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Weather & Weekend Update:
This anomalously cold weather is finally turning around! Friday morning is starting off with a bit of sunshine across the Champlain Valley, though clouds will build through the afternoon. Expect highs near 30 in Burlington today, with a weak clipper system sliding through overnight that could drop a coating to an inch of snow by Saturday morning. The good news: we're finally trending warmer. Saturday should climb into the low 30s with lingering flurries early before clearing out, and Sunday looks like the winner of the weekend with mostly sunny skies and mid 30s. If Burlington manages to crack 32 degrees this weekend, it'll be the first time since January 22, snapping this three week freeze. Looking ahead to Presidents' Day on Monday, temperatures push close to 40 with increasing clouds, and by midweek we could be flirting with the low 40s and even some rain mixing in. A proper February thaw, at last.
It's a big weekend in Burlington, and it kicks off tonight. The folks at SEABA Center on Pine Street are hosting a Galentine's Day dance party from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring an all women DJ lineup of Broosha, Melo Grant, Abby Shaw, and Serena Kim ($13 at the door). Bonus: flash your ticket for half price oysters at La Reprise or half price snacks at Doma starting at 4 and 5 p.m. respectively. Over at the Flynn, Hot Butter Valentine brings an LGBTQIA+ disco and dance night to the Flynn Space at 9 p.m. with DJ Gaybar and drag performances by Miss Chekova and Pete Zapparti ($10). If live music is more your speed, Higher Ground has All Night Boogie Band and Dobbs' Dead at 7:30 p.m., pairing a high energy blues and rock quintet (2025 "Best Blues Group" winners) with a Grateful Dead tribute band featuring members from Goose and Swimmer. The Vermont Comedy Club is also rolling out Valentine's weekend with Nate Craig doing two shows tonight at 6:30 and 8:30 ($25), and he's back Saturday night too. Meanwhile, AO Glass on Pine Street is inviting folks to stamp a glass heart suncatcher this afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. (and again Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with 15% off all in store purchases both days. And over at Gardener's Supply in Williston, Bloom Lab Perfumerie is hosting a botanical perfume making workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. where you'll leave with a custom 30ml bottle of Eau de Parfum. For the hands on crowd, Center Centre Clay Studio on Flynn Avenue has a wiggle vase pottery workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. taught by local potter (and standup comedian) Katie Cameron. Down in South Burlington, the EEE Lecture series presents "Whatever Happened to Checks and Balances in the U.S. Government?" from 2 to 3 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, featuring Dartmouth's Linda Fowler ($8 for walk ins). And all weekend long, the Church Street Marketplace is doing Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day, with participating businesses handing out free Lake Champlain Chocolates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday. If you'd rather have someone sing to your sweetheart, Singing Valentines from the Green Mountain Chorus and Champlain Echoes sends a barbershop quartet to your door today or tomorrow with chocolates, a card, and a love song for $50 ($5 from each order goes to COTS).
Saturday is Valentine's Day proper, and the options are almost absurd. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra performs Love Notes at the Flynn at 3 p.m. with works by Philip Glass, Frank Zappa, and Bizet, featuring violinist Jennifer Koh (tickets from $8.35). That evening, the Vermont International Film Festival screens The Princess Bride at 7 p.m. on Lake Street ($12 general, $6 student), and for something a little more atmospheric, Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special brings the Listeso String Quartet to the First Unitarian Universalist Society on Pearl Street at 7 p.m. under, yes, actual candlelight ($35.31). Higher Ground goes dark with Wicked Game, a gothic dreamland night at 8 p.m. featuring six acts, pole and burlesque dancers, and a free photo booth (18+, dark dress code expected). For couples looking to move together, Lines Vermont in South Burlington has an It Takes Two couples dance class at 6 p.m., designed for total beginners ($40 per couple), while Kula Yoga is offering a Couples Massage Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. limited to just eight couples ($200 per pair). Create something permanent at Gosia Meyer Jewelry, where you can design your own permanent jewelry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Lawson Lane by Church St (booking required). The Burlington Winter Farmers Market is at Lumière Hall in Burlington Beer Company from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with 40 vendors, and SEABA's "Made with Love" Artist Market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with handmade goods and free Lake Champlain Chocolates. The Fletcher Free Library's "Bigger and Better" Book Sale kicks off Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and continues Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tattoo fans can check out the Valentine's Flash Tattoo Event at Karma Bird House on Maple Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood of Vermont Action Fund. Lake Champlain Chocolates rounds out the day with The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at their Pine Street flagship from 2 to 3 p.m. Over in South Burlington, the Burlington Technical Center is hosting an Aviation and Aerospace Adult Informational Session from 1 to 2 p.m. for anyone curious about a career in aircraft maintenance. And for those who want a low key Valentine's morning, our own BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] meets at Zero Gravity on Pine Street from 10 to 11 a.m., while the Board Game Brunch [MEETUP] gathers at Old Town Cafe & Comics in Williston from 9 a.m. to noon. Down in Shelburne, Sisters of Anarchy is doing a Valentine's Day Pie and Ice Cream event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with five pie flavors and card making supplies ($8.50 per serving). I’ll probably check this one out myself!
The NOFA-VT Winter Conference runs both Saturday and Sunday at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, with 40 plus workshops, a keynote conversation with seed saver Ira Wallace, a seed swap, and a special kids' conference on Saturday, followed by intensive all day workshops on Sunday (sliding scale registration at nofavt.org/conference). For a different kind of Saturday night out, 50 First Dates: A Valentine's Day Movie and Dining Experience at The Depot in Saint Albans serves dishes and drinks timed to scenes in the film from 8 to 10 p.m. (21+, around $100). On Sunday, head to Schmanska Park on Grove Street from 2 to 4 p.m. for a community lantern making afternoon where all supplies are provided and all ages are welcome. Fortune Feimster brings her Takin' Care of Biscuits Tour to the Flynn's main stage at 7 p.m. ($37.50 to $113). Legacy and Light, a free family friendly celebration of Black excellence and the 2nd Annual Sankofa event, runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Contois Auditorium in City Hall, hosted by the Burlington School District. The Burlington VT Wedding Show takes over the DoubleTree on Williston Road from noon to 3 p.m. with vendors, cake sampling, and prize giveaways ($13.39). Over in Essex Junction, the WOKO Gigantic Indoor Flea Market takes over the Champlain Valley Exposition from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5 entry, free parking). For outdoor types, snowshoeing at Catamount Outdoor Family Center [MEETUP] in Williston starts at 11 a.m. with food and drinks to follow at Stone Corral in Richmond (free to attend, trail pass fees apply). And SEABA's "From Vermont, With Love" art show featuring 125 pieces by artists from 24 Vermont towns remains open through the weekend at their new Pine Street gallery.
But honestly, there’s too much going on this weekend to highlight them all, so be sure to read the full events calendar the end of this email.
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"We want to give folks easy access to open-source construction plans." — per VtDigger.
The state's new "802 Homes" initiative takes a page from the old Sears mail order blueprint era. Officials are drafting 10 home designs, from cottage apartments above garages to duplexes and triple deckers, that will be free for property owners and developers and get a fast track through local permitting. Vermont is reportedly the first state to try this approach. Three pilot municipalities (Essex Junction, Hartford, and Manchester) are vetting the designs now, with the catalog expected by year's end. For context, the median sale price of a newly built home in Vermont hit nearly $625,000 in 2024, and officials are aiming to bring catalog home costs closer to $450,000 per unit.
"We were looking for ways to light up the place in the evenings. Anything that we could do to make the street feel alive — and especially in the winter, when it gets dark at 4 p.m." — per Seven Days.
The collaboration between Burlington City Arts and the Church Street Marketplace District Commission has been running since December and continues through February 23. The centerpiece right now is "Dwell Time," a rotating video projection by Burlington design studio Vanish Works on the former CityPlace Burlington facade every night from 5 to 10 p.m. Commission chair and Homeport owner Mark Bouchett is blunt about the motivation: downtown businesses lose money every winter, and the hope is that luminescent art can draw people out when the sun drops early.
"I've always been obsessed with pizza." — per Seven Days.
Chef and owner Celine Eid opened La Di Da at 294 North Winooski Avenue last September in the former Despacito space, and it's quickly become a go to spot in the Old North End. Slices run $3.50 to $5.50 and whole 18 inch pies go for $26 to $36, with standouts like the chimichurri and the spicy Gemini. Eid is a UVM grad and former New York City middle school science teacher who ran a pizza pop up before moving back to Vermont. She recently added Monday service and extended weekend hours to 10 p.m., so the shop is now open every day but Tuesday.
"Any state that did not vote for Donald Trump in the last election or in the 2020 election, they're in the crosshairs." — per VTDigger.
Balint's comments came after a Congressional oversight trip to Minneapolis, where she said roughly 3,000 masked federal agents were conducting operations she described as being about "power and control and submission" rather than law enforcement. On Wednesday, she got into a heated exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi at a House Judiciary Committee hearing over ties between Trump administration officials and Jeffrey Epstein. The timing is notable: FEMA denied disaster aid to Vermont this week for 2025 flooding in the Northeast Kingdom, and Balint frames it as part of the administration picking "winners and losers" along partisan lines.
"I loved the community and what I did." — per Seven Days.
Longtime downtown barista Cole Thornton is heading back behind the espresso machine. After a decade at the Cosmic Grind on Church Street, Thornton and business partner Dante Seguino are opening Café Napoli at 163 Cherry Street, the cozy space that previously housed cannabis dispensary Lucky You and, before that, Lucky Next Door. They're aiming to open by the end of March with local beans from Montgomery's Big Jay Roasting, housemade seasonal syrups, and possibly iced coffee on draft using the old keg system left behind. Meanwhile, Cosmic Grind owner Ian Senesac told Seven Days he hopes to reopen that shop this spring too.
"The $5,000 award recognizes land stewardship, innovation, and service to community." — per Vermont Business Magazine.
The Vermont Land Trust is accepting applications for the 2026 Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award through March 1. The award honors Rozendaal, the late farmer behind Rockville Market Farm in Starksboro, and is open to any Vermont resident actively working on or managing a commercial farm, whether or not they own the land. Now in its eighth year, past recipients include farmers from operations across the state. Applications are available at vlt.org/eric.
"Scent can add immersion, can add new layers of gameplay, add new mechanics to their games." — per WCAX.
Burlington startup OVR Technology is working to make video games smell like something. The company's fragrance innovation director Sarah Socia formulates scents that diffuse from a small cassette on top of a computer monitor, and they've already built a demo for Minecraft where players can actually smell flowers in a garden. OVR recently held a feedback event at Zero Gravity to test consumer reactions and is currently working with 26 game developers. Their product, the Omara, will get its first public game release this fall through a title called Little Buffalo.
"My career has really been about citizen service and purpose driven work." — per WAMC.
Starksboro resident Ellen Yount will take over the Vermont Afghan Alliance on March 4, replacing Molly Gray, who is stepping down to run for lieutenant governor. Yount brings a resume that includes stints as press secretary for former Congressman Tom Ridge and director of the press office at USAID, along with years overseeing Afghan programs at an international development consulting firm. She outlined five priorities: supporting Afghan communities already here, welcoming new arrivals, reuniting separated families, building financial independence, and sustaining the volunteer base. With ICE actions ramping up nationally, Yount said the Alliance needs to be a steady, trusted partner for families under increasing pressure.
"South Burlington is terribly underserved as far as historical works, there's almost nothing." — per The Other Paper.
Local historian Bob Blanchard has spent years compiling "South Burlington," a 270 page book tracing the city from its 1865 separation from Burlington through its postwar transformation from farming community to urban center. Blanchard, who also founded the Burlington Area History Facebook group (now nearly 35,000 members strong), points out that Burlington has 26 state historic preservation markers while South Burlington has just one, a gap he says reflects neglect rather than a lack of deserving sites. I found the FB link if you want to five deeper into Burlington history. I ought to see if Bob wants a regular spot on the newsletter!
"It's about maintaining, within the media and social media landscape, the integrity of the information that's being disseminated." — per Seven Days.
If passed, this would be the first time Vermont regulates AI in statute. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt Birong of Vergennes, would require anyone distributing "synthetic media" they know to be deceptive within 90 days of an election to include a clear disclosure. It gained momentum after an illegal robocall campaign ahead of the 2024 New Hampshire primary used an AI generated deepfake of Joe Biden's voice to discourage voting. Penalties range from $1,000 for a first offense to $15,000 for repeat violations that incite violence. The bill carves out exemptions for satire, parody, and news outlets that clearly label manipulated content.
"You have triple the amount of employees on. Instead of two drivers every day, you have 10 drivers out." — per NBC5.
At Chappell's Florist in South Burlington, owner Kristin Eaton says Valentine's Day prep starts back in October when flower orders go in. Staffing triples for the holiday rush and roses still dominate sales, though inflation and tariffs are pushing costs up this year. Eaton has been with the shop since 1992 and says the scale of the operation around February 14 is unlike anything else in the calendar.
"The New York Times hails Venezuelan artist Nella as a vocalist 'who can convey flamenco tension even in a near-whisper.'" — per Seven Days.
Seven Days' weekly event picks for February 11 through 18 lead with Nella performing tonight at the UVM Recital Hall through the Lane Series. The list also highlights comedian Stavros Halkias at the Flynn (that was Thursday, and it was sold out too!), the Junction Dance Festival's Midwinter Motion showcase on Saturday in White River Junction, and Montpelier's Restaurant Week kicking off Sunday. Worth noting for music fans: Canadian artist Elisapie, who reimagines classic rock hits in Inuktitut, performs Wednesday at the Hopkins Center in Hanover.
"Deterrence is really effective when there's a likelihood that you are going to be caught for illegal behavior." — per WCAX.
Shawn Burke took over as interim chief a year ago when morale was low, crime was elevated, and the court backlog was deep. His approach has centered on visibility: shifting resources toward higher profile patrols on Church Street and around City Hall Park. But Burke is dealing with a department at a historic low for sworn officers, with a record number out on injury or family medical leave. Public communication has also taken a hit: use of force videos haven't been posted in seven months and the public information officer position was eliminated. Burke says he's committed to staying through March 2027.
Quick Hits
Landgrove native Ben Ogden took silver in the men's cross country sprint classic on Tuesday, finishing less than a second behind Norway's Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. It's the first medal for an American man in cross country skiing since 1976. Ogden is back at it Wednesday, Feb. 18 in the men's team sprint free, with qualifying at 4:15 a.m. and the final at 6:15 a.m. on NBC and Peacock. Richmond based water bottle company Bivo is hosting a watch party for the race.
Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, and Bow Wow will take the stage at the Champlain Valley Fair on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for bleacher seats to $69 for pit, with presale opening Monday at 10 a.m. They join a lineup that already includes Warren Zeiders, Jordan Davis, ZZ Top, and Bret Michaels.
Gov. Phil Scott said he had no plans to attend the annual White House governors' meeting after President Trump excluded Democratic governors from events. Scott, a Republican, told the National Governors Association he wouldn't go if the gathering wasn't bipartisan. The White House ended up canceling the meeting entirely.
How good of a reader are you? Think you’re keeping up with Burlington news? It's time to prove it. Every Monday and Friday, we're dropping a quick 5-question quiz covering the local news you just finished reading. You've got just 60 seconds to answer them all. No looking back allowed. Use the same unique name each time you play so everyone can track your stats in our Hall of Fame, where you'll compete for titles like Sharpshooter (highest accuracy), Speed Demon (fastest average time), and Streak Leader (most consistent player). Make your name (or cool nickname) known to Btown!
And yes, there are PRIZES. Each month, we'll reward the top performers based on the best combination of Total Score and Average Score. That means playing consistently AND playing well will pay off. The more quizzes you complete with high scores, the better your chances of winning. I mean, who doesn’t want cool Btown Merch gear sent to them?
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UVM Athletics: Basketball Sweeps Binghamton; Olympians Secure Record Medal Haul
The Women’s Basketball team topped Binghamton 61-52 behind a milestone performance from Keira Hanson, who scored a game-high 21 points to become the 27th Catamount to reach 1,000 career points. Emma Haan contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Jadyn Weltz added 10 points and four assists. Malia Lenz aided the defensive effort with a team-high seven rebounds as Vermont held Binghamton to just 8 points in the first quarter.
On the road, Men’s Basketball defeated Binghamton 73-65, led by Gus Yalden’s versatile line of 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. TJ Hurley followed with 13 points, while Sean Blake and Noah Barnett also reached double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Catamounts shot 54.7 percent from the field to secure the victory. The team returns to Patrick Gym to face Bryant on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
In Milan, current and former Catamounts earned a record three medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ben Ogden '22 claimed silver in the cross-country sprint, becoming the first U.S. male to medal in the sport since 1976. Ryan Cochran-Siegle also took home silver in the men's super-G, matching his 2022 result on the 54th anniversary of his mother's gold medal win. In alpine skiing, Paula Moltzan secured a bronze medal in the inaugural women's team combined event alongside teammate Jacqueline Wiles.
Feb 13: 2025-26 Men's Hockey vs. UMass Lowell (Fri ⦁ 7:00pm)
Feb 14: 2025-26 Men's Basketball vs. Bryant (Sat ⦁ 2:00pm)
Feb 14: 2025-26 Men's Hockey vs. UMass Lowell (Sat ⦁ 6:00pm)
Feb 15: 2025-26 Women's Hockey vs Merrimack (Sun ⦁ 2:00pm)
Events:
Friday, February 13, 2026
General Events
All Day: Winter Bike Day Party at UVM Bikes (Free)
All Day: #HeartofOurCity – Community Light Trail at South Burlington City Center (Free)
All Day: The Great Vermont Coat Drive: Week Four at 84 Pine St, Burlington (Free)
All Day: The Great Vermont Coat Drive: Week Four at 275 Kennedy Drive, South Burlington (Free)
All Day: Historical, Sporting, Military, & Firearms Auction at 137 James Brown Dr, Williston
All Day: "THE ONE" For Less at 1185 Shelburne Road, South Burlington
8:00 AM: In-Person Morning Meditation at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: Barbershop Quartet Singing Valentines – Delivered to location ($25–$50)
10:00 AM: Sweet Treats during Valentine's Day Weekend at Church Street Marketplace (Free)
10:00 AM: Rock Point Center Exhibits at 20 Rock Point Road (Free/Donation)
10:00 AM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Main Library (Free)
10:00 AM: Dinosaur Safari Exhibit at ECHO (Museum Admission)
10:00 AM: Friends Book Sale at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
12:00 PM: Great Ice! Winter Fun at City Bay, North Hero (Free/Fees apply)
12:00 PM: Winter Olympics at Citizen Cider Press House Pub (Free entry)
1:00 PM: Editing with DaVinci Resolve at The Media Factory (Free)
1:00 PM: The Poetry Experience at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
2:00 PM: Chocolate & Wine Experience at 465 Quarry Hill Rd, South Burlington
2:00 PM: Glass Heart Suncatcher Workshop at AO Glass
2:00 PM: EEE Lecture: Checks and Balances in U.S. Govt at Faith United Methodist Church ($8)
2:00 PM: Wine & Dessert Experience at 185 Pine Haven Shores, Shelburne
2:00 PM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass (Free)
4:00 PM: Galentine's Night In – Mocktails and Clothing [MEETUP] at Healer.Center, Essex Junction (Free)
4:00 PM: Winter Warm Up Tasting at 802 bws
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Hotel Champlain ($2 Oysters)
4:30 PM: Downtown Lights at 135 Church St (Free)
5:00 PM: Galentine's Day at Hotel Champlain (Free)
5:00 PM: February Essex Community Dinner at 30 Lincoln St, Essex Junction (Free)
5:00 PM: Custom Perfume Making with Bloom Lab at Gardener's Supply, Williston
6:00 PM: Nepalese Shamanic Journey at 100 Dorset Street, South Burlington
6:00 PM: Wiggle Vases Pottery Workshop at Center Centre Clay Studio
6:00 PM: Books and Music Adventure at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski
6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall
6:30 PM: Galentine's Silent Disco at Davis Studio, South Burlington ($30.52)
6:45 PM: Zumba Masterclass at Spotlight Vermont
7:00 PM: Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home at Phoenix Books (Donation)
7:00 PM: Galentine's Dance Party at SEABA Center ($13)
7:00 PM: Young Tradition Touring Group at North Star Community Hall ($20 suggested)
7:00 PM: Trivia at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room (Free)
7:00 PM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier
Performances
6:30 & 8:30 PM: Nate Craig (Comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)
7:00 PM: Werckmeister Harmonies (Film) at Main Street Landing / VTIFF ($6–$12)
7:30 PM: Murder on the Orient Express at Main Street Landing ($39–$59)
7:30 PM: Nella at University of Vermont Recital Hall ($5–$35)
8:00 PM: RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party at Einstein's Tap House (Free)
9:00 PM: Category is... Queen of Hearts! (Drag) at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)
Live Music/DJ
2:00 PM: Dave Mitchell Blues Jam at Red Square (Free)
4:00 PM: Lowell Thompson at Hotel Vermont (Free)
5:00 PM: Sibling Reverie at On Tap Bar & Grill (Free)
5:00 PM: Two for Flinching at Sparky's Bar & Grill
5:30 PM: Holden Riley at Switchback Brewing Company (Free)
6:00 PM: Cocktail Piano Hour with Paul Webb at Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
6:00 PM: Josh Panda at Burlington Beer Company (Free)
6:00 PM: The Rustics at St. John's Club
6:00 PM: Dave Vallett Solo at Fig, Shelburne (Free)
7:00 PM: Bloodroot Gap at Four Quarters Brewing (Free)
7:00 PM: War Turtles, MomDad, Assorted Fruit at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall ($10)
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski (Free)
7:00 PM: UVM Men's Hockey vs. UMass Lowell at Gutterson Fieldhouse
7:30 PM: All Night Boogie Band + Dobbs' Dead at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge ($19.94)
8:00 PM: Twen w/ Gymshorts at Foam Brewers ($16/$20)
8:00 PM: 90 Proof at The Old Post (Free)
8:00 PM: Punch Drunk Love! (TVOD, Balaclava, The Bubs, etc.) at Radio Bean ($18/$25)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill (Free)
9:00 PM: Hot Butter Valentine (DJ) at Flynn Space ($10)
9:00 PM: It's a 2000's Party (DJ) at Higher Ground Ballroom ($37.40/Sold Out)
9:00 PM: Better Angels at On Tap Bar & Grill (Free)
9:00 PM: Bella Joan at The 126
9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington at Drink ($5)
10:00 PM: DJ Stevie B at Rí Rá Irish Pub (Free)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)
Saturday, February 14, 2026
General Events
All Day: #HeartofOurCity – Community Light Trail at South Burlington City Center (Free)
All Day: Sweet Treats during Valentine's Day Weekend at Church Street Marketplace (Free)
All Day: Cute & Cozy Sleepwear Sale at 38 Taft Corners Shopping Center, Williston
8:00 AM: NOFA-VT Winter Conference at Saint Michael's College ($120–$320)
9:00 AM: Barbershop Quartet Singing Valentines – Delivered to location ($25–$50)
9:00 AM: Board Game Brunch [MEETUP] at Old Town Cafe & Comics, Williston (Free)
9:00 AM: Member Mornings at ECHO (Free for members)
9:00 AM: Valentine's Day Celebration & Pancake Breakfast at Lines Vermont Dance Studio
9:00 AM: Open Cupboard Food Pantry at Malletts Bay UCC (Free)
9:30 AM: Charity Ice Golf Scramble at Bayside Park, Colchester
10:00 AM: Dog Love on Valentine's Day [MEETUP] at Colchester High School (Free)
10:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] at Zero Gravity Brewery (Free)
10:00 AM: Burlington Winter Farmers Market at Lumière Hall / Burlington Beer Company (Free)
10:00 AM: Friends of FFL "Bigger and Better" Book Sale at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
10:00 AM: 'Made with Love' Artist Market at SEABA Center (Free)
10:00 AM: Design Your Own Permanent Jewelry at 1 Lawson Lane
10:00 AM: Valentine's Day Eat Pie & Ice Cream Event at 4947 Spear St, Shelburne
10:00 AM: Galentine's Day Sparkle & Sip Celebration at Glow Nutrition
10:00 AM: Little Loves Workshop at Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
10:00 AM: Valentine's Day Princess Party at Waterworks Food + Drink ($70.48)
10:00 AM: Decorate Your Own Sugar Cookie at Sam Mazza's Farm Market
10:00 AM: Needle Felted Owls at Shelburne Farms (Sold Out)
10:00 AM: Center for Technology Essex Open House at 2 Educational Drive (Free)
10:00 AM: Winter Indoor Houseplant Care Class via Zoom ($10)
10:00 AM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Main Library (Free)
11:00 AM: Immortalize Your Love in Molten Glass at AO Glass
11:00 AM: Glass Heart Suncatcher Workshop at AO Glass
11:00 AM: Valentine's Tattoo Fundraiser at Karma Bird House ($150–$300)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
12:00 PM: Valentine's Day at the Press House Pub at Burlington Beer Company
12:00 PM: The Parcel Project at Amy E. Tarrant Gallery (Free)
12:00 PM: North Mini Racers Sweetheart Calcutta at American Legion Post 91, Colchester
12:00 PM: Les Be Valentines Queer Art Market at Spiral House Art Collective (Free)
12:30 PM: Thai Yoga Bodywork: A Guided Partner Exchange at 1 Mill St
1:00 PM: The Poetry Experience at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
1:00 PM: Aviation & Aerospace Training Info Session at Burlington Technical Center (Free)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates ($16)
2:00 PM: Valentines Day Couples Massage Workshop at 100 Dorset Street ($200)
2:00 PM: Rad Folk Songs at Peace & Justice Center (Free)
4:30 PM: Valentine's Dinner Dance at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral
4:40 PM: Parents Night Out Fundraiser at Integrated Arts Academy ($35+)
5:00 PM: Love in Motion: A Valentine's Trolley Experience at Delta Hotels Burlington ($325–$380)
5:00 PM: Love with a French Twist Paint Party at 4 Howard St
5:40 PM: CSB Cup: Salute to Service at Cairns Arena (Donation)
6:00 PM: Heartbeats: Silent Disco at Davis Studio ($25)
6:00 PM: It Takes Two: Couples Dance Class at Lines Vermont Dance Studio
6:00 PM: Rustic Valentines at Pearl Street Pub
6:00 PM: Valentine's Day at Citizen Cider at Citizen Cider
6:15 PM: Valentines Day Special at 133 Broadacres Dr, Colchester
6:30 PM: Auditions for Falsettos at 9 Main Street, Essex (Free)
7:00 PM: Young Tradition Touring Group Performance at North Star Community Hall
7:00 PM: Saturday Swing Dance at North Star Community Hall ($5)
7:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park (Free)
8:00 PM: 50 First Dates: Dining Experience at The Depot, Saint Albans ($116.15)
8:00 PM: Sparky's Bar & Grill 2nd Annual Prom at Sparky's Bar & Grill
8:45 PM: Revival Halaqah at 400 Swift Street
Performances
10:00 AM: The Mott Twins (FlynnZone Kids Hour) at The Flynn (Free)
2:00 PM & 7:30 PM: Murder on the Orient Express at Main Street Landing ($39–$59)
3:00 PM: Heaven (Film) at Main Street Landing / VTIFF ($6–$12)
3:00 PM: VSO: Love Notes at The Flynn Center ($8.35–$62)
4:30 PM: Good Clean Fun (Comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club ($6/$12)
6:30 & 8:30 PM: Nate Craig (Comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)
7:00 PM: Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special at First Unitarian Universalist Society (~$39.59)
7:00 PM: The Princess Bride (Film) at Main Street Landing / VTIFF ($6–$12)
8:00 PM: Einstein's Comedy Night with Matty Haverty at Einstein's Tap House ($5)
8:00 PM: Ali T's Valentine Show at 6308 Shelburne Rd
Live Music/DJ
10:15 AM: Toast & Jams: Mr. Chris at Higher Ground Ballroom ($9–$26)
1:00 PM: DJ Collin Hagood at Mule Bar (Free)
2:00 PM: UVM Men's Basketball vs. Bryant at Patrick Gym
5:00 PM: Cooper at On Tap Bar & Grill (Free)
5:30 PM: english major, Hannah Roberts, Perry Donovan at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
6:00 PM: Live Music with Evette Duval at Armory Grille (Free)
6:00 PM: The Rustics at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction
6:00 PM: UVM Men's Hockey vs. UMass Lowell at Gutterson Fieldhouse
6:30 PM: Brother T and the Boys, Death Cult at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall ($10)
7:00 PM: The Small Potatoes at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
7:30 PM: Wicked Game: A Gothic Promenade at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge ($19.78)
8:00 PM: Nomfusi at Flynn Space ($27.75)
8:00 PM: Myra Flynn at Shelburne Vineyard ($25/$30)
8:00 PM: Girls! Girls! Girls! (Grind Night) at Foam Brewers (Donation)
8:00 PM: Hot Neon Magic at Monkey House ($10)
8:00 PM: Thea Wren with Jeremy Mendicino at Venetian Soda Lounge ($10)
8:00 PM: 90 Proof at The Old Post (Free)
8:00 PM: DJ Lee J at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
9:00 PM: New Planets, Saru at Radio Bean ($15)
9:00 PM: Paradox at On Tap Bar & Grill (Free)
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Goddess at Standing Stone Wines (Free)
9:00 PM: DJ Raul, DJ Chaston at Red Square Blue Room (Free)
10:00 PM: Emo Valentine's at Einstein's Tap House ($10)
10:00 PM: DJ NewCity at Rí Rá Irish Pub (Free)
11:00 PM: Blueberry Betty, Fowl at Radio Bean ($10)
11:59 PM: missandri at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
Sunday, February 15, 2026
General Events
All Day: NOFA-VT Winter Conference at Saint Michael's College
All Day: Sweet Treats during Valentine's Day Weekend at Church Street Marketplace (Free)
All Day: #HeartofOurCity – Community Light Trail at South Burlington City Center (Free)
8:30 AM: WOKO Gigantic Indoor Flea Market at Champlain Valley Exposition
10:00 AM: February Community Conversation at Essex CHIPS
10:00 AM: Beginner Nordic Ski Clinics at Catamount OFC, Williston
10:45 AM: Adult Bible Study and Sunday School at 1560 Williston Rd
11:00 AM: Snowshoeing at Catamount Outdoor Family Center [MEETUP] (Free)
11:00 AM: Hike @ Indian Brook in Essex [MEETUP] (Free)
11:30 AM: Sunday Afternoon Tea at Ferrisburgh Bake Shop & Deli ($60)
11:30 AM: 37th Church Anniversary at 38 South Winooski Avenue
12:00 PM: Call of Cthulhu Dead Man Stomp with Cole [MEETUP] at The Boardroom (Free)
12:00 PM: Friends Book Sale at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
12:00 PM: Sportsman Bingo at 8 South St, Colchester
12:00 PM: Burlington VT Wedding Show at DoubleTree by Hilton ($13.39)
12:00 PM: Run In Motion – Lululemon x SOVT at 31 Church St (Free)
12:00 PM: Free Legal Clinic – Virtual (Free)
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday (Games) at 1st Republic Brewing (Free)
12:00 PM: Olympics Watch Party at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
12:30 PM: The Amazing Puzzle Race [MEETUP] at The Boardroom ($40/team)
1:00 PM: Legacy and Light – Celebration of Black Excellence at Contois Auditorium (Free)
1:00 PM: Partner Massage Workshop at Chace Mill
1:00 PM: Crafter-Noon at Main Library (Free)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates ($16)
2:00 PM: Community Lantern Making at Schmanska Park (Free)
3:00 PM: Remembrance Ceremony at First Unitarian Universalist Society (Free)
4:00 PM: Drop-In Tech Support at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
5:15 PM: Community Meditation at First Unitarian Universalist Society (Free)
6:00 PM: Womxn's Pick-up Soccer [MEETUP] at Miller Community Center (Free)
6:00 PM: Sunday Night Trivia at The Lazy Goat Tavern (Free)
6:30 PM: Sunday Skates at Leddy Studio
7:00 PM: Karaoke Sundays at Einstein Tap House (Free)
Performances
2:00 PM: Game Show Sundays at Pierson Library, Shelburne (Donation)
2:00 PM: UVM Women's Hockey vs. Merrimack at Gutterson Fieldhouse
7:00 PM: Fortune Feimster at The Flynn Center ($37.50–$113)
Live Music/DJ
10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont
11:30 AM: Groove Is In The (Brunch) Hearth: Matt Saraca at American Flatbread (Free)
1:00 PM: Acoustic Brunch (Paddy Reagan) at Foam Brewers (Free)
3:00 PM: Love Notes for Low Voices (Recital) at University of Vermont Recital Hall (Free/Donation)
5:00 PM: Wine & Jazz Sundays at Shelburne Vineyard (Free)
6:00 PM: Chamber Music Stowe Winter Concert at Von Trapp Family Lodge ($39.19)
Watch for Wednesday Editions!
I hope you’re enjoying those Wednesdays editions! I have plans for a rotation of Food Deal highlights, Poll Questions, Top Reddit Posts, Volunteer Opportunities, Reader Photos, Restaurant Spotlights, Small Business Features, and Btown Explained (quick local deep dive). Or Dine Out Review, Podcast Pick, Pet of the Week (adoptable to user submitted), new local Job Highlights, a Burlington Throwback Photo or Fact, and a quick Burlington Game like “Spot That Location”, VT crossword, or unscramble popular Burlington terms.
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!
What a weekend to be in this town. Whether you're stamping glass hearts, slow dancing for the first time, tasting chocolate like a professional, or just grabbing a good book at the Fletcher Free, there's no shortage of ways to spend Valentine's weekend in Burlington. Bundle up tonight, enjoy the warming trend, and get out there.
If you like what I do, help support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below. Or, right to our Venmo @btownbrief. Or, buy an advertising spot for your business.
