Farmers Night at The Vermont
State House

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

At a time of deep political division, it is important to recognize when politicians set aside their differences and connect on a human level.

In Vermont, the tradition of “Farmers Night” at the Vermont State House is a great example of how people across the political spectrum can come together and build community. 

This tradition – where state legislators from all political parties gather in the House chamber on winter nights to enjoy good music and company – is over a century old. Back in the 1800s, many of Vermont’s part-time legislators were farmers who took time away from their fields and livestock to serve in Montpelier. As is still the case for some legislators today, Montpelier was too far away to return home during the week, so they stayed in the state capital. In an effort to come up with something to do in the evenings, a group of legislators called “The Farmers Club” got together for singing, music, and comradery in the State House. 

This tradition continues today, with free concerts and cultural events open to legislators and the public on Wednesday nights in the House Chamber. This weekly event features talent from around Vermont, and includes Americana music, poetry, jazz, and African dance. Before this year’s series wrapped up earlier this month, our Bernie Buzz team captured some of the scenes at one of these unique events. I hope you will check out the photos below. To listen to the full concert, featuring One More Time playing traditional Irish music, click HERE. You can listen to other performances from this year’s series HERE.

While one night of good music and good company might not be enough to solve all our problems, I do believe that events like Farmers Night are an important step to building the community that many of us crave. I hope you agree and enjoy learning more about this Vermont tradition. 

Sincerely,

Vermonters gather to listen to One More Time, a six-piece band including guitar, fiddles, banjo, button accordion, and vocals. The band played traditional Irish, Americana, and folk music in the Vermont House Chamber in Montpelier on March 19, 2025.

Vermonters of all ages enjoy Farmers Night.

People pack into the balcony to enjoy good music on a winter night.

These concerts are just one example of when the public is invited into the Vermont State House, truly embodying its nickname of “The People’s House”. From the seats legislators occupy by day, people can listen to music during Farmers Night.