PUTNEY, Vt. – Next Stage Arts is excited to announce the return of the Bandwagon Summer Series for its 2026 season, reimagined to deliver an even more vibrant, immersive, and community-driven experience across eastern Windham County from June through September.
Now in its seventh year, the Bandwagon Summer Series continues its tradition of transforming local fields, farms, and parks into joyful hubs of music, culture, and connection. In response to community feedback and the success of past seasons, this year’s series has been thoughtfully redesigned to feature nine dynamic events, including four minifestival-style gatherings that bring multiple artists together for lively afternoons and evenings of music, puppetry, circus arts, food, and shared experience.
“What I love about Bandwagon is the joy of it – the dancing, the kids, the feeling that the whole community showed up. My vision for this year is to deepen that: fewer events, but richer ones, with more artists, more organizations, and more ways to connect. This is community-building through the arts, and I can’t wait to see it unfold,” said Natalie Dreyer, executive director of Next Stage Arts.
Bandwagon holds a special place in this community; for many, it’s how they first walked through Next Stage’s doors. We heard you: You want to dance, you want the energy of a live band under an open sky, you want something that feels like a real celebration. That’s exactly what this season delivers, with a musical range that spans continents and genres, from local favorites to artists who will stop you in your tracks.
Concertgoers can find the full lineup and ticketing options at www.nextstagearts.org. In keeping with Next Stage’s mission to build community through the arts, kids under 12 attend free, and each event includes a kids’ play zone. Next Stage also distributes complimentary series passes to all public libraries in Windham County. Local food and drink vendors will be on site at every performance. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or fold-up chair to enjoy the outdoor events. All venues strive to be accessible, and we encourage anyone with specific access needs to contact Next Stage in advance so we can help ensure a comfortable experience.
In addition to Bandwagon, Next Stage Arts is proud to now present Twilight on the Tavern Lawn under its organizational umbrella. Celebrating its 23rd season, this beloved free concert series kicks off May 31 and continues every other Sunday through Aug. 23. Featuring folk, world, jazz, zydeco, bluegrass, pop, and Americana, Twilight concerts begin at 6 p.m., on the Putney Tavern lawn, or indoors at Next Stage in the event of rain. The series is presented in partnership with the Town of Putney and local sponsors, with donations welcomed.
Next Stage will also continue its indoor programming throughout the summer in its air-conditioned theater on Kimball Hill, offering audiences additional opportunities to engage with the arts.
Series passes for the 2026 Bandwagon Summer Series are available now at www.nextstagearts.org. Tickets for individual events go on sale May 1. Early booking is encouraged.
The 2026 Bandwagon Summer Series is made possible by generous support from The Brattleboro Reformer, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Landmark College, Oak Meadow, The Commons, Putney Diner, Barr Hill, Southern Vermont Solar, The Greenwood School, Vermont Plank Flooring, Putney Inn, Putney General Store, 802 Credit Union, Against the Grain, The Richards Group, and the Putney Food Co-op.