Planning A Journey On A Budget To Stowe

A weekend in Stowe rarely needs much planning or much money, since the town keeps a full calendar of free markets, music, and outdoor activity running most of the year. Here’s a starting point for things to do in Stowe, Vermont, this weekend, no matter your budget.

Current Events and Local Happenings

Sunday mornings belong to the Stowe Farmers’ Market, which runs May through mid-October, with dozens of local vendors selling produce, cheese, baked goods, and crafts. This weekly market fills Topnotch Field on Mountain Road with local food, prepared lunch options, and live music, running Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM from May through October.

• Location: Topnotch Field, Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
• Dates: May 10 through October 18, 2026
• Price: Free
• Learn More

Scenic Drives, Hiking, and Outdoor Fun

Outdoor recreation covers most of what makes a Stowe weekend memorable, and most of it costs nothing. Smugglers’ Notch, a winding mountain pass connecting Stowe to Jeffersonville, ranks among the state’s most scenic drives and offers roadside hiking access to Mount Mansfield. Closer to town, the Stowe Recreation Path runs 5.3 miles past shops, restaurants, and river views, making it an easy free walk or bike ride for any skill level.

Dining, Markets, and Seasonal Stops

Beyond the farmers market, downtown Stowe and Mountain Road are packed with restaurants covering everything from casual pub food to fine dining. Seasonal stops shift throughout the year, with sugarhouses open in spring and cider and apple stands showing up by fall, most offering free tastings.

Barbarian is a chef-led restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner with a bold, high-end diner spirit, leaning into unexpected flavor pairings and a lively atmosphere. It’s open daily for both meals, and reservations are recommended given its popularity.

• Location: 454 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
• Phone: (802) 760-6676
• Hours: Breakfast 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Dinner 5 PM to 9 PM
• Browse Menu

Live Music, Festivals, and Family Activities

Stowe’s live music scene runs through a handful of spots on Mountain Road, and one has anchored the après-ski nightlife since 1950.

A Stowe institution since 1950, The Matterhorn is a riverside restaurant and nightclub that serves pizza, sushi, and pub food by day, then turns into a live music and DJ venue most Friday and Saturday nights, especially during ski season. A cover charge applies on weekend evenings after 8:30 PM and Saturday afternoons during peak season.

• Location: 4969 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
• Phone: (802) 253-8198
• Hours: Open daily from midday or early evening, hours vary by day
• View Live Music

Among the best things to do in Stowe, VT, a night here pairs well with dinner downtown or an early evening on the recreation path.

Book Your Stay and Enjoy Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont This Weekend

Ready to book your next getaway? Our short-term rentals work well for a quick weekend trip, and our villas give families and groups more room to spread out between outings. For a milestone weekend, our luxury rentals add extra polish to the trip. Reach out today to book one of our Stowe vacation rentals!