Originally chartered in 1781 and with a current population of 7,705, Montpelier, Vermont is the smallest capital city in the United States. Montpelier grew slowly from its inception and established its economic focus in the financial services. By 1895, Montpelier was recognized as a city and by 1925 had opened nine granite works for refining stone. The city has many landmarks, including a 134-acre park donated by John E. Hubbard and bridges that served as replacements for the ones previously damaged during a great flood in 1927.
Located on the farmers' market lot of Elm and State Street, the Montpelier Downtown Music Festival brings in a host of cultural entertainment. From clowns and puppetry to busker-style street performances, the festival caters to many needs. Local businesses get involved with bars on the street opening their gardens to patrons. The festival also includes an Oktoberfest-style biergarten, offering real ales from Munich, Germany. The festival is located on the corner of Elm and State Street and is free to the public, although donations are encouraged.
The event's hours are 3 p.m. until midnight.
Although more a celebration of local food, the Growing Local Fest incorporates a lot of music and culture into their festivities. Organized by the Central Vermont Food Systems Council, past festivals have included a beer tent, local food vendors, a home brew contest, a pesto contest and youth farmers' market. The festival features a lot of local music, food and gardening workshops and activities for children. Located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, admission price to the fest as of 2010 is $10 per person, $20 per family.
Already a prime location for live music, the Langdon Street Cafe hosts its own festival in two parts. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the festival takes the form of a street party with local music artists coming to perform. Beginning at 5 p.m., the party moves to the beer garden, where there is more music and a number of different performances. In the past, belly dancers and an orchestra have come to entertain the Montpelier public alongside food choices including hot tamales, chili dogs, tacos and beer. The night finishes with a set from a local DJ.