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Weather & Weekend Rundown:
Keep an extra layer near the costume this weekend, because Halloween looks dry, sunny and chilly. Friday stays cooler and breezy with more clouds than sun, a high in the mid 50s and gusts to about 25 from midday through tonight, and while a stray shower is possible, most places stay dry. Saturday is sunny and tops out around 50, and trick or treat runs from the upper 40s at 4 to about 40 by 9 with clear skies and barely any wind. Clocks fall back an hour Saturday night, and Sunday is the nicest day of the weekend, sunny and about 57 with the evening in the upper 40s. Monday reaches about 60 with more clouds and stays dry through the day. Burlington Right Now keeps the forecast going all week, with patio, swim, and sunset scores.
Click to see my weather page
Friday
Dedication of 'Jambo' – 5 PM: South Burlington dedicates Jambo, an original David Stromeyer artwork and a new permanent addition to the city's public art collection, at Veterans Memorial Park near the entrance at Dorset and Swift streets. Expect remarks and light refreshments, with the piece made possible by a donation from community member Todd Lockwood.
Community Night: Frank & Stein – 5 PM: August First on South Champlain Street opens after dark until 8 for a free Halloween kickoff in support of Migrant Justice, with a hot dog menu from Chef Mike P., autumnal drinks and fall pastries. Frankenweenie plays on the wall, costumes are encouraged and families are welcome.
Adventure Dinner Monsters Ball – 6 PM: Chef Eric Hodet serves five courses themed to classic monsters at the Adventure Dinner Clubhouse in Colchester, including Frankenstein's Monster as a pork belly and beef roulade and Count Dracula as dark chocolate mousse with red wine cherries ($75 plus tax). The night opens with a Haunting Hour in the lounge and den, with cocktails and mocktails for purchase at the Spooky Bar, and includes a Best Dressed Costume Contest.
Galloween – 6:30 PM: Natalie Miller hosts "a spooky night of non-dude comedy" at Vermont Comedy Club, with a lineup of local standup, improv, sketch and musical comedians. Dudes are welcome, though the page warns that anyone who harshes the vibe gets locked in the basement ($15, $10 students).
Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls – 7 PM: Thea Lewis's downtown ghost tour meets at the Democracy Sculpture on Courthouse Plaza for an hour of Burlington's infamous characters and haunts. Tonight is Glow Stick Night and Saturday is Halloween, the last two walks of the season ($25).
Monster Bash 2026 – 7 PM: The Old Lantern's 16th annual costume party in Charlotte goes with an "Odyssey After Dark" theme, with casino tables, dancing, raffle prizes and a food truck menu, and it's 21+ ($69.82 and up). Proceeds benefit Sail Beyond Cancer, The UVM Cancer Patient Support Fund and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Farewell to GNOP – 7:30 PM: Girls Nite Out Productions closes the curtain after 15 years with an evening of special performances, live music and memories at the Black Box Theater at Main Street Landing, plus a guest appearance by WJOY's Ginny McGehee. Tonight is the second and last night, and all proceeds benefit the fund that gives underserved people in Chittenden County access to Lyric productions.
The Wet Ones, Bloodshot Bill, Zombeat and Die – 8 PM: Foam's early Halloween show pairs Vermont surf trio The Wet Ones with Montreal one man rockabilly act Bloodshot Bill, who John Waters called "Roy Orbison with a head injury." Zombeat and Die handles the DJ duties, doors are at 7:30, and the page's only request is "Costume up" ($15, all ages).
Also Friday, Gretchen Verplanck opens her studio at Big Girl Company in the Maltex Building from 4 to 7, with her Scary Monsters up for sale by silent auction or lottery. The Alliance Française's monthly French Social Hour meets at the Hilton Garden Inn downtown at 5:30, a rendez-vous over cocktails, and Reed Foehl, a Grammy nominated songwriter rooted in American folk, plays Shelburne Vineyard from 6 to 8.
The evening has a quiet option in First UU's annual Service of Loss and Remembrance at 7, with music, poetry, silence and ritual, open to the wider community, and you're invited to bring a photo of a loved one for the memory tables. VTIFF screens Ti West's babysitting horror film The House of the Devil at 7, Uncle Jimmy plays rock at Four Quarters in Winooski at 7, and at 7:30 the Essex Community Players stage Crime and Punishment, a Comedy, "based on the book you didn't actually read in high school," at Memorial Hall, with a final show Saturday at 2. Doom Service picks up the old 242 Main Halloween tradition with a secret selection of covers at Higher Ground at 7:30, and Spooky Skate brings costumes and festive music to Leddy Park from 7:45 to 10, drop ins welcome. At 8, 90 Proof plays the free Halloween Bash at The Old Post in South Burlington with costumes and prizes, Cherry Pop opens its non competitive drag stage to all levels at the Monkey House (21+), and TwoSev, Ron Stoppable, Lucky Luc and Aras take the decks at Red Square. Moonbird brings its covers to On Tap in Essex Junction at 9. It's A 2000s (Halloween) Party at Higher Ground sold out, so stay plugged in to catch the next one.
Saturday
Burlington Farmers Market – 9 AM: The summer season wraps with its final Saturday at 345 Pine Street, 9 to 2, rain or shine, with more than 70 local vendors, live music and a kids tent. The winter market picks up Nov. 21 at Burlington Beer Co.
Burlington Vintage Market Halloween Flea – 9 AM: The last Summer & Fall Flea of the year runs at Barge Canal Market until 2, with vintage clothing, Y2K, home goods and $5 piles. The costume contest is judged at 1, with bonus points for Burlington or Vermont specific costumes and a $100 Fill-A-Cart at Rico's Vintage for first place.
BTown Coffee Club [MEETUP] – 10 AM: Halloween morning coffee at Zero Gravity, where we're now at the Biergarten Taproom tables, the big room all the way to the left. Order at the main bar and come find us. Big ole crew every single time.
Halloween on Church Street – Noon and 3 PM: The Howl'ween Dog Costume Contest starts at noon outside Homeport, with registration at 11 at the Marketplace tent and categories including Silliest, Most Original and Best Pup & Owner. Whizbang's Candy Lab then rallies the streetwide trick or treat from 3 to 5, so look for pumpkin balloons outside participating businesses.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra: The Sorcerer's Apprentice – 3 PM: Andrew Crust conducts a spooky matinee at the Flynn that runs through Dukas, two movements of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Danny Elfman's Nightmare Before Christmas suite ($12-$67). A free pre concert talk starts at 2.
Halloween in Winooski: Festival of Pumpkins – 4 PM: About 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns carved by the community light up Rotary Park at 6, roughly one pumpkin for every eight Winooski residents. The kids party runs 4 to 6 with free face painting and carnival games, then it's DJ Crwd Ctrl, drag performances at 6:45, tarot and a photo booth until 9, with free parking in the Cascades garage.
Bluebird BBQ's Last Service – 4:30 PM: After more than 17 years, Bluebird on Riverside Avenue serves its final batches Saturday. It's curbside pickup only, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30.
Possessed! Halloween Comedy Show – 7 PM: Vermont comics dress up as more famous standups and do their material at Vermont Comedy Club, in what the club calls one of the most popular shows of the year. The cocktail and costume party at 7 is free, and the show is at 8 ($20).
TRS Live Presents: Amystera – 8 PM: Dark prog trio Amystera hosts a Halloween masquerade at Tank Recording Studio with a costume contest and a middle set from cellist Sierra Hiner. Late in the night the 1922 film Nosferatu screens with a live soundtrack by Casper Electronics. Doors are at 8, music starts at 9, it's BYOB and tickets are "very limited" ($25 and up).
Also Saturday, the morning starts early with a Haiku Workshop at the Vermont Zen Center in Shelburne from 9 to 1 ($60), reading Basho, Buson and Issa, walking the gardens, then writing and sharing, while Braver Angels runs a free Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop at the Essex Police Department from 9 to 11, open to all political views. From 10 to 4, Potter's Angels Rescue's Halloween Pet Portrait Fundraiser takes over The Guillemette Farm in Shelburne, pay what you can with a $50 suggested donation. Sensing the Season at Rock Point is a free morning on the trails with observation prompts and a scavenger hunt at 10:30, and the Circle Dance for Samhain teaches dances at the Fletcher Free Library from 2 to 3:30, no partner needed. Half Dead, a Richmond band playing the Grateful Dead, does a Halloween show at Shelburne Vineyard from 5 to 8.
Forever 38's Halloween Happy Hour [MEETUP] meets at Mule Bar from 6 to 9, right across from the Winooski pumpkins. At 7, VTIFF shows Ghostwatch, the 1992 UK TV movie staged as a live broadcast that drew reports of widespread panic, the Off Center hosts Between the Willows' 18+ Halloween Variety Show, Mesmer Kava goes alcohol free and goth with a darkwave Halloween Party, and the Venetian hosts Jesse James DeConto, Andriana Chobot and Milton Busker for "Laying Waste to Halloween." Hudson Valley harmony band Upstate plays with Hayley Jane in the Showcase Lounge at 7:30, and at 8 Pink Talking Fish mashes up Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish in the Ballroom with Dobbs' Dead. Also at 8, The Wormdogs bring a five piece horn section to SEABA, SHEBAD and Psymon Spine play Foam with a surprise opener, and A Scaryoake Time starts at Pearl Street Pub in Essex Junction. Lazer Dad covers the 1990s from Britney to Metallica at the Monkey House at 8:45 (21+), and Queeraoke with Lizzie Murderz is listed for its usual Saturday slot at 9 at Standing Stone Wines. The 11:59 PM Rocky Horror Picture Show at Partizanfilm sold out, so stay plugged in to catch the next one.
Sunday
Chill Chess – 10 AM: A new chess club for casual players holds its first session at the South Burlington Public Library, 10 to noon, and it meets every Sunday through the winter. Beginners and experts of any age are welcome, the only requirement is knowing how the pieces move, and you can bring a portable set if you have one.
Dog Friendly Hike at Indian Brook [MEETUP] – 11 AM: Walk Hike and Wag heads out at Indian Brook Reservoir in Essex from 11 to 1, meeting in the parking lot on the lower left. The host's reminder is a good one, so be sure your clock is updated.
Mix & Mingle [MEETUP] – Noon: Board gamers pair up at The Boardroom on Mill Street from noon to 5 to play and make some new friends, and the listing's best case scenario includes finding true love. The cafe's usual $6 gaming fee applies.
Burlington Baroque: Requiem for a King – 4 PM: Jean Gilles's Messe des Morts, the most frequently performed requiem in 18th century France, gets its regional premiere at College Street Congregational Church. Montréal's L'Harmonie des saisons and the Burlington Baroque Festival Singers perform under Eric Milnes ($40-$80, $10 students, free under 18).
Halloween in Winooski: Sensory Friendly Sunday – 6 PM: The pumpkins glow in the Rotary for a second night from 6 to 9, without the crowds and music. It's a calmer way to see the jack-o'-lanterns, with free parking in the Cascades garage.
The Music of Hey Arnold! Live – 8 PM: Composer Jim Lang leads a 30th anniversary show in the Higher Ground Ballroom blending jazz, hip hop, blues, R&B and funk with multimedia visuals and stories behind the music. Series creator Craig Bartlett makes a special guest appearance ($31-$36).
Also Sunday, the Burlington Letter Writing Group gathers at Zero Gravity from 10 to 11 to celebrate the lost art of thoughtful correspondence. Skylark, a contemporary string ensemble that has collaborated with Guster and Henry Jamison, plays Community Concerts @First in Essex Junction at 3, with a portion of proceeds supporting Age Well. UVM's Recital Hall has the free Fabulous Flute Favorites at 4:30 with Anne Janson, Mary Jane Austin and Elias Galligan playing Chaminade and Doppler, and Saru brings jazz fusion to Shelburne Vineyard from 5 to 7. Philly's Florry play classic rock as The Florring Stones at Foam at 6:30, with Bad Girls In Love as Big Star, and Myra Flynn sings in the Showcase Lounge at 7:30.
The full list of events is waiting further down in the Events section, and my events page has it too.
One of the last 6pm sunsets of the year! It was gorgeous.
The Btown Brief IRL - Burlington Social & Activities
The Brief has a Meetup group, and it keeps growing, with 20 to 30 people at our weekly events now. Come by Saturday Coffee at Zero Gravity at 10am, where we swap weekend plans along with news and life updates. Big thanks to my cohosts and to all of you who keep showing up.
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 31st @ 10 AM: Halloween morning coffee at Zero Gravity, now at the Biergarten Taproom tables. Catch us in the room all the way to the left. It’s always a good time!
Pick-up Basketball – Wednesday, November 4th @ 5:30 PM: Indoors at UVM's Gutterson Fieldhouse, with a $12 day pass at the Campus Rec front desk.
If you missed it, here’s my answer to the pesky algorithm. All Day is nine curated feeds for Burlington, built by me. Instead of scrolling four apps, the Wire gives you every local headline as it breaks, the big national ones, and a Square for what people around town are actually talking about, sifted from Reddit, X, Facebook and Instagram. Watch has tonight’s showtimes and what to stream. Food has the deals and late night spots. People has the run clubs, game nights and new friends. What Now picks something for you, and the Top 100+ gives you a list to work through. Vintage maps every thrift shop around town, On Air has local TV and this newsletter read out loud, Habits grows a tree for every habit you keep, and Games has a Burlington arcade plus the weekly news quiz. Find it at guide.btownbrief.com/all-day and tell me what’s missing.
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Local News (All Links Clickable)
"It's literally at the river mouth, so it's highly unique, and it is kind of a puzzle piece," Warner said, per the Colchester Sun.
The boat rental and snack bar spot on the Burlington bike path by the Winooski River bridge, which ran until Charlie died in 2021, is becoming a public park after his family sold the structure and land to the Winooski Valley Park District. Director Nick Warner says the site has 600 feet of shoreline and a conservation easement, so the plan leans toward non motorized recreation, with visitors arriving by the bike path and a new ramp as the first phase. The public can weigh in on the site and the historic building through WVPD's website and hearings in the coming weeks, and it's likely to open sometime in the spring.
"And it's also very entertaining. People, when they come here, are clearly struck by the awesomeness of some of the exhibits," per NBC5.
Closed since 2020, first for COVID and then for staffing shortages, UVM's geology museum is open again with the Charlotte Whale, Vermont's official state fossil, among its displays and student interns helping develop and present the exhibits. It's free and open Monday through Friday from 9 to 4, with a new exhibit on the global diversity of the collection planned for spring.
"I think in this race we see a wave, a blue wave, coming across the country that is even affecting Vermont," he said, per Vermont Public.
Gov. Phil Scott won 71% of the vote two years ago, and Vermont Public reports that coalition is fracturing as he asks for a sixth term that would make him Vermont's longest serving governor. The latest poll from State Navigate has Scott at 49 and Democratic/Progressive challenger Amanda Janoo at 46, with a margin of error of 2.3 points. At Wednesday's WCAX debate, Janoo pressed her Fair Share proposal to tax income over $250,000 and help stand up universal primary care, while conceding she doesn't know how the budget gets to a full universal system, which she called the "ultimate destination." Scott answered that "the math has to add up." Scott's signature issue remains his opposition to new taxes, and the Republican Governors Association has spent more than $930,000 through a pro Scott super PAC on ads attacking Janoo. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
"I am very confident in advancing his appointment as our next chief of police," she said, per Seven Days.
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak's pick began with the NYPD in 1998, spent about 15 years with Albany police, and later ran the Watervliet and Newburgh departments in New York. He left Newburgh in 2024 after three women accused him of gender discrimination, retaliation and creating a hostile work environment. He was cleared of any official wrongdoing and called the claims a smear campaign, and the mayor says her administration dug into the complaint and she checked his references herself. The council will be asked to approve him on Nov. 9, with the department down to 55 officers as of August from 92 in July 2020.
"If these allegations are proven true, our district and community are victims, and we will seek to recover all funds and bring them back to our students," Flanagan wrote, per VTDigger.
Federal agents searched the Colchester home of Stephanie Phillips on Oct. 16, and an affidavit says they believe the longtime district administrator, who retired in May as director of teaching and learning, used a consulting company to obtain at least $1,769,000 from the district since March 2013. Investigators allege she billed through the company for her regular work and for work that was never done. Phillips has not been charged and did not immediately respond to VTDigger, and the district says it has tightened its invoicing procedures and spending limits.
"We wish Bluebird could continue on, but the conditions just aren't lining up for Bluebird to be Bluebird. It's a short farewell tour, and the best way for us at this time to say goodbye," per NBC5.
After more than 17 years and a turn on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the Riverside Avenue barbecue spot closes for good after its final service Saturday, Oct. 31. Owner Sue Bette thanked the current and former employees who made it a gathering place, and curbside pickup is all that's left, tonight and Saturday from 4:30 to 7:30.
"If I'm listening to the best angels on everybody's shoulders, I see the possibility of a fruitful conversation," said Councilor Gene Bergman (P-Ward 2), who proposed the committee, per Seven Days.
Shortly after midnight at Monday's meeting, councilors voted 9-3 to form an ad hoc committee of Bergman, Allie Schachter, Council President Ben Traverse and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to work out a compromise on Burlington Forward. The Democrats' resolution would put more police downtown, increase drug law enforcement, bar new needle exchanges and a planned overdose prevention site from opening downtown, and create sanctioned campsites, and the mayor has promised to oppose any resolution that prohibits the needle exchanges or the overdose prevention site downtown. The committee reports back to the full council on Dec. 7, with no guarantee of a finished deal.
"You can't go to Walmart and buy this part. We have to make it," per WCAX.
Hilltown Clock Repair and Clockworks Inc., both out of western Massachusetts, are restoring the faces and mechanisms on the First Unitarian Universalist tower at the top of Church Street, with a new hand going on each face. The congregants who hand crank and wind it every five to seven days have been out of that job for the past couple years. The congregation will celebrate on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 11:45 AM, right before the clock chimes at noon.
"The diocese has discussed the purchaser's offer with the official committee," church lawyers have written in court papers, per VTDigger.
Supporters of the 400 student South Burlington campus raised their bid from $4.3 million to $5.9 million, after creditors representing more than 100 people with clergy abuse claims contested the first offer. A market estimate put the 42 classroom building and 27 acres at $4 million to $6 million, while a church commissioned appraisal said $30.5 million. Church lawyers now say the creditors' committee consents, and a judge still has to sign off, with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 20.
"It's hard to tell the story of Vermont craft beer without starting with Vermont Pub & Brewery," Vermont Brewers Association executive director Emma Arian said, per Seven Days.
The brewpub at 144 College Street closes at the end of service on Nov. 14, just days after its 38th anniversary, with the owners saying business never got back to where it needed to be after 2020. Greg and Nancy Noonan opened it in fall 1988, when there were only 11 brewpubs in the United States, after Greg Noonan and the late Bill Mares drafted the law that made them legal in Vermont. There's still time for a last Burly Irish Ale, with beer and food specials in its final days.
QUICK HITS
Rat Run returns as UVM students combine Halloween fun with community cleanup — UVM students traded running gear for rat makeup and trash bags Thursday evening for the second annual Rat Run, a Halloween run and litter cleanup through Burlington from UVM Civic Engagement and the Run Club. The prize for the most trash collected was a rat plushie at the finish line.
Amtrak ridership in Vermont up 40% from pre-pandemic levels — Amtrak says 131,000 people got on or off a train in Vermont last fiscal year, a roughly 40% jump from before the pandemic, helped by the Ethan Allen Express reaching Burlington in 2022. The ride to New York City still takes seven and a half hours.
New J.Jill clothing store set to open in Williston — The women's clothing brand was set to open Thursday at 28 Walnut Street in Maple Tree Place, with grand opening offers through Sunday including free tote bags and $20 off purchases of $80 or more.
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: Basketball Sweeps Saint Michael's as Halloween Hockey Comes to the Gut
Women's basketball beat Saint Michael's 59-49 at Patrick Gym on Wednesday after trailing 29-26 at the half, opening the third quarter on a 7-0 run. Catherine Gilwee scored 14, Malia Lenz added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Madison Hall came off the bench for the first 8 points of her college career. The men won their final exhibition 76-69 that night, with Momo Nkugwa scoring 19 on 7 of 8 shooting, Will Davies adding 18 and Gus Yalden 15. Both regular seasons start Monday, the women hosting Keene State at 6 with free TD t-shirts for the first 500 fans and the men playing at Iona at 7, both on ESPN+.
Field hockey ended the regular season with a shootout loss at Maine on Thursday. Gloria Allen tied it 1-1 on a 36th minute penalty corner, and Vermont put 11 shots on goal to Maine's 3, including three in overtime that Annabel Halkes turned aside. Gabby Santini, Emily Enden and Jaime Lewis scored in the shootout, but Eloise Penty won it 4-3 for the Black Bears after a Vermont goal was waved off. At 11-5 (2-3 America East), the Cats visit New Hampshire in the America East quarterfinals on Sunday at noon on ESPN+.
Men's hockey hosts New Hampshire at Gutterson tonight at 7 and Halloween Saturday at 4, both on ESPN+ and WVMT. Tonight's first 250 fans get a PC Construction beanie, and Saturday's crowd is invited to trick or treat around the Gut in costume. Tickets for the weekend are 20% off at go.uvm.edu/spooky. Vermont (2-3-0, 1-1-0 Hockey East) has gone its first five games without allowing a power play goal for the first time since 2014-15. UNH (3-2-1) just split with Michigan State, a series that made goalie Michael Simpson the Hockey East Player of the Week.
No. 23 men's soccer hosts Binghamton today at 4 at Virtue Field on AmericaEast.TV for Senior Day and Salute to Service, honoring eight seniors at the final regular season home match. There's a free ticket for military and first responder personnel with ID and a free pom-pom from the Alumni Association. Vermont (9-2-3, 3-1-1 America East) brings a 27 match regular season home unbeaten streak and an 11 match unbeaten run against the Bearcats. Women's soccer hosts Binghamton in its regular season finale on Sunday at 3:30 on ESPN+, also a Salute to Service game.
Both cross country teams run the America East Championship in Albany today, the women's 5k at 11 and the men's 8k at noon, both on ESPN+. Women's hockey opens Hockey East play at No. 15 Boston College today and Saturday at 2 on ESPN+, having allowed just eight goals in six games, the fewest in the league. Swimming and diving hosts Maine at Forbush on Saturday at 11 for Rally Against Cancer, with free lavender beanies. Off the field, athletic director Jeff Schulman says UVM's trustees authorized the next phase of the Multipurpose Facility Project, with site work expected to begin later this fall and the events center and Gutterson renovations expected to wrap up in 2029.
Oct 30: Men's Soccer vs. Binghamton (Fri ⦁ 4:00pm)
Oct 30: Men's Ice Hockey vs. New Hampshire (Fri ⦁ 7:00pm)
Oct 31: Women's Swimming and Diving vs. Maine (Sat ⦁ 11:00am)
Oct 31: Men's Ice Hockey vs. New Hampshire (Sat ⦁ 4:00pm)
Nov 1: Women's Soccer vs. Binghamton (Sun ⦁ 3:30pm)
Nov 2: Women's Basketball vs. Keene State (Mon ⦁ 6:00pm)
Nov 5: Women's Basketball vs. Quinnipiac (Thu ⦁ 6:00pm)
Nov 6: Women's Ice Hockey vs. Northeastern (Fri ⦁ 6:00pm)
Nov 7: Women's Ice Hockey vs. Northeastern (Sat ⦁ 3:00pm)
Nov 8: Men's Basketball vs. Quinnipiac (Sun ⦁ 2:00pm)
Events:
This is the curated cut. The full calendar, 25 sources refreshed twice a day, lives at Burlington events.
Friday, October 30, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Meditation at Outright Vermont, Burlington (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: Family Friday With Linda Bassick at Pingala Café North Avenue, 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: Mahjong Play at the Winooski Library at Winooski Memorial Library, 65 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski (Free)
11:45 AM: Lunch with the Poets at The Innovation Café, Burlington (Free) — MEETUP.com
2:00 PM: Wheels for Warmth Tire Drop-Off (Williston site) at Casella Waste, 28 Avenue B, Williston (Free to donate)
2:00 PM: EEE Talk: 'Forecasting the Midterm Elections' with Matthew Dickinson at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset Street, South Burlington ($8 walk-in; EEE members free)
2:00 PM: $20 Acupuncture with a Food Shelf Donation at Community Acupuncture of South Burlington, 366 Dorset Street, Suite 10, South Burlington ($20 with a non-perishable donation)
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: Half Priced Oysters at La Reprise at La Reprise, Burlington
4:00 PM: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff + Oyster, Burlington
4:00 PM: Open Studio: Gretchen Verplanck's Scary Monsters at Big Girl Company, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Reading & Artist Reception: Pastoral Stories of Shepherding at Coach Barn, Shelburne (Free)
5:00 PM: Dedication of 'Jambo', a David Stromeyer Sculpture at Veterans Memorial Park, 1000 Dorset Street (at Swift Street), South Burlington
5:00 PM: Community Night: Frank & Stein at August First, Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: SMART Recovery Meeting (Turning Point Center) at Turning Point Center of Chittenden County, 179 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington
5:30 PM: French Social Hour at Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown, Burlington (Free; cash bar)
6:00 PM: Adventure Dinner Monsters Ball at Adventure Dinner Clubhouse, 70 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester ($75 + tax)
6:00 PM: Amber Roberts & Lindsay Lovise at Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston (Free)
6:00 PM: Learn & Play Return to Dark Tower at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe, Burlington — MEETUP.com
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: Service of Loss and Remembrance at First Unitarian Universalist at First Unitarian Universalist Society, 152 Pearl Street, Burlington
7:00 PM: Friday Night at Specs at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski (Free)
7:00 PM: Monster Bash 2026 | Odyssey After Dark: Sips, Sirens and Scares (21+) at Old Lantern Events Barn, Charlotte ($69.82-92.44)
7:45 PM: Spooky Skate at Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park, Burlington ($7.28)
Performances
6:30 PM: Galloween (non-dude Halloween comedy showcase) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($10/$15)
6:45 PM: All That Jazz Comedy Showcase at The 126, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: The House of the Devil at Vermont International Film Festival, Burlington ($6-12)
7:30 PM: 'Farewell to GNOP' at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($55)
7:30 PM: 'Crime and Punishment, a Comedy' (Essex Community Players) at Essex Memorial Hall, Essex Junction ($23-25)
8:00 PM: Emoji Nightmare Presents: Cherry Pop (open drag stage, 21+) at The Monkey House, Winooski ($5/$10)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Mitch & Devon at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:00 PM: Barbacoa at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: Jonathan "Doc" Kaplan (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: Madigan Linnane at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)
6:00 PM: Reed Foehl at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:00 PM: OK Commuter 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: Carol Hausner at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM: Uncle Jimmy at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski (Free)
7:30 PM: Doom Service w/ Vallory Falls, Dead Street Dreamers, Violet Crimes at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($18)
8:00 PM: TwoSev, Ron Stoppable, Lucky Luc, Aras at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Halloween Bash with 90 Proof at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
8:00 PM: The Wet Ones + Bloodshot Bill + Zombeat and Die at Foam Brewers, Burlington ($15; doors 7:30; all ages)
9:00 PM: It's A 2000s (Halloween) Party: Burlington (18+) (SOLD OUT) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($30)
9:00 PM: Moonbird 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)
11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski ($10)
Saturday, October 31, 2026
General Events
8:00 AM: Weekly Bird Walk at Rock Point Center, Burlington (Free; preregister)
9:00 AM: Burlington Farmers Market (final Saturday of the season) at 345 Pine Street, Burlington
9:00 AM: Haiku Workshop with Joan White at the Vermont Zen Center at Vermont Zen Center, 480 Thomas Road, Shelburne ($60; registration required)
9:00 AM: Braver Angels Workshop: Skills for Disagreeing Better at Essex Police Department, 145 Maple Street, Essex Junction (Free; preregister)
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 Vintage Market Halloween Flea at Barge Canal Market, Burlington
9:00 AM: Monthly Swaportunity at Old Town Cafe & Comics, Williston (Free)
10:00 AM: BTown Coffee Club at Zero Gravity Brewery, Burlington (Free) — MEETUP.com
10:00 AM: Halloween Pet Portrait Fundraiser for Potter's Angels Rescue at The Guillemette Farm, 6802 Route 116, Shelburne (Pay what you can; $50 suggested)
10:00 AM: Glass Factory and Storefront Open at AO Glass, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: 'The Thinning Veil' at The Grief Center of Vermont, Essex Junction ($25 suggested donation)
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 at Rock Point at Rock Point Center, 20 Rock Point Road, Burlington (Free; preregister)
11:00 AM: NEISA Open Championship at Various waterfront locations, Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free)
12:00 PM: Howl'ween Dog Costume Contest at Church Street Marketplace, Burlington (Free)
1:00 PM: Learn to DM at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, South Burlington (Free)
2:00 PM: The Ultimate Chocolate Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates Flagship Store (Pine St.), Burlington ($16)
2:00 PM: Circle Dance for Samhain at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
3:00 PM: Halloween on Church Street: Streetwide Trick or Treat at Church Street Marketplace, Burlington (Free)
4:00 PM: Halloween in Winooski: Festival of Pumpkins (1,000 jack-o'-lanterns; kids party 4-6, DJ and drag 6-9) at Rotary Park (Winooski roundabout), Winooski
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: Steven C. Schlozman at Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston (Free)
4:30 PM: Bluebird BBQ's Last Service (curbside pickup only) at Bluebird Barbecue, 317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington
6:00 PM: Halloween Happy Hour at Mule Bar at Mule Bar, Winooski — MEETUP.com
7:00 PM: Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls Tour at Courthouse Plaza (Democracy Sculpture), 199 Main St, Burlington ($25; preregister)
7:00 PM: Halloween Party at Mesmer Kava at Mesmer Kava, 47 Maple Street, Burlington
7:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park, Burlington (Free)
Performances
2:00 PM: 'Crime and Punishment, a Comedy' (Essex Community Players) at Essex Memorial Hall, Essex Junction ($23-25)
3:00 PM: Vermont Symphony Orchestra: 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' at Flynn Main Stage, Burlington ($12-67)
7:00 PM: Ghostwatch at Vermont International Film Festival, Burlington ($6-12)
7:00 PM: Possessed! Halloween Comedy Show (free costume party 7, show 8) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($20)
7:00 PM: 'Halloween Variety Show' (18+) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($14-35)
11:59 PM: 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' (SOLD OUT) at Partizanfilm, Burlington ($10.50-12)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Mr. Cheng, Aras, Raul, Matt P at Red Square, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Just Us at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
5:00 PM: Half Dead at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
7:00 PM: Jesse James DeConto (The Pinkerton Raid), Andriana Chobot, Milton Busker at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington ($15)
7:00 PM: DJ Big Dog at Thingz From Yaad, Burlington (Free)
7:30 PM: Upstate w/ Hayley Jane at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($20-$23)
8:00 PM: Pink Talking Fish w/ Dobbs' Dead at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($30-$35)
8:00 PM: SHEBAD w/ Psymon Spine + A Halloween Surprise at Foam Brewers, Burlington ($20 advance, $25 day of show)
8:00 PM: A Scaryoake Time at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction
8:00 PM: The Wormdogs at The SEABA Center, Burlington ($12-$20; doors 7)
8:45 PM: Lazer Dad at Monkey House, Winooski ($10; doors 8:15; 21+)
9:00 PM: Sticks & Stones at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction (Free)
9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Lizzie Murderz at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)
9:00 PM: TRS Live Presents: Amystera at Tank Recording Studio, Burlington ($25-$55; doors 8)
10:00 PM: Live DJ at Ri Ra! at RiRa Irish Pub, Burlington (Free)
Sunday, November 1, 2026
General Events
7:30 AM: Dad Guild Run Club (Dads Only) at Burlington Greenway, Burlington (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: MASKS ON! Sundays at ECHO at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: NEISA Open Championship at Various waterfront locations, Burlington (Free)
9:00 AM: Sunday Sadhana & Meditation at Shambhala Meditation Center, Burlington (Free; donations accepted)
10:00 AM: Burlington Letter Writing Group at Zero Gravity Brewery, Pine Street, Burlington (Free)
10:00 AM: Chill Chess (new casual chess club, first session) at South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market Street, South Burlington (Free)
11:00 AM: Dog-Friendly Hike at Indian Brook at Indian Brook Reservoir, Essex — MEETUP.com
12:00 PM: Mix & Mingle at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe, Burlington — MEETUP.com
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)
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: Halloween in Winooski: the 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns lit again at Rotary Park (Winooski roundabout), Winooski
6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington, Burlington (Free)
Live Music/DJ
3:00 PM: Community Concerts @First: Skylark (benefit for Age Well) at First Congregational Church, 39 Main Street, Essex Junction ($20 suggested donation)
4:00 PM: Burlington Baroque: 'Requiem for a King' (Festival Singers and L'Harmonie des saisons) at College Street Congregational Church, Burlington ($10-80; free for kids under 18; preregister)
4:30 PM: 'Fabulous Flute Favorites' at The University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington (Free)
5:00 PM: Saru at Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne (Free)
6:30 PM: The Florring Stones (Florry) with Big Star (Bad Girls In Love) at Foam Brewers, Burlington ($20/$25; doors 6)
7:30 PM: Myra Flynn at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($25-$30)
8:00 PM: The Music of Hey Arnold! Live feat. Jim Lang and The PS 118 AllStars with Craig Bartlett at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($31-$36)
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
Hiring or hunting? The jobs page gathers the newest postings from thirteen local boards, every link to the original listing.
That’s All, Burlington!
That's the weekend. Pack a layer for the pumpkins, enjoy that extra hour Sunday, and go easy on the candy. Heard about something happening in town, or a story we missed? Tell us about it, we read everything that comes in.
Reader support is what keeps the Brief going, and a coffee on ko-fi or a Venmo to @btownbrief genuinely helps. Businesses that want to reach Burlington readers can email [email protected] about an advertising spot.
See you later, Burlington.
Missed an edition? Every Brief ever written is searchable.
