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Weather & Monday Update:
Bundle up for one last round this morning, Burlington. Temperatures start the day well below zero across the Champlain Valley, with wind chills pushing into the negative teens even with light winds. The good news is this may be winter's last real punch. Monday afternoon brings wall to wall sunshine and highs near 20, and by Tuesday we climb into the low to mid 30s as clouds roll in. A round of light snow is possible Tuesday night, though accumulation should stay minimal in the valley with the best totals confined to the southern mountains. Wednesday looks genuinely pleasant with emerging sun and highs in the low 40s, and Thursday follows suit before a wintry mix moves in Thursday afternoon into Friday. The real kicker? Next weekend could flirt with 50 degrees. March is doing its thing.
Monday night kicks off with a couple of good reasons to leave the house despite the chill. Over at Flora and Fauna on Church Street, Chabad Burlington is hosting a Purim Masquerade at 7:30 PM. Costumes are mandatory, and the evening includes crafts, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. If you don’t mind the drive, there’s free Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury this afternoon (registration required). And just over in Colchester, a free community dinner at Colchester High School brings neighbors together at 5:30 PM for lasagna and garlic bread courtesy of Papa Franks, with legislators on hand for updates from the State House before Town Meeting presentations begin at 7:00.
Tuesday, March 3 is Town Meeting Day, and the calendar is packed. It's Election Day across Burlington, so get to your polling station. While you're at it, Ward 2 and Ward 3 voters can support the PTO bake sales and food drives running all day at IAA and SA, and Ward 5 voters can drop off donations at the BED food drive in the front lobby. Beyond the ballot box, the day is stacked: Tech Tuesdays [MEETUP] offers free waffles and casual networking at Zero Gravity starting at 8:00 AM. Kids can paint flower pots and plant seeds at the South Burlington Public Library from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Chabad Burlington hosts Purim at the Circus on South Williams Street starting at 3:30 with a Megillah reading, a magic show by Marko the Magician, and a circus buffet dinner. Over at Generator on Sears Lane, volunteers are needed from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for a Whistle Party. Help tie strings on 3D printed safety whistles being distributed to communities across Vermont. At 5:00 PM, Snowmotion's Latin Dance Night at Switchback Brewing starts with a beginner Bachata class ($20) followed by a social dance ($10), no partner needed. Also at 5:00, the Fool Moon Dance Party at Old Lantern in Charlotte celebrates the full Worm Moon with DJ Roost and dinner from Farmers & Foragers. The VPOP social hour at Zero Gravity from 5:00 to 7:00 PM is a great spot to talk Town Meeting Day politics over a beer. Runners can join the 5K at Foam Brewers [MEETUP] at 5:30 PM (bring your running lights). The Community Sailing Center hosts Ashley Sullivan of the Rozalia Project at 5:30 for a talk on ocean pollution and marine science. Down at the Flynn, Brit Floyd takes the Main Stage at 7:30 PM with a massive production celebrating The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall . Tickets range from about $51 to $207. And under that full moon, the Rock Point Full Moon Ritual offers a free, contemplative gathering with poetry, meditation, and singing starting at 7:00 PM. After the polls close at 7:00, tune into Town Meeting TV's live Election Results Show on YouTube or Burlington Telecom Channel 217 for real time local results and political commentary.
Looking ahead to midweek, Wednesday our Btown Brief crew is meeting for Trivia Night at Venetian Soda Lounge [MEETUP] on Pine Street at 6:30 PM (grab seats early, game starts at 7:00), the VCA March Madness TwoProv improv tournament at Vermont Comedy Club (doors at 6:00, just $5), Jazz Night at Juniper [MEETUP] inside Hotel Vermont with the Ray Vega QuARTet at 8:30, the AI & Real Estate meetup at Burlington Beer Company at 6:00 PM, Crafting in Community [MEETUP] in Essex Junction at 6:30, and Greg Noonan Day at Vermont Pub & Brewery from 4:00 to 7:00 PM to raise a glass to the microbrewing pioneer on his birthday. Thursday's highlights include Khamari at Higher Ground (doors 7:30, show 8:00) performing soulful R&B from his debut A Brief Nirvana, REPRISE recreating Phish's 7/3/95 Sugarbush set also at Higher Ground at 7:30, free Pottery Painting at Ladybug Creative on College Street from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (preregistration required), the Women & Non-Binary Backcountry 101 clinic at Outdoor Gear Exchange at 7:00 PM (just $5, comes with a collab beer from Four Quarters Brewing), and the Murder at Mardi Gras mystery party at Burnham Library in Colchester from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, registration closes today, so act fast on that one.
Take a step back in time. We’ve officially passed the one-year mark! To celebrate, I created a digital archive where you can browse past news stories and photos from our first year. See what Burlington has been up to this year by checking out the randomizer:
Can’t get enough of the Brief? If you want the news before I even post it, I’ve got you covered. Swap the doomscroll for a productive scroll with these three Vermont-focused RSS feeds. It’s unlimited local content, minus the algorithm.
VT News (Focused): This feed keeps its finger on the pulse, narrowing it down to 7 local news sources.
VT Podcasts: This feed is for the listeners, it gathers all the best Vermont-made audio stories and deep dives into one place for you to scroll through.
Broader Local News & Podcasts: This is the 'mega-feed.' It’s a combined, expanded view that pulls in even more local stations (more than the original 7), plus the VT podcasts for the ultimate Vermont news junkie.
Support the Brief & Join the Crew
Why support? Every week, I scan 24+ local sources: 12 event calendars, some of those being Seven Days, Front Porch Forum, Facebook events, plus 9 others and 12 news stations, from VTDigger to WCAX to Vermont Public to Community News Service, plus 8 others, to keep you connected. If this lengthy newsletter saves you time, or has introduced you to new experiences in Burlington, then definitely consider chipping in!
The Btown Brief IRL - We’re now seeing 15–30 people at our weekly events! Be sure to stop by for our weekly Saturday Coffee meetup at Zero Gravity at 10am. Everyone is welcome! 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.
Community Pulse:
Check out this awesome 3-day round-up I put together from the communities r/burlington (and some of r/vermont). It reads much better than a list in your feed. If you hate the Reddit algorithm, but like seeing what the community is up to, and want to be able to chime in, this roundup might solve just that. Click below to give it a read and comment if you like it:
If you rather scroll through the feed yourself, check out the simple to read, no algorithm, no ad, community feed here:
40 degrees and sunny (last Saturday)
Local News (All Links Clickable)
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"It's the beginning of Burlington," said UVM historian Kate Kenny of the timber logs pulled from Lake Champlain, believed to be remnants of the city's first wharf wall. Per WCAX.
The logs were discovered during a routine dredging project near Perkins Pier, and UVM's Consulting Archaeology Program is now studying the cuts and tree rings to pinpoint exactly when the timbers were hewn. The original wharf dates to the early 1800s and was essentially what made Burlington a functional port town. Researchers also recovered a train wheel and glass bottles from the lakebed, all of which will be cataloged in a forthcoming report. It's a remarkable reminder that Burlington's waterfront story goes way back.
"Our office has declined to prosecute the cases," Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George confirmed regarding the 13 people cited for criminal trespass during a February 9 sit-in at a Williston office park housing ICE operations. Per Seven Days.
The protesters, ranging in age from 21 to 85, had been scheduled for arraignment on March 2. George cited the group's lack of criminal history, their nonviolent conduct, and the absence of any reported disruption to other tenants in the building. The decision drew sharp criticism from the property manager, who said it effectively signals that trespass carries no consequences in Chittenden County. Several protesters have already said they plan to return. The ICE facility in question houses analysts who feed information to field offices nationwide and has become a regular protest site as federal immigration enforcement ramps up.
"We know that Rutland is in need," Gov. Scott said at his weekly press conference, announcing plans to replicate Burlington's fast track court model in Rutland County. Per VTDigger.
The Burlington pilot was widely considered a success, resolving 702 of 972 assigned cases by pairing a dedicated judge and prosecutor with social workers right in the courtroom. Rutland's version will target defendants with four or more pending cases (compared to five in Chittenden County), capturing about 55 defendants who collectively account for roughly 40% of the county's caseload. The timeline remains unclear, though, and Scott publicly pushed back on the judiciary's proposal to run the court just one day a week, saying that approach could set the pilot up to fail. A key open question is whether Rutland can match the social service infrastructure that made the Burlington model work, given its fewer local organizations like the Howard Center and Pathways Vermont.
"We will be putting the land in conservation with a focus on recreation and backcountry skiing. We're not looking to develop it in any way," said general manager Matt Lillard. Per VTDigger.
The cooperatively owned Fayston ski area closed a $2.5 million deal that more than doubles its footprint from 700 to roughly 1,800 acres. The purchase was crowdfunded, with Mad River's 2,500 shareholders voting to approve the buy and raising about $2.8 million. The land had been held by the family of Betsy Pratt, the visionary former owner who guided the resort's conversion to a cooperative in 1995. Mad River exercised its right to counter a competing bid from the Lyme Timber Company. The extra acreage won't see new ski trails but could see collaboration with organizations like the Green Mountain Club and the Catamount Trail Association on backcountry recreation.
"One of the biggest lessons I learned in my first year here is never underestimate Vermont," said CEO Vijay Singh, reflecting on the listener response after Congress canceled $2 million in federal funding last July. Per Seven Days.
This deep dive from Seven Days' Media Issue profiles an organization at a crossroads. Vermont Public's 41,000 members largely covered the federal funding gap through a wave of donations, but the station ran operating deficits of roughly $4 million to $4.7 million in each of the last two fiscal years, covered by investment returns on its $61 million endowment. Critics, including former board members, argue the organization should be producing more ambitious journalism given its resources and 104 employees. Meanwhile, the station is trying to reach younger audiences through YouTube and podcasting as the average age of PBS prime time viewers nationally sits at 72. The piece also examines how the 2021 merger of Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS brought financial muscle but operational growing pains that are still being sorted out.
"The question before us is not whether local news matters here. The question is how we sustain it," said Vermont Community Foundation CEO Dan Smith. Per Seven Days.
Publisher Paula Routly's column anchors Seven Days' 2026 Media Issue with a frank look at how much has changed since the last one in 2019. The Waterbury Record and Brandon Reporter are gone, VTDigger has unionized, and Vermont Public exists as a merged entity. Perhaps most encouraging is a new VCF study showing that 94% of surveyed Vermonters consider local news as essential as libraries or the postal service, and 79% say they have a trustworthy local source.
"The infrastructure limits and the price of electricity together just make it kind of a non-starter," said UVM researcher Sam Chevalier. Per Vermont Public.
Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for a national moratorium on new data centers, and Vermont lawmakers are considering two bills that would either regulate or outright pause construction for four years. The concern is largely preemptive since no serious proposals exist to build a large scale facility here, and a previous inquiry in St. Albans fizzled over infrastructure costs. Still, Green Mountain Power has been quietly modeling what hosting a 50 to 200 megawatt data center could look like, telling lawmakers it could actually lower electricity costs for existing customers. Vermont is among six states considering temporary blocks, and even the small town of Royalton is debating its own moratorium at Town Meeting. The tension boils down to whether Vermont should prepare guardrails now or wait until someone actually comes knocking.
"Go! Donate! It's all positives," said 83 year old Howard Fisher of South Burlington, a regular at the Red Cross donor center on North Prospect Street. Per MyChamplainValley.
Fisher has been donating roughly every six weeks for decades, starting back in college in Williamsburg, Virginia. Each donation can save up to three lives, and the need is particularly urgent right now as severe weather across the country has forced cancellations of blood drives. When he's not at the donor center, Fisher volunteers with Meals on Wheels. It's a good reminder that consistency and showing up can quietly add up to something enormous.
"Vermont is the most dependent state on a single agricultural commodity, and our commodity is milk," said UVM food anthropologist Dr. Teresa Mares. Per the Vermont Cynic.
This first installment of a two part series from UVM's student paper examines the estimated 1,200 to 1,500 migrant workers sustaining Vermont's $5.4 billion dairy industry, with roughly 70 to 90% of farms relying on their labor. Because dairy operates year round, many workers can't access the federal H-2A seasonal visa program, leaving them undocumented and vulnerable. The piece highlights Migrant Justice's Milk with Dignity program, which shifts responsibility for fair labor conditions up the supply chain to corporate buyers like Ben & Jerry's. A 2024 survey found that conditions on farms not enrolled in the program have actually worsened over the past decade. With federal immigration enforcement escalating, the tension between Vermont's agricultural dependence on migrant labor and national policy has never been sharper.
"The forest economy of the Northeast is built on a foundation provided by loggers and truckers, and anything that threatens that foundation threatens the entire sector," said PLC Executive Director Dana Doran. Per Vermont Business Magazine.
The first regional study of its kind found that Vermont's logging and trucking sector supports about 1,300 direct and indirect jobs and generates roughly $140 million in economic output, ranking fourth in the Northeast behind Maine, New York, and New Hampshire. But the numbers come with a warning: the industry is facing shrinking profit margins, disappearing low grade wood markets, and an aging workforce with few new entrants. The average logging firm now employs nine workers, less than half the 22 reported a decade ago. Only 14% of contractors surveyed believe there are sufficient markets to sell wood. It's an industry that underpins Vermont's forest economy but is approaching what researchers describe as a potential breaking point.
"When I first used cannabis, my brain just felt normal," said pharmaceutical scientist Riley Kirk, discussing her new book Reefer Wellness at Phoenix Books in Rutland. Per Community News Service.
Kirk, who specializes in natural product chemistry at Vermont State University, sat down with cannabis studies colleague Dr. Phil Lamy to discuss the science behind cannabis use and the regulatory paradox that keeps it classified as a Schedule I drug even as 43 states have some form of legal medical cannabis. Kirk notes that rescheduling to Schedule III is coming, which would formally recognize its medical value at the federal level. One surprising detail from the conversation: about 20% of people simply cannot feel the effects of edibles, which poses a real problem in states that only allow non smokable products.
"I didn't even realize the 50-year thing," Ben Ogden told NBC Sports after becoming the first American man to medal in cross country skiing since Vermont's own Bill Koch won silver in 1976. Per Vermont Business Magazine.
Nine current or former UVM students competed at the Milan Cortina Games, and three came home with a combined four medals. Ogden earned two silvers (the individual sprint and team sprint), making him the first Catamount with multiple podium finishes at a single Olympics. Ryan Cochran-Siegle added silver in the super G, winning on the exact date his mother Barbara Cochran won gold in slalom 54 years earlier. Paula Moltzan rounded things out with a bronze in the new women's team combined event. With four total medals, UVM athletes matched or outperformed entire countries including Poland, Slovenia, Spain and Denmark. It marks the 19th consecutive Winter Olympics featuring a UVM affiliated athlete, a streak dating back to 1956.
Quick Hits
For the first time, South Burlington polling places will have sample ballots available in Arabic, French, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili. The official ballots remain in English, but voters can reference the translations and even photograph them to bring into the booth. The city is also deploying iPads with on demand interpretation software, including American Sign Language, at all five polling locations. Census data show 15.7% of South Burlington residents speak a language other than English at home, nearly triple the statewide average.
Winooski voters will decide on a $950,000 bond to renovate city hall and the police department, which hasn't seen upgrades since moving into the building in 1975. Most of the money would address deteriorating floors, ceilings, and a ventilation system where black mold was discovered. The silver lining for taxpayers: the projects fit within the existing capital plan, so property taxes wouldn't increase.
WCAX debuts a new show called Aging Untold on March 2 at 9 AM, featuring a panel of industry professionals tackling the full spectrum of aging topics. The show aims to address subjects people may be thinking about but are hesitant to discuss openly.
The beloved North Country chain is steadily converting former Jolley locations to Stewart's branding in St. Albans, Hinesburg, Middlebury, and most recently on Shelburne Road in South Burlington. The company plans to have more than 40 Vermont locations within the next three to four years. Ice cream counters at the newer stores are expected to start rolling out next week.
Six Vermont communities earned recognition from the League of American Bicyclists for promoting cycling infrastructure. Newport is the newcomer, becoming the first community in the Northeast Kingdom to make the list. South Burlington, Essex Junction, Montpelier, and Brattleboro also earned the distinction, while Burlington retains its award from 2018. South Burlington is eyeing a bike and pedestrian bridge over I-89 near Dorset Street as its next major project.
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!
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UVM Athletics: Women's Hockey Advances to Semifinals, Lacrosse Teams Dominate, and Men's Hockey Earns Hard-Fought Tie
The Vermont Catamounts men's ice hockey team faced Merrimack in a weekend series, falling 5-2 in a battle of special teams on Friday before battling from behind to earn a 4-4 tie on Saturday night. On Friday, Merrimack capitalized with three power-play goals and a shorthanded tally, while Cédrick Guindon and Jonah Aegerter scored for the Catamounts. On Saturday, Vermont fought back from a two-goal deficit, led by Colin Kessler's two goals and an assist. Max Strand and Ethan Burroughs also found the back of the net to help secure the tie. The men's ice hockey team will return to Gutterson Fieldhouse to host No. 20 Maine on Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. for their regular season finale.
The Vermont women’s hockey team advanced to the Hockey East Women’s Tournament Semifinals with a 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Boston College. Goaltender Ellie Simmons anchored the defense with 37 saves. Julia Mesplède opened the scoring with a backhand finish in the second period, and Oona Havana doubled the lead by burying a rebound with just 11.9 seconds left in the middle frame. Kaylee Lewis sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.
The Vermont women’s lacrosse team secured a dominant 22-7 home victory over LIU on Saturday afternoon. Sabine Godwin set a new program record by winning a career-high 17 draw controls, surpassing her previous mark of 15. The offense was powered by Caitlin Haggerty's career-high five goals, while Jane Trauger and Karina Sethi each contributed four goals. The Catamounts will host Villanova on Friday, March 6 at 1 p.m.
The Vermont men’s lacrosse team rolled past Quinnipiac 15-8 at Virtue Field. Max Frattaroli fueled the offense with a game-high four goals, and Zack Toll recorded a team-best eight points with three goals and five assists. Walter Zhao won 16 of 21 faceoffs and collected nine ground balls, helping Vermont take control of the game.
Mar 2: VPA High School Events 2026 VPA D1 Girls Basketball Semifinals (Mon ⦁ 6:00pm)
Mar 3: 2025-26 Men's Basketball vs. UAlbany (Tue ⦁ 7:00pm)
Events:
Monday, March 2, 2026
General Events
9:00 AM: Magdalena Energy Sessions at 373 Blair Park Rd, Williston
9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Trolley Tours at Perkins Pier, Burlington ($15–$35)
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Circuit Circus Festival at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Free with Admission)
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Dinosaur Safari Exhibit at ECHO at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Free with Admission)
12:30 PM–1:30 PM: Free Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour & Tasting at Ben & Jerry's, Waterbury (Free)
5:00 PM–9:00 PM: Mac & Cheese Bar at The Lazy Goat Tavern at The Essex ($20)
5:30 PM–7:00 PM: Free Community Dinner & Legislative Update at Colchester High School (Free)
6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Burlington Elks Lodge (Various prices)
6:00 PM: Monday Night Open Mic at Pearl Street Pub (Free)
6:00 PM: Trivia Monday at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling (Free)
6:00 PM: Fun With Ferments: Koji Fermentation at Queen City Brewery
6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Up Beginner Level at On Tap Bar & Grill
6:00 PM–8:00 PM: High School Pickup Basketball (Grades 9–12) at Shelburne Town Gym
6:00 PM–9:00 PM: Winooski Town Meeting Day Presentation & Forum at Winooski School District (Free)
7:00 PM: Trivia Monday with Top Hat Entertainment at McKee's Original (Free)
7:00 PM: Trivia with Craig Mitchell at Monkey House (Free)
7:00 PM–8:00 PM: Spanish Chat Group Monthly Meetup at Ben & Jerry's on Church St (Free)
7:00 PM–9:00 PM: [MEETUP] Community of Poets Sharing Circle with Darlene Witte – Location TBD (Free)
7:30 PM–10:00 PM: Purim Masquerade! at Flora and Fauna ($36–$500)
Afternoon/Evening: Skiff Oyster Hour at Original Skiff Fish + Oysters at Hotel Champlain
Time not specified: February School Vacation at 730 Shelburne Road, South Burlington
Live Music/DJ
8:00 PM–10:00 PM: Saxsquatch at Higher Ground, South Burlington (Ticketed)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
General Events
7:00 AM–7:00 PM: Mobile Pet Food Shelf Drive & Bake Sale at Colchester High School (Donation)
7:00 AM–7:00 PM: Ward 2 & 3 Election Day Bake Sales & Food Drive at IAA and SA Schools, Burlington (Donation)
7:00 AM–7:00 PM: Winooski Town Meeting Day Election Voting at Winooski Senior Center (Free)
7:00 AM–7:00 PM: Ward 5 Election Day Food Drive at BED Front Lobby, Burlington (Donation)
8:00 AM–10:00 AM: [MEETUP] Tech Tuesdays – Breakfast at Zero Gravity Brewery (Free)
8:15 AM–9:30 AM: Networking Coffee for Women at Hula ($7.68+)
9:00 AM–11:00 AM: [MEETUP] Burlington Bitcoin Meetup at Zero Gravity Brewery (Free)
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Main Reading Room North, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
10:00 AM–8:00 PM: Library Closed – Town Meeting Day at Fletcher Free Library
11:15 AM–12:45 PM: Flow Singing at Heineberg Senior Center (Free)
12:00 PM: Zephyr Place at Zephyr Place
12:30 PM–2:00 PM: Drop-In Tech Support at Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch (Free)
1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Flower Pot Paint & Plant at 180 Market Street, South Burlington (Free)
1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Family Movie at Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester (Free)
3:30 PM–4:30 PM: Games Galore at Brownell Library (Free)
3:30 PM: Purim at the Circus! at 57 South Williams Street, Burlington
4:00 PM–5:30 PM: Writing Circle at Pathways Vermont (Free)
4:00 PM–7:00 PM: Volunteer Safety Whistle Assembly Party at Generator Makerspace (Free/Volunteer)
5:00 PM–7:00 PM: Pause-Café Mardi – French Conversation at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
5:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vermonters for People Oriented Places (VPOP) Social Hour at Zero Gravity Brewery (Free)
5:00 PM–11:00 PM: Super Smash Tuesdays at Rí Rá Irish Pub (Free-play)
5:00 PM–9:00 PM: Poutine Night at The Lazy Goat Tavern ($14+)
5:00 PM–9:00 PM: Taco Tuesday at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski ($3.50 each or 3/$9)
5:15 PM–6:00 PM: Community Meditation at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM–7:30 PM: Ice Breaker Speaker Series: Ashley Sullivan at Community Sailing Center (Free)
5:30 PM: Pawsitive Touch 6-Week Beginner Dog Obedience Class in South Burlington ($185)
5:30 PM–7:30 PM: [MEETUP] 5K Run @ Foam Brewers at Foam Brewers (Free)
6:00 PM–9:00 PM: Latin Dance Night at Switchback at Switchback Brewing Co. ($20 class/$10 social)
6:00 PM: March – Lindy 1 at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall
6:00 PM: March Shim Sham! at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall
6:30 PM–8:00 PM: Burlington Literature Group (Free)
7:00 PM: All That Jazz Open Mic Comedy at the 126 (Free)
7:00 PM: Open Mic Night at The Venetian Soda Lounge
7:00 PM: Trivia Tuesday at On Tap Bar & Grill (Free)
7:00 PM: March – Beginning Swing at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall
7:00 PM: Trivia Tuesdays at 4 Park St, Essex Junction
7:00 PM–8:00 PM: HU Chant: Spark Plug to Spiritual Growth (Online) via Zoom (Free)
7:00 PM: Live Election Night Results Show at 294 North Winooski Ave, Burlington (Free)
7:00 PM–9:00 PM: [MEETUP] Trivia Night at Burger Bar in Colchester (Free)
7:00 PM–8:30 PM: March Full Moon Ritual at Rock Point at Rock Point Center (Free)
7:00 PM–9:00 PM: Open Gym Basketball for Dads at Mater Christi School (Free)
7:30 PM: Tuesday Trivia at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington (Free)
Time not specified: Vermont Figure Drawing Collective at Karma Bird House
Time not specified: Traditional Tuesday at Mesmer Kava
Performances
7:30 PM: Uncle Vanya at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center ($20–$30)
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM–9:00 PM: Fool Moon Dance Party at the Old Lantern! at Old Lantern Events Barn, Charlotte ($10.60) – DJ Roost
6:00 PM: Bashment Tuesday at Akes Place (Free)
6:00 PM: Grooveasaurus & Friends at Monkey House (Free)
6:30 PM: Audrey Pearl, Aida O'Brien, Julia Randall at Radio Bean ($10)
7:30 PM: Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond at Flynn Main Stage ($50.75–$206.50)
8:00 PM: Dead Is Alive with Dobbs' Dead at Einstein's Tap House ($15)
9:00 PM: Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride at the 126 (Free)
9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with Pony Hustle at Radio Bean ($10)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
General Events
10:30 AM–11:30 AM: Therapy Dog Mick Visit at Main Reading Room, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
11:15 AM: From Powder Room…to…Pull-Up-a-Chair! with Paula Glasman at The Flynn Center
12:30 PM–8:00 PM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Main Reading Room North, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
2:00 PM–4:00 PM: Community Partners Desk: Habitat for Humanity at Main Reading Room, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
4:00 PM: Greg Noonan Day at Vermont Pub and Brewery
5:00 PM–7:00 PM: LOGOS Kids' Night at College Street Congregational Church (Free)
5:00 PM–7:00 PM: Public Meeting: Williston Rd & Mary St Scoping Study at South Burlington City Hall / Zoom (Free)
5:30 PM–6:30 PM: Spanish Class at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
5:30 PM–7:30 PM: [MEETUP] Pick-up Basketball at Gutterson Fieldhouse ($10 UVM day pass required)
6:00 PM: Champ Masters Toastmasters Club at Dealer.com (Free)
6:00 PM: Bob's Burgers at Hotel Champlain
6:00 PM: March 2026 Meetup – AI & Real Estate at Burlington Beer Company
6:00 PM–8:00 PM: 3-Week Bicycle Care & Basics Class (Session 1) at Old Spokes Home (Sliding scale)
6:00 PM–10:00 PM: [MEETUP] Scrabble Night @ The Boardroom at The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe (Free)
6:30 PM: Music Trivia at Standing Stone Wines (Free)
6:30 PM: Trivia Night at Burlington Beer Company
6:30 PM–8:30 PM: [MEETUP] Crafting in Community at 11 Pearl Street, Suite 206, Essex Junction (Free)
6:30 PM–8:30 PM: [MEETUP] Trivia Night at Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
6:45 PM: Wednesday Lessons & Social at Vermont Swings / North Star Community Hall
7:00 PM: The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam at Lily's Pad (Free)
7:00 PM: Dad Guild Fitness Night at The Guild Hall (Free)
7:00 PM: Trivia at Rí Rá Irish Pub (Free)
8:00 PM: Karaoke Friday Night at Park Place Tavern & Grill (Free)
8:30 PM: Standup Open Mic at Vermont Comedy Club (Free)
Time not specified: Citizen Cider Trivia Night at Citizen Cider
Time not specified: Smash Burgers at The Lazy Goat Tavern at The Essex
Time not specified: Wednesday $10.00 Burger Night at Original Skiff + Oyster at Hotel Champlain
Performances
6:30 PM: March Madness: TwoProv Prelims at Vermont Comedy Club ($5)
7:30 PM: Uncle Vanya at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center ($20–$30)
Live Music/DJ
7:00 PM: The Thing, Noah Kesey at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
8:30 PM: [MEETUP] Jazz Night with Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)
9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at the 126 (Free)
Thursday, March 5, 2026
General Events
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Library Outreach Specialist Office Hours at Main Reading Room North, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
12:00 PM–1:00 PM: Italian Conversation Group at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
3:00 PM–5:00 PM: Community Partners Desk: Burlington Electric at Main Reading Room, Fletcher Free Library (Free)
4:00 PM–6:00 PM: Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Party at Burnham Library, Colchester (Free, Registration Required)
4:00 PM–5:45 PM: VTIFF Screening: The President's Cake (2025) at Main Street Landing Film House ($6–$12)
4:30 PM–5:30 PM: Spanish Conversation at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
5:00 PM: Thursday Happy Hour at Lincoln's at Lincolns Burlington
5:00 PM–9:00 PM: Music Bingo at The Lazy Goat Tavern at The Essex
6:00 PM: Pottery Painting at Ladybug Creative at 207 College St, Burlington
6:00 PM: Learn and Play Spirit Island with Jared at The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe
6:00 PM: Fat Thursday – Guided Group Rides at Catamount OFC at 592 Governor Chittenden Rd, Williston
6:00 PM–10:00 PM: [MEETUP] Crokinole at The Boardroom at The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe ($6)
7:00 PM–8:30 PM: Women & Non-Binary Backcountry 101 at Outdoor Gear Exchange ($5 donation)
7:00 PM–9:00 PM: Thursday Night Figure Drawing at Queen City Oddfellows Lodge ($15–$20 suggested donation)
7:30 PM–8:30 PM: South Burlington Rotary Club Meeting at South Burlington Senior Center (Free)
8:00 PM: TRIVIA NIGHT at Einstein's at 165 Church St, Burlington
10:00 PM–11:55 PM: Karaoke Night at Rí Rá Irish Pub
Time not specified: Country & Western Thursdays at The Venetian Soda Lounge
Time not specified: Trivia Night at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski
Performances
8:00 PM: Genius Hour Comedy Show at Einstein Tap House ($5, NOTAFLOF)
Live Music/DJ
6:00 PM: Dan Parks at On Tap at On Tap Bar & Grill
7:30 PM: REPRISE – Recreating 07/03/95 Sugarbush at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
8:00 PM: Khamari at Higher Ground Ballroom
8:00 PM: Whiskey Ginger w/ Night Hawk & Ashna Hille at Radio Bean
Time not specified: Lincoln Sprague Rhodes & Drums at The Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
Here are some of my favorite BtownBrief links:
Full list of 202+ activities to do at anytime is always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do
Full list of restaurant reviews here.
View the full list of food & drink deals here.
That’s All, Burlington!
That wraps up your Monday morning Btown Brief. It's Town Meeting Day tomorrow, so get out and vote, grab a bake sale cookie, and maybe catch some live results coverage after the polls close. If any of the stories or events above caught your eye, click through and support the local outlets and organizers who keep this community running.
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