In some sense, Field Days is nothing but entertaining. With engaging agricultural shows and displays, competitions and routine events that fairgoers look forward to and practice for all year, thrilling rides, people to meet, food to sample and animals to admire, Field Days offers amusement for almost everyone.

For those who want to be entertained from the stands rather than in the ring, this year’s fair will certainly not disappoint. The lineup is packed with classic favorites ranging from the annual opening parade to karaoke, clowns and magicians, Rosie’s racing pigs and closing fireworks. Musicians will perform’90s rock, classic rock, blues, bluegrass and more. Plus there will be line dancing in which everyone is invited to join in.

There are several acts sprinkled around the fairgrounds that repeat multiple times this week, so if you miss the first one, come back the second or third time.

What follows is a review of some of these acts and short profiles of entertainers that you’ll want to check out at this year’s fair.

One act returning from last year that you should make time to see is the Silver Circus, starring variety artist Andrew Silver. The act features a unique blend of magic, juggling and physical comedy. You’ll be delighted by his humorous, high-spirited showmanship, mystified by his astonishing magic, and his dexterity is guaranteed to take your breath away. He’s doing more than a dozen shows during the week, including a juggling workshop on Wednesday afternoon and a clowning workshop on Saturday afternoons. Check out the schedule for the performances in the entertainment show area.

On the musical front, Field Days will feature six Vermont bands, and a couple of those are new to the fair.

The first of the newbies is TinyusSmallus on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the bandstand. Loud, proud and stuck in the ‘90s, you can bust out your flannel and crank up the dial for this Burlington band, which promises to bring back the best decade in rock with a wild, high-energy show that’ll have you jumping like it’s 1999. Think of crunchy guitars, big choruses and enough nostalgic vibes to make your Walkman jealous. Whether you’re reliving your glory days or discovering the magic of 1990s rock for the first time, TinyusSmallus guarantees a good time and a loud time with absolutely no apologies!

That same night and time in the show tent will see the return of Sanctuary, which was well received at Field Days last year. This quartet featuring Lori Towle, Tom Lawson, Jerry Cloutier and Mark Steffenhagen will entertain you with rock and more from the ‘80s. You want dance covers — they’ve got ‘em.

Wednesday evenings musical centerpiece will be the VT Bluegrass Pioneers performing at the bandstand at 7 p.m. It will feature the band’s signature hard-driving style of bluegrass music, with a dynamic mix of old and new songs. The Pioneers formed in 2016 when four veteran Vermont performers joined forces to blend their considerable instrumental and vocal talents into a cohesive, polished and thoroughly enjoyable ensemble. Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner, founding members of Banjo Dan and the Mid-Nite Plowboys, got together with Danny Coane, celebrated lead singer for the Starline Rhythm Boys and a long-time bluegrass man, to form a band dedicated to restoring authentic traditional bluegrass to the Vermont scene. Former Plowboy Sam Blagden joined to play bass and sing tenor. The quartet has been performing for nearly a decade, winning fans wherever they play.

“I lived in Addison County for several years and still make it a point to come back for the Fair every year,” Dan Lindner said. “It will be a real treat for me and my boys to take the stage at my favorite Vermont fair this year.”

Whenever The VT Bluegrass Pioneers take the stage you can count on a lively show full of fun and great bluegrass music.

Another band new to Field Days will take the stage in the bandstand tent at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Living the Dream, known as LTD, is a Champlain Valley band, and their message is simple: Get ready to rewind, relive and rock out! LTD isn’t just another cover band; they’re a time machine fueled by infectious energy and incredible playlists. They specialize in delivering a set packed with the greatest hits from the ‘80s all the way to today. Songs you heard on the radio last week, followed by that one hit you completely forgot existed but instantly brings you back to a specific memory. The songs that defined eras, the ones you cranked up in your car, and the ones you danced to until the early hours. LTD will play songs that have the amazing power to unlock forgotten memories!

If you’re looking to get moving in a different way on Thursday night, head to the Show Tent for Good Time Line Dancing from 7-9 p.m. Instructor Andrea Warren has been getting people up and dancing for a decade. She starts with a warm-up dance (maybe the Cupid Shuffle). Then she teaches a beginners dance, and reviews a little more complicated dances. During an “open dance floor” she leads a variety of dances, sometimes very beginner and sometimes more advanced — it depends on the group. In any case — you will move.

Also back for a second year at Field Days will be Blues and Beyond, which takes the bandstand stage at 7 p.m. on Friday. Led by Danny Roda in South Royalton, Blues and Beyond brings positive energy and great songs to the stage, infusing blues, jazz, soul, and dance rock favorites.

You’ll have another chance to dance on Saturday evening, when DJ Jamman hosts a dance party at the Dance Party at the bandstand at 7 p.m.

The final band to take the stage at the fair will be Vermont’s own 40th Army band, Iron Sights, which will be in the show tent at 7 p.m. This dynamic rock band is comprised of seven soldiers from Vermont’s own 40th Army Band. Touring throughout the state, Iron Sights delivers a performance featuring a high energy blend of classic ‘80s and ‘90s rock, infused with elements of R&B for a unique sound. The soldiers proudly represent the Vermont Army National Guard through their music and will offer a show that resonates with audiences of all ages.

If you’re looking for new entertainment options that don’t play guitars, Field Days 2025 has got ‘em.

One is a farm-based trivia show called Wheels of Agriculture. It is an audience interactive game show that takes place on a stage. The format is trivia-based game play in which the person who can answer a randomly selected question gains points. The questions are primarily agricultural-based and include topics such as: Local Agriculture, Animals, Plants, Food Groups, Farm and barnyard, music and other sounds. Look for the show times in our schedule of events. And they are bringing along a strolling tractor with Tractor Trivia, which is also in the schedule.

Another fun new addition to Field days is the Portable Mini Golf Company. This is a nine-hole mini-golf course that has been set up at hundreds of events across New England and New York.

And Northwoods Chainsaw Sculptures will set up near the sawmill and will have various demos each day throughout the week. You’ve got to see the artistry they create with a chainsaw.

Just about everywhere you turn there will be some sort of entertainment act going on.

Here are some special things to look for:

• The Field Days Opening Parade steps off from near the tractor pad at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. This year’s theme is “Country Pride, Country Wide.” All entrants are asked to assemble 45 minutes before the parade start time on the east side of the tractor pad on the road to the north of the parking area. There will be prizes for the winning entries. Contact Benj Deppman at 724-1381 or any Field Days director if you plan to participate. Maybe you should march in the parade: Ribbons for the top three winning entries.
• Head to the Show Tent on Wednesday at 7 p.m. when Addison County DJ Amanda Rock will lead the ever-popular Karaoke Talent Night. Amada will help get the energy flowing so you all can let your inner performer come out on stage. Sign up for a spot in the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. You will probably find a few diamonds in the rough among your Addison County neighbors when it comes to singing.
• If you like the thrill of motorsport competition there will be more of it for you this year as the G. Stone Demolition Derby, which is offering three nights of smashing action. Look for it at the Tractor pad on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

But not everything is new. On Thursday at 11 a.m. head to the Show Tent, where girls and boys ages 4-10 will compete in the Pedal Tractor Pull. This is the youngsters’ version of the real thing. Come on down and watch the fun and cheer for your favorite puller. Pulling tractor and sled is provided by Field Days. Sign-ups start at 10.

Another old favorite comes along at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday evening when Field Days entertainment draws to a close with a classic — the Farm Credit East Closing Fireworks Display, which will be set off east of the horse area but viewable throughout the grounds.

APPEARING REGULARLY

In addition to all of the special performances above, the fair offers a full slate of daytime entertainment, with some performers appearing each day, often several times. Here is a look at those:

• A popular performer returning this year is Pirate Man Dan, who will be offering his “Pirate Adventure Experience” twice a day at the Show Tent. Dan Jolley of Groton, an experienced clown, will offer a fun show for all ages — he says, “even teenagers.” The friendly pirate’s act includes balloons, magic, unicycling, stilts and bubbles. One reviewer said Pirate Man Dan “put on a great show. Not only did all the kids in the room enjoy him, but he had the adults all laughing at his jokes.”
• Look for Buffalo Barfield’s “Unherd of Entertainment” to tickle your funny bone in the show tent at various times each day. Gregg “Buffalo” Barfield and his wife, Michele, have created a unique and entertaining comedy and variety music show. The South Carolina-based act’s unique blend of music and comedy has been described as “Jeff Foxworthy meets Jimmy Buffett.” The show is a blend of Americana, country, blues and oldies rock ‘n’ roll music with a touch of down home “clean” comedy. This one is good for the young kids.
  

  TOM JOYCE, THE MAGIC MAN

• Tom Joyce, the Magic Man, will appear twice a day at the bandstand. Check the schedule to see when he is performing. He’s absolutely fabulous with the kids, but grown-ups will enjoy the show, too. He’s funny, but that doesn’t take anything away from his magic, which is actually mysterious — it’s the best of both worlds
• Also in the audience participation category is the Ladies’ Cast Iron Skillet Toss at 1 p.m. on Wednesday (ladies throw skillets for distance and accuracy). Head to the tractor pad for this fun.
• Another contest of brute strength that is also a lot of fun to watch is the arm-wrestling competition at the Show Tent on Friday evening. The kiddos will start it off with youths 16 and younger squaring off in real, head-to-head competitions at 5 p.m. (get on the sign-up sheet at 4 p.m.). After the learners have warmed up the audience, the big boys and girls take their turn facing off against competitors in their weight classes. Adult arm-wrestling starts at 7 p.m. (weigh-ins at 5 p.m.) with bouts in left- and right-hand. The tension is palpable; the excitement is real; the payoff is tremendous. You’ve got a see it — or take part in it!