and safety of LGBTQ+ Vermonters.

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