With the impressive line-up of events in August in Vermont, it’s obvious we’re all  trying to get in as many outdoor activities before the arctic blast hits. Until snow flies, there are plenty of family friendly (and some not-so-family-friendly) events happening in the Green Mountain State. Here are some of my top picks for exploring Vermont like a local during August:

Addison County Fair and Field Days, New Haven, August 4-8
Field Days is a must for anyone in the counties surrounding Addison County. Between Rosie’s Racing Pigs, tractor pulls, a tent dedicated to everything maple, ample fried dough and the demo derby, there’s something for everyone. It’s a quintessential Vermont event, showcasing our agricultural roots. And it just so happens to be during Open Farm Week 2015 in Vermont, another great event to take advantage of. (One of these years, you’ll see me as one of the few females ever to partake in the demo derby at the Addison County Field Days…!)

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, Burlington, August 6-9
Taking place on the shores of Lake Champlain on the Burlington Waterfront, the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival—now celebrating it’s eight year—is one of my favorite summer events in Vermont with free and paid events. There’s music (Soule Monde, Warren Hayes, Moe, etc.), boat building demos, a vintage boat show and lots of good local food, of course. It’s a great way to get to know Vermont and the waterfront a bit better with something for everyone.

Stowe Brewers’ Festival, Stowe, August 14-15
Whether you skipped the Vermont Brewers Festival purposefully or couldn’t nab a ticket, there are a few smaller scale beer festivals happening in August to get your local beer fill. The Stowe Brewers’ Festival boasts 39 breweries and cideries from Vermont and beyond. My top picks to taste? Hermit Thrush, Two Roads, Left Hand, Otter Creek Brewing and Burlington Beer Co., although there are so many good brews on the tap lineup. I’ll be covering the event, so if you spot me in line, say hey! Tickets are still available for Friday and Saturday.

Vermont Hop Jam, Bolton Valley, August 22
A music festival for beer lovers, Vermont Hop Jam has a stellar lineup of musicians and breweries. Sean Lawson from Lawson’s Finest, Shaun Hill from Hill Farmstead and John Kimmich from the Alchemist are just three of the beer gods whose libations will be flowing at the event. I can’t wait to get my hands on some beer from Trillium Brewing and Treehouse Brewing out of Boston. Six Point, Fiddlehead and Lagunitas are also on my list. There are still tickets, and there’s a free shuttle to Burlington and Waterbury.

Woodchuck Ciderfest, Middlebury, August 22
If cider is more your speed, Woodchuck Cidery in Middlebury is throwing down for their second annual ciderfest with music from Cage the Elephant, New Politics, Kat Wright and Madaila. The party last year was something to remember. Whereas Hop Jam is adult only, kids over 12 years of age are allowed at Ciderfest 2015. Whether or not you make it to Woodchuck Ciderfest, you need to check out Woodchuck when you’re in Middlebury. With a free sampler and a self-guided tour, their operation is seriously impressive.

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival (MNFF), Middlebury, August 27-30
This might be the event I’m most looking forward to this summer, and it’s a brand new one for Vermont! The MiddFilmFest or MNFF was started to “support, promote and exhibit the dynamic and imaginative efforts of new filmmakers.” Screenings of short and full-length indie films will take place at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater, the Marquis Theatre and Dana Auditorium at Middlebury College. I’m hoping for a rainy weekend, because the lineup is outstanding. There are also quite a few films with a Vermont connection all of which on my list, including Sabra, Building Trails, Building Communities and Thaw. You can purchase passes for the full festival or individual tickets.

What other Vermont events do you have on your calendar for August? Comment below to share the wealth!