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Weather & Weekend Rundown:
Find the warm coat, because this weekend swings from soggy to wintry to gorgeous in three days. Friday is wet and windy, with rain heavy at times, a break around mid morning, then more showers along a cold front this afternoon and early evening, a high near 60 and south gusts around 40 mph in the Champlain Valley that could bring down a few branches. The showers end this evening as the wind turns northwest, and tonight drops to the mid 30s while the mountains turn to snow. Saturday is the coldest day of the season so far, with highs only around 40, northwest gusts near 30 mph and morning wind chills in the 20s, and a few stray flakes could even mix in down here in the morning before the sun comes out in the afternoon. Saturday night drops right to freezing, then Sunday turns sunny with a high in the mid 50s, and Monday is sunny and near 60 to start a long dry stretch. Track it all week, with patio, swim, and sunset scores, at Burlington Right Now.
Friday
Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo – Fri through Sun from 10: More than 125 artisan booths plus a curated antique expo fill the Champlain Valley Expo, with live craft demos all weekend. One $12 admission covers all three days, and kids under 14 get in free.
BCA Fall Exhibitions Opening – 5 to 7 PM: BCA celebrates three new shows, Dark Botanica, Kathleen Schneider and Trystan Bates, with drinks and light refreshments at the BCA Center on Church Street. Vermont teachers get their own social hour with the exhibition artists at 4.
ECHO After Dark: Memento Mori – 6 PM: ECHO goes 18+ for a night of death and decomposition science from real experts, a danse macabre ball and a costume contest with a Best in Theme category for Death and Decay ($30).
Spirits of Rokeby – Fri & Sat evenings: Down in Ferrisburgh, Rokeby Museum recreates séances from its own records inside the historic home, after a drink and a short talk on Victorian Spiritualism. Slots hold 15 and sell in advance ($25).
The S-Creemee Dreemee Puppet Slam – 7 PM: Junktiques hosts an evening of puppetry for adults from local artists and traveling puppeteers, with acts that may be funny, quirky, dark or even profound ($10 to $20 sliding scale).
VTIFF Opening Night – 7 PM: The 10 day film festival opens at Main Street Landing with a 9 PM party, then runs through Oct. 25 ($12, $6 students). Its opening film, Palme d'Or winner Fjord, is currently full.
Sex With Jenna – Doors 7:30: Sexuality educator and comedian Jenna Emerson hosts a live Dating Game style show at Higher Ground where you can watch or play for a sponsored first date, then DJ Gay Bar takes over for a dance party (18+).
Also Friday, DBVI and VABVI lead a quarter mile White Cane Awareness Day walk from 200 Pearl Street to City Hall at 10, honoring Anne Connelly, who brought Vermont its first trained guide dog in 1930, and UVM professor Alex Zakaras gives the EEE talk Freedom for All, What a Liberal Society Could Be at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington at 2. Early evening brings Radio Cowboy to Switchback's beer garden at 5:30 and a free honky tonk set from Danny & The Parts at Shelburne Vineyard at 6, while Queen City Cat Lounge hosts Crochet with Cats, where you learn to make a catnip toy while you hang out with cats waiting for adoption, and the Richard Kemp Center has a family friendly game night, both at 6. Hometown comic Kendall Farrell headlines the Vermont Comedy Club at 6:30, with two more shows Saturday.
At 7, Déjà Rêvé's 'Venus in Fur' plays its last weekend at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts (closing Saturday), Vermont Rep's Williston One Acts stage short plays by Elaine May, Harold Pinter and Richard Greenberg, and NBT Bank opens The Bank Backrooms, a free liminal space haunted house benefiting Steps to End Domestic Violence, until 9. Lizzie Murderz hosts the Geeky & Freaky edition of Supernova drag and burlesque at Standing Stone in Winooski (doors at 7), Higher Ground has Burlington's Led Zeppelin tribute Nico Suave & The Mothership (doors at 7, tickets running low), and EDM fans can catch Blood Eclipse and five more acts at Odd Fellows Hall at 7 ($10). Later, Moonbird plays The Old Post at 8 and DJ Taka spins at Standing Stone at 11.
Saturday
BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] – 10 AM: Our weekly coffee and conversation at Zero Gravity, so come warm up with us.
PokeKon-Fest – 10 to 5: An all Pokémon show at the DoubleTree in South Burlington, with vendors selling cards, toys, video games, retro finds, artwork and apparel, plus voice actors ($20, kids under 11 free).
Ryan Hagen: Your Guide to Climate Action – 11 AM: For anyone worried or angry about climate breakdown who wants to do something about it, the author talks at the South Burlington library, with signed copies for sale and a giveaway.
Flaxtravaganza – 11 to 2: The Ethan Allen Homestead celebrates the end of flax season with reenactors in the Allen House, a costume corner and how people made fiber from their own gardens to protest British made cloth. Free, and the last reenactment of 2026.
Zombie Walk – 4 PM: The undead gather on the Church Street side of City Hall by 3:30, then stumble up and down Church Street in search of brains until 4:30. Free and family friendly.
Borderlands – Sat & Sun evenings: Small groups set out every fifteen minutes at Shelburne Farms ($25, $15 kids), and Friday's shows are cancelled for the rain. Treewild's walk through an illuminated forest has actors narrating while the audience acts out Calypso and Odysseus with shadow puppets.
Bob the Drag Queen: Now Clap! – 6 PM: The Drag Race winner, Broadway star and best selling author brings the tour to the Flynn's Main Stage.
Judge – Doors 7: Higher Ground throws Gary Lane's 60th birthday with legendary New York hardcore band Judge, Vermont vets Get a Grip and a covers set of Gary's favorites by longtime friends. Tickets are running low.
Also Saturday, the Burlington Farmers Market runs 9 to 2 on Pine Street rain or shine, where Aging in Place with Pets tables most Saturdays, and the Shelburne Farmers Market holds its last market of the season on the Parade Grounds from 9 to 1, with live music at 10. Check in opens at 9 for the Out of the Darkness Walk at Veterans Memorial Park, a walk of 1 to 3 miles to prevent suicide that's free to register, Brownell Library in Essex Junction runs a free Halloween costume swap from 9 to 4:30 while supplies last, and Vermont Comedy Arts holds its free improv drop-in for all levels at the Vermont Comedy Club at 10. Lab B's Old North End Repair Cafe runs 11 to 3, where anyone can have anything repaired for free, and historian Richard Allen talks Taverns and Stagecoaches of Chittenden County at the Dorothy Alling library in Williston at 11:30.
In the afternoon, Essex Junction's Early Voting Jamboree walks, rides and rolls from Maple Street Park to the ballot boxes at 2:30 (bring a sign, a decorated bike or a noisemaker), VTIFF screens Lukas Dhont's World War I love story 'Coward' at the Film House at 4, and Sk802 hosts an intro to wild ice skating at Fletcher Free Library at 4 with a social after at Wallflower Collective. From 5, Passion 4 Paws throws a Nashville country concert with Jamie Lee Thurston and Hayley Sue on Jericho Road in Essex Junction for rescue dogs, and at 6 Girls on the Run Vermont throws its Sneaker Soirée at the Essex Resort with DJ Mega Luna and a silent auction ($75). The night also has Burning Roses Burlesque's Hex Appeal at Einstein's (21+, doors at 7), Los Songoros playing Latin music at the Venetian at 7, metal band Executive Disorder with Psychomanteum at Odd Fellows Hall at 7, and Baby Fearn's special and spooky free show at Foam at 8.
Sunday
Miller Symposium – 9 to 6:30: UVM's tenth Miller Symposium, The German Army and the Holocaust, runs free at the Alumni House, with talks on how the Wehrmacht became a genocidal army, its chaplains and the Nuremberg trials of its high command.
The Grave Side of Halloween – 10:30 AM: Dr. Elise Guyette leads an Elmwood Cemetery tour, then it's on to the ONE Community Center for a light luncheon, music by Woody Woodhead, a talk on iron grave markers and a raffle with prizes like a juggling lesson. Free, with donations to the Burlington History & Culture Center.
Winooski Vintage Market – 11 AM: Local sellers bring vintage clothing, accessories and home goods to Four Quarters Brewing at 70 Main St in Winooski from 11 to 6, so come shop and grab a beer while you're there.
Burlington VT Wedding Show – 12 PM: Couples planning a wedding can meet wedding vendors, sample cakes, enjoy the entertainment and find wedding deals at the DoubleTree on Williston Road from 12 to 3 ($16.05 online, $15 at the door).
Wild Culture Fermentation Festival – 12 PM: Barr Hill's Montpelier distillery throws its third annual celebration of natural fermentation from 12 to 4, with Vermont vendors like Eden Cider, VT Cider Lab, Woodlawn Creamery and Umamiso bringing samples and goods. There's a kraut making demo at 1, a cider apple tasting at 2, free distillery tours with a mini honey and live music all afternoon ($8 advance, $10 door).
Champlain Valley Buddy Walk – 1 PM: The 16th annual walk for the Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group steps off from Veterans Memorial Park, one of 250 Buddy Walks across the country this fall ($10, $40 family max).
Story Songs of the 70s – 4 PM: Tom DiMenna and a second artist play Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens and Harry Chapin, songs like Sundown, Wild World and W.O.L.D., at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
Fright by Flashlight – 6 PM: Thea Lewis leads a Queen City Ghostwalk through Lakeview Cemetery with vintage ghost hunting tools ($25).
Also Sunday, Winooski Rec needs volunteer weeders to pull knotweed at Memorial Park from 10 to 12:30, with tools, gloves and snacks provided, and the Spirit of Ethan Allen sails narrated scenic cruises at 12, 2 and 4 before its season ends next Friday. Jeff & Gina play a free mix of R&B, rock, funk and jazz at Foam at 1, Norwich historian Zachary Bennett gives a free talk on Water, Power, and Revolution on the Winooski River at the Ethan Allen Homestead at 2, Higher Ground's Good Time Line Dancing opens doors at 7 for lessons and social dancing (tickets running low), and Karaoke Sundays close out the weekend at Einstein's from 9 (21+).
Scroll down to Events Section for full list of events. Or check my events page.
I tried a new events rundown this week. What do you think?
Gang’s all here
The Btown Brief IRL - Burlington Social & Activities
We’re now seeing 20–30 people at our weekly events! Thanks to everyone helping host events with me. And thanks to those that show up to make it worth it. Be sure to stop by for our weekly Saturday Coffee meetup at Zero Gravity at 10am. It’s a great place to talk about weekend events too, along with news and life updates. So come find things to do this weekend together:
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This Coming Week:
BTown Coffee Club – Saturday, October 17th @ 10 AM: Coffee and conversation at Zero Gravity, come find us.
Pick-up Basketball – Wednesday, October 21st @ 5:30 PM: Indoors at UVM's Gutterson Fieldhouse, with a $12 day pass at the Campus Rec front desk.
Movie Night: You Can See Everything – Friday, October 23rd @ 7 PM: Now next Friday at the Majestic 10 in Williston, the new Elizabeth Holmes documentary, with the showtime still to be announced.
Every game, every app, everything I made for Burlington:
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I got some seriously great things cooking. Stay tuned!!
In the meantime, I put out a redesign of the website that holds all 80+ projects I made for the city, be sure to take an afternoon and check them all out.
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Local News (All Links Clickable)
"It’s very exciting news. You know, I’ve long thought that the closing of Nectar’s was one of the big reasons that this stretch of town was so barren for a while," per WCAX.
The Main Street club has been closed since last year, and Shawn Cliche has submitted a zoning application to use all three floors for food, live music, DJs and pool tables, day and night. He says it's still undecided whether the Nectar's name stays, and there's a long process ahead before music returns. Cliche has opened about 30 bars and clubs over the years, including a similar venue in Plattsburgh.
"It means the sense of peace and comfort that you feel on the inside," per Seven Days.
Summer Cao, 27, moved Donwoori Korean restaurant to 22 Main Street by the Winooski rotary and kept the lease on its old home at 65 Winooski Falls Way, where she expects to open Yên by the end of October. The 35 seat restaurant honors her late father with pho, fresh summer rolls, sticky fish sauce chicken wings and Vietnamese coffee made with robusta beans, plus mocktails and cocktails, for lunch and dinner six days a week.
"This is nothing more than a political stunt by Vermont sanctuary politicians," per NBC5.
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak's order, signed Wednesday, lays out how Burlington will carry out Act 150, the state law in effect since June that restricts civil arrests, including immigration arrests, at schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, polling places and other designated locations. The city will update its signs, train employees on responding to federal immigration enforcement and work with legal organizations to help residents understand their rights, and Burlington police will not assist with civil immigration enforcement. DHS says ICE isn't targeting hospitals, schools or churches and isn't planning operations at polling places.
"So ICE does appear to be on track to increase its interior arrests in Vermont this year, even if not as dramatically as the federal data suggests," per Vermont Public.
Widely cited federal data shows ICE logging 124 arrests in Vermont through July, more than triple all of 2025, but Vermont Public found more than 50 of those people closely match border crossers caught by Border Patrol and later handed to ICE, so their arrests were counted twice. ICE made 29 at large arrests in that stretch, including the March 11 detentions of three immigrants at their South Burlington home, compared with 35 in all of 2025. Since that data was compiled, Seven Days has identified at least 12 construction workers detained by ICE in August and early September.
"I think what you’re seeing here is an issue that really gets to the heart of the different governing philosophies between the two," per VTDigger.
Democratic nominee Amanda Janoo wants to ban Flock Safety's license plate reading cameras, which some Vermont police departments use, and to tell large data center companies they aren't welcome here for now, after Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill this year that would have regulated where they could be built. Scott says the federal government, working with the private sector, should take the lead on regulating AI. His campaign says he would support a moratorium on large data center construction while the state watches what Washington does, and Janoo backs one too, along with new taxes on digital advertising revenue and what her campaign calls the nation's strongest public standards for AI. Polls and campaign spending suggest this could be the closest governor's race in a decade.
"National Republicans don’t spend almost half a million dollars to help keep a governor in office without a reason," per Vermont Public.
A Stronger Vermont, the Republican Governors Association's super PAC that spent $3 million to help elect Scott in 2016, spent nearly $175,000 late last week on TV and online ads painting Janoo as too far left, using a "magical thinking" line from her primary opponent Aly Richards, who has since criticized the RGA for misappropriating her quotes. Scott's campaign says the ads make fair points and that the RGA's help won't change his approach to the Trump administration. The latest Vermont Public poll put Scott's approval at 45%, down 15 points from 2022, and Janoo has outraised him $706,000 to $414,000.
"Mohamed and Abdirisak both emphasized that they are actively seeking a new Chittenden County home for Kismayo Kitchen," per Seven Days.
The Somali American restaurant founded by the late Ahmed Omar reopened the weekend of Oct. 10 at 505 Riverside Ave., now run by his widow, Anisa Mohamed, with siblings Maryan and Abdirisak Maalin, keeping the mix of samosas, goat curry and Philly cheesesteaks with a slight price increase planned. The building qualified for a FEMA buyout and will eventually be torn down for green space, most likely in 2027, so they're hunting for a spot with at least 24 seats. It's open noon to 8 Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 2:30 to 9:30 on Fridays.
"This has saved my life on numerous occasions, and I'm hoping that even if I save one person's life, it means everything to me," per NBC5.
Fresh Start Recovery's Cedar Street house, also called Michael's Place in memory of Michael Prescott, who ran similar homes in Vermont and New York before his death in 2023, plans to open by the end of October. Eight men can live there at once for up to a year, five are already waiting to move in, and residents will get help finding jobs. The nonprofit still needs donations, from dishes to beds, and hopes to build a home for women next.
"Last year, attendance at the annual Vermont International Film Festival hit a 13-year high, according to executive director Steve MacQueen," per Seven Days.
The 10 day festival opens today at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center and runs through Oct. 25, with 48 features, several shorts programs and six classics from 1976. Seven Days sums up every feature in a line, from Palme d'Or winner Fjord and Hirokazu Kore-eda's Look Back to The Last Critic, a Robert Christgau documentary featuring Winooski's Autumn Records. Tickets run $6 to $12, or $150 for a festival pass.
"I’m just really excited to see kids in here using it and having fun and that’ll just make all my dreams come true right there," per Shelburne News.
Rachel and Andy Cartwright open Natural Nest Play Café at 2800 Shelburne Road on Monday, a Montessori style play space with toys made of natural, nontoxic materials for kids up to age 8, where caregivers supervise while they chat, drink coffee or get work done. Rachel says she's the first franchisee of the Delaware based business outside Delaware, and the building also has coworking space, private party rooms and a retail section. It holds 22 kids and their caregivers for now, with room to grow once Shelburne finishes its wastewater upgrade.
"Roya and I were both saying we feel like we’ve come home," per Seven Days.
The all volunteer company canceled The Rocky Horror Show this spring after crew members received anonymous threats, a $5,800 hit that came as four of its nine board members resigned, and in August Essex Police said the threats came from the show's own music director. New board president Beth Wilbur sees a bright future, and the board says it will read licensing contracts carefully and monitor its shows more closely, though some former members, including 15 year veteran Thalie Stapleton, aren't convinced. The season opens tonight at Memorial Hall in Essex with Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, five actors playing 50 characters through Oct. 31 ($21 to $25).
QUICK HITS
Offer extended to finalist in Burlington police chief search — Burlington has made an offer to a finalist for permanent police chief, pending a background check and the state's required polygraph, and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is aiming for City Council confirmation at the Nov. 9 meeting. Interim Chief Shawn Burke has led the department since former Chief Jon Murad retired.
Despite federal drama, mail-in voting proceeding as planned — Vermonters are receiving and returning mail-in ballots after the Supreme Court blocked President Trump's executive order on Sept. 14 and declined to let the Postal Service rule take effect for this year's election. State elections director Sean Sheehan says anyone who hasn't received a ballot by mid-October should check the Vermont Voter Portal or contact their clerk.
Bystanders rescue driver after camper van rolls into Lake Champlain — Bystanders jumped into Lake Champlain Monday morning to help a Quebec man out of his camper van after it slid backward down the boat launch at the Coast Guard station, apparently pulled in by the weight of a boat being loaded or unloaded. Burlington Fire and the Coast Guard pulled the van out of the water.
New life jacket law arrives just as the cold-water season starts — A new state law requires anyone on the open deck of a boat underway on Vermont waters to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket from Nov. 1 through May 1 each year. It covers kayaks, canoes and paddleboards along with motorboats, sailboats and pontoons, and exempts Coast Guard inspected commercial vessels.
12-year-old rescued after becoming separated from family on Camel’s Hump — A 12 year old from Boston who got separated from her family hiking Camel's Hump last Saturday evening was found unhurt after about an hour, with 17 rescuers responding to the Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team's search. Crews say to pack a flashlight or headlamp for hiking in the dark and stay with your group.
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!
Ready to play? Click the link below, enter your name, and show us what you've got. Btown Brief Quiz
UVM Athletics: Men's Hockey Opens the Gut Against No. 11 BU as Women's Hockey Visits Cornell
Men's hockey hosts No. 11 Boston University on Friday at 7 in its Hockey East opener and the TD Home Opener, and the first 500 fans get a cobranded TD/UVM T-shirt. The teams meet again Saturday at 7, with both games on ESPN+ and on WVMT with Owen Gund. The Terriers were picked third in the Hockey East preseason poll and lead the NCAA with 18 NHL Draft picks on the roster, headlined by Caleb Malhotra, the third overall pick in the 2026 draft. Vermont is 25-66-10 all time against BU, though Thomas Sinclair scored with 21.2 seconds left to win the last regular season meeting 3-2 at Agganis Arena in December, snapping a streak of 11 straight BU wins.
No. 16 men's soccer (8-1-3) hosts New Hampshire on Saturday at 1 at Virtue Field for the Rally Against Cancer game presented by Mascoma Bank, with a free lavender beanie for fans and the game on ESPN+. Vermont carries a 26 game regular season home unbeaten streak (18-0-8) that dates back to October 2023, and head coach Adrian Dubois faces his alma mater for the first time since taking over the program. The Wildcats (5-4-3) are still looking for their first America East win, and Vermont beat them 2-1 in overtime in last season's America East semifinals. Niklas Herceg's eight shutouts are tied for first in the country.
Women's hockey (3-1-0) is No. 15 in the USCHO poll for a second straight week and visits No. 14 Cornell on Friday at 6 and Saturday at 3, both on ESPN+. Vermont has scored first in all four games, is nine for nine on the penalty kill, and has yet to trail in regulation. Kaylee Lewis and Linnéa Misner share the team lead with four points, and Hilary Wilkin leads with two goals. The Cats are 2-12-1 all time against the Big Red, who haven't played yet this season, and last season's 4-3 win at Gutterson was only Vermont's second ever in the series. The next home series is the Pack the Gut Challenge against Northeastern on November 6.
Field hockey (10-2) plays at UAlbany on Friday at 12:30 on AmericaEast.TV, riding a three game winning streak against the team picked to tie Vermont for first in the America East preseason poll. Ila Gunner was named America East Goalkeeper of the Week after making five saves in last weekend's two wins, and Vermont leads the nation at 0.58 shutouts per game. No. 13 Yale comes to Moulton Winder Field on Sunday at noon for Rally Against Cancer, with the same free lavender beanies, and Senior Day against Bryant is next Friday at 3.
Women's soccer (4-4-5, 2-0-2 America East) plays at NJIT on Sunday at 2 on ESPN+, then hosts UAlbany next Thursday at 6 for its own Rally Against Cancer night. Cross country hosts the Fall Foliage Invite at Hard'ack in St. Albans on Sunday, women at 12:30 and men at 1:15, ahead of the America East Championship in Albany on October 30. Swimming and diving (1-0) visits New Hampshire on Saturday at 11. Men's basketball hosts Holy Cross in an exhibition at Patrick Gym on Saturday at 4 and Stonehill next Saturday at 2, and the women host a Saint Michael's exhibition on October 28.
Oct 16: Men's Ice Hockey vs. Boston University (Fri ⦁ 7:00pm)
Oct 17: Men's Soccer vs. New Hampshire (Sat ⦁ 1:00pm)
Oct 17: Men's Basketball vs. Holy Cross (Sat ⦁ 4:00pm)
Oct 17: Men's Ice Hockey vs. Boston University (Sat ⦁ 7:00pm)
Oct 18: Field Hockey vs. Yale (Sun ⦁ 12:00pm)
Oct 18: Cross Country Fall Foliage Invite in St. Albans (Sun ⦁ 12:30pm)
Oct 22: Women's Soccer vs. UAlbany (Thu ⦁ 6:00pm)
Oct 23: Field Hockey vs. Bryant (Fri ⦁ 3:00pm)
Oct 23: Men's Ice Hockey vs. Clarkson (Fri ⦁ 7:00pm)
Oct 24: Men's Basketball vs. Stonehill (Sat ⦁ 2:00pm)
Oct 28: Women's Basketball vs. Saint Michael's (Wed ⦁ 5:00pm)
Oct 28: Men's Basketball vs. Saint Michael's (Wed ⦁ 7:30pm)
Events:
This is the curated cut. The full calendar, 25 sources refreshed twice a day, lives at Burlington events.
Friday, October 16, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Women Rising Summit at Hula Lakeside, Burlington ($49-300; preregister)
8:00 AM: Weekly Meditation at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: Volunteer Tree Planting in the Intervale at Intervale Conservation Nursery, 180 Intervale Rd, Burlington
9:00 AM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier, Burlington ($35 adults, $30 seniors and veterans, $15 kids under 12, under 5 free)
9:00 AM: Family Friday With Linda Bassick at Pingala Café North Avenue, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($12)
10:00 AM: Mobile Pet Food Shelf: Feeding Champlain Valley at Feeding Champlain Valley, Burlington
10:00 AM: White Cane Awareness Day: Anne Connelly Commemorative Walk at 200 Pearl Street to City Hall, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass, 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 & City Hall, South Burlington (Free; preregister)
10:00 AM: Mahjong Play at the Winooski Library at Winooski Memorial Library, 65 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski (Free)
10:30 AM: Sensing the Season at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister)
11:30 AM: Shelburne Farms Tour 2026 at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne ($15)
11:45 AM: Lunch with the Poets at The Innovation Café, Burlington (Free) — MEETUP.com
12:00 PM: Cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III at Spirit of Ethan Allen, Burlington ($36.99 adults, $15.99 kids 3-11, $4.99 infants 0-2)
1:00 PM: Mah-Jongg at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston (Free)
2:00 PM: Sun to Cheese Tour 2026 at Shelburne Farms Welcome Center, Shelburne ($20)
2:00 PM: EEE Talk: Freedom for All, What a Liberal Society Could Be (Alex Zakaras) at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset Street, South Burlington ($8 walk-in; EEE members free)
2:00 PM: Donation-Based Ear Acupuncture Clinic at 366 Dorset Street, Suite 10, South Burlington (By donation)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington ($16)
2:30 PM: Drop-In at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
3:00 PM: Pub Hour at Vermont Pub and Brewery, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Teacher's Night Out at BCA Burlington City Arts, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Stand Up for Democracy in Malletts Bay at Sidewalks along W. Lakeshore Drive and Blakely Road, Colchester
4:00 PM: Half Priced Oysters at La Reprise at La Reprise, Burlington
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff + Oyster, Burlington
4:30 PM: Laughter Yoga at Iyengar Yoga Center of Vermont, Burlington (Free)
4:30 PM: Why You Should Care About Philosophy (free weekly course) at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: BCA Center Fall 2026 Exhibitions Opening Reception at BCA Center, Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: SMART Recovery Meeting at Turning Point Center of Chittenden County, 179 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington
5:30 PM: Partners in Adventure Calcutta Fundraiser at Williston Federated Church, 44 N Williston Road, Williston ($100 dinner for two with a Calcutta ball)
5:30 PM: Ghost Stories at Brownell Library, Essex Junction (Free)
6:00 PM: Crochet with Cats: Catnip Toy Workshop at Queen City Cat Lounge at Queen City Cat Lounge, North Avenue, Burlington ($25)
6:00 PM: Game Night at the Richard Kemp Center at Richard Kemp Center, 372 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
6:00 PM: ECHO After Dark: Memento Mori at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, College Street, Burlington ($30; $25 members and college students)
6:30 PM: Burlington FNG at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls Tour at Courthouse Plaza (Democracy Sculpture), 199 Main St, Burlington ($25; preregister)
7:00 PM: 'The Bank Backrooms: A Liminal Space Haunted House' at NBT Bank, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski (Free)
Performances
5:00 PM: Spirits of Rokeby: The Impending Crisis at Rokeby Museum, 4334 Route 7, Ferrisburgh ($25, $20 members; timed tickets, buy in advance)
6:30 PM: Kendall Farrell: Hometown Hero at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($20)
7:00 PM: 'Venus in Fur' (Déjà Rêvé Actors Guild) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($20-40)
7:00 PM: The Williston One Acts (Vermont Repertory Theatre) at The Rep, 179 Commerce Street, Williston ($20-$30)
7:00 PM: Supernova: Geek Out Freak Out at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($12 presale, $15 at the door)
7:00 PM: 'The S-Creemee Dreemee Puppet Slam' at Junktiques Collective, Burlington ($10-20 sliding scale)
7:30 PM: Sex With Jenna: Dating Show & Dance Party w/ GAYBAR (18+, seated) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($22)
7:30 PM: 'The Aliens' at Royall Tyler Theatre, University of Vermont, Burlington ($10-22)
7:30 PM: 'Crime and Punishment, a Comedy' at Essex Memorial Hall, Essex Junction ($23-25)
Live Music/DJ
4:00 PM: Will & Evan at Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Vachsean at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:30 PM: Radio Cowboy at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: The Rustics at the St. John's Club at St. John's Club, Central Avenue, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Danny & The Parts at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: AliT at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction (Free)
6:30 PM: Live From the Meadow: Music Fridays at Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston (Free)
7:00 PM: Blood Eclipse w/ Applesnozz, Jesse Chain Saw, Revolt, Joe Pro, Barnyardie Dubs at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, Burlington ($10)
7:00 PM: Nico Suave & The Mothership (Led Zeppelin tribute) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($18)
7:00 PM: Copilots at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
7:30 PM: Lane Series: Trio Bohémo at The University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington (sold out)
8:00 PM: Ali McGuirk at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free Entry)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
8:00 PM: Moonbird at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)
9:00 PM: Bad Horsey at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Karaoke with DJ Big T at McKee's Original, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: Live DJ at Ri Ra! at RiRa Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
10:00 PM: DJ Viu at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington (Free)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($10)
Saturday, October 17, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Bird Walk at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister)
9:00 AM: Fall Forest Bathing: shinrin-yoku at Farm Barn, Shelburne ($35)
9:00 AM: MGFA Community Health Fair - Burlington at Delta Hotels Burlington, South Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: Shelburne Farmers Market (last market of the season) at Shelburne Parade Grounds (Church St), Shelburne
9:00 AM: Burlington Farmers Market at 345 Pine Street, Burlington
9:00 AM: Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide at Veterans Memorial Park, Dorset Street, South Burlington (Free registration)
9:00 AM: 8th Annual Puzzle Swap at 203 Bellevue Street, Winooski (Free)
9:00 AM: Porch Outerwear Sale for Generator's Sewing Program at 61 Central Avenue (front porch), Burlington
9:00 AM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier, Burlington ($35 adults, $30 seniors and veterans, $15 kids under 12, under 5 free)
9:00 AM: Weekly Group Guided Meditation at Perkins Pier - By the playground area, Burlington ($15) — MEETUP.com
9:00 AM: Aging in Place With Pets table at the Burlington Farmers Market at 345 Pine St., Burlington (Free; donations accepted)
9:00 AM: Halloween Costume Swap at Brownell Library, Essex Junction (Free)
10:00 AM: Tree ID & Natural History Tour at Red Rocks Park, South Burlington ($10-15; registration closed)
10:00 AM: Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($12)
10:00 AM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington (Free) — MEETUP.com
10:00 AM: Terrific Tractors & Other Cool Machines at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne (Free)
10:00 AM: Tending Rock Point: Buckthorn Bonanza (volunteer) at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Weekly Saturday Improv Drop-In (Vermont Comedy Arts) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Free; donations appreciated)
10:00 AM: PokeKon-Fest: All-Pokémon Show at DoubleTree by Hilton, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington ($12.73-$114.33)
10:30 AM: Genealogy Class at the Vermont Genealogy Library at Vermont Genealogy Library, Pinewood Plaza, 57 River Road, Essex Junction ($10)
10:30 AM: Sensing the Season: Phenology Walk at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister)
11:00 AM: Mobile Pet Food Shelf: Here to Help at 21 Buell St, Burlington
11:00 AM: Author Event: Ryan Hagen, 'Your Guide to Climate Action' at South Burlington Public Library Community Room, South Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Flaxtravaganza! Flax, Fiber Art and Reenactors at the Ethan Allen Homestead at Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Old North End Repair Cafe at Laboratory B, 12 North Street, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free)
11:30 AM: Taverns and Stagecoaches of Chittenden County (Richard Allen) at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Library Lane, Williston (Free)
12:00 PM: Bat Bazaar at Spiral House Art Collective, Burlington (Free)
12:00 PM: Cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III at Spirit of Ethan Allen, Burlington ($36.99 adults, $15.99 kids 3-11, $4.99 infants 0-2)
12:00 PM: Opening Day at The Grief Center of Vermont, Essex Junction (Free; preregister for some events)
12:30 PM: Dances of Universal Peace at South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market Street, South Burlington (Free)
1:00 PM: HU Chant: Ancient Mantra for a Modern World at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free)
1:30 PM: Exploring the Medicine of Winter (herbal workshop) at Vermont Zen Center, Thomas Rd, Shelburne
1:30 PM: Fearless Queers Self Defense Fundamentals at Resistance Arts Collective, College Street (3rd floor, no elevator), Burlington (Donation-based)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington ($16)
2:30 PM: Early Voting Jamboree: Walk, Ride or Roll to the Ballot Box at Maple Street Park, 75 Maple St (to the Essex and Essex Jct ballot boxes), Essex Junction
4:00 PM: Zombie Walk on Church Street (Green Mountains of Madness) at Church Street Marketplace, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Intro to Wild Ice Skating Seminar and Social (Sk802) at Fletcher Free Library, 235 College Street; social at Wallflower Collective, 71 S. Union Street, Burlington
4:00 PM: Half Priced Oysters at La Reprise at La Reprise, Burlington
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff + Oyster, Burlington
4:00 PM: 7th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party & Bonfire at a member's home (address shared with RSVPs), Winooski (full; waitlist) — MEETUP.com
5:30 PM: Chicken and Biscuit Dinner (Essex Knights of Columbus) at St. Pius X Parish Hall, Jericho Road, Essex Junction ($15; $5 kids 10 and under)
5:45 PM: Calcutta Fundraiser at American Legion, Post 91, Colchester ($125)
5:45 PM: Halloween Ballroom Dance at North Star Community Hall (20 Crowley St), Burlington
6:00 PM: Sneaker Soirée (Girls on the Run Vermont benefit) at The Essex Resort & Spa, Essex ($25-75)
7:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls Tour at Courthouse Plaza (Democracy Sculpture), 199 Main St, Burlington ($25; preregister)
7:00 PM: Dads' Night Out: Sober Saturday Nights at The Guild Hall, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Dad Guild Fires With Fathers (Dads Only) at Rock Point Nature Trails, Burlington (Free)
Performances
4:00 PM: 'Coward' at Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)
4:30 PM: Good Clean Fun! Family-Friendly Improv at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($10; $5 kids)
5:00 PM: Spirits of Rokeby: The Impending Crisis at Rokeby Museum, 4334 Route 7, Ferrisburgh ($25, $20 members; timed tickets, buy in advance)
6:00 PM: Bob the Drag Queen: Now Clap! Tour at The Flynn (Main Stage), Burlington ($39.50-$150.50)
5:30 PM: Borderlands: 'Calypso and Odysseus' (Treewild's shadow-puppet Odyssey) at Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne ($25 adults, $15 children under 12)
6:30 PM: Kendall Farrell: Hometown Hero (early show) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($20)
7:00 PM: 'Venus in Fur' (Déjà Rêvé Actors Guild) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($20-40)
7:00 PM: The Williston One Acts (Vermont Repertory Theatre) at The Rep, 179 Commerce Street, Williston ($20-$30)
7:30 PM: Hex Appeal: A Halloween Burlesque Show at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington ($15.66)
7:30 PM: 'The Aliens' at Royall Tyler Theatre, University of Vermont, Burlington ($10-22)
7:30 PM: 'Crime and Punishment, a Comedy' at Essex Memorial Hall, Essex Junction ($23-25)
8:30 PM: Kendall Farrell: Hometown Hero (late show) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($20)
Live Music/DJ
12:00 PM: Live in the Orchard: Queen City Cut-Ups at Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne (Free)
5:00 PM: Mr Cheng, Mother of Pearl, Aras, Raul, Matt P at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Nashville Country Concert: Jamie Lee Thurston w/ Hayley Sue (Passion 4 Paws rescue benefit) at The Whitcomb House, 199 Jericho Rd, Essex Junction ($17.85)
5:00 PM: Uncle Jimmy at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
6:00 PM: Two Towns at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction (Free)
6:30 PM: DJ Lavilamod at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
7:00 PM: Judge (Gary Lane's 60th Birthday) w/ Get a Grip, Outnumbered at Higher Ground, South Burlington ($30-$35)
7:00 PM: Los Songoros at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington ($15; $10 students)
7:00 PM: Executive Disorder, Psychomanteum at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, Burlington ($10)
7:00 PM: DJ Big Dog at Thingz From Yaad, Burlington (Free)
7:30 PM: Jill McCracken at Radio Bean, Burlington
7:30 PM: Adam Ezra Group at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($25-$30)
8:00 PM: Sparkomatik at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
8:00 PM: Baby Fearn at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free Entry)
8:00 PM: The So & So's at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($10)
9:00 PM: DJ Kwame at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Lizzie Murderz at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: Live DJ at Ri Ra! at RiRa Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
Sunday, October 18, 2026
General Events
7:30 AM: Dad Guild Run Club (Dads Only) at Burlington Greenway, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: 15th Annual Sustainability Academy Harvest Run at Intervale Center, 180 Intervale Rd, Burlington ($15 adult 5K; $5 kids, $25 family; fun runs free)
9:00 AM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier, Burlington ($35 adults, $30 seniors and veterans, $15 kids under 12, under 5 free)
9:00 AM: Miller Symposium: 'The German Army and the Holocaust' at University of Vermont Alumni House, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Winooski Farmers Market at Champlain Mill green (Winooski Falls Way), Winooski (Free)
10:00 AM: Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction ($12)
10:00 AM: Volunteer Knotweed Removal at Memorial Park at Memorial Park (parking lot off Elm Street), Winooski
10:00 AM: Terrific Tractors & Other Cool Machines at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne (Free)
10:30 AM: The Grave Side of Halloween (Burlington History & Culture Center fundraiser) at Elmwood Avenue Cemetery, then O.N.E. Community Center, 20 Allen Street, Burlington (Free; donations encouraged)
10:30 AM: Sensing the Season at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister)
11:00 AM: Winooski Vintage Market at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski
12:00 PM: Cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III at Spirit of Ethan Allen, Burlington ($36.99 adults, $15.99 kids 3-11, $4.99 infants 0-2)
12:00 PM: Football on the Big Screen at Switchback Brewing Co., Burlington (Free)
12:00 PM: The Amazing Puzzle Race at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe, Burlington ($40 per team) — MEETUP.com
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction (Free)
12:00 PM: Wild Culture Fermentation Festival at Barr Hill Distillery, 116 Gin Lane, Montpelier ($8 advance, $10 door; kids 12 and under free)
12:00 PM: Burlington VT Wedding Show at DoubleTree by Hilton, 870 Williston Rd, South Burlington ($16.05 online; $15 at the door)
12:15 PM: Dungeons & Dragons Group B at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free; preregister)
1:00 PM: Bar Renée Sunday Tasting at Bar Renée, Burlington ($5-$8)
1:00 PM: Duplicate Bridge Games at Burlington Bridge Club, Williston ($6)
1:00 PM: Champlain Valley Buddy Walk at Veterans Memorial Park, 1000 Dorset St, South Burlington ($10; $40 family max)
1:30 PM: House & Garden Tour at the Shelburne Farms Inn 2026 at Shelburne Farms Inn, Shelburne ($15)
2:00 PM: Talk: Water, Power, and Revolution on the Winooski River at Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington ($16)
3:00 PM: Craft & Skillshare Afternoons! (Crafternoons) at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, Burlington
3:00 PM: Sunday Polo Match at Amdez Polo Club, Shelburne ($10-20)
4:00 PM: Half Priced Oysters at La Reprise at La Reprise, Burlington
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff + Oyster, Burlington
5:30 PM: Burlington Insight Meditation Community at Hood Plant, Burlington (By donation)
6:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Fright by Flashlight at Lakeview Cemetery, 455 North Ave, Burlington ($25)
6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Good Time Line Dancing at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($15-$18)
Performances
2:00 PM: 'The Aliens' at Royall Tyler Theatre, University of Vermont, Burlington ($10-22)
2:00 PM: 'Crime and Punishment, a Comedy' at Essex Memorial Hall, Essex Junction ($23-25)
6:15 PM: Borderlands: 'Calypso and Odysseus' (Treewild's shadow-puppet Odyssey) at Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne ($25 adults, $15 children under 12)
Live Music/DJ
12:00 PM: Live in the Orchard: Otter Creek at Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne (Free)
1:00 PM: Jeff & Gina at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: 'Story Songs of the 70s' (Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, Chapin) at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington ($15-35)
5:00 PM: Wine & Jazz Sundays at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
9:00 PM: Karaoke Sundays! at Einstein Tap House, Burlington (Free; 21+)
Here are some of my favorite BtownBrief links:
The full list of things to do around town, always waiting for you when you need a plan: Things To Do in Burlington
Every restaurant and bar in town, with their real hours, so you can see what's actually open right now: Open Right Now
Every happy hour, daily special and cheap-night I've gathered so far: Food & Drink Deals
And if you'd rather just have one link for all of it: the guide, the arcade, the whole lot hub.btownbrief.com
See what Burlington is talking about at Burlington Pulse. It gathers the liveliest local threads a few times a day.
That’s All, Burlington!
That's the weekend. Bundle up for a raw, windy Saturday, then get outside and soak up a sunny Sunday. If the Btown Brief makes your weekend a little easier, you can support it at ko-fi or on Venmo (@btownbrief), and it genuinely helps keep this thing running. Got a tip, a favorite haunt, or an event we should have on our radar? Send it our way, we are always listening.
See you later, Burlington.
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