Follow us on Instagram by clicking the image above. @BtownBrief
Table of Contents
***For best viewing experience, scroll all the way up in email and click Read Online***
Weather & Weekend Rundown:
Friday's soggy morning gives way to a gorgeous fall weekend. The rain tapers off this afternoon with a high in the mid 60s, and the evening dries out around 60. Saturday is sunny and crisp with a high near 59 and a light north wind, but it cools off fast after dark, down to around 41 overnight. Sunday is mostly sunny and a few degrees warmer with a high near 65 and a breezy south wind, and clouds move in Sunday night ahead of a cold front with a chance of showers Monday morning. Frost looks likely Tuesday and Wednesday mornings behind it, and the leaves in most of the high terrain are peaking right on time. Track it all week, with patio, swim, and sunset scores, at Burlington Right Now.
Friday kicks off UVM Weekend, three days of games, open houses and reunions all over campus that are free to register for. At 12:30 Murmurations Aerial on Flynn Avenue runs Silver Wings, an intro aerial fabric workshop designed for folks 50 and up. At 2 Shelburne Museum director Thomas Denenberg talks about Norman Rockwell in Vermont at the EEE lecture series at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington, and VTIFF screens The Work in Progress, the follow up to Robert Reich's The Last Class, where 30 and 80 year olds ask each other about democracy and community, at 4 and again at 7 at the Film House.
Friday night fills up fast. Hula hosts a free movie night at 6 with The Water We Belong To, about the Burlington Surf Club community, and the premiere of Wave Man, and at 7 Dad Guild's Book It! Pizza Party gets dads together at the Soda Plant to talk about whatever book they read, with a personal pan pizza for everyone. Also at 7, the Shelburne Players open Hatchford Hotel, a brand new musical set in a suspiciously familiar corner of Vermont, Merit Kahn brings her one woman comedy show Optimistic Personality Disorder to Off Center (also Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 5), and the Double E in Essex starts three nights of Phish webcast parties from Atlantic City. At 7:30 the UVM Lane Series brings the Tesla Quartet to the Recital Hall with Haydn, Bacewicz and Schumann (students $7.73), and Alex Toth of Rubblebucket plays Higher Ground as Tōth with doors at 7:30. Winooski songwriter Erin Cassels-Brown plays Monkey House at 8 behind his debut album, Dreamin' On Overdrive.
Saturday starts with us. BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] is at Zero Gravity at 10, so come find us. Earlier birds can run or walk the RALLYTHON 5K on UVM's Gutterson loop at 9, a $20 benefit for the Golisano Children's Hospital, and the Burlington Farmers Market runs 9 to 2 on Pine Street. Also from 9, the 32nd annual SBHS Ski & Board Sale fills Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington with new and used gear, the Williston Woods Annual Bazaar has crafts, a bake sale and homemade soups for lunch, and city arborist Nick Garty leads a free tree walk through City Center Park in South Burlington. At 10 the artists at Shelburne Pond Studios open their barn studios until 4, and the Rozalia Project hosts a waterfront cleanup in downtown Winooski. At 10:30 Rock Point leads a free phenology walk on its trails, and the Forever 38 group goes apple picking [MEETUP] at Shelburne Orchards, where Will Behm and Eliza Goodell play old time fiddle and guitar at noon for Live in the Orchard.
The afternoon belongs to Ciderfest, which runs 2 to 8 at Citizen Cider on Flynn Avenue with live music, tastings and tours. Better (not bigger) Vermont screens Econoclast, a free documentary about ecological economist Herman Daly, at Fletcher Free at 2, and the UVM Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra give a free UVM Weekend concert at 3. Party on the Bricks brings Mother of Pearl to the Top Block of Church Street at 4 with food from Halvorson's, and Essex Junction wraps up Meet Me On Main for the season with a car free street party from 4 and Toy Story 5 on the big screen at 7. Play Intention leads a Silent Disco in the Wild at Oakledge at 5:15, a sunset dance walk with headphones ($25). At 6 Wild Meadows Books hosts Wild Poetry Night in its Williston café, and at 7 the Venetian hosts a songwriter round with Tod Pronto, Koa Phoenix and Steve Hartmann, while 802 Westie Collective's West Coast Swing Social has a beginner lesson at 7 and social dancing from 8 at 20 Crowley Street. Higher Ground has Post Sex Nachos with doors at 7 and Can't Feel My Face, a 2010s dance party, with doors at 8:30.
Sunday morning, the Long Trail Running Club runs the whole Wildways Trail [MEETUP] from Leddy Park at 9, about 12.4 miles with a 4 mile option, at a conversational, no drop pace. At 10 the Harborvale eases into Sunday with live classical music until noon, the Burlington Vintage Market takes over Foam for its fifth anniversary with 30+ dealers and DJs until 7, and the Walk to End Alzheimer's opens registration at Shelburne Museum ahead of the 2 mile walk at 11:30. Also at 10, the Burlington Letter Writing Group meets at Zero Gravity, Steps to End Domestic Violence marks its 50th year with the Take Steps for Survivors 5K and 10K at Oakledge, and the Winooski Farmers Market has Bikes, Berries & Bumpouts with bike powered smoothies and tune ups by donation. All day Sunday, the Odd Fellows host 24 Hour Comics Day, a 12 hour draw-a-thon with local cartoonists on hand and pizza and snacks included ($15 suggested, no one turned away).
In the afternoon, Master Sommelier David Keck teaches Wine 101 at La Reprise at 1, and Bar Renée opens four wines for its Sunday Tasting from 1 to 4. Amdez hosts its Fall Foliage Match at 3 in Shelburne, tailgate style, so bring chairs, food and pets on a leash. Myra Flynn plays Shelburne Vineyard from 6 to 8, Philadelphia's BalletX brings three pieces to the Flynn at 7, and pop duo 76th Street plays Higher Ground with doors at 7 and only a few tickets left.
Scroll down to Events Section for full list of events. Or check my events page.
Love Champ decorations by the lake
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:
Join the Meetup (It’s FREE): Join Meetup group | RSVP here
Join the Telegram Group Chat: [Telegram Link] – Plan casual hangouts with other Briefers, or just another way to find us for our Saturday coffee event. Download Telegram before clicking link.
This Coming Week:
BTown Coffee Club – Saturday, October 3rd @ 10 AM: Coffee and conversation at Zero Gravity, come find us.
Pick-up Basketball – Wednesday, October 7th @ 5:30 PM: The weekly outdoor run at Pomeroy Park in the Old North End, always free.
Other Upcoming Events:
Apple Picking + Cider Donuts at Shelburne Orchards – Saturday, October 10th @ 11 AM: Meet near the orchard store, pick some apples, then regroup for cider donuts and fresh cider.
Pub Crawl II: South End Breweries – Saturday, October 10th @ 1 PM: Starts at Switchback and works its way to Burlington Beer Co. and Citizen Cider, join for one stop or all of them.
Every game, every app, everything I made for Burlington:
Click the image to take you there
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.
And of course, one of my favorites, the ALL DAY FEED.
Support the Brief to Keep it Running!
Why support? Every week, I sort through TONS of local sources: Seven Days events, Front Porch Forum calendar, Facebook events, Hello Burlington, Meetup.com, Eventbrite, Church St Marketplace calendar, Flynn, Higher Ground, Vermont Comedy Club, and then news stations like VTDigger, Seven Days, WCAX, WPTZ, Vermont Public, Community News Service, VT Cynic, The Other Paper, Vermont Business Magazine, Williston Observer, MyChamplainValley, The Charlotte News, to keep you connected. It takes a long time to curate and write about all this local content, so if this lengthy newsletter saves you time, or has introduced you to new experiences in Burlington, then definitely consider chipping in!
Become a Monthly Supporter: [Here] – Tiers start at $5. $10+ tiers get fresh Btown Brief merch!
One-Time Donation: [Here] – Buy me a coffee for the late-night editing sessions. Can also choose ANY monthly donation amount here.
Shop the Merch Store: [Here] – 87 new Burlington-inspired designs starting at 20 bucks flat. Yup, free shipping. Hope you’ll buy one! Also crewnecks, hoodies, stickers, magnets, and totes from $5.
Click image to take you there
Local News (All Links Clickable)
"Edamame, seaweed salad and pan-seared dumplings share the appetizer menu with golden samosas, while house sauces reference butter chicken and tamarind," per Seven Days.
Bowl & Roll opened Thursday at 200 St. Paul Street, the former Magic Chopsticks space, with poke bowls, fire grilled rice bowls, build your own bowls and kati roll style wraps, plus boba tea on the way. Chef Santosh Bhattarai moved from California to open it with his longtime friend Neeraj Tiwari, who has co-owned Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen in Montpelier since 2022. It's counter service with roughly 50 seats, open daily for lunch and dinner.
"It's the main artery through town. We're only 1.4 square miles through the whole city, so we needed to make sure that all the pieces were going to be done right and the way the community wanted it to," per WCAX.
Winooski cut the ribbon Wednesday on nearly 4,000 feet of rebuilt Main Street, running from the railroad bridge near Maple Street out to the Colchester line, after more than two years of construction and detours. The $28.3 million project added a bike lane, wider sidewalks, more than 200 plants and trees, new traffic lights, upgraded sewer lines, and moved the utility lines underground. City Manager Elaine Wang says it was a decade in the making, and the finishing touches coming this fall won't affect traffic or businesses.
"Union representatives said that 82% of voting members cast ballots in favor of authorizing the strike," per VTDigger.
The support staff and technical staff unions, 3,300 members who have been bargaining jointly since April, announced the result Friday, which gives union leadership the authority to call a strike and start the legal notification process before anyone takes to the picket line. They want more say over staffing levels while the hospital network goes through layoffs and restructuring under tight finances. The vote followed the hospital's "last, best and final" offer last week.
"As you are well aware, Burlington's downtown is essentially in a state of emergency," per Seven Days.
The nine member Church Street Marketplace Commission sent Gov. Phil Scott a letter Wednesday with four requests. They want the state to help CVOEO find a home for a 100 bed homeless shelter, put state troopers back on regular downtown patrols, bring back the accountability court for repeat offenders, and plan a state mental health facility to replace the Waterbury hospital that closed 15 years ago. The letter makes an economic case, noting Chittenden County contributes about a quarter of the state's tax income, after Scott shrugged off nearly identical requests from the mayor and a bipartisan City Council resolution in August.
"The string of investigations started in January when a fellow officer reported that Henry spent hours in the break room while on duty," per WCAX.
Investigators found Lt. Michael Henry spent almost nine hours of one day in the break room, then approached the officer who reported him, and a third investigation found he'd been overpaid more than $50,000 in the last year. On July 15, State's Attorney Sarah George sent a Brady letter saying she would no longer call him as a witness or accept criminal cases from him, and he resigned in August after 15 years with the department. The mayor's office says the city's investigation ended when he resigned, which is why he was never fired.
"I think we've just shown federal agencies and colleagues and partners that we're capable of working at a different scale," per VTDigger.
UVM landed up to $38 million from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, its largest research award ever, for trauma surgeon Dr. Gary An's work on an AI "twin" that mimics a critically ill patient so doctors can test treatments on the model first. A doctor would give the AI a blood sample and get back a treatment recommendation, with the goal of shorter ICU stays, though research VP Kirk Dombrowski says wide use could be seven to 10 years away. The award comes a week after UVM's $19 million grant for a national neuroscience observatory.
"There is a very real possibility that this location will not be a good fit for this use. That is the reason we are not discussing the actual location right now," per MyChamplainValley.
Burlington and Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform signed a letter of intent to buy a property for Vermont's first overdose prevention center, which keeps it off the market for 90 days, CEDO director Kara Alnasrawi told the City Council Monday. The city will only name the spot once it's sure about it, and officials promised a door knocking campaign with neighbors before anything is final. Council President Ben Traverse asked whether the location could be shared by the end of the year and wants more detail on funding, since the center could cost more than $1 million a year with almost certainly no federal money.
"One of their members pushed me, pretty significant push, knocked me backwards, and threatened me verbally," per WCAX.
Rep. Troy Headrick of Burlington and members of the Odanak First Nation from Quebec were hosting a private presentation on Abenaki heritage with UVM historians and students when members of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi showed up, and the Odanak council says one person was arrested and released. Odanak leaders, Headrick and some UVM researchers argue that members of Vermont's four state recognized tribes have no Abenaki ancestry, while former Sen. Vince Illuzzi, who shepherded recognition through the Statehouse, says the tribes demonstrated their descent. Headrick and others have asked the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs to speak out against violence.
In a surprise move, Vermont's Roman Catholic Diocese seeks to dismiss its 2-year-old bankruptcy case
"It is choosing to litigate every issue the hard way and then blaming the bill on everyone else," per VTDigger.
Two years and $2 million in legal fees into its Chapter 11 case, the diocese asked the court Wednesday to dismiss it, after creditors including more than 100 abuse claimants turned down a $29.4 million settlement offer that would average $247,000 per claimant. Creditors are also suing for access to an estimated $500 million in parish assets the church put in trusts in 2006, and dismissal would send the abuse claims back into individual civil trials. Judge Heather Cooper set a hearing on the request for Dec. 8, and the proposed $4.3 million sale of Rice Memorial High School is still on the court calendar.
"When we have the capacity to help more people fleeing war and persecution, while protecting our national security, I believe we have a moral obligation to do so," per WCAX.
Gov. Phil Scott wrote to President Trump on Thursday asking the administration to increase and broaden refugee admissions for next year. Vermont is set to welcome about 125 refugees in the next fiscal year, but Scott says the state has the capacity for up to 300, and he made a similar request back in 2020.
"With these ICE efforts, I feel like the Vermont way could go by the wayside," per Vermont Public.
In the new Vermont Public poll, 62% of respondents disapprove of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws, 54% strongly, while 25% strongly approve, and the split runs deep along party lines with 89% of Democrats strongly disapproving and 65% of Republicans strongly approving. It lands as protests at the ICE surveillance facility in Williston continue, with the attorney general's trespassing charges against a dozen activists followed this week by federal charges against five protesters. Vermont GOP chair Paul Dame doesn't expect it to hurt statewide and local Republicans, saying Vermont voters "love a reason to split their ticket."
QUICK HITS
Champlain College introduces new tuition commitment to cap costs — Starting with students who enroll in fall 2027, Champlain will match first year tuition and fees for Vermont students to UVM's in state rate, roughly $20,000 at current rates. Eligible out of state students get first year tuition and fees capped at $30,000 for 2027-2028.
Haymaker Bun to Close Burlington Café, Focus on Nationwide Wholesale — After service on October 17, Haymaker's café in the Soda Plant closes to the public and becomes a production bakery for its frozen sticky bun four packs, which now ship nationwide through Ferrisburgh's Dakin Farm. Fresh buns will still be sold at Brio Coffeeworks across the hall, and the original Middlebury location stays open.
Phish fans create new scholarship for Vermont college music students — VSAC and the Mockingbird Foundation, started by Phish fans in 1996, launched the Mockingbird Music Scholarship for undergrads studying music at Vermont schools. Applications are open now to sophomores, juniors and seniors with financial need.
Peak foliage arrives in Vermont, and next week could bring year's first flakes — Peak color is expected this weekend around Stratton and Mount Snow and in the Northeast Kingdom, with Lake Champlain lagging a bit behind, and next weekend should be the last full weekend of peak in the mountains. A strong cold front Monday night could bring lows into the upper 20s, and maybe a few snowflakes across northern Vermont Tuesday morning.
Possible bear sighting in Winooski park — Winooski police got a report of an unconfirmed black bear in the field at Casavant Park on East Allen Street. Fish and Wildlife asks that you call the department and keep your distance if you see one, and dogs in Casavant Park stay on leash, bear or no bear.
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: No. 12 Men's Soccer Keeps Rolling as Hockey Season Arrives
Men's soccer closed out nonconference play with a 3-0 win over UMass on Tuesday night at Virtue Field. Aleksei Carnier headed in a Luis Fischer cross 1:52 in, Arthur Caldas tapped one home at 6:29, both of them first goals as Catamounts, and Pieter Bultman added a header in the second half for his team leading fourth of the season. Niklas Herceg made five saves for his seventh clean sheet, which leads the country, and his 23rd career shutout puts him alone in third in program history. The Cats are 7-1-2 and climbed to No. 12 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, up from 23, and America East named Stepan Fiker its Defensive Player of the Week and Herceg its Goalkeeper of the Week. They host NJIT on Saturday at 4 at Virtue Field.
Hockey is back this weekend. The women opened their regular season this morning against No. 7 Minnesota Duluth at Gutterson and play the Bulldogs again Saturday at 1 for the home opener, with free t-shirts for the first 500 fans. Vermont was picked sixth in Hockey East, and Stella Retrum, who led the team with 28 points last season, is back along with captains Natalie Zarcone and Rose-Marie Brochu, who led all of Hockey East in faceoff wins. The men open their season Saturday at 7:30 against Brock at Gutterson on ESPN+, then start the regular season next Friday at Bentley.
Women's soccer drew 0-0 at UMass Lowell on Thursday, with Sophia Kling making four saves for her second straight clean sheet while Vermont outshot the River Hawks 13-9. Kling was also America East Goalkeeper of the Week after her six saves at UConn. The Cats are 3-4-4 and host Maine on Sunday at 3 at Virtue Field in a rematch of last year's America East championship game, with free replica jerseys for the first 500 fans from EastRise.
Field hockey swept the America East weekly awards, with Addie DelOrefice named Offensive Player of the Week and Fiona McMahon Defensive Player of the Week after back to back shutout wins over Merrimack and Dartmouth. At 7-1 with four straight wins, Vermont leads the conference at 4.125 goals per game, DelOrefice leads the team with 17 points, and Ila Gunner leads America East with four shutouts. They open league play this afternoon at 3 at New Hampshire and come home Sunday at noon against Queens at Moulton Winder Field.
Swimming and diving opens at home Saturday at 10 against Northeastern at Forbush Natatorium. Tonight the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame inducts its Class of 2026 at the Davis Center, including women's hockey's Roxanne Douville, 2015 NCAA slalom champion Dom Garand and former athletic director Rick Farnham. And the department got a $1.2 million gift from the estate of Fred and Ann Curran, longtime courtside regulars, to support leadership development, travel, academic support and career programs for athletes.
Oct 3: Women's Swimming and Diving vs. Northeastern (Sat ⦁ 10:00am)
Oct 3: Women's Ice Hockey vs. Minnesota Duluth (Sat ⦁ 1:00pm)
Oct 3: Men's Soccer vs. NJIT (Sat ⦁ 4:00pm)
Oct 3: Men's Ice Hockey vs. Brock (Sat ⦁ 7:30pm)
Oct 4: Field Hockey vs. Queens (Sun ⦁ 12:00pm)
Oct 4: Women's Soccer vs. Maine (Sun ⦁ 3:00pm)
Oct 9: Field Hockey vs. UMass Lowell (Fri ⦁ 3:00pm)
Oct 11: Field Hockey vs. Appalachian State (Sun ⦁ 11:00am)
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)
Events:
This is the curated cut. The full calendar, 25 sources refreshed twice a day, lives at Burlington events.
Friday, October 2, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Meditation at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free.)
8:15 AM: Day Tripper: Guided Day-long Bike Tour at Local Motion Trailside Center, Burlington
9:00 AM: Winter Coat Drive: US Committee for Refugees & Immigrants at USCRI Vermont, 462 Hegeman Avenue, Suite 101 (Fort Ethan Allen), Colchester
9:00 AM: Family Friday With Linda Bassick at Pingala Café North Avenue, Burlington (Free.)
9:00 AM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier, Burlington ($35 adults, $30 seniors and veterans, $15 kids under 12, under 5 free)
10:00 AM: Flu/Covid Vaccination Clinic at the Heineberg at Heineberg Community Senior Center, Burlington
10:00 AM: Morning Tech Help at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free; preregister.)
10:00 AM: Duplicate Bridge Games at Burlington Bridge Club, Williston ($6.)
10:00 AM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Mahjong Play at the Winooski Library at Winooski Memorial Library, 65 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski (Free)
10:30 AM: Laura Mann Integrative Healthcare Lecture Series: Nora D. Volkow at Davis Auditorium, Medical Education Center Pavilion, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington (Free)
11:30 AM: Shelburne Farms Tour 2026 at Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, 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)
12:30 PM: Silver Wings: Aerial Dance for Folks 50+ at Murmurations Aerial Dance, Flynn Avenue, Burlington ($30)
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: Norman Rockwell in Vermont: EEE Talk with Shelburne Museum's Thomas Denenberg at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset Street, South Burlington ($8 walk-in (free for EEE members))
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: Free CrossFit Intro Workout (ActiveVT) at ActiveVT, Main Street, Burlington (Free)
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: Stand Up for Democracy in Malletts Bay at W. Lakeshore Dr / E. Lakeshore Dr / Blakely Rd intersection (park at Bayside Park), Colchester
4:30 PM: Laughter Yoga at Iyengar Yoga Center of Vermont, Burlington (Free.)
5:30 PM: SMART Recovery Meeting at Turning Point Center, 179 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington
6:00 PM: Heat Pump Info Session (VT Heat Pump, LLC) at Eagles Club Banquet Room, 1233 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington
6:30 PM: Burlington FNG at Outright Vermont, Burlington (Free.)
7:00 PM: Dad Guild: Book It! Night at Dad Guild Guild Hall, Burlington
7:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls Tour at Courthouse Plaza (Democracy Sculpture), 199 Main St, Burlington ($25; preregister)
Times Vary: UVM Weekend at Various UVM campus locations, Burlington (free to register; some events ticketed)
Performances
4:00 PM: 'The Work in Progress' (Robert Reich film) at Film House, Main Street Landing, Burlington ($12, $6 students)
5:00 PM: 'Blather & Blah: Countdown' at University Green, Burlington (Free.)
6:00 PM: Movie Night: 'The Water We Belong To' and 'Wave Man' at Hula, Burlington (Free; preregister)
6:30 PM: Joe Dombrowski at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Sold out)
7:00 PM: Optimistic Personality Disorder at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($28.45-$135.05)
7:00 PM: 'The Work in Progress' (Robert Reich film) at Film House, Main Street Landing, Burlington ($12, $6 students)
7:00 PM: Hatchford Hotel: A New Musical (Shelburne Players) at Shelburne Town Center, Shelburne ($15-$25)
7:30 PM: Dakar 2000 at Main Street Landing, Burlington ($34-$54)
8:30 PM: Joe Dombrowski (late show) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Sold out)
Live Music/DJ
2:00 PM: Dave Mitchell Blues Revue & Jam at Red Square, Burlington
4:00 PM: Lowell Thompson at Hotel Vermont, Burlington
5:00 PM: Chris & Erica at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:30 PM: Dan Parks at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: The Hokum Brothers at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: The Dad Bods at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction (Free)
6:30 PM: Live Music: Tiger Would!, Moon Cusser, The Pachyderms at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, Burlington
7:00 PM: Dad?! at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
7:00 PM: Blake Matteson at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party at The Double E Lounge, Essex ($10-$25)
7:00 PM: Two Sev, Ron Stoppable at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski (Free)
8:00 PM: Erin Cassels-Brown, Keven Louis Lareau, Vega at Monkey House, Winooski ($10; 21+)
7:30 PM: Tesla Quartet (UVM Lane Series) at UVM Recital Hall, Burlington ($44.81 adults, $7.73 students, incl. fees)
7:30 PM: Tōth w/ Sean Nicholas Savage at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($22)
8:00 PM: Lazer Dad at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Phil Abair Band at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
8:00 PM: Power of Tower at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Karaoke with DJ Big T at McKee's Original, Winooski (Free)
10:00 PM: Live DJ at Ri Ra! at RiRa Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
10:00 PM: DJ 2Rivers at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington ($10)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($10)
Saturday, October 3, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Bird Walk at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister.)
8:00 AM: RALLYTHON 5K for Golisano Children's Hospital (race at 9) at Gutterson Fieldhouse 5K loop, Spear Street, Burlington ($20)
8:30 AM: Vermont Genealogy Library Annual Fall Conference at St. John Vianney Parish Hall, Hinesburg Road, South Burlington
8:30 AM: Weekly Group Guided Meditation at Perkins Pier - By the playground area, Burlington ($15) — MEETUP.com
9:00 AM: Shelburne Farmers Market at Shelburne Farmers Market, Church Street, Shelburne
9:00 AM: Williston Woods Annual Bazaar at Williston Woods, 126 Williston Woods Rd, Williston
9:00 AM: SBHS Ski & Snowboard Sale (32nd annual) at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, Dorset Street, South Burlington
9:00 AM: Introduction to Zen Buddhism Workshop at Vermont Zen Center, Thomas Road, Shelburne
9:00 AM: Guided Tree Walk with City Arborist Nick Garty (South Burlington Land Trust) at City Center Park (main entrance on Market Street), South Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: Burlington Vintage Market Fall Flea at Barge Canal Market, 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: Burlington Farmers Market at 345 Pine St, Burlington
9:30 AM: Meditation Retreat at Burlington Friends Meeting House, Burlington (By donation)
10:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington (Free) — MEETUP.com
10:00 AM: Shelburne Pond Studios Open Studios at 1260 Pond Rd, Shelburne
10:00 AM: Revolutionary War Veterans Tour (Shelburne Historical Society) at West Cemetery, Shelburne Farms, Harbor Road, Shelburne (Free)
10:00 AM: Free CrossFit Intro Workout (ActiveVT) at ActiveVT, Main Street, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Scout Eagle Project Can & Bottle Drive (Troop 611) at Gertrude Chamberlain School, South Burlington
10:00 AM: Community Waterfront Cleanup in Winooski at 20 Winooski Falls Way (downtown Winooski), Winooski
10:00 AM: Pollinator Garden Workday at the UVM Hort Farm at UVM Horticulture Research Center, 65 Green Mountain Drive, South Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Friends of the Fletcher Free Library Book Sale (New North End Branch) at Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, North Avenue, Burlington (books $2 each)
10:30 AM: Apple picking @ Shelburne Orchards - take 2 at Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne — MEETUP.com
10:30 AM: Sensing the Season: Phenology Walk at Rock Point at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free.)
11:00 AM: Brick House & Bubbly (tours through 4 PM) at The Brick House, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne ($40-50; preregister)
11:00 AM: Saturdays Are For The Classics at Bay & Brisket, Colchester
11:00 AM: Saturday Zentangle with Julia Davenport at Essex Free Library, Essex (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)
1:00 PM: Open House at The Pop: Free Pickleball at The Pop, 131 Red Pine Circle, Essex Junction (Free)
1:00 PM: New Member Orientation at The Media Factory, Burlington (Free; donations accepted; preregister)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington ($16)
2:00 PM: Ciderfest at Citizen Cider at Citizen Cider, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Community Discussions on Health and Wellness (Black community dialogue) at Richard Kemp Center, North Winooski Avenue, 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: Meet Me On Main (final night, movie at 7) at Main Street (Five Corners to Railroad Ave), Essex Junction
4:00 PM: October West Coast Swing Social feat. Lucky and Mae at North Star Community Hall, Burlington ($20 beginner lesson and social; $40-$45 with the Level 2 workshop)
4:00 PM: Think Like a Comedian Workshop at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($49.77-$65.75)
6:00 PM: Evening Song: Bet on Hope 25th Anniversary Gala (Cancer Patient Support Foundation) at Delta Hotels Burlington, South Burlington
6:00 PM: Wild Poetry Night at Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston
7:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park, Burlington (Free.)
7:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls Tour at Courthouse Plaza (Democracy Sculpture), 199 Main St, Burlington ($25; preregister)
Performances
1:00 PM: United We Stand Media Fest at 60 Lake St, Burlington
2:00 PM: Free Screening: Econoclast (Better Not Bigger Vermont) at Fletcher Free Library (Pickering Room), 235 College Street, Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM & 7:30 PM: Dakar 2000 at Main Street Landing, Burlington ($34-$54)
5:00 PM: 'Blather & Blah: Countdown' at University Green, Burlington (Free.)
6:30 PM: Joe Dombrowski at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Sold out)
7:00 PM: Optimistic Personality Disorder at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($28.45-$135.05)
7:00 PM: Hatchford Hotel: A New Musical (Shelburne Players) at Shelburne Town Center, Shelburne ($15-$25)
8:30 PM: Joe Dombrowski (late show) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Sold out)
Live Music/DJ
12:00 PM: Live in the Orchard: Eliza & Will at Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne (Free)
3:00 PM: UVM Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra (UVM Weekend) at UVM Recital Hall, South Prospect Street, Burlington (Free)
3:30 PM: Party on the Bricks is back for a Fall Series! at Church Street Marketplace, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Celebrating the Musical Life of Sara Burchard at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Kyle Stevens at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:15 PM: Silent Disco in the Wild at Oakledge Park (Play Intention) at Oakledge Park, Burlington ($25)
6:30 PM: Live Music: Half Ivory, Michael Perry, Phil Smithereens at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, Burlington
7:00 PM: Tod Pronto, Koa Phoenix, Steve Hartmann at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington ($15)
7:00 PM: DJ Big Dog at Thingz From Yaad, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party at The Double E Lounge, Essex ($10)
7:00 PM: Post Sex Nachos w/ Fetch Tiger at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($20-$25)
7:00 PM: Waves of Adrenaline at Standing Stone at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski
8:00 PM: We're Here! to Kill, Peddle, Goodnight Nobody at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
8:30 PM: Can't Feel My Face: 2010's Dance Party at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($17.50-$24)
9:00 PM: Paradox 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)
10:00 PM: Malcolm Miller at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington ($10)
Sunday, October 4, 2026
General Events
7:30 AM: Dad Guild: Dads Run Club at Burlington Bike Path, Burlington
9:00 AM: Sunday Worship with Archbishop Abraham Yel Nhial of South Sudan at St. Timothy Anglican Church, 30 Morgan Pkwy, Williston
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: MASKS ON! Sundays at ECHO at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington (Free; RSVP)
9:00 AM: Winding and Wonderful Wildways Trail Run (Long Trail Running Club) at Leddy Park, Burlington — MEETUP.com
9:45 AM: Vermont Oneness Gathering at South Burlington Public Library (Community Room), 180 Market Street, South Burlington
10:00 AM: Burlington Vintage Market 5 Year Anniversary Market at Foam Brewers at Foam Brewers, 112 Lake Street, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Walk to End Alzheimer's: Champlain Valley (walk at 11:30) at Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
10:00 AM: Burlington Letter Writing Group at Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington
10:00 AM: Bikes, Berries & Bumpouts at the Winooski Farmers Market at Winooski Farmers Market, Champlain Mill, Winooski
10:00 AM: Take Steps for Survivors 5K & 10K (Steps to End Domestic Violence) at Oakledge Park, Burlington
11:00 AM: Motorcycle Sunday at Bay & Brisket, Colchester
11:00 AM: 24 Hour Comics Day: 12-Hour Draw-a-Thon at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, Burlington ($15 suggested donation)
12:00 PM: Football on the Big Screen at Switchback Brewing Co., Burlington (free)
12:00 PM: Hike @ Sunny Hollow at Sunny Hollow Trails, Colchester — MEETUP.com
12:00 PM: Mix & Mingle at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe, Burlington — 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)
12:00 PM: Sunday Funday at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex Junction (Free)
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: VABVI $1000 Super! Bingo at 133 Broadacres Dr, Colchester ($108.55)
1:00 PM: Vermont Reads Discussion: 'Charity & Sylvia' by Tillie Walden at South Burlington Public Library, South Burlington (Free)
1:00 PM: Wine 101 with David Keck at La Reprise, Burlington
1:30 PM: House & Garden Tour at the Shelburne Farms Inn 2026 at Shelburne Farms Inn, Shelburne ($15)
1:30 PM: Sunday Meditation Group at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, Burlington ($5 suggested donation)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington ($16)
3:00 PM: Sunday Polo Match at Amdez Polo Club, Shelburne ($10-20)
3:00 PM: Crafternoons (craft and skillshare) at Queen City Lodge Oddfellows Hall, 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
4:30 PM: Birchcliff Neighborhood Block Party at Cherry Lane between Alder and Bittersweet, Burlington
5:30 PM: Burlington Insight Meditation Community at Hood Plant, Burlington (By donation)
6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington, Burlington (Free.)
Performances
2:00 PM: Dakar 2000 at Main Street Landing, Burlington ($34-$54)
2:00 PM: Hatchford Hotel: A New Musical (Shelburne Players) at Shelburne Town Center, Shelburne ($15-$25)
5:00 PM: Optimistic Personality Disorder at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($28.45-$135.05)
7:00 PM: BalletX at The Flynn (Main Stage), Burlington ($24.75-$63)
Live Music/DJ
10:00 AM: Classical Sunday Music at The Harborvale, Burlington
12:00 PM: Live in the Orchard: The Spring Chickens at Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne (Free)
4:00 PM: Green Mountain Monteverdi Ensemble of Vermont at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington ($15-35; preregister)
5:00 PM: Wine & Jazz Sundays at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: Myra Flynn at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne ($25)
7:00 PM: PONS, Kate Kush, Peddle at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)
7:00 PM: Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party at The Double E Lounge, Essex ($10)
7:00 PM: 76th Street w/ Tornsey at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($25-$115)
9:00 PM: Karaoke Sundays! at Einstein Tap House, Burlington (Free)
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
Catch the lake before it turns cold for good at Lake & Beaches, which covers every official beach and the whole shore with a scavenger hunt along the way.
That’s All, Burlington!
That's the weekend. Saturday is the sunniest, crispest pick of the three, so get out for the leaves and bring a jacket for after sunset. If the Btown Brief makes your week 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.
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.
Missed an edition? Every Brief ever written is searchable.
