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Bundle up and enjoy your Friday afternoon, Burlington, because tonight marks the start of a rough stretch. Clouds will hang around through the rest of the day with highs in the low to mid 20s and maybe a stray flurry here and there. The real action begins late this evening as a clipper system pushes a round of steady snow through the Champlain Valley overnight and into Saturday morning. Expect 2 to 4 inches of fluffy accumulation by Saturday afternoon, with a few embedded snow squalls that could briefly create whiteout conditions. Behind that snow comes the main event: a blast of Arctic air that will send temperatures tumbling through Saturday. By Sunday morning, wind chills across the valley could plunge to 20 to 35 below zero, and actual highs on Sunday will barely crack zero. Monday stays cold in the single digits before a slow warm up brings us back to the mid and upper 20s by midweek, which is closer to normal for early February.

Before that cold really locks in, though, tonight is packed. First Friday is in full swing down on Pine Street, with two standout openings. The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery is debuting Held Together, a group exhibition featuring handmade analog collage from 80 artists, with an opening reception from 5 to 9 PM at 266 Pine Street. Just down the road at the new SEABA Center (404 Pine Street), From Vermont, With Love showcases 125 works from artists across 24 Vermont towns, and the opening reception from 5 to 9 PM includes free live music from Ali McGuirk in a trio with Corey Wilham of Bombino and Jeff Leonard of Fruition, plus guest vocalists from the Resistance Revival Chorus of Vermont. Church Street has plenty going on too. The Heart Hunt wraps up its final day today (grab a bingo board from any participating business, complete it, and claim a free Lake Champlain Chocolates bar), while the Downtown Lights: Snow Ball takes over the Marketplace from 5 to 7 PM with DJ Amelia Devoid, light projections, snowball challenges, mini snowman making, and hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Over at Higher Ground, Sex With Jenna: Dating Show brings a live, old school dating game format to the stage at 7 PM for anyone tired of swiping. And down at Lakeside Park (where I live, so of course I’ll pop my head out!), a Disco Skating Party runs from 6 to 9 PM with music, hot cocoa, and a disco ball over the ice. Loaner skates are available on the porch at 58 Conger Ave. Tonight is actually the only stretch this weekend when temps will be above 20, so take advantage of that relative warmth while you can. Also tonight: the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival kicks off night one at the Flynn at 6:30 PM, a free strength class at Ethos Athletics on Flynn Avenue at 5:30 PM benefits Migrant Justice, and you can catch classic folk and rock covers at Songs at St. John's Club from 6 to 8 PM. Over at Vermont Public in Colchester, Legacy and Lineage: A Punk Rock Conversation features a live taping of the Homegoings podcast with Bobby Hackney Sr. of Death and Bobby Hackney Jr. of Rough Francis from 6 to 8:30 PM. Stick around afterward for snacks from Onion City Chicken & Oyster and a DJ set from Bobby Jr. And moe. is in the middle of a run at Higher Ground right now, with $1 from every ticket going to Eddie's Hugs, a mental health nonprofit.

Saturday is going to be frigid, but there is no shortage of reasons to brave it. The Winter Renaissance Faire takes over the Champlain Valley Exposition from 10 AM to 5 PM both Saturday and Sunday, with over 85 artisan vendors, live performers, fight demonstrations, and food from around the world. It's a family friendly event and kids under 6 get in free. If you are looking for something more intimate, a Valentine Market at Standing Stone Wines on the Winooski Circle runs from noon to 5 PM with handmade pottery, ceramic jewelry, Haitian rhum cake from All Heart Inspirations, tarot readings, and a full bar. Night two of the Banff Film Festival at the Flynn is at 6:30 PM with a different film lineup, and you can pregame at the Banff Pre-Party from 4 to 6 PM at J Skis Burlington on Main Street, where you can meet the National Park After Dark podcast hosts and catch live acoustic music from Acoustic Rodney. I’d go to this if I wasn’t working that night, but join the Btown Brief Meetup groupchat and see if anyone else is down! The VT Rec Sports Expo at the DoubleTree in South Burlington is free starting at 10 AM, a great way to discover local leagues and clubs, and it rolls right into the Winter Cornhole Classic tournament at 2 PM. For the comic and gaming crowd, Old Town Cafe & Comics in Williston hosts an all day Swap Meet from 9 AM to 4 PM with donuts, coffee, and tables full of comics, manga, and collectibles. Willow House Vermont in Shelburne celebrates 9 years with a storewide birthday sale starting at 10 AM, complete with cake and raffles. Fur-ever Yours Adoption Event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM at Bella Lusso in University Mall, where Potter's Angels Rescue will have dogs looking for forever homes. The 29th Annual Valentine Dance at the Delta Hotel in South Burlington starts at 6 PM for kids in grades K through 8 and a special adult (tickets are sold online only and likely to sell out). Of course, our own BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] meets at Zero Gravity on Pine Street from 10 to 11 AM for a casual, no agenda Saturday morning hangout, and genealogy enthusiasts can dig into Next Steps with Your Family History at the Essex library from 10:30 AM to noon (also on Zoom, $10). The VTH3 Trail #086 [MEETUP] starts at 1 PM at Leddy Park for a non-competitive hash run/walk/scavenger hunt (21+, bring dry socks and $6.90). And UVM's Water Resources Institute hosts Talks and Walks on UVM's Water Side up in Stowe starting at 1 PM, with a talk on monitoring rain and snowmelt followed by a 2:30 PM walk exploring 25 years of alpine water research.

Sunday will be bitterly cold, but a few events might lure you out. The Freezy Cheeks 5K at Zero Gravity Brewery has an open start from 11 AM to noon for runners and walkers of all paces. Series winners earn tickets to the 2026 Vermont Brewers Festival. The Black Artist Showcase at the First Unitarian Universalist Society on Pearl Street runs from 2 to 4 PM, a free and dynamic event celebrating Vermont's Black creatives through performance, interactive literacy experiences, and intergenerational storytelling as part of the Vibrant Lives Project (suggested donation $15 to $20). At 4 PM, catch a Schubert recital at College Street Congregational Church featuring Lieder performed by a talented local quartet with soprano, tenor, baritone, and piano. Feast + Craft at Scout Cafe on North Avenue brings together a shared dinner table with soup and snacks by Miss Weinerz plus collective art making and zine workshops from 6:30 to 9 PM (only a handful of tickets left). The big screen calls at Switchback Brewing on Flynn Avenue, where doors open at noon for a Puppy Bowl and Super Bowl watch party with BBQ and drinks. Looking for a sober space to watch? The Burlington Odd Fellows at 1416 North Ave host a potluck watch party starting at 6:30 PM with costumes and enthusiastic yelling encouraged. Over in Essex Junction, the Super Bowl Chili Cookoff at Pearl Street Pub starts with registration at 3 PM and tasting at 6. Bring your signature recipe or just come to eat and vote. A Paint & Sip Hot Chocolate afternoon at Dwellness by Steinmetz in Winooski runs from 2 to 4 PM, perfect for all skill levels. And the Winter Renaissance Faire is back for day two at the Champlain Valley Exposition from 10 AM to 5 PM. Down in Bristol, the Digital Storytelling Workshop with Senator Rocket of Eat Vermont runs from 3:30 to 5 PM at The Tillerman, covering how to build a Vermont brand on social media, with small bites and a beverage included.

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We’ve got an official Meetup group for Burlington! The city’s packed with things to do. Btown Brief highlights it, and Btown Brief IRL gets you out experiencing it with people.

Always a great turn out, ranging anywhere from 15-30 people each week! We’ve been doing a lot more together like Trivia Night and Ice Skating. Plus, as always, another coffee meetup this Saturday at 10am at Zero Gravity. It’s always great seeing familiar faces, and even better meeting new ones each week. We’ll chat about Vermont living, touch on a bit of local news, and share what’s worth checking out around town this weekend. Come hang, have a coffee, and join the conversation.

If you want to connect outside of coffee meet-ups, join the Telegram chat. It’s the easiest place to see what others are up to, share ideas, and make casual plans while I keep improving how these events run. Feedback is always welcome! It’s just a one-man team so any sounding boards are great.

Click here to: Join Meetup group | RSVP here

Vershire Couple Wins HGTV's 'Ugliest House in America'

A Vermont couple named Brooklyn and Dylan took home the $150,000 makeover prize on Season 7 of HGTV's "Ugliest House in America" after their circus-themed Vershire property, dubbed the "Mishmash Hodgepodge," was transformed over six weeks into a stylish mountaintop home. Highlights of the overhaul included replacing sunken floors and concrete seating with actual furniture, swapping thatched tiki hut ceilings for real walls and a walk-in closet, and repurposing those infamous monkey-themed kitchen cabinets into hallway mirrors. The dead trees from the living room even got a second life as part of a "fairy forest" hideaway under the stairs for the kids.

One Vermonter Detained, Another Released as Community Rallies Against Immigration Crackdown

Wednesday was a day of sharp contrasts outside the federal courthouse in Burlington. Hussien Noor Hussien, a Burlington cab driver and Somali refugee detained by ICE on New Year's Day, walked free after U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered his release on bail, citing more than 40 letters of community support. But hours earlier, ICE agents detained Steven Tendo, a Ugandan asylum seeker, licensed nursing assistant at UVMMC, and pastor who has lived in Vermont since 2021. Tendo, whose asylum case was denied in 2019 but who had been allowed to remain in the country pending appeals, was taken into custody outside a Shelburne health care facility and transferred to New Hampshire. Between January 20 and December 2 of 2025, ICE conducted nearly 10,000 removals in its New England area of operation, a figure 1,000% higher than the same period in 2024.

Stuck in Vermont: Mark and Robin Twery Are Super Friends of the Fletcher Free Library

Mark and Robin Twery have been married nearly 50 years, volunteering with the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library for over a decade. They sort, catalog, and sell donated books through in-person sales and an eBay store that once moved a 1951 second edition of The Hobbit for $1,700. Last year the Friends raised about $364,000 to support library programs. A Valentine's Day book sale is coming up February 14 and 15 at the library, and starting February 18, book donations will be accepted again after a pause during the building's historic preservation project.

Theater Review: 'Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express,' Vermont Stage

Vermont Stage's current production at the Black Box Theater in Main Street Landing is drawing strong praise for its staging, which fully realizes the luxury of a 1930s European train without relying on abstract hints. John Nagle leads as Poirot with what the reviewer calls "shining curiosity," and Chris Caswell is singled out as a scene-stealing American tourist. The show runs through February 22, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and weekend matinees at 2 PM. Tickets range from $39 to $59.

How Sen. Bernie Sanders Went from 'Political Loser' to Progressive Trailblazer

Burlington native and Wellesley College professor Dan Chiasson has a new book out called "Bernie for Burlington: The Rise of the People's Politician," noted by the New York Times as one of their picks for Books Coming in February. The book weaves Chiasson's own memories of growing up in Burlington in the 1970s with Sanders' arc from perennial fringe candidate to the country's most prominent progressive voice. Chiasson traces Sanders' political fire back to a childhood of poverty in Brooklyn and his time at the University of Chicago during the civil rights movement, and argues that Sanders' story is inseparable from Vermont's own political evolution.

Crews Rescue Stranded Ice Skaters Off Charlotte Beach

Five skaters got stranded on Lake Champlain on Tuesday after a large chunk of ice broke apart roughly 700 yards off Charlotte Town Beach, leaving about 200 yards of open water between them and the intact ice closer to shore. Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue crews reached them by cell phone, confirmed no injuries, and ferried them back one by one in an inflatable boat. Three additional skaters had managed to cross to the New York side and were accounted for by Essex County fire officials. With the lake seeing plenty of recreational use this winter, it is a pointed reminder to check conditions, carry safety gear, and tell someone where you are going.

Studying How to Reduce Road Salt Impact on Lake Champlain

That vivid image comes from UVM Extension associate professor Kris Stepenuck, who is leading efforts to reduce road salt use in the Lake Champlain basin. Vermont spreads between 225,000 and 275,000 metric tons of salt annually, and seven tributaries in the region are now state-designated as "impaired" for chloride levels, including Englesby Brook and Potash Brook near Burlington. The good news is that solutions are already working: Hyde Park cut its salt use by about 40% after adopting techniques like pre-wetting rock salt with brine, and those practices have since spread to Cambridge, Jeffersonville, and Winooski. UVM itself formed a salt reduction team after facing six-figure costs to replace corroded doors and infrastructure.

Instant House Offers Self-Serve Ramen Bar in Essex Junction

Bishnu Pokhrel, a 24-year-old UVM grad who moved to the U.S. from Nepal as a child, opened Instant House at 4 Pearl Street in Essex Junction on January 21. The concept is inspired by the South Korean self-serve instant ramen bar trend that has been blowing up on TikTok: customers pick a packaged ramen, load up on toppings like corn, Spam, shredded mozzarella, and boiled eggs, then cook it themselves on induction burners right in the shop. She also serves milk teas with and without boba and stocks a variety of Asian drinks and snacks.

Champlain College Offers Free Personal Finance Program for Vermont Educators

Champlain College's Center for Financial Literacy has extended its free online personal finance education program through April 30. The timing is significant: Act 73 requires the Secretary of Education and the State Board of Education to recommend statewide graduation standards, and the Secretary has recommended that every Vermont public high school student complete at least a half credit in personal finance before graduating. If approved, the requirement would take effect with the class of 2031. Educators can earn up to eight hours of professional development credit through the program.

Vermont Is Overhauling Act 250. Here's What the Development Maps Look Like So Far

The state's massive overhaul of Act 250, the landmark development review law passed in 1970, is starting to take shape through a new three-tier mapping system. Tier 1 areas (where housing development gets easier) will likely cover just 2% to 2.5% of the state's land. Burlington, South Burlington, and Rutland City are preparing to apply for the most relaxed tier. Tier 2 keeps the current framework mostly intact but adds a new "road rule" kicking in July 1 that triggers review when private roads exceed 800 feet, aimed at preventing forest fragmentation. Tier 3 areas, covering sensitive natural resources, have drawn pushback from rural towns and property owners who argue too much land is being restricted. The board plans to release a revised, tighter Tier 3 map later this month.

Experience Shelburne Defines Itself

Selectboard member Chunka Mui hosted a two-hour presentation last week to explain what Experience Shelburne, a new nonprofit, actually is. The short answer: a downtown organization that partners with the town on grants, financial analysis, and branding, and also happens to be a requirement for Vermont's Downtown Designation program, which opens access to tax credits and state grants. The group has already spent about $39,600 on branding and messaging with consultants, with the goal of connecting Shelburne's various attractions so visitors stick around longer. The long discussed Rice Lumber parcel on Route 7, roughly the size of Church Street's pedestrian area, figures prominently in the organization's vision for creating a new town destination.

Special Olympics Vermont: Penguin Plunge Postponed by Expected Cold Temps

This weekend's brutal cold claimed a casualty before it even arrived. The annual Penguin Plunge, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been pushed to March 14 due to dangerously low temperatures. The good news: more time to fundraise. The event supports over 2,900 Special Olympics Vermont athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.

Mikaela Shiffrin to Race 3 Events at Milan Cortina Olympics

Vermont's own Mikaela Shiffrin is cutting her Olympic program in half this time around, entering only slalom, giant slalom, and team combined in Milan Cortina after racing six events in Beijing (and not finishing three). The decision comes after two serious crashes since 2022, including the nasty fall at Killington that left her with a deep puncture wound and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her coach says the narrowed focus has helped her stay sharp heading into the Games.

Burlington Telecom Raises $10,000 for Food Shelves

Burlington Telecom's "Gig Up & Give Back" holiday campaign raised $10,000 for food shelves across its service area, including North End Food Pantry, Shelburne Food Shelf, Colchester Food Shelf, Winooski Food Shelf, South Burlington Food Shelf, and Aunt Dot's Place in Essex Junction. Employees also chipped in with an internal food drive.

Vermont Green FC License Plate Proposal in the Works

A proposed Vermont Green FC license plate could create a new revenue stream for climate and outdoor recreation programs statewide. Details are still emerging, but if you have ever wanted your car to rep the local soccer club while funding green initiatives, this one's for you.

Phoenix Books Hosts Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 11 at 7 PM. Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone will read from her new collection, "The Near and Distant World," at Phoenix Books Burlington on Church Street. Stone won the 2022 Vermont Book Award and co-founded the poetry nonprofit Ruth Stone House. Seating is limited, so grab tickets in advance at phoenixbooks.biz.

IT’S FEBRUARY!! The winner of January’s news quizzes is: Plt!

You played nearly every quiz and had great scores throughout! If this is you, shoot me an email at [email protected] with your requested shirt design and size!

Quick shoutout to the following players that came in the top 5 overall this month! Keep playing for your chance to win free merch!

Anja, avak5253, Jessica Mesec, Runrabbit17

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?

Ready to play? Click the link below, enter your name, and show us what you've got. Btown Brief Quiz

View the potential prizes on the Btown Brief Merch Store

The Women's Ice Hockey team secured a season sweep over Boston University with a decisive 3-0 shutout at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Lauren O'Hara sparked the offense by scoring just 10 seconds into the game, setting a new program record for the fastest goal. Stella Retrum contributed a shorthanded goal and two assists, while Kaylee Lewis added the third tally. Goaltender Lily Prendergast earned her first collegiate shutout with 18 saves.

On the slopes, the Alpine squad opened Day One of the UVM Carnival at Stowe Mountain Resor. Cydnie Timmermann led the effort, placing third in the giant slalom to mark her fourth consecutive podium appearance. Felix Lindenmayer was the top finisher for the men, placing sixth, as the team concluded the day in fourth place overall.

In a tough outing at Patrick Gymnasium, the Women's Basketball team saw their 19-game home win streak come to an end in a 55-46 loss to Maine. Keira Hanson and Nikola Priede shared the team lead with 13 points each, with Priede also recording a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds. Despite a close contest through three quarters, Maine pulled away in the final frame.

The Men's Basketball team also fell to Maine, dropping a 76-70 decision on the road. TJ Hurley scored a team-high 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while TJ Long and Gus Yalden also reached double figures. The Catamounts rallied to cut the deficit to single digits late in the second half but could not overcome the Black Bears' lead.

Off the field, Men's Soccer Head Coach Adrian Dubois announced the addition of a former standout to his staff. Edgar Vargas, a former team captain and goalkeeper who helped lead Vermont to the Elite Eight in 2022, returns to the program as an Assistant Coach after completing his master's degree at San Diego State University.

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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.

Stay warm out there this weekend. Seriously. If you are heading out to any of these events, layer up and give yourself extra time on the roads once that snow rolls in tonight. And if you are staying in, we get it. The couch is calling.

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