Stowe events you won’t want to miss

While there’s never a shortage of cultural events, family fun, and outdoor activities in Stowe, the summer season is packed.

Whether you prefer fine art, music, an old-fashioned parade, or an antique car show, there are plenty of choices through Labor Day and beyond. The toughest part is choosing, especially when some weekends are packed with multiple events.

Following is a list of 10 not-to-miss summer events in Stowe, a mix of annual favorites and new acts. It’s by no means exhaustive.

For weekly listings of cultural events and other activities, check the Stowe Reporter’s calendar or visit stowetoday.com/calendar.

1. Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Rusty Nail, June 4

When the Rusty Nail reopened under new management earlier this year, the plan was to bring top musical acts to its stage. On Wednesday, June 4, Stowe’s most illustrious nightclub will host California-based blues-rock band the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Formed in 2011 by Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson, the band released its third album, “Phosphorescent Harvest,” in April. Having debuted with “Big Moon Ritual” (June 2012) followed by “The Magic Door” (September 2012), the band — Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Neal Casal (guitar, vocals), Adam MacDougall (keys, vocals), George Sluppick (drums) and Mark Dutton (bass, vocals) — has traversed the country relentlessly, winning acclaim from music critics and fans alike.

Tickets: rustynailvt.com

2. ‘The Sound of Music and an Evening of Dance,’ Stowe Dance Academy, June 6-8

This year’s show, presented by the Stowe Dance and Mad River Dance Academies, under the artistic direction of Helena Sullivan, features an entertaining and inspiring ballet depicting the story and music from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” The 200-person cast, ranging in age from 3 to 18, includes dance students from Stowe, Morrisville, Waterbury Center, Waitsfield, Johnson, Elmore, Wolcott, Craftsbury and Eden.

An Evening of Dance includes jazz, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary and tap performances.

Performances take place at 6 p.m. on June 6 and 7, and 1 p.m. on June 8. Tickets: $20 adults; $15 children; under 2 free.

Tickets available at Stowe Dance Academy, 253-5151.

3. The Roys, Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, June 15

The Roys, an award-winning bluegrass band, will open the summer season at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 15, at 7 p.m.

Siblings Lee and Elaine Roy bring immaculate harmonies, impeccable musicianship and strong songwriting to their music, combining a traditional vocal styling with a progressive instrumental attitude. They are three-time winners of the Inspirational Country Music organization’s coveted bluegrass artist of the year award.

Tickets: SprucePeakArts.org, 760-4634.

4. ‘[title of show],’ Stowe Theatre Guild, June 19-July 5

The Stowe Theatre Guild opens its 2014 season with “[title of show].” The show runs Thursdays through Saturdays, June 19 through July 5, with performances at 8 p.m.

The show tells the story of two starving artists in New York City who set out to create an original musical. They soon find out that the story of their creative process is better than anything they could dream up. They recruit two of their friends to be in the show and the four of them courageously craft a musical about courageously crafting a musical. The story chronicles every clumsy, comical, and heartwarming step of their journey.

Tickets: http://stowetheatre.com, 253-3961.

5. Independence Day celebration, Stowe village & Moscow, July 4

Kick off Independence Day at 10 a.m. with the Moscow Parade, a quirky, long-time local favorite on Moscow Road. Then make your way to Stowe village for live music, food and attractions for all ages. The second annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade begins at 1 p.m. along Main Street. Village events including a bouncy house, a dunk tank, a pie-eating contest, and a climbing wall take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by fun and fireworks at the Mayo Farm fields beginning at 6 p.m.

6. Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Trapp Family Meadow, July 6

Stowe Performing Arts’ Music in the Meadow concert series kicks off its 2014 season Sunday, July 6.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will present “Let’s Dance!” featuring music from the world of dance — from waltzes to swing and polkas to salsa.

Toe-tapping melodies by Strauss, Delibes, Borodin, and Gershwin will put guests “in the mood” for dance hits from Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. The 1812 Overture, marches and fireworks conclude the show.

The concert takes place at Trapp Family Meadow. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket or low-back chairs. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: stoweperformingarts.com.

7. Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival, Stoweflake Mountain Resort, July 11-13

The 28th annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place July 11 to 13 at the Stoweflake field off Cape Cod Road.

This three-day event features 25 balloons from throughout New England. They launch at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There will be children’s activities; a beer, food and wine tent; and a spa tent with chair messages and facials.

Information: 253-7355, ext. 5538; stoweballoonfestival.com.

8. ‘Exposed,’ Stowe village, July 12-Oct. 15

The Helen Day Art Center’s 23rd annual outdoor sculpture exhibit turns Stowe village into an outdoor art gallery from July 12 to Oct. 15. Sculptures and site-specific art installations by national and international artists pop up on lawns, sidewalks and even trees.

“The beauty of the show is that we bring the art to the people,” said Nathan Suter, the art center’s executive director. “It doesn’t matter if you think of yourself as someone who appreciates art and sculpture, if you’re walking down Main Street you’re going to see something you like.”

Most of the artists in the exhibit design their installations around a particular landscape or setting. A sculpture might highlight a wooded trail along the Recreation Path or the curve of the Little River. Most are large-scale creations.

Information: helenday.com

9. Stowe Antique and Classic Car Meet, Nichols Field, Aug. 8-10

The 57th annual Stowe Antique and Classic Car Meet takes place Aug. 8 to 10 in Nichols Field off Route 100, south of the village. It’s the largest antique and classic car show in New England.

The three-day event would not be complete without a street dance and block party in Stowe village on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 7 to 10 p.m. WDEV will provide rock-and-roll classics as guests admire antique and classic cars along Main Street.

Information: vtauto.org/stowe_show.php.

10. Race to the Top of Vermont, Mt. Mansfield Toll Road, Aug. 23

Competitive people love a challenge, and the North Face Race to the Top of Vermont is a great way to test your mettle. The seventh annual race is Sunday, Aug. 23, with a 9 a.m. start for runners, walkers and non-competitive hikers, and a 10 a.m. start for mountain bikers. Last year, the race attracted over 800 hikers, mountain bikers and runners from over 25 states, plus Canada.

For world-class athletes, it’s all about having the fastest time up the 4.3-mile course, which climbs 2,564 vertical feet and averages a 10 percent incline. For the weekend warrior, it’s all about making it to the top without stopping. For non-competitive people, it’s the challenge and gratification that come with the spectacular views when they reach the finish in the social hiking division. For the young ones, it’s about the exhilarating feeling of running the MVP Health Care Run for Fun — a 1- or 2-kilometer hill climb where everyone is a winner.

Race entry forms are available online at rtttovt.com.