The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

Don’t let our winding dirt roads fool you — this little corner of Vermont knows how to have a good time! Whether you’re craving live tunes, tasty treats, or small-town charm, there’s plenty to explore this month. Check out what’s happening right here in our neck of the woods, and make it part of an unforgettable stay at the treehouse!

Open Mic, Whammy Bar, Calais, Every Thursday at 7pm - I still haven't been here yet (that's what happens when you get old and don't want to leave the house! :) ) One day I will make it, and maybe you'll get there before me!

Gear repair by Hedgehog Mountain, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Hedgehog Mountain Gear Repair will be offering outdoor clothing and gear repairs at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, January 10th. Minor repairs such as zipper slider replacements, small patching, and restitching will be offered on the spot. More extensive repairs can also be dropped off at this time for pickup at a later date. Can’t make this round? Hedgehog will be on-site: January 24, February 7, & February 21

Vermont Mandolin Trio, Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, January 10, 7:00 PM   - The trio of Jamie Masefield, Will Patton and Matt Flinner brings together three of Vermont’s finest mandolinists for a rare evening of bluegrass, jazz and roots music in the unique (and very happy sounding) setting of three mandolins. Joined by journeyman bassist Pat Melvin, the group performs music of Bill Monroe, Django Reinhardt, J.S. Bach, and everything in between, all with the flair of virtuosity and originality.  

Tommy Crawford, Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7:00 PM  9:00 PM - Harry's Hardware is a fun and unique music and beverage venue, located in a rural hardware store!  Tommy plays original music around Vermont and beyond. He is an actor, multi-instrumentalist musician, singer, songwriter, and Drama Desk Award-nominated composer. His music weaves americana and roots of all kinds - traditional folk, neo-folk, rock n roll, blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, and more. His tunes, trend from the silly to the gut-punching, surprise you and move you. As a composer he writes music for plays, musicals, and more.

Candlelit Sound Healing with Cacao, Highland Center for the Arts, Sunday, January 18, 4-6:00 PM -  Join Mallory Moon for an ambient afternoon of sound healing, cacao & meditation by candlelight. This will be a wonderful opportunity to give yourself space to unwind, receive, and rejuvenate.

Chili Cookoff, The Civic Standard, Hardwick, Jan 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM - It's a special edition community supper, and you are the cook! Bring your best pot of chili, and our team of experet tasters and local celebrities will judge. Winners get a trophy and enormous street cred. We'll supply cornbread and all the fixings!

Hardwick Community Winter Market, Hazen Union, Hardwick, Jan 25, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM - (also February 15th & March 15th) All three markets will be happening in the Hazen Union High School gymnasium so there's plenty of parking & attendance is free! We hope you'll join us in coming out to support your local growers, producers, artisans, and youth/students! There will also be some great opportunities to support yourself in our 'winter wellness' area with a chair massage, reiki session, aromatherapy etc. Other elements include: Free live music (by the Brothers Miller on 1/25), lots of new & familiar faces, tons of yummy local food , prepared/lunch options, fun kids activities and a FREE $10 value meal & grocery voucher for the first 100 customers to arrive.  These are going to be really fun community events with something for everyone!

Jaded Ravins, Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - aded Ravins members Kelly Ravin and Halle Jade began performing together in 2017 after Halle joined Kelly in the recording of his 5th highly acclaimed album "Engine". Ravin, former lead singer and guitarist of Waylon Speed now performs his soulful americana, and country rock originals with Halle Jade. Halle's tasty harmonies and Kelly's powerful voice along with their engaging entertainment style make them a dynamic and expressive duo. Kelly and Halle, who have been called modern-day Johnny and June, perform in large and small venues from New England to Nashville. Whether they're playing at home in backcountry bars, or in big city clubs, Jaded Ravins are always ready to pour their hearts out on stage.

The 2026 Craftsbury Marathon Ski Festival, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Sunday, February 1, 2026 - The Marathon Ski Festival is back for another fantastic weekend of cross country ski racing. The 2026 Festival will again be a stand-alone popular racing event, with techniques and distances for racers of all ages and abilities. Saturday brings the traditional classic Craftsbury Marathon, with short and long course options for open, college, and high school racers and a short course tour for BKL skiers and chaperones. We hope to have a 15k loop, allowing for a 45k long race and a 30k short race for the classic race on Saturday and 30k or 15k for the freestyle race on Sunday. 

Curds & Curling, Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, February 7, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM -  One of my favorite events of the year! Cabin Fever? Get Cheesy with Us! Grab your friends and join us for an epic afternoon of Curds and Curling—a winter showdown like no other! With live music, warming fires, and plenty of cheese, we’re turning the cold into gold. The spotlight? A wheel of Jasper Hill cheddar as the curling stone! Sweep your way to victory in Vermont’s twist on this classic sport, or cheer on the action as competitors vie for the ultimate prize: the coveted Golden Cheese Award. While the cheese flies, treat yourself to gooey mac-n-cheese, melty raclette, and a sampling of the finest cheeses around. Thirsty? Sip on signature drinks featuring Barr Hill gin to keep you toasty and festive.