Gettin' Stinky

Hey, Friends! Guess what’s coming to Bennington on August 30? Everyone’s favorite late summer event: Garlic Town, USA! This year is extra special and we want to extend a jubilant message to our friends at the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and all the residents and visitors who have come here to celebrate the fragrant herb that graces nearly every kitchen across the world.

Happy 30th Anniversary!

The Chamber and their many local volunteers have been very busy since last year’s Garlic Town wrapped, setting out to make this year the best yet, sprinkled with special 30th anniversary flair all along the way. Come celebrate a major milestone for the much beloved event that has brought together farmers, artisans, musicians, food lovers, and garlic enthusiasts from across the country year after year. 

I still remember the first festival I went to back in 2015 when it was called Garlic Fest. My son was 2 years old toddling around checking everything out while the live music played and the smell of garlic in all its forms filled the air. There are so many fond, garlicky memories, including 2023 when my husband, Matthew, played on the Jim Woodward Tribute Stage with the fun, local band Buck2Fifty. 

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to sit down with the Chamber’s Event Manager and unofficial Garlic Queen, Mikaela Lewis. We chatted about the history of the festival, its impressive sustainability practices, and the priceless volunteers who show up every year to bring the event to life. Check out the Stratton Magazine Summer 2025 issue to read the article!

To read “Gettin’ Stinky in Garlic Town” in the Stratton Magazine Summer 2025 issue, click here.

To learn more about Garlic Town USA, visit here.

Check out some more festival pics from throughout the years…