The next ten days are full enough that some days will force you to make a choice. Berries, beer, bikes, maple, and a farm dinner or two…pick your favorites and get out there!

Tonight, July 23, Farmers & Foragers Hillside in Charlotte is hosting a “Live at the Lantern” event starting at 5 p.m., with live music from Three Piece Meal Band kicking in at 6. There’s a special menu from Chef Avery Buck featuring burgers and 5th Quarter hot dogs, skate cheese, fried cauliflower pitas and grilled Romano beans, plus there’s a tasting table from Lawson’s Finest and signature cocktails from Mad River Distillers at the bar. Best of all, admission is free.

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Friday afternoon, and also in Charlotte, Backyard Bistro is marking its fifth anniversary with a BBQ buffet off Adam's smoker and live music from The Grift. Doors open at 5:30, seating is at community tables, and tickets are limited.

The same night, Paul Mazza's runs its July “On-Farm Farmers Market” from 4 to 7 p.m., with El Gato’s food truck and The Kitchen Table handling dinner and sweet treats from Palmer Lane Maple. Pick some berries, then explore the market vendors including options for cheese, meat, bread, jewelry, soap, artwork, plants and more.

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Saturday is a day you'll need a plan. The Old North End Ramble turns 22 and takes over the neighborhood for its free annual celebration of local arts and community. Food runs throughout the day, starting with the Breakfast of Champions serving garden-egg sandwiches for a $5 donation from 8 to 10 a.m. The ONE World Market offers up free Ben & Jerry's from 11 to 3, along with events throughout the area featuring local makers and food vendors. The Epic Bike Ride rolls through at 4:45 p.m., and the community center lot hosts the Ramble Round-Up from 5 to 10 p.m., with free live music, a Fiddlehead beer garden, and food from Moo Noit Market and Le Bon Gout to close out the festivities. See the full schedule here.

Also Saturday, Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier holds its summer party and Member Appreciation Day from 3 to 7 p.m., with a one-time 10% member discount good all week (July 20–26), chair massages, a smoothie bike (better go to find out what that is!), and demos from Green Mountain Peanut Butter, Vermont Salumi, and Vermont Raw Pet Food (leashed dogs are welcome).

That same day, and also in Montpelier, Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks hosts the sixth annual Maple Roots Music Festival with Catamount Arts. Gates open at 11 a.m., and over a dozen bands will hit multiple stages from noon to midnight, rain or shine. There’s a Vendor Village full of local food producers, local beer and wine served in the Beer Garden, and it's all free with registration (though parking is $35 at the gate).

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On Sunday the 26th, there’s something a little different happening at the Winooski Farmers Market, as they host the annual Best Pooch in the Noosk contest. Categories range from Cutest to Worst Breath, judged in part by the mayor. Registration runs 10 to 11:45 a.m., with the contest starting at noon. It’s all a fundraiser benefitting For the Love of Dogs Vermont, where you can also meet adoptable pups from the rescue, shop locally grown & made food and pet supplies, and make a tug toy for your pooch (or one in need).

That evening, Common Roots Farm in South Burlington is teaming up with Gary's Supper Club for what Gary’s is calling the final outdoor pop-up: a six-course prix fixe dinner built around the farm's own produce and cooked in an outdoor oven at the Wheeler House. Drink pairings are also included, and your server may even double as your farmer. It's $150 a ticket, reserved through Venmo, with proceeds going toward the farm's food-equity work.

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On Monday, July 27, Specs in Winooski runs a guided “What Is Agave?” workshop…you’ll get six spirit samples, plus a couple of bonus pours, two half-sized cocktails, and bar snacks, all for $44 (15% off for industry). Spots are limited, and these classes generally sell out.

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Looking ahead to midweek, on Wednesday the 29th, Vergennes Laundry runs a special one-time dinner built around traditional North Mexican family recipes…four courses, prix fixe, $80 a person. Seating happens at 6:30 p.m. with limited tables. Reserve by DM, or stop in to buy a ticket in person.

That same afternoon, the Vermont Specialty Food Association is holding its Summer Networking Event at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury from 3 to 6 p.m., with an optional mill tour at 3:15. Drinks and snacks come from fellow VSFA producers. It's open to anyone, not just members, though registration is required.

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The month closes out with a few competing Friday-night options. Doma Bar on Pine Street rolls out “Camp Doma” and turns the bar into a costume party built around camp-counselor energy, with back-to-back DJ sets from 8 p.m. to midnight, a friendship-bracelet station and a photo booth on-site. RSVPs are requested.

Further north, the three-day One LoVermont Freedom & Unity Festival opens in Cabot, with Grammy winners Kabaka Pyramid and Medisun headlining; Stowe Cider will be on hand pouring cans of High & Dry and a couple of seasonal releases on site (Saturday only).

Ten days, and lots of reasons to get out and about. Enjoy.