Higher Ground isn’t just Vermont’s best music venue. Since moving to 1214 Williston Road in South Burlington in 2004, it has consistently ranked among Pollstar’s top 50 venues in the nation — a list that otherwise runs through Chicago and New York and Los Angeles. For a 750-capacity room in a city of 45,000, that is an extraordinary achievement, and it says everything about how the place is run.
The venue first opened in 1998 in nearby Winooski, then relocated to South Burlington in 2004. The first show at the new location was a sold-out Hot Tuna set on December 2 of that year. More than 1,800 concerts later, Higher Ground remains the room where national touring acts that could play anywhere choose to play Vermont.
The Room
Higher Ground has two performance spaces. The Ballroom holds 750 and handles the main bookings — national touring acts, sold-out local favorites, events that fill the lot before doors open. The Showcase Lounge, at 300 capacity, is the intimate room where you catch artists on their way up, or established names who want a smaller night. Both spaces are standing room with clear sightlines. Ticketing runs primarily through Eventbrite and the Higher Ground website; select shows also appear on Ticketmaster.
Getting There
Higher Ground is at 1214 Williston Road in South Burlington, roughly one mile east of downtown Burlington. From I-89, take Exit 14W (Williston Road) and head west — the venue is on the right side of a commercial strip. Parking is free in the adjacent lot, which fills on sold-out nights. Rideshare from downtown Burlington takes about five minutes.
The Burlington Scene
Downtown Burlington’s Church Street — a pedestrian marketplace — is a ten-minute drive and worth the trip for pre-show dinner. The Williston Road corridor itself has solid quick options for those who want to stay close.
Insider Tips
- The Showcase Lounge calendar can be just as strong as the Ballroom on any given week. Don’t overlook it because of the room size.
- Subscribe to the Higher Ground email list — the venue is known for presale announcements that go out before shows hit the public.
- Parking is free but fills 45 minutes before doors on sold-out nights. Give yourself a buffer.
- Burlington City Market is nearby if you want to grab food or a bottle of something before heading in.
Nearby
- Farmhouse Tap & Grill (160 Bank Street, Burlington) — Vermont craft beer and locally sourced food. The standard for the area.
- Leunig’s Bistro (115 Church Street, Burlington) — French-leaning institution open since 1980. The right call if you’re making a full evening of it.
- Al’s French Frys (1251 Williston Road) — A South Burlington legend since 1948. Cash only, perfect fries, directly down the road from the venue.