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Weather & Weekend Update:
Light snow moves in late tonight and continues through Saturday, with the Champlain Valley expected to see a trace to two inches of accumulation. Saturday highs will reach the mid 30s, though a burst of heavier snow around midday could make roads slick for a few hours. Sunday looks drier with highs in the low 30s and just a chance of morning flurries. The real story is what comes after: Monday brings gusty winds and the possibility of heavy snow showers, and then temperatures plummet. By Tuesday, highs will struggle to reach the low teens with wind chills dipping well below zero. If you have outdoor plans early next week, plan accordingly because it will be genuinely dangerous cold.
Before the deep freeze sets in, though, Burlington has a packed weekend. Tonight kicks off with the 5th Annual Snowsports Auction at Four Quarters Brewing in Winooski starting at 6pm, where you can bid on gear from Burton, Salomon, and Thule while supporting Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports and the Chill Foundation. If you're looking for laughs, comedian Chad Daniels brings his "Empty Nester" tour to the Vermont Comedy Club. Over in South Burlington, there's a Murder Mystery Dinner at South Burlington Public Library from 6 to 8:30pm, complete with a Hollywood Golden Age theme, dinner included, and presumably at least one dramatic death. Later tonight, a Btown favorite, TheKwameVibe, hosts Afropop Night takes over Standing Stone Wines in Winooski at 9pm with free entry and music from Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems. And Red Square hosts HiBearNation starting at 8pm, a winter party for the LBGTQ community with DJs, go go dancers, and a 50/50 raffle benefiting Outright Vermont.
Saturday offers something for nearly every interest. The Repair Cafe at Laboratory B runs from 11am to 3pm, where volunteers will attempt to fix whatever you can carry through the door, from clothes to computers to bikes, completely free. Skirack's beloved Winter Swap opens for shopping from 9am to 6pm with 45 years of community gear trading tradition. Cat lovers should head to the DoubleTree for the Burlington Cat Show, featuring up to 35 breeds, judging rings, and a parade of breeds at 10:30am and 3pm. For something more hands on, Shelburne Farms hosts Bake and Shake, a bread and butter making program. For all my pool sharks, there’s a big pool battle where folks compete in the Burlington Bar Battle, a two day tournament across four local bars starting with an 11am players meeting at Olde Northender. If you think you have skills be sure to sign up ASAP. Social gatherings include our very own BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] at Zero Gravity, or [MEETUP] Board Game Brunch at Old Town Cafe & Comics, both free and low pressure. If you need to blow off steam more literally, Forever 38 meetup group is checking out The Break Room Social[MEETUP] lets you smash things for $30. Music highlights include Live Local Music at Odd Fellows featuring Robbery, Fall District, Funeral Season, and Model 97 (all ages, substance free, $10 suggested donation), the Ray Vega Quartet playing Miles Davis at the Venetian Soda Lounge at 8pm, and Remember Baker performing their bluegrass and New Orleans jazz blend at Shelburne Vineyard starting at 6pm.
Sunday rounds out the long weekend with plenty of options before the arctic blast arrives. The South Burlington Public Library hosts Donuts for Donations from 10am to 1pm, where you can drop off used books and grab a free donut and coffee. History buffs can catch a free Zoom lecture on Thomas Paine and the Revolutionary War from 2 to 3pm, hosted by the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum. For those exploring Dry January, Mesmer Kava offers Beyond Alcohol, a guided kava education experience from 4 to 6pm, focused on those trying to kick alcohol and to try Kava instead. The Cat Show and Winter Swap both continue Sunday as well. [MEETUP] Sea Caves Hike at Arthur Park and Rock Point offers a roughly three mile trek with the Green Mountain Club (bring microspikes, leave the dog at home). [MEETUP] Womxn's Pick-up Soccer runs at Miller Community Center (pre-registration required through Burlington Parks & Rec). The Venetian Soda Lounge hosts Mowgli Giannitti's Sunday Cocktail Piano Hour, a free listening forward jazz set perfect for date night. And to cap off MLK Weekend, Higher Ground presents Sunday Night Mass featuring Dubtribe Sound System and Sezer Uysal, a serious electronic music event for the 18+ crowd. If none of that appeals, Broadacres Bingo in Colchester has a $25 all you can play special with a guaranteed $1,000 jackpot coverall, doors at 11:30am.
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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 7-10 people each week! 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.
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Up, up and away
Local News (All Links Clickable)
There’s a new 60 second Btown Brief News Quiz! Win monthly Btown merch by reading with intention.
The Burlington City Council met Monday and unanimously passed several key items: a new Open Space Plan (the first update in 25 years), zoning tweaks for the South End Innovation District, and the "BUILD" resolution directing CEDO to identify regulatory barriers to housing development; though that last one sparked procedural tension when Progressive councilors said they weren't consulted until days before the meeting. Lynn Reagan was confirmed as the city's permanent HR Director after serving as interim since July 2024. The Mayor warned of a projected $10-12 million budget gap for FY27, with department heads now modeling 5-10% cuts and voluntary furloughs being explored. Read the entire recap of the city council meeting by checking out my full summary here.
"These policies jeopardize both the safety and the equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities," per Seven Days, citing a federal press release.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is investigating Champlain Valley School District, Vermont's largest, for its policy allowing transgender students to play on teams matching their gender identity. CVSD is one of 18 educational institutions nationwide facing similar probes. Superintendent Adam Bunting said he learned of the investigation the same afternoon the press release went live and doesn't know why his district was singled out among Vermont schools. State officials have previously asserted they will uphold LGBTQ student protections enshrined in Vermont law, setting up a potential clash between state and federal policy.
"I encourage this board to take a step back. Ask, is this project right for your neighbors and for your community?" per the Colchester Sun, quoting bay resident Tom Berry.
More than 30 community members packed the final public hearing for Hazelett Strip Casting Corp.'s proposed 20 room inn and restaurant on Malletts Bay lakefront property. Residents spoke almost unanimously in opposition, citing concerns about environmental impact, property values, and what this development could signal for future building along the shore. The project already received preliminary approval back in September, and the DRB could issue final approval within 45 days.
"You cannot sit on properties for extended periods of time, letting them become distressed properties, and then eventually vacant properties, and have that stand in the city of Burlington anymore," per WCAX, quoting Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
The mayor's new housing strategy focuses on modernizing zoning ordinances, strengthening housing trust funds, and pressuring owners of vacant or rundown properties to act. A dedicated city team is now tracking underutilized buildings and pushing for redevelopment plans. The city is also looking at its own properties, with a formal application expected soon for a development off Sears Lane in the South End that could bring over 200 homes in its first phase alone. The administration plans to add a housing strategy section to the city website so residents can follow progress and weigh in.
"This new technology allows us to maintain strong safety standards for all, while improving experiences for patients, families and employees," per Vermont Business Magazine, quoting Mike-Ann Young, director of security, parking and transportation.
Starting January 20, patients and visitors entering the UVM Medical Center ED can bring personal bags again, ending the clear plastic bag policy that's been in place since 2023. The new scanners will screen bags quickly while maintaining security standards, a direct response to patient and visitor feedback. The hospital will continue using metal detectors at the entrance. The change reflects an effort to balance safety with dignity during what's already a stressful experience for most people showing up at an emergency room.
"It is the position for which I believe I can do the most to positively impact the lives of Vermonters of today and for generations to come," per Vermont Public, quoting nominee Christina Nolan.
The Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings for Christina Nolan and Michael Drescher, both veteran federal prosecutors appointed by Gov. Phil Scott to fill two Supreme Court vacancies. Nolan, who led the U.S. attorney's Vermont office under Trump before entering private practice, faced questions about an incident last summer when she brought a gun into Windham County courthouse, which she attributed to an oversight after a late night security scare at home. Drescher, who has represented the federal government in several high profile immigration cases, told lawmakers his courtroom advocacy shouldn't be conflated with personal support for those policies. The full Senate will vote on both appointments after hearings conclude.
"We are clogging the entire system by delaying this care," per Seven Days, quoting Dr. Waqar Waheed.
Every Saturday, the Free Access Health Clinic operates out of the Islamic Society of Vermont's mosque in South Burlington, offering primary care and rotating specialists completely free of charge. No insurance claims, no copays, no bills. The clinic, which opened last April, has treated around 200 patients with a volunteer team of nearly 50. Founded by physicians who grew frustrated watching patients show up to ERs with advanced illnesses that preventative care could have caught, the clinic is the only one of its kind in Chittenden County. With federal ACA subsidies gone and health care costs rising, organizers expect an even busier 2026.
"Every dollar spent on urban conservation and nature-based climate solutions returns $3 in avoided damage and co-benefits," per WAMC, quoting Conservation Board member Zoe Richards.
The Burlington City Council unanimously approved an updated Open Space Plan Monday, the first revision since the original was adopted in 2000. The plan serves as a roadmap for growing and stewarding the city's parks and open spaces, including an inventory of more than three dozen sites and guidelines for regulatory protection. Council members noted that balancing housing development with nature based climate solutions isn't a zero sum game, and this plan provides a framework for doing both. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak also used the meeting to preview her forthcoming three pronged housing strategy and acknowledged the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness.
"Choosing to build and grow our business in Vermont was an intentional decision," per Vermont Business Magazine, quoting fourth generation owner Julia Birnn Fields.
The South Burlington chocolate maker, founded in 1915, will receive the award at the Vermont Economic Conference on January 27. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Birnn has grown into a nationally distributed brand while keeping all production in Vermont. Every truffle sold across all 50 states is made right here. The company is known for workforce stability, with many employees who have been there for decades, and represents exactly the kind of long term local investment that business groups love to celebrate.
"I will not sit here and tell you that we've done a great job," per NBC5, quoting UVM Chief Financial Officer Alicia Estey.
Months after students brought complaints about mushrooms growing in bathrooms, pests, and ceiling leaks to city leaders, UVM administration acknowledged at Thursday's ordinance committee meeting that things need to change. The city's zoning and inspections director presented a first draft checklist for campus building standards, adapted from what the city uses for other rental properties. Students say the real issue has been communication, with a clunky reporting system that doesn't confirm when complaints are received. UVM has posted QR codes around campus linking directly to the reporting site and says it's working on clearer escalation paths. The committee will revisit the issue on February 19.
"Holding the line," per VTDigger, summarizing the economists' report to the Emergency Board.
State economists Tom Kavet and Jeff Carr told lawmakers and Gov. Scott on Friday that revenue collections over the first half of fiscal year 2026 varied less than 1% from previous estimates. Corporate tax revenue came in slightly below expectations, but personal income tax receipts made up the difference. The relatively stable news comes despite concerns heading into the presentation that a substantial downgrade was coming. However, the economists noted numerous uncertainties remain, many stemming from Trump administration policies on tariffs, taxes, and immigration. Meals and rooms tax revenue was also slightly down, accompanied by decreased Canadian tourist visits.
"It's really gotten to a breaking point," per Vermont Public, quoting Josh Hanford of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
A $33 million gap in state transportation funding threatens to cost Vermont an estimated $163 million in federal revenue unless lawmakers and the governor find a fix. More than half the state's transportation budget comes from federal sources, but Vermont must provide matching funds to draw that money down. The core problem: gas tax revenues have risen only about 30% since 2000 while construction costs have tripled. If current paving funding levels continue for the next decade, state highway miles in very poor condition will jump from 6% to 48% by 2035. Municipal officials say the funding crunch is already causing yearslong delays on critical projects, with Barre City spending $187,000 of its own money to repave Main Street after the state pushed the project from 2027 to 2030.
"Vermont is lucky to have such a sizable aging population, and I adore spending my volunteer time with those folks," per Vermont Business Magazine, quoting State Rep. Chea Waters Evans.
Age Well, the Area Agency on Aging for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties, has added four new members to its Advisory Council as demand for aging services continues to grow. Vermont is now the second oldest state in the nation, with an increasing share of residents over 65. The new council members include State Rep. Evans, patent attorney and volunteer Mark Chadurjian, longtime Meals on Wheels volunteer Christine Baldwin, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union's Jeff Smith. The council helps shape Age Well's planning to ensure programs meet real needs across every county served.’
Quick Hits
The city's effort to reconnect Pine and St. Paul Streets, divided by the Burlington Mall construction in the 1960s, faces a $16 million funding gap. To keep things moving, the city plans to split the project into phases, removing Bank Street upgrades from phase one to save $15 million. Construction on the reconnections could start in early 2027, with the city continuing to apply for grants to fund the remaining work.
BTV will add direct service to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport through American Airlines starting in May. The Houston hub offers connections to United, SkyWest, and other carriers.
Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak wants a non-binding advisory question on Town Meeting Day that would lower taxes for lower valued homes and raise them for higher valued homes and commercial properties by removing $30,000 from primary home valuations. City Council President Ben Traverse has expressed concern about shifting the burden to renters and businesses. The council votes on whether to add the question to the ballot on January 20.
The Coast Guard is conducting winter rescue training near Champlain Marina in Malletts Bay and asks the public to stay away from the area. With recent mild weather, ice conditions across the Champlain Valley remain unsafe, and all Burlington outdoor skating areas are currently closed. Lake Champlain used to freeze over nearly every winter but now only does so about once every four years.
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
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UVM Athletics: Basketball Sweeps Maine; Lacrosse Teams Earn Preseason Honors
The Vermont men’s and women’s basketball teams both secured conference victories over Maine on Thursday night. At Patrick Gymnasium, the men’s basketball team defeated Maine 67-62, rallying from a nine-point deficit in the second half. TJ Hurley led the offense with a team-high 18 points, while Sean Blake added 17 points and six assists, sealing the win with four late free throws. Gus Yalden contributed a career-high 11 rebounds to help the Catamounts improve to 3-0 in America East play.
On the road in Orono, the women’s basketball team earned a 64-53 victory over Maine to move to 3-1 in conference action. Keira Hanson paced the squad with 20 points, shooting 4-for-5 from three-point range. Nikola Priede added 16 points, and Malia Lenz recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Catamounts used a decisive 18-6 run in the second quarter to build a lead they would not relinquish.
In preseason news, the America East announced its coaches’ polls and all-conference teams for lacrosse. The men’s lacrosse team was picked to finish third, with three Catamounts earning Preseason All-Conference honors: Ryker Demarest, Walter Zhao, and Jack Combs. The women’s lacrosse team was selected fourth in their poll, with Sabine Godwin and Lydia Doraz named to the Preseason All-Conference team.
Additionally, Vermont Athletics announced it will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, January 24. The event, presented by Vermont Mutual, will feature a women’s basketball game against Bryant, a swimming and diving meet against Siena, and a pre-game field day hosted by She Roars and Strong Girls United.
(Fri ⦁ 6:00pm) Jan 16: 2025-26 Women's Hockey vs Maine
(Sat ⦁ 2:00pm) Jan 17: 2025-26 Women's Hockey vs Maine
(Sat ⦁ 6:00pm) Jan 17: 2025-26 Women's Basketball vs. UAlbany
Events:
Friday, January 16, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: In-Person Morning Meditation – Guided session at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
12:00 – 6:00 PM: Yankee Sportsman's Classic – Hunting and fishing expo at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($5-13; free under 3)
1:00 PM: Mah-Jongg at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston (Free)
1:00 – 3:00 PM: Vermont Department of Labor Tabling at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: New Year Tasting at Beverage Warehouse of Vermont, Winooski
5:30 PM: SBRP Kids Club Event – Roller Disco at 2 Baldwin Ave, South Burlington
5:30 PM: Dinosaur Safari Member Party at ECHO Leahy Center, Burlington
6:00 PM: 5th Annual Snowsports Auction at 70 Main Street, Winooski
6:00 PM: Old Hollywood – Murder Mystery Dinner at 180 Market Street, South Burlington (Ticketed, dinner included)
6:00 PM: Sanskrit for Yogi's at 100 Dorset Street, South Burlington
6:00 PM: Lorwyn Eclipsed Pre-Release at Riverside, Burlington
6:00 PM: Reiki & Restorative at 1 Mill St, Burlington
6:00 PM: Coffee and Book Reading at 185 Pine Haven Shores, Shelburne
6:00 PM: MEETUP – MTG Cube Draft at Old Town Comics, Williston (Free)
6:00 PM: UVM Women's Hockey vs Maine at Gutterson Fieldhouse
6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall, Burlington
8:00 PM: Burly Bear Presents: HIBEARNATION! at Red Square, Burlington
8:00 PM: RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington (Free)
Dusk: Downtown Lights at various Burlington locations (Free)
Aikido: The Power of Harmony at Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington (See website for times)
All Weekend: MTG Lorwyn Eclipsed Prerelease Weekend at Home2 by Hilton, Williston
Performances
4:00 PM & 7:00 PM: 'No Other Choice' (Film Screening) at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)
6:30 PM & 8:30 PM: Chad Daniels at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
Various Times: 'Animal Kingdom 3D', 'Ocean Paradise 3D', 'Sea Monsters 3D', 'Space: The New Frontier 3D' at ECHO Leahy Center, Burlington ($3-5 plus admission)
Live Music/DJ
4:00 PM: Grace Palmer at Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: WD40's at On Tap at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction
6:00 PM: Josh Panda Fridays at Burlington Beer Company (Free)
6:00 PM: Friday Live Music at Dumb Luck Pub and Grill, Winooski
6:00 PM: Songs at St. John's Club at St. John's Club, Burlington
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski (Free)
7:30 PM: Connor Young at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)
8:00 PM: Gay4Disco at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: McMaple Band at The Old Post, South Burlington
8:00 PM: Brunch, MAD, Jensen Alley at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
9:00 PM: NightHawk Live at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction
9:00 PM: Afropop Night Winooski with TheKwameVibe at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: Live DJ at Ri Ra! / DJ CREB at Ri Rá Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/15)
Dave Mitchell Blues Jam at Red Square, Burlington
Saturday, January 17, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Sourdough Pop-Up at Glow Nutrition
9:00 AM: Skirack's Winter Swap – Intake at 85 Main St, Burlington
9:00 AM: MEETUP – Board Game Brunch at Old Town Cafe & Comics, Williston (Free)
9:00 AM: Open Cupboard Food Distribution at Malletts Bay UCC, Colchester (Free)
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Yankee Sportsman's Classic at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($5-13)
9:30 AM: MEETUP – 2026 Vermont Winter Go Tournament at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($15)
10:00 AM: Burlington Cat Show & Education Event at DoubleTree by Hilton, South Burlington ($10-15; free under 12)
10:00 AM: Dinosaur Safari Exhibit Opens at ECHO Leahy Center, Burlington
10:00 AM: MEETUP – BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Bake and Shake: Bread and Butter Making at Shelburne Farms ($5)
10:00 AM: Family Playshop at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Coffee with a Candidate at The Bagel, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: De-Beard Hardwick Post #7 for Special Olympics at Hampton Inn & Vermont Event Center, Burlington
11:00 AM: Pawp-Up Pawrty Meet & Greet at True Value – Village Hardware
11:00 AM: Here to Help at 21 Buell St, Burlington
11:00 AM: Sing Along with Linda at Fletcher Free Library NNE Branch, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Repair Cafe at 12 North St, Burlington (Free)
12:00 PM: Stand Up for Democracy #100 at 1001 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington (Free)
1:00 PM: AI in our Work and Lives at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
3:30 PM: Beary Magical Lights Tour! at 6655 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
4:00 PM: Finding Pleasure In The Body You're In at 100 Dorset Street, South Burlington
4:30 PM: MEETUP – The Break Room at 730 Shelburne Road, South Burlington ($30)
5:45 PM: January Ballroom Dance at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall, Burlington
7:00 PM: Queen City Tango Milonga at Fusion 802, South Burlington ($15; free for first-timers)
7:00 PM: MEETUP – Saturday Meeting (Challenges Group) at Shelburne Town Green Veteran Memorial, Shelburne (Free)
Dusk: Downtown Lights at various Burlington locations (Free)
Jan 17-18: Burlington Bar Battle at T. Ruggs Tavern, Burlington
Performances
2:00 PM: UVM Women's Hockey vs Maine at Gutterson Fieldhouse
3:00 PM: 'The Wages of Fear' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)
6:30 PM: Chad Daniels at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Sold Out)
7:00 PM: 'Aguirre, The Wrath of God' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)
8:00 PM: Rhinestone Rodeo at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($20-25)
8:30 PM: Chad Daniels at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: James Shelly Live at 4 Park St, Essex Junction
5:30 PM: Blake Matteson at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Freight Train at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Remember Baker at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: All T at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex (Free)
6:00 PM: UVM Women's Basketball vs. UAlbany at Patrick Gym, Burlington
6:30 PM: Punk Show: Robbery, Model 97, Fall District, Funeral Season at Odd Fellows Lodge, Burlington ($10)
6:30 PM: Acoustic Tunes (Waves of Adrenaline) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
7:00 PM: Izzy Jones, Ashna Hille at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)
8:00 PM: Ray Vega Quartet plays Miles Davis at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington ($15)
8:00 PM: Dj Dan Karaoke at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction
8:00 PM: Sparkomatik at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
9:00 PM: HISSSS, The Volcanos at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/15)
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Goddess at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: DJ NewCity at Ri Rá Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
10:00 PM: Matt Payne, DJ Raul at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington
11:00 PM: Roost World at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/15)
Sunday, January 18, 2026
General Events
9:00 AM: Winter Swap at Skirack, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Yankee Sportsman's Classic at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($5-13)
10:00 AM: Tech Sundays: Learn Google Email at Fletcher Free Library NNE Branch, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: MEETUP – Sea Caves at Arthur Park and Rock Point Park Loop at BHS Baseball Field, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Movement Medicine: Moving Awareness at Shelburne Town Hall, Shelburne
10:00 AM: Donuts for Donations (Book Drive) at South Burlington Public Library
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Burlington Cat Show at DoubleTree by Hilton, South Burlington ($10-15)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Dinosaur Safari Exhibit at ECHO Leahy Center, Burlington
10:45 AM: Adult Bible Study and Sunday School at 1560 Williston Rd, South Burlington
11:00 AM: MEETUP – Hike at Indian Brook in Essex (Free)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
12:00 PM: ASL Silent Board Games at The Boardroom, Burlington
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday – Games at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex (Free)
12:15 PM: Dungeons & Dragons Group B at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
12:30 PM: MEETUP – The Amazing Puzzle Race at The Boardroom, Burlington ($40/team)
1:00 PM: Sunday Football at the Press House Pub at Press House Pub, Burlington
1:15 PM: $25 All You Can Play Special at 133 Broadacres Dr, Colchester
2:00 PM: Library Lounge at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: Winter Soccer Skills Clinic Pack at 115 Wellness Dr, Williston
2:00 PM: Lecture: Thomas Paine at War – Virtual Event (Free)
2:30 PM: Adults Puzzle Swap at South Burlington Public Library (Free)
3:00 PM: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance at City Hall Auditorium, Burlington (Free)
3:45 PM: MLK Reception at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Drop-In Tech Support at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Beyond Alcohol: Kava Education Experience at Mesmer Kava, Burlington
5:15 PM: Community Meditation at First Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington (Free/Donation)
6:00 PM: MEETUP – Womxn's Pick-up Soccer at Miller Community Center, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: MEETUP – Capricorn New Moon Sacred Sisters Circle at Kula, South Burlington ($11+)
Dusk: Downtown Lights at various Burlington locations (Free)
Performances
2:00 PM: Game Show Sundays! at Pierson Library, Shelburne (Donation)
4:00 PM: Tom DiMenna: Story Songs of the 70s at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington ($45)
6:30 PM: Sunday Skates at Leddy Studio at Gordon H. Paquette Arena, Burlington
Live Music/DJ
10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont, Burlington
1:00 PM: Joe Agnello, Lara Cwass at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Mowgli Giannitti – Sunday Cocktail Piano Hour at Venetian Soda Lounge, Burlington
7:00 PM: CABA Presents: CHS Winter Ball at Delta Hotels by Marriott, South Burlington
7:00 PM: COOKED, SOWING, Autoignition, Bruiserweight, Crisis Actor at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/15)
7:00 PM: Phantom Suns, Humdinger & the Bucksnort, Porttitor, Necroborne, Fall District at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex ($10)
7:00 PM: Venetian Karaoke at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Sunday Night Mass (Dubtribe Sound System) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($39.32)
8:00 PM: McMaple at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)
9:00 PM: Yabai!, The Leatherbound Books at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)
9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington at Drink, Burlington ($5)
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.
Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. View the full list of food & drink deals here.
That’s All, Burlington!
Stay warm out there, especially as we head into what looks like a legitimately brutal stretch early next week. If any of the stories above caught your attention, click through and give those local outlets some traffic. They're doing the work that keeps us all informed.
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.
