JAY PEAK, Vt. – [July 23, 2025] – Now in its 21st year, Jay Peak’s August West Festival returns on Saturday, Aug. 9, bringing a free, family-friendly celebration of music, community and Grateful Dead-inspired good vibes to the green in the town of Jay.
What began as a grassroots gathering has grown into one of the area’s most beloved summer traditions—part mini-music fest, part local block party and all heart. The festival’s name, August West, is itself a nod to Grateful Dead lore—referencing a central character from the song “Wharf Rat,” a fan-favorite storytelling track beloved by Deadheads. The event was founded and continues to be supported by Jay Peak Resort as a way to deepen connections among residents, visitors, and the wider Jay Peak community, celebrating the shared culture, music, and spirit that bring people together here each summer. From bluesy roots rock to sprawling jams, the day brings together sounds that echo the Dead’s own genre-defying legacy—even for those just here to poke around.
This year’s musical lineup includes Seth Yacovone’s Dead Sessions Lite and Rick Redington & Tuff Luv, both bringing their own blend of blues, roots, and long-form improvisation that’s right at home under a Northeast Kingdom sky.
“There’s a lot of Dead energy in the world right now,” said Jay Peak Resort General Manager Steve Wright. “But August West isn’t about trends—it’s about celebrating the spirit of what the Dead built: community, creativity, and connection. That’s what’s kept this event going for over two decades.”
For those looking to keep the weekend’s rhythm rolling, Jay Peak will host Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) the very next day—Sunday, August 10—at the Stateside Amphitheater. Known for their electrifying, high-energy tributes to the Grateful Dead, JRAD blends deep improvisation with modern intensity, reimagining the Dead’s catalog in a way that feels both fresh and reverent. Led by drummer Joe Russo and joined by Marco Benevento, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger, and Dave Dreiwitz, the band has earned a national following and a reputation for shows that never play the same way twice. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music starting at 8:00 p.m. Tickets available at jaypeakresort.com/music.
Admission to August West is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, well-behaved dogs, and whatever it takes to settle into a full afternoon of feel-good, high-summer rhythm. The event is rain or shine, and parking is available at designated lots near the venue.
Food and craft vendors will be set up throughout the day, offering local fare and handmade goods. Those interested in securing a vendor booth can contact Cody Gage at cgage@jaypeakresort.com. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a full schedule of summer events, visit: jaypeakresort.com/events
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Jay Peak Resort is a four-season destination in Northern Vermont, located near the Canadian border and about 60 miles north of Burlington. While best known for its snowfall and extensive winter terrain, Jay Peak comes to life in the warmer months with a wide range of summer activities and facilities. The resort features Vermont’s only indoor waterpark—complete with a retractable roof for all-weather access—alongside an 18-hole championship golf course, heated outdoor pool, multi-purpose turf fields, disc golf, and scenic Aerial Tram rides to the 4,000-foot summit. Summer also brings music festivals, events, and camps, all anchored by a growing lineup of indoor and outdoor recreation.
