Battenkill Fly Fishing & Arts Festival 2026

Experience the magic of spring in Vermont at the Battenkill Fly Fishing & Arts Festival, returning April 30 – May 2, 2026.

Recently named a Vermont Signature Event, this is more than just a festival; it’s a homecoming for anyone who finds peace in the rhythm of the river and the stroke of a brush. Join us for three days of celebrating fly fishing, art, music, craft, and community along one of the most storied rivers in the Northeast. From signature events and expert presentations to live music, vendors, casting competitions, and local food and drink, the festival brings together anglers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts for a spring weekend on the Battenkill.

Learn from legends like Tom Rosenbauer and world-class fly tyers.
Explore the “Mountains, Valleys and Rivers” Art Exhibit and live music by local performers.
From the high-stakes Battenkill Cup Casting Championship to craft brews at the Lawson’s Microbrew Tent, discover the social heart of Arlington.

Tickets

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Explore a full weekend of festival programming, from the opening cocktail party and art exhibit to fly fishing seminars, expert presentations, live music, casting competitions, vendors, and local food and drink. Discover everything happening each day of the Battenkill Fly Fishing & Arts Festival and plan your weekend on the river.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Festival Highlights

Tom Rosenbauer - Chief Enthusiast, Orvis

"Prospecting for Trout; What to Do When There is No Hatch"
Fly Tying Discovery Center

The festival will feature some of the best fly-tyers in the Northeast, focusing on the classic patterns of Maine, the Catskills, and the Battenkill. During the day, they'll be set up in the main tent, and hourly presentations and seminars will be held in the Fly-Tying Discovery Center, with projection and audio to follow along.
Lawson’s Micro Brew Tent

Arguably Vermont's finest brewery, Lawson’s, will be the exclusive beer provider for the BFFF3. Come talk to the brewers, sample an array of their award-winning beers, and enjoy an incredible weekend in SW Vermont.
Art Exhibit

Discover Mountains, Valleys and Rivers, a special exhibition at the historic Watkins House featuring an exceptional collection of sporting, landscape, and nature-inspired art from acclaimed artists across the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds support the Battenkill Fund and Arlington Common.
Thursday Night Cocktail Party

A fun kick-off to the weekend with a cocktail party to raise money to care for the historic Battenkill. There will be a silent auction with fantastic trips and items. Attendees will get a sneak peek of the Mountains, Valleys and Rivers, Art Exhibit and be able to chat with the artists.
The Second Annual Battenkill Cup Fly Casting Championship

Compete for bragging rights on the Battenkill. We have room for 25 participants to compete in an accuracy, distance, and combined event.
Fly Fishing Workshops

Dive into the art of fly fishing with our expert-led Fly Fishing Workshops. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our workshops are designed to elevate your skills and passion for this timeless sport.
Friday Night BBQ

Local grillers, Sauced BBQ, will provide delicious BBQ chicken dinner.
Saturday Night with Sauced BBQ

Local grillers, Sauced BBQ, will provide a delicious steak tip dinner.

ART EXHIBIT

Discover Mountains, Valleys and Rivers, a special exhibition at the historic Watkins House featuring an exceptional collection of sporting, landscape, and nature-inspired art from acclaimed artists across the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds support the Battenkill Fund and Arlington Common.

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Our Mission

The Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival's mission is to promote the conservation and stewardship of our treasured Battenkill watershed. Funds raised from the weekend will support the Arlington Common in its mission to be a community hub that enhances and strengthens the Arlington area through creativity, wellness, culture, and education. A portion of funds raised from the festival will be directed to organizations whose missions support conservation, sustainability and accountability among the various Battenkill user groups.

The Arlington Common is an initiative created by the Arlington Arts Enrichment Program, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our community through creative exploration of the arts and wellness. This multi-generational center was created by the people, for the people, in an effort to embrace the beauty of living in the shires of Vermont.

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Named a 2026/27 Vermont Signature Event

Vermont Business Magazine recently highlighted the Battenkill Fly Fishing and Art Festival as a winner in the 2026/27 Vermont Signature Events program, an initiative from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing that recognizes experiences that strengthen Vermont’s visitor economy. In 2024, visitor spending contributed a record $4.2 billion to Vermont’s economy.