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Weather & Weekend Update:
Friday morning came in a bit gray and damp with some lingering showers and patchy fog hanging over Burlington, but skies should be clearing through the afternoon with sunshine taking hold by this evening. Highs today will reach the low to mid 60s, and the dropping humidity should make for a pleasant end to the day. Saturday is shaping up to be the best day of the stretch, with a mix of sun and clouds and temperatures climbing into the upper 60s to near 70. Soak it in while you can, because a cold front rolls through Saturday night into Sunday, bringing rain through midday and temperatures falling from the 60s back into the 50s. By Sunday night, lows will dip into the 20s and 30s, and Monday will feel more like early March than mid April, with highs only in the upper 30s to low 40s, a solid 10 to 20 degrees below average. Thankfully, conditions dry out later next week and temperatures start climbing back toward the 50s.
If you haven't caught it yet, today is the grand opening of Doña Esa at 388 Pine Street, bringing Mexican family seasoning and food to Burlington via pickup or delivery. The first 20 in person customers get a free arroz con leche dessert, so don't sleep on that. Meanwhile over at 1 Lawson Lane, Gosia Meyer Jewelry is saying goodbye to the studio space with a closing sale through tomorrow, everything 30% off. That place was amazing, so be sure to show them love. Tonight brings some solid options: Now That's What I Call A Rave takes over Higher Ground at 9 PM (18+) with EDM remixes of everything from Daft Punk to Katy Perry, glow sticks strongly encouraged. Over in Winooski, Queer Country Line Dance kicks off at Four Quarters Brewing at 7:30 with beginner friendly instruction and plenty of room to two step ($10 to $15 at the door, 21+). There's also a Family Paint Night at 180 Market Street in South Burlington from 5:30 to 7:30, where the whole crew can paint a tree frog with all supplies provided, and Bowling at Spare Time [MEETUP] in Colchester starts at 7 PM with four reserved lanes, laser tag, and arcade games for the Forever 38 Meetup crew ($30).
Saturday is stacked too. It's the last Winter Farmers Market of the season at Burlington Beer Co on Flynn Ave from 10 to 1, your final chance to grab produce, cheese, hot sauce, and spend any remaining Crop Cash before summer markets launch May 9. College St will be buzzing with the Patagonia Gear Swap (buy and sell pre loved Patagonia gear, 10 to 6), and while you're there, Darn Tough Vermont is running a warranty pop up at the same Patagonia store where you can bring up to 12 pairs of worn socks and get replacement codes on the spot. Down the block, the Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates (750 Pine) runs from 2 to 3 PM, great for April break. The Throwback Grown Up Book Fair returns to the SEABA Center on Pine Street with two sessions: a family friendly afternoon ($11, 2:30 to 5) and an 18+ evening with DJ Tad Cautious spinning 80s, 90s, and early 2000s tunes ($13, 6 to 9). That one is sold out, so if you snagged tickets, count yourself lucky. Given Saturday's expected sunshine, it's a perfect day for outdoor work: Lilac Cleanup at the UVM Horticulture Farm in South Burlington (10 to noon) needs help battling invasive bittersweet, Tending Rock Point offers an orchard pruning workshop at 5 Rock Point Road (10 to 1, no experience needed), and the Vermont River Conservancy is planting trees along the Lamoille River in Cambridge from 10 to 2. Gardeners should check out the UVM Master Gardener spring soil evaluation at the West Street Community Garden in Essex Junction (10 to 11:30). For families, GOLDEN: A K-Pop Family Dance Party hits Higher Ground at 11 AM (all ages, costumes encouraged), and ECHO kicks off its Earth and Space-tacular Festival running through April 26 with daily activities, Milky Way demos, and a mud fling from the upper deck. The Old North End Repair Cafe at Laboratory B (12 North St) runs from 11 to 3, where volunteers will fix your small appliances, electronics, bikes, and clothing for free. Over in South Hero, Champlain Valley Trout Unlimited's Fishing Gear Garage Sale sets up at Tie By Night Fly Shop at noon with gear deals, fly tying demos, and free hot dogs. Public Philosophy Week launches Saturday with awesome talks like "Why Are Games Awesome?" at the Boardroom (1 PM) and "Code to Conscience: Sentience, Moral Status, and the Case for AI Rights" at the Venetian Soda Lounge (5 PM), all events free, so check out what else they have this weekend. The VRmont Game Dev Micro-Con at HULA Lakeside (1 to 4 PM) is free and open to the public, featuring playable student games and Vermont developers. Start your morning with the Btown Brief meetup crew for BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] at Zero Gravity on Pine Street (10 to noon, just show up), or settle into the Burlington Brewery Book Club [MEETUP] at Four Quarters in Winooski at 2 PM to discuss The Other Valley. If you're feeling crafty, Mosaic Art Classes is running Turkish Lamp workshops at the Hampton Inn in Colchester with sessions at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM (runs Sunday too). Saturday evening is where things really heat up: the International Food Festival at South Burlington City Hall ($35, 5 to 7:30) features 15+ global vendors from Mexican to Ethiopian to Venezuelan, plus live music from the Green Mountain Celts and Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum. Over on North Ave, The Shared Table brings community dinner and storytelling to 237 North Avenue (6:30 to 8:30, tickets at sagezine.com) with local storytellers and a dinner made entirely from local ingredients by Miss Weinerz Bakery. The Burlington Civic Symphony performs works by Bruckner, Gipps, and Dvořák at the McCarthy Arts Center on the Saint Michael's campus at 7 PM. And for live music fans, The Discussions play the Venetian Soda Lounge at 8 PM, while Frank Viele records a live album at Tank Recording Studio on North Winooski Ave at 8:30.
Sunday might bring rain, but there's still plenty going on. At 2 PM, the Ethan Allen Homestead hosts a free history talk on Martha Winslow Powell, Burlington's first British settler, a story that's never been told to a public audience until now (doors at 1:30, refreshments served). Stick around for a New Volunteer Orientation at the Homestead at 3:30 if you're interested in getting involved. Public Philosophy Week continues with Why Does Nature Matter? at the Venetian Soda Lounge at 5 PM, a free talk with Rachelle Gould. And if you need some late night energy, GREEN 55 at the Monkey House in Winooski is a 55th birthday celebration and healthcare benefit for Craig Mitchell, featuring a lineup of DJs and cocktails from 8 PM to 1 AM ($10, 21+). The Earth and Space-tacular at ECHO, Darn Tough pop up, and Turkish Lamp workshops all continue through Sunday as well.
Be sure to scroll down to the full Events section to see everything else going on this weekend.
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"It's really important that we don't just think of the Flynn as the only performance stage in the city," said festival curator Jason Moran. Per Seven Days.
The 43rd annual festival runs June 3 through 7 and is largely free. Headliners include Tank and the Bangas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the legendary Mavis Staples, who takes the Waterfront Park stage on Saturday, June 6. Curator Jason Moran is pushing the festival into some unexpected spaces this year, including a jazz and ice skating performance at Leddy Park Arena and a live set at the Andy A_Dog Williams Skatepark. The festival will also feature 993 student musicians from 38 Vermont schools. Ticketed shows at the Flynn include the opening night fusion of music and dance, a Duke Ellington tribute with the Vermont Youth Orchestra, and a world premiere collaboration between Chris Potter and Julian Lage.
"I want to reiterate our mandate that we do not go hands-on with anyone that is not actively assaulting someone. If someone is just refusing to move, that is not our problem," Deputy Chief Sean Briscoe told officers on scene. Per NBC5.
The department published 51 body camera videos to YouTube showing officers' perspectives during the Dorset Street operation that drew hundreds of protesters and ended with federal agents deploying tear gas and flashbangs. A letter from the city manager found no South Burlington officers used excessive force, though Migrant Justice calls the investigation "incomplete," pointing to gaps in footage caused by depleted camera batteries. Meanwhile, Burlington PD has received 121 misconduct complaints from the same incident, with at least one officer under investigation. The footage and chief's report head to the South Burlington City Council on Monday.
"It was a lot easier to get it together from there than from in a tent. I had to be the one to turn my nose up to the drugs and keep clean and keep on working on my life, but it did help," said former resident Mike Renner. Per Seven Days.
Three years into what was proposed as a temporary pilot, the Elmwood Community Shelter's 30 insulated sheds in the Old North End are at a crossroads. The stats are modest: of 150 people who have lived there, 20 moved to long term housing, and four of those are facing eviction. But managers argue the numbers don't capture the full picture, since residents are among Burlington's hardest to reach homeless population, and a shortage of federal housing vouchers creates a bottleneck. Neighbors, particularly at the adjacent McKenzie House Apartments, have raised ongoing concerns about drug activity in the area. The city plans to seek an extension through June 2027 while it figures out a longer term vision for the property, which was always intended to eventually become permanent supportive housing.
"They were a wonderful cast. They were so extremely talented. I really wish it could have come to fruition but … it was not a safe environment for anybody to continue," said executive producer Jane Healy. Per Seven Days.
What started as an effort to breathe new life into Essex Community Players spiraled into a mess of licensing disputes, anonymous threats, and board resignations. Director Patrick Cope cast the role of Rocky with a female presenting actor, which prompted pushback from some board members and eventually a letter from licensing company Concord Theatricals. After the production team agreed to portray Rocky as male, anonymous texts began arriving from spoofed numbers, escalating from demands that certain people be removed to vaguely threatening messages about rehearsal. Essex Police are investigating. The nonprofit is out over $11,500 in expenses it can't recoup, and four of nine board members have resigned.
"Hibbitts said she was near the Franklin County Court when Moose lunged and bit part of her lip off. The injury will require plastic surgery, she said." Per Seven Days.
This saga has been brewing for years in Burlington's New North End, where neighbors on Roseade Parkway repeatedly complained about Moose after Wheeler adopted the dog in 2023. He was declared a public nuisance after biting a man at Leddy Park in September 2024 and was ordered to live with Wheeler's sister under strict conditions, including never returning to the Wheeler home. Monday's attack on a fellow attorney near the St. Albans courthouse raises serious questions about whether those conditions were being followed. At least one neighbor alleges the dog has been spotted back at Wheeler's house multiple times.
"I think this is going to be a good thing for the more traditional college-aged students at Williston. It expands their peer group and gives them a more traditional campus experience," said university spokesperson Katherine Levasseur. Per VTDigger.
The move converts Williston Hall, the campus's lone dorm, into classroom space to meet growing demand from nursing and dental hygiene programs. The roughly 20 residential students will live at Saint Michael's College in Colchester through a new partnership, gaining access to dining, a gym, and a library. The commute is about 15 minutes by car or doable by bus with a transfer in Essex Junction. It's part of a broader post-unification rethinking across all five Vermont State campuses, which has also seen declining programs cut at Randolph.
"Vermont is about to go off a cliff if we don't turn this bus around. Bridges are closing, and roads are being abandoned. It's irresponsible to not invest more in transportation," said Josh Hanford of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. Per Seven Days.
The numbers paint a grim picture: 38 percent of state roads are in poor or very poor condition now, and VTrans predicts that will hit 60 percent by 2030. Gas tax revenue, a key funding source, is declining as more drivers switch to EVs and hybrids, and construction costs have jumped over 60 percent since 2020. Lawmakers are considering a mileage based fee starting at 1.4 cents per mile for EV owners in 2027, though environmental groups worry it could discourage EV adoption. Meanwhile, towns like Morristown are considering abandoning roads they can no longer afford to maintain, and Waitsfield may close two damaged bridges, including the Great Eddy Covered Bridge.
"If you want people to know that you exist, you have to tell them sometimes," said diesel program student James McGuire, criticizing the lack of advertising for the programs. Per VTDigger.
Vermont State University plans to end its associate degree programs in automotive and diesel mechanics at its Randolph campus and replace them with shorter certificate programs built around an apprenticeship model. Enrollment dropped from 70+ students before the pandemic to just 27 now, and only three new students enrolled in diesel this year. But students and faculty argue the university never adequately marketed the programs, even as technical school enrollment statewide has been climbing. The irony is hard to miss: Vermont has a well documented shortage of skilled tradespeople, and VTSU is the only higher education institution offering these programs in the state.
"Court documents show that Judge William Sessions III denied Monsanto's motion on the grounds that the company knew for decades that products containing PCBs were harmful to human health." Per NBC5.
The Burlington School District is seeking $135 million in compensatory damages from Monsanto over PCB contamination that forced the closure of Burlington High School and Burlington Technical Center on Institute Road in 2020. Monsanto had tried to get the case dismissed through a summary judgment, arguing the district should have known about the dangers, but the judge wasn't buying it. Students and faculty have been working out of a converted former Macy's downtown ever since. The new Burlington High School on Institute Road is slated to open this fall, but the legal fight over who pays for the disruption is far from over.
“It just hurts me to see this, because I do think about the people that are going to be impacted, and struggle to get to and fro," said Essex Junction City Council Vice President Marcus Certa. Per VTDigger.
GMT's No. 4 route serving Essex Junction and Essex Town costs about $28 per passenger per trip, compared to an agency average of $7, making it the agency's least cost effective line. Cutting it would save $112,000 a year, but there's a potential lifeline: the Essex Westford School District has offered to help fund the route, since many students rely on it. That arrangement hinges on a change to state law currently moving through the legislature. The bigger picture is sobering. GMT has already cut the equivalent of 20 percent of its bus service since late 2024, and a $2.5 million budget hole looms for fiscal year 2028. Federal proposals to eliminate "flexing" of highway funds for transit could make things even worse. The board votes Tuesday.
"I managed to tackle quite a bit of nagging, nonwork paperwork that I'd been putting off for weeks. Bills paid, people thanked," wrote staffer Jeff Baron after trying Taunik's sparkling green tea. Per Seven Days.
Seven Days staffers sampled a range of locally produced THC edibles and drinks, from Sunset Lake Cannabis's sparkling cider (made with apples from Hackett's Orchard in South Hero) to Yut Rootbeer out of Milton to spicy mango chili gummies from Gaston Weed in Essex. The reviews are entertaining and genuinely useful if you're curious about the growing landscape of legal cannabis products in Vermont. All items are sold at licensed dispensaries around the area, and each is dosed at the state regulated five milligrams per serving.
"Every day, nonprofits across Vermont are strengthening communities in ways both seen and unseen," said Dan Smith, president and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. Per Seven Days.
The nomination round for the 2026 Seven Daysies is open now through May 3. The nonprofit that wins the Best Nonprofit category will receive a $10,000 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation. If you have a favorite local nonprofit, this is the time to make it count. Finalists will be announced May 13, with final voting running June 2 through 15 and winners announced August 5.
Quick Hits
The Burlington institution is back at Battery Park, slinging fries and Michigan dogs out of the retrofitted school bus just like it has since 1944. Co-owner Chris Corron says the goal is always mid April, freeze risk permitting.
Diane Abruzzini and Colin Riggs, founders of Williston robotics company Rigorous Technology, have been named Vermont's Small Business Persons of the Year by the SBA and are in the running for the national award. Two other Williston businesses also received recognition: Vermont Healthcare Consulting (Woman Owned Business of the Year) and Queen City Dry Goods (Small Business Manufacturer of the Year).
Kyle Clark, president and CEO of Burlington electric aircraft maker Beta Technologies, will deliver the keynote at Champlain College's commencement on May 9.
The Fletcher Free Library is now displaying a handprinted religious text it purchased back in 1882 for $2.50. The manuscript, Tractatus Exponibilium by Pierre D'Ailly, dates to 1494 and was recently rediscovered in the library's collection. You can view it in the Main Reading Room at 235 College Street during regular hours.
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UVM Athletics: Maureen Magarity Named Women's Basketball Head Coach
The University of Vermont has officially named Maureen Magarity as the Elizabeth F. Mayer '93 and Paul J. Mayer, M.D. Women's Basketball Head Coach. Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman made the announcement on Monday, marking Magarity as the tenth head coach in the program's history. She steps into the position following the departure of Coach Kresge, aiming to maintain the championship standards established in Burlington.
Magarity arrives following a highly successful tenure at Holy Cross, where she guided the Crusaders to three consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back Patriot League Tournament Championships in 2023 and 2024. Her leadership resulted in two NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament appearances, including a 72-45 First Four victory over UT Martin in 2024. Prior to her time at Holy Cross, she spent ten seasons as the head coach at New Hampshire, where she secured 146 victories and earned the 2017 Kay Yow National Coach of the Year award. Magarity already has established roots in the local community, living in Burlington with her husband, UVM Men's Basketball Head Coach John Becker, and their four daughters.
Apr 18: Women's Lacrosse Season 2026 vs. UAlbany (Sat ⦁ 12:00pm)
Apr 21: 2026 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour - All-New Magic Pass (Tue ⦁ 5:30pm)
Apr 21: 2026 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour - Celebrity Court Pre-Show Event (Tue ⦁ 6:15pm)
Apr 21: 2026 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour - The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour (Tue ⦁ 7:00pm)
Events:
Friday, April 17, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Meditation at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
Happening Now: Grand Opening (Mexican Takeout) at 388 Pine St Suite 2, Burlington
Happening Now: April Cornell Friends & Family Sale at 131 Battery St, Burlington
Ongoing: Jewelry Studio Closing Sale – 30% Off Inventory! at 1 Lawson Lane, Burlington
10:00 AM: AO Glass Factory & Storefront Open at 416 Pine St, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Duplicate Bridge Games at Burlington Bridge Club, Williston ($6)
10:00 AM: Morning Tech Help at South Burlington Public Library (Free, preregister)
1:00 PM: Adult Craft: Needlefelted Hairpins at Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester (Free)
1:00 PM: An Author Event with Maureen Groden at 146 Market St, South Burlington
1:00 PM: Mah-Jongg at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston (Free)
1:00 PM: Vermont Department of Labor Tabling at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: Education & Enrichment for Everyone: Owen Foster – The State of Healthcare in Vermont at Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington ($8/Free for members)
3:00 PM: Invention 2 Venture at Hula, Burlington (Free, preregister)
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Hotel Champlain (Half-priced oysters)
4:00 PM & 7:00 PM: 'Hamlet' Film Screening at Film House, Main Street Landing, Burlington ($6–12)
4:30 PM: Laughter Yoga at Iyengar Yoga Center, Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: GMAPA 9-Ball Singles Board Qualifier at Vermont Pool and Bar
5:30 PM: Magic the Gathering – Secrets of Strixhaven Prerelease at 129 Market St, Williston
6:00 PM: Reiki & Restorative at 1 Mill St, Burlington
6:00 PM: LADIES NIGHT OUT at 133 Broadacres Dr, Colchester
6:00 PM: Spring Equinox Guided Journaling Dinner at Adventure Dinner Clubhouse, Colchester ($64)
6:00 PM: Roaring 420s Party at Lucky You, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Learn & Play Galactic Cruise at The Boardroom Cafe, Burlington (Free, register at theboardroomvt.com) [MEETUP]
6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at North Star Community Hall
7:00 PM: Secrets of Strixhaven – Friday Prerelease at Quarterstaff Games
7:00 PM: Balboa Fridays! at North Star Community Hall
7:00 PM: Queer Country Line Dance at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski ($10–15)
7:00 PM: Bowling at Spare Time! at Spare Time, Colchester ($30) [MEETUP]
8:00 PM: RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Karaoke with DJ Big T at McKee's Original, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: HERE & QUEER! at 165 Church St, Burlington
Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier
Performances
6:00 PM: Nuttin' But a Word – Rennie Harris Puremovement at Flynn Main Stage, Burlington ($45+)
7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Kelsey Cook – Stand-Up Comedy at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
7:30 PM: Roomful of Teeth & Gabriel Kahane at UVM Recital Hall, Burlington ($5–50)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Vachsean at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:30 PM: Blake Matteson at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Chris Parker Solo at The Spanked Puppy
6:00 PM: Danny & The Parts at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: Cocktail Piano Hour with Paul Webb at Venetian Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Playing Everything from Linda Ronstadt to Lady Gaga at Saint John's Club
6:00 PM: Two for Flinching (Acoustic Set) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex (Free)
7:00 PM: Chicky Stoltz at Armory Grille & Bar, Hilton Garden Inn, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Freeway Clyde – Jazz Fusion at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)
7:00 PM: Smokey Newfield Project at Jericho Café & Tavern, Jericho (Free)
7:00 PM: Executive Disorder, Witch Thicket, Chartarum, Psychomanteum – Punk/Hardcore at 1416 North Ave, Burlington ($10)
7:00 PM: Astral Underground – Star Struck Gutz Album Release at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($10)
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at 7 W Canal St, Winooski (Free)
7:30 PM: Sara Devoe w/ BUG CRUSH, The Eyetraps & Izzy Jones at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
8:00 PM: Good Gravy + Hound & Handler – Bluegrass/Americana at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: A House on Fire at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: DJ Two Sev & Ron Stoppable at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
9:00 PM: Now That's What I Call A Rave at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($18, 18+)
9:00 PM: GOLDEN: A K-Pop Rave at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($20, 18+)
9:00 PM: Brass Balagan – Brass Band at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)
9:00 PM: Bad Horsey at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Leddy Moss, silverlined – Indie at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)
9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington at Drink, Burlington ($5)
10:00 PM: DJ CRE8 at Rí Rá Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
10:00 PM: Ayesha & Guests – EDM Showcase at BCA Studios, Burlington ($20)
10:30 PM: Shapes – Rock/Funk at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$15)
Saturday, April 18, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Community Bird Walks at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free, preregister)
9:00 AM: Storage Unit Auction at 295 Rathe Rd, Colchester
9:00 AM: Member Mornings at ECHO, Burlington
9:00 AM: Green Mountain Championship at Lift VT
9:00 AM: Fellowship of the Wheel Trail Cleanup at Saxon Hill Trailhead, Essex Junction (Free, preregister)
9:00 AM: Friends of Pierson Library Book Sale at Shelburne Town Hall ($0.50–$3)
9:30 AM: VDA Symposium: 'Branching Out' at Murmurations Aerial, Burlington (Various, preregister)
10:00 AM: Darn Tough Vermont Warranty Pop-Up at Patagonia Burlington, 191 College St
10:00 AM: Patagonia Gear Swap at Patagonia Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Earth & Space-tacular Festival at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Included with admission)
10:00 AM: Krispy Kreme @ XCA at 155 Dorset St, South Burlington
10:00 AM: Burlington Winter Farmers Market (Last of the Season!) at Burlington Beer Company (Free admission)
10:00 AM: Tending Rock Point: Orchard Pruning Workshop at 5 Rock Point Rd, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: UVM Extension Master Gardener: Spring Soil Evaluation at 111 West St, Essex Junction (Free)
10:00 AM: Black Ash Tree Ecology and Culture Workshop at 111 West St, Essex Junction (Free)
10:00 AM: Legislative Hour with Chittenden County Reps at Burnham Library (Free)
10:00 AM: Constituent Get-Together with Chittenden-Central Senators at Brownell Library (Free)
10:00 AM: Lilac Cleanup Workday at UVM Horticulture Farm, South Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Volunteer Tree Planting with Vermont River Conservancy at Lamoille River, Cambridge (Free)
10:00 AM: Mosaic Art Classes: Turkish Lamp Workshop at Hampton Inn, 42 Lower Mountain View Dr, Colchester ($99–$189)
10:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery, 716 Pine St, Burlington (Free – buy your own coffee) [MEETUP]
10:00 AM: Jim Jones Transit History Talk at Milton Grange, Milton (Free)
11:00 AM: Here to Help at 21 Buell St, Burlington
11:00 AM: Secrets of Strixhaven – Saturday Prerelease at Quarterstaff Games
11:00 AM: Old North End Repair Cafe at Laboratory B, North St, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
11:15 AM: The Derby at Vermont Pool and Bar
12:00 PM: Cellar Sale at Citizen Cider, 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington (Up to 50% off)
12:00 PM: Call of Cthulhu – None More Black at The Boardroom Cafe, Burlington (Free, register at theboardroomvt.com) [MEETUP]
12:00 PM: Fishing Gear Garage Sale by Champlain Valley Trout Unlimited at Tie By Night Fly Shop, South Hero (Free admission)
1:00 PM: Media Factory New Member Orientation at The Media Factory, Burlington (Free, preregister)
1:00 PM: HU Chant: Ancient Mantra for a Modern World at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
1:00 PM: VRmont Game Dev Micro-Con! at Hula, Burlington
2:00 PM: The Other Valley – Burlington Brewery Book Club at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski (Free) [MEETUP]
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at 750 Pine St, Burlington
2:00 PM: The Russell House Collective Open House at Essex Junction (Free)
2:30 PM: Throwback: A Grown-Up Book Fair...the Sequel! at The SEABA Center, Burlington ($11–31)
3:00 PM: 'Salaam Bombay!' Film Screening at The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Burlington ($6–12)
3:00 PM: Tibetan Association Fun Fair at Robert Miller Community Center, Burlington (Free, pay for food)
4:00 PM: Foundational Teaching in Buddhism at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: South Burlington International Food Festival at 180 Market St, South Burlington ($35, preregister)
5:45 PM: April Ballroom Dance at North Star Community Hall
6:30 PM: The Shared Table: Community Dinner and Storytelling at 237 North Ave, Burlington
7:00 PM: Stargazing in the Park at Bombardier Park West, Milton (Free)
7:00 PM: Dads' Night Out: Sober Saturday Nights at The Guild Hall, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: 'Monsoon Wedding' Film Screening at The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Burlington
7:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: PSP Karaoke at Pearl Street Pub
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Goddess at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
Time Varies: Public Philosophy Week at Various Locations, Burlington (Free)
Time Not Specified: Last Call for Sugar on Snow at 332 Shelburne Hinesburg Rd, Shelburne
Time Not Specified: Weekend with Sergio Segura at Fusion 802
Performances
12:00 PM: Winter Concert Series: Ethan Robbins at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
4:00 PM: Nobby & Harpo Blues Concert at Red Brick Meeting House, Westford ($10–15, preregister)
7:00 PM: Burlington Civic Symphony at McCarthy Arts Center, Colchester ($5–25)
7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Kelsey Cook – Stand-Up Comedy at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
7:00 PM: Max Higgins – Comedy at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($12)
7:30 PM: All is Breath: Music of Bach and Schachter / Burlington Choral Society at Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester ($30)
7:30 PM: Vermont Symphony Orchestra: Jukebox Quartet – Porch Songs, Americana Roots at Burlington Beer Company ($15–35 sliding scale)
7:30 PM: Social Band – A Cappella at Richmond Free Library, Richmond ($20 suggested donation)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Dan Parks at Sparky's Bar & Grill
5:00 PM: Two for Flinching at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
6:00 PM & 8:30 PM: TRS Live Presents: Frank Viele w/ Steve Hartmann at Tank Recording Studio, Burlington ($20/$30)
6:00 PM: Mr Cheng, DJ Chaston, DJ Aras at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: DJ Rice Pilaf at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Reverend Horton Heat w/ Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Piñata Protest at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($35)
7:00 PM: Violet Crimes, The Stress Balls, Neponset Monastery, Dogwater & more – Punk at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex ($10)
7:30 PM: Lukkyxoxo & Guests – Hip-Hop at 1416 North Ave, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: The Discussions – Jazz Fusion at Venetian Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: DJ Raul, Matt P at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Sparkomatik – DJ Set at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
8:00 PM: 90 PROOF at Sparky's Bar & Grill
8:30 PM: SOLD OUT – Field Medic w/ Euphoria Again at Radio Bean, Burlington
9:00 PM: Emo Night Brooklyn at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($20)
9:00 PM: Nickel & Dime at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
10:00 PM: ¡Baila Conmigo! with JP Black (DJ) at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington ($10/$15)
10:00 PM: DJ Ronstoppable at Rí Rá Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
11:00 PM: Comatose Kids, Spattik – Indie Pop at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)
11:00 PM: Kate Kush, Slaytt – DJs at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)
Sunday, April 19, 2026
General Events
8:30 AM: WOKO Gigantic Indoor Flea Market at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction
9:00 AM: Vermont Connector's Spring Sprout & Swap – Baby Gear Exchange / Car Seat Trade-In at Burlington Elks Lodge ($20/family)
9:00 AM: VTSU Aviation Club Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at Vermont Flight Academy
10:00 AM: Big Sing – Festive Community Song Circle at Heineberg Community Senior Center, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Tech Sundays: Organizing Files on Your Computer at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free, preregister)
10:00 AM: Darn Tough Vermont Warranty Pop-Up at Patagonia Burlington, 191 College St
10:00 AM: Patagonia Gear Swap – Day 2 at Patagonia Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Earth & Space-tacular Festival at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Included with admission)
10:00 AM: Friends of Pierson Library Book Sale at Shelburne Town Hall ($0.50–$3)
10:00 AM: Mosaic Lamp Workshop at Hampton Inn, Colchester ($99–$189)
10:00 AM: COFC Spring Trail Work Series with Andy! at 592 Governor Chittenden Rd, Williston
11:00 AM: Open House & Teddy Bear Repair Clinic at Dorset Street Animal Hospital, South Burlington (Free)
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday Games at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex (Free)
12:00 PM: 'Storm Center' Film Screening at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
12:30 PM: Social Sundays Art Activities at Milton Artists' Guild, Milton (Free)
12:30 PM: The Amazing Puzzle Race at The Boardroom Cafe, Burlington ($40/team, register at theboardroomvt.com) [MEETUP]
1:00 PM: Duplicate Bridge Games at Burlington Bridge Club, Williston ($6)
1:00 PM: Crafter-Noon at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: Giving Plates with Colchester Community Food Shelf at 794 W Lakeshore Dr #4, Colchester
2:00 PM: Free History Talk: Burlington's First British Settler at Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: Donation Ear-Acupuncture Day at Kula Yoga, 100 Dorset St, South Burlington (Donation-based)
2:30 PM: 420 Fest at SEABA, 400 Pine St, Burlington – Music by Cult Objects, Papo2oo4, Flywlkr, David Chief & DJ Taka ($23.18, 18+)
3:00 PM: Becca Balint: Across the Great Divide Panel at Robert Miller Community Center, Burlington
3:30 PM: New Volunteer Orientation at Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Drop-In Tech Support at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Womxn's Pick-up Soccer at Miller Community Center, Burlington (Free, pre-register via Parks & Rec) [MEETUP]
6:00 PM: Sunday Night Trivia at The Lazy Goat Tavern, Essex (Free)
6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington (Free)
9:00 PM: Karaoke Sundays at Einstein Tap House, Burlington (Free, 21+)
Time Varies: Public Philosophy Week at Various Locations, Burlington (Free)
Performances
3:15 PM & 7:00 PM: Nick Offerman: Big Woodchuck at Flynn Main Stage, Burlington (SOLD OUT, $0–$74.50)
3:00 PM: Social Band – A Cappella at College Street Congregational Church, Burlington ($20 suggested donation)
4:00 PM & 8:00 PM: ALOK: Work in Progress – Comedy at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (SOLD OUT, $28)
4:00 PM: Vocal Studio Recital at UVM Recital Hall, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Youth Opera Company: 'Una Giornata' at Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington ($20 suggested donation, free for under 26)
Live Music/DJ
10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont, Burlington
1:00 PM: Acoustic Brunch at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Wine & Jazz Sundays at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
5:00 PM: Slow Burn Sundays at Venetian Soda Lounge, Burlington
5:00 PM: VT Synth Society – Synth Night at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: The Devil Makes Three at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington (SOLD OUT, $39 – April 20 show still available)
8:00 PM: Shawn Williams, CRWD CTRL, Justin R.E.M., Craig Mitchell at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
Ongoing Exhibitions & Art
Dinosaur Safari Exhibit at ECHO, Burlington (Through Sept. 7)
Thalia Guarneri: 'I Wish You Could Have Known Her' at McCarthy Art Gallery, Colchester (Through April 19, Free)
Dakin Fuller Art Exhibit at The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, Burlington (Through April 18, Free)
'Photo-Secession' at Fleming Museum of Art, Burlington (Through April 18)
Jennifer McCandless: 'You're an Animal' at Soapbox Arts, Burlington (Through April 25, Free)
Clark Russell: 'Unclassified Art' at The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, Burlington (Through April 25, Free)
'Library Hours' Exhibit at Extra Special With Cheese, Burlington (Through April 25, Free)
'The Creative Competition' at The SEABA Center, Burlington (Through April 25, Free)
Micah Wood Exhibition at ATM Gallery, Shelburne (Through April 25, Free)
'We're Stronger Together' Fair Housing Month Exhibit at Burlington City Hall (Through April 29, Free)
Benjamin Aleshire: 'Blue Period' at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Through April 30, Free)
Toni Basanta and Mae Roberts Exhibition at South Burlington Public Library (Through April 30, Free)
'The Thinning Veil' at Nurture by Nature, Burlington (Through May 9, Free)
Richmond Rug Hookers Exhibit at Emile A. Gruppe Gallery, Jericho (Through May 10, Free)
'Memory Fields' at Fleming Museum of Art, Burlington (Through May 16)
'Rooted in Nature: Collecting Histories at UVM' at Fleming Museum of Art (Through May 16)
'Beyond Red Barns' Group Show at Fleming Museum of Art (Through May 17)
'Making Our Mark' Vermont Pastel Society Show at South Burlington Public Art Gallery (Through May 28, Free)
Janet Anderson Watercolor Postcards at South Burlington Public Library (Through May 31, Free)
Burlington Technical Center Scholastic Art Awards at Gallery at Main Street Landing, Burlington (Through June 14, Free)
Art at the Airport: Bette Ann Libby at Burlington International Airport (Through June 15, Free)
Art at the Airport: Howard Center Arts Collective at Burlington International Airport (Through June 15, Free)
'Human Impact: Contemporary Art and Our Environment' at BCA Center, Burlington (Through June 20, Free)
Lee Williams & Cathy Della Lucia: 'What's the Difference?' at BCA Center, Burlington (Through June 20, Free)
Maedeh Asgharpour Exhibition at BCA Center, Burlington (Through June 20, Free)
'Belonging: A New Collections Gallery' at Fleming Museum of Art (Ongoing)
'Investigating Child Labor' Photography Exhibit at Heritage Winooski Mill Museum (Ongoing)
Ashley Stagner: 'The Cowboy Series' at Artspace 106, Burlington (Ongoing, Free)
Here are some of my favorite BtownBrief links:
Full list of 202+ activities to do at anytime is always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do
Full list of restaurant reviews here.
View the full list of food & drink deals here.
That’s All, Burlington!
That's the rundown for this Friday and the weekend ahead. Saturday is packed with some truly great options, so take advantage of the nice weather and get out there. If you found something in here worth sharing, pass it along to a friend or neighbor. And as always, if you've got a tip, a correction, or just want to say hey, don't hesitate to reach out. We love hearing from you.
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