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Fall 2023 Events and Things to Do in Killington, Vermont

As autumn dawns upon Killington, Vermont, it ushers in an exhilarating season of vibrant colors and exciting events, making it the perfect time to check out the offerings of Killington vacation rentals

From the challenge of the Spartan Race and the thrill of the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking to the delight of the Killington Brewfest and the camaraderie of the Killington Golf Classic, your fall activities in Killington promise adventure, celebration, and more.

So, whether you’re staying in cozy Killington rentals or just stopping by, get ready to embrace the thrilling spirit of this beautiful mountain town.

Spartan Race

woman running along a ridgeline

In the heart of the Green Mountains, the rugged terrain of Killington, Vermont – affectionately known as “Joe’s backyard” – awaits those daring enough to take on one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding obstacle courses.

The birthplace of the Spartan Race, this legendary venue is known for its unpredictable conditions, making the Spartan North American Championship Weekend a must-attend event for every OCR enthusiast. This year, the 2023 North American Championship Race is set to take place right here, putting Killington in the spotlight of the Spartan world. Participants can expect to traverse steep slopes, make daring off-trail descents, and tackle massive climbs while navigating a series of formidable obstacles designed to test physical strength and mental grit.

Competitors will be racing against the challenging course and each other, with the best Age Group racers from across the continent converging here to test their mettle on the Beast course. The event presents a unique opportunity for athletes to measure their prowess against the top-tier Spartan racers, making every second count in this adrenaline-fueled competition.

Fox US Open of Mountain Biking

mountain biker catching air on a trail
Photo from Shutterstock

Born in 2003 with the ambition to electrify the American mountain biking scene, the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking has become a pivotal event on the national cycling calendar. It is renowned for its unique Open Pro/Am format, which welcomes amateur and professional bikers to participate in the same competition, thus creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and sportsmanship that is hard to find elsewhere.

This high-profile event is a significant platform for athletes at different stages of their careers. It serves as a proving ground for budding cyclists to showcase their potential and gauge their skills against seasoned professionals. For the elites, the event presents a chance to assert their supremacy while navigating the challenging course.

The Fox US Open is famous not only for its fiercely competitive spirit but also for its massive cash purse. Anyone brave enough to enter the Open Class can compete against the pros and, if their mettle holds strong, potentially claim a share of the enticing prize money.

In 2023, this mountain biking event will be returning to Killington, Vermont from September 21-24. As the athletes tackle the tough trails against the stunning backdrop of the Green Mountains in the fall, spectators can look forward to a thrilling spectacle of speed, skill, and passion. Experience the exhilaration on your upcoming trip by trying your hand at mountain biking in Killington. With an array of trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or an expert rider!

Killington Golf Classic

man golfing with a view of the mountains
Photo from Shutterstock

The Killington Golf Classic is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport set amidst the natural splendor of Vermont’s Green Mountains. This event is an ideal getaway for golfers of all skill levels looking to immerse themselves in a day full of golf, music, food, and fun.

The competition starts with the 18 & 27-hole options, leading to an afternoon start for the nine-hole option. All categories begin with a thrilling shotgun start, setting the tone for an exhilarating day on the greens. As you navigate from hole to hole in your golf cart, the energy of the day and the accompanying music will keep your spirits high.

But the excitement doesn’t stop at the final hole. As the sun begins to set, the post-round party kicks off with live music to set the mood. Food vendors serve local fare. Golf vendors are present to browse the latest gear and gadgets.

The day wraps up with an awards ceremony honoring the top performers in various categories. This festive conclusion encapsulates the joy and camaraderie of the Killington Golf Classic, making it a memorable way to spend a Friday in the Green Mountains.

Killington Brewfest 

light beer with a view of green mountains in the background.
Photo from Shutterstock

Picture yourself in a cozy Killington vacation rental in the heart of Vermont’s finest autumn foliage, anticipating a day of live music, mouthwatering food, and the region’s finest craft beers. The Killington Brewfest is not just an event, it’s an experience and undoubtedly one of the most distinctive annual fall activities in Killington.

Since 1995, the Brewfest has drawn craft beer enthusiasts to the stunning Green Mountains. This year, the celebration returns to the picturesque Pico Mountain Base Area, blending the best of Vermont’s natural beauty with a love for exceptional craft beers.

Attendees must be 21 or older to partake in this sensory journey of tasting sessions, where around 40 breweries reveal their unique brews. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, every palate will find a new favorite. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 30th, as the tasting session runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beyond the beer, Killington Brewfest also features a vibrant vendor village and live music to keep the energy high. Please note that while the festival is focused on a mature audience, it also prioritizes safety and comfort; no outside food, drinks, backpacks, or pets are allowed.

Harvest Faire

Mark your calendar for October 7th, 2023, when autumn’s cool, crisp air paints a perfect weather backdrop for the Harvest Faire in Killington, Vermont. This quintessential fall event is a celebration of the season, packed with engaging activities that make it a must on your list of things to do in Killington.

Set amidst the magnificent fall foliage, the Harvest Faire is a family-friendly event offering various free activities. Children can explore their creativity with pumpkin painting, feel the joy of traditional horse-drawn hayrides, test their aim with apple launching, and bounce to their heart’s content in the bouncy house. In a thrilling twist, those who partake in apple launching stand a chance to win lift tickets for the upcoming winter season!

The Harvest Faire is not just for the little ones. The crowd-pleasing stein hoisting competition is back, inviting adults to test their strength and endurance. Each participant receives a souvenir Killington mug, and the champions from the men’s and women’s divisions will take home a grand prize. Remember, sign-ups for this contest are on the day of the event and follow on a first-come, first-served basis!

Accompanied by live music filling the fresh mountain air, the Faire promises a day of unforgettable moments. Whether staying in Killington vacation rentals or just passing through, the Harvest Faire is a wonderful way to savor the fall weather in Vermont. Best of all, admission to all Harvest Faire activities is free!

Plan Your Visit!

Are you ready to explore the variety of events offered this fall in Killington, Vermont? Browse our selection of stunning vacation rentals today and find your perfect match!

Maxxis Eastern States Cup: Downhill Finals 

Gear up for the adrenaline-pumping conclusion of the Maxxis Eastern States Cup Intense Cycles Downhill Series as the finals descend upon Killington, Vermont, on October 14-15. This thrilling event is a highlight for mountain biking enthusiasts, attracting top riders from across the region to compete on the renowned Killington track.

The Killington track has significantly transformed, elevating the racing experience to new heights. Riders can expect an exhilarating challenge as they navigate the course, taking on its twists, turns, and technical features. What’s more, the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the legendary fall foliage of Vermont is anticipated to peak during the race weekend, adding a breathtaking visual backdrop to the competition.

The stakes are high for riders vying for the Maxxis ESC Intense DH Series champion title. The finals offer a significant 125% series points bonus, meaning every second and every move on the track counts towards determining the ultimate champion. A racer’s top eight results will play a crucial role in this thrilling culmination of the series.