Join us in Manchester, Vermont, on Saturday, October 17 from 10 am until 4 pm for the American Museum of Fly Fishing’s Open House Festival, a weekend celebrating the history and culture of fly fishing. Reimagined for 2026 and centered around the grand opening of Foundations in Flow: The Four Pillars of Fly Fishing, this year’s festival invites visitors inside the museum to connect with and celebrate the traditions that continue to shape fly fishing today.
This gathering will feature the exhibition opening, engaging conversations with anglers, artists, authors, and historians, hands-on workshops, fly tying, casting activities, and opportunities to explore the Museum with free admission!
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 16
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join us for cocktails and a first look as we celebrate the opening of Foundations in Flow: The Four Pillars of Fly Fishing. This new major exhibition explores the history of fly fishing through four defining pillars—flies, reels, rods, and the arts—revealing how generations of anglers have shaped a living tradition through craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep connection to the natural world.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Dinner at Ekwanok Country Club
Building on the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the 2025 Manchester Dinner, AMFF is thrilled to host a special evening at the Ekwanok Country Club following the exhibition opening. Tickets are $125 each and include seasonal buffet dinner, drink ticket, and beautiful mountain views!
Saturday, October 17
Throughout the day, guests are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum and access to all exhibitions, including the grand opening of Foundations in Flow: The Four Pillars of Fly Fishing. Fly tying demonstrations and instruction will take place continuously from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (full tying schedule to be announced closer to the event).
The day will extend beyond the museum walls with a variety of experiences celebrating the broader fly-fishing community. Local wood fired pizza (Cut the Pie Pizza Co.) will be on site throughout the day, and guests are encouraged to explore Manchester using a special shopping map and coupon pack highlighting participating local businesses.
Visitors can also spend time on the water with DIY or guided fishing opportunities on the Battenkill and nearby streams. In partnership with Southwestern Vermont Trout Unlimited and the Batten Kill Watershed Alliance guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a group tree planting—an invitation to give back to the waters that sustain the sport and its traditions.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Louis Rhead: Artist, Angler, and Illustrator — A talk led by Dave Bush accompanied by a special display of Rhead-related materials from Bush’s personal collection.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Mary Orvis Marbury & the Orvis Legacy — Steve Woit explores the influence of Mary Orvis Marbury and the broader history of the Orvis Company through stories and objects from the museum’s collection.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Guided Tour of Foundations in Flow —Join Curator Jim Schottenham for an insider’s look at the exhibition, featuring highlights from the Museum’s collection and the stories behind some of fly fishing’s most significant artifacts.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Writing Workshop with Matt Smythe — A creative writing session drawing inspiration from angling, storytelling, and the outdoors.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Rod Maker Panel Discussion — Contemporary rod makers discuss craftsmanship, tradition, innovation, and the enduring appeal of bamboo and handcrafted tackle.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Interactive Art Workshop (All Ages) — Join artist Samantha Aronson for a hands-on creative program inspired by fly fishing and nature.
Questions? Feel free to email us at amff@amff.org.