***For best viewing experience, scroll all the way up in email and click Read Online***

Monday's bringing us into the home stretch before Thanksgiving with relatively cooperative weather. Today’s temps reached the upper 30s to low 40s. Tuesday stays cloudy but warmer, pushing into the mid 40s. The big news for travelers: Wednesday's rain showers arrive with mild temps near 50, but nothing that should cause major headaches on the roads. Thanksgiving itself looks dry with a mostly cloudy sky and highs around 40, though Black Friday brings a sharp cooldown with temperatures dropping back to the mid 30s and some possible snow showers. If you're planning a post turkey nap, you've picked the right day to stay in.

Tonight's a quieter one, but the South Burlington Public Library welcomes cookbook author Gesine Bullock-Prado from 6 to 7:30 PM to discuss her new book. And if you're looking to brush up on your Spanish, Spanish Chat meets at Three Needs from 7 to 8 PM, where all levels are welcome and the atmosphere is supportive.

Tuesday picks up considerably. Over at the Flynn, Rice Memorial High School takes the stage for their 95th annual Stunt Nite, with shows at 4 PM and 8 PM. Each class competes for bragging rights in what's become a beloved Burlington tradition of music, dancing, and general teenage enthusiasm. Local Motion is hosting their EZ Breezy Fall Formal Bike Ride at 6 PM from the Trailside Center on Steele Street, where the pace is casual but the dress code is fancy. There's also a Spanish conversation group meeting at 6:30 PM. The Vermont Figure Drawing Collective hosts their weekly session at Karma Bird House on Maple Street from 6 to 8 PM, with a new nude model each week and materials provided for a $20 entry fee. Over at the Fletcher Free Library, the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance continues their Truth and Justice Series from 6 to 8 PM, this month focusing on five things Vermonters can do to reclaim democracy.

Wednesday is where things really pick up. The weekly Pop Up Market at Last Stop in Winooski runs from 5:30 to 8:30 PM featuring local artisans, food by Fatty Molts, drink specials, and door prizes. Winooski High alumni are gathering at Dumb Luck Pub and Grill starting around 6 PM for a multi year reunion, so stop by if you want to catch up with old friends home for the holidays. For live music, Mary Mercik plays Pearl Street Pub from 6 to 9 PM, while Jamie Lee Thurston and Fran Briand take over The Old Post in South Burlington at 7 PM. Foam Brewers is hosting Thanksgiving Eve Comedy at 7 PM, headlined by Vermont native Kendall Farrell alongside Tina Friml, Zoe Bernstein, Tracy Dolan, Nic Sisk, and Liam Welsh. Tickets are $24.80. And over in Essex Junction, On Tap Bar & Grill throws what they're calling the biggest party night of the year with 90 Proof taking the stage at 8 PM.

Thanksgiving morning offers several ways to earn your second helping of stuffing. Early birds can join the Peace & Justice Center's BTV Clean Up Crew at 7:30 AM at the top of Church Street outside Kru Coffee to help clean up downtown before the festivities. In the Old North End, Momo's Market hosts their third annual Turkey Trot Trot starting at 8 AM, a friendly 5k through the Old North End Flats followed by community, coffee, and pie sharing in the parking lot. All race fees benefit Steps to End Domestic Violence, and locally designed t-shirts are available. The GMAA Turkey Trot 5k kicks off at 10 AM from UVM's Gutterson Field House with a quarter mile kids' race at 9:45, benefiting Feeding Chittenden with a suggested $5 donation. For the football inclined, the 9th Annual Family Friendly Turkey Bowl happens at Starr Farm Park with warmups starting at 10 AM and kickoff at 11 AM, plus hot cider and donuts on the porch at 5 Pleasant Ave afterward.

For those seeking a proper Thanksgiving meal with community, you've got options. Papa Frank's in Winooski serves a free community Thanksgiving meal from noon to 3 PM in honor of longtime owner Moe Paquette's late wife Karen, with delivery available if you call ahead at 802-655-2423. Saving Grace Family Ministries hosts a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 1 to 4 PM at 21 Buell Street in Burlington, welcoming all. The DoubleTree in South Burlington offers a grand Thanksgiving Buffet beneath their glass atrium canopy with seatings at 11 AM and 1:30 PM, featuring carved turkey, a raw bar, and chef attended stations for $55 per adult (reservations required.) Over in Essex Junction, Pearl Street Pub hosts their fourth annual Thanksgiving Customer Appreciation with football and a traditional deep fried turkey dinner served at 4 PM. And if you're looking for something creative to do after the meal, Thursday Night Figure Drawing runs from 7 to 9 PM at the Queen City Oddfellows Lodge on North Avenue, with a suggested donation of $15 to $20.

Share this newsletter with everyone you know that’s interested in all things Burlington! 5 referrals gets you your own shoutout on the newsletter.

We’ve got an official Meetup group for Burlington! The city’s packed with things to do. Btown Brief highlights it, and Btown Brief IRL gets you out experiencing it with people.

Always a great turn out! Another coffee meetup this Saturday at 10am at Zero Gravity. It’s always great seeing familiar faces, and even better meeting new ones each week. We’ll chat about Vermont living, touch on a bit of local news, and share what’s worth checking out around town this weekend. Come hang, have a coffee, and join the conversation.

If you want to connect outside of coffee meet-ups, join the Telegram chat. It’s the easiest place to see what others are up to, share ideas, and make casual plans while I keep improving how these events run. Feedback is always welcome! It’s just a one-man team so any sounding boards are great.

Click here to: Join Meetup group | RSVP here | Support the Newsletter

Big Heavy World to Close Headquarters in December

The volunteer run nonprofit, founded by Jim Lockridge in 1996, has been a cornerstone of Vermont's DIY music scene for nearly three decades. Lockridge, who moved to Arizona last year to be closer to family, acknowledged the challenges of running the organization remotely while serving as its sole major fundraiser. The Tiny Museum of Vermont Music History and Vermont Music Library will continue in some form, though the fate of the Radiator, the online radio station launched with Radio Bean's Lee Anderson in 2007, remains unclear. For anyone who's ever dug through Big Heavy World's archives or caught a local band because of their work, this one stings.

Local Restaurants Help Nonprofits Serve Free Thanksgiving Meals

For the fourth consecutive year, Farmhouse Group chefs are preparing turkey dinners for roughly 1,500 people, with meals distributed through various Burlington nonprofits on Wednesday and Thursday. King Street Laundry is also stepping up with free takeout meals donated by Waterworks Food + Drink during their weekly laundry service for people experiencing homelessness. Feeding Champlain Valley is still accepting turkey and side dish donations through Wednesday at their North Winooski Avenue location. The full list of free meal sites spans both days, from sit down dinners at the Salvation Army to takeout at the Fletcher Free Library.

South Burlington Man Provides Help for Holidays

Louis Godin's Neighbors Helping Neighbors Project is now in its 11th year, collecting food along with paper goods and hygiene products from his garage at 31 McIntosh Ave every Saturday through December 31 from 8 AM to noon. The initiative has collected roughly 14,000 pounds of food over the past decade, with donations going to the Health Center in Burlington, Feeding Chittenden, and the Humane Society. Godin contacts organizations beforehand to identify specific needs, making it easier for donors to contribute what's actually wanted. With South Burlington Food Shelf numbers exceeding historical averages and potential SNAP cuts looming, the timing couldn't be more relevant.

Hofstra Upsets Vermont in NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament

The defending national champions and tournament's top seed fell 3-2 in overtime at Virtue Field, ending a 29 game unbeaten streak that had sellout crowds showing up all season. Rui Aoki's chaotic corner kick goal tied it with under 10 minutes left, but Hofstra's Laurie Goddard found the winner in the first overtime period. The Catamounts finished 14-1-5 and claimed their second straight America East championship, but coach Rob Dow's squad won't get the chance to defend their national title. For a program that's become a genuine source of statewide pride, the sudden ending hurts, though Dow promised higher expectations heading into 2026.

Vermont's Outdated Tech Can Leave Lawmakers in the Dark

The state's aging information systems, many built in the 1980s and 1990s on obsolete programming languages, continue to hamper everything from emergency response to basic policy decisions. The school redistricting task force discovered this firsthand when the Agency of Education provided data that were, in Senator Martine Gulick's words, "all over the map." The Department for Children and Families operates the oldest child welfare data systems in the nation, struggling to track basic information like foster children's allergies and custody details. A replacement system is expected by spring 2028 at a cost of $30 to $50 million, while total state IT projects since 2018 are estimated to exceed $760 million. For a citizen legislature that meets only January through May, waiting weeks or months for accurate data isn't at all ideal; in fact, it fundamentally compromises the quality of lawmaking.

Burlington Interim Police Chief Discusses Changes in BPD

Interim Chief Shawn Burke, now seven months into the job after his surprise return from South Burlington, sat down to discuss the department's progress and ongoing challenges. While increased patrols in City Hall Park have pushed some activity to other areas including Battery Park, Vermont State Police are now providing extra downtown support. Burke emphasized that the city needs social service resources alongside law enforcement to address root causes. The full 12 minute interview is available on NBC5's website by clicking here.

South Burlington Fire Station in Need of Expansion

The fire department's prevention team, currently crammed into a 350 square foot trailer that's miserable in both winter and summer, would get a proper 2,000 square foot addition with offices, a conference room, and public meeting space. The $2 million project heads to voters on Town Meeting Day, funded not through property taxes but through new capital assessment fees and rental registration surplus revenues. Chief Steve Locke estimates the debt would be paid off in about 10 years, at which point the fees would sunset.

Killington Pushes Forward with $60M in Improvements

The state's largest ski area is sitting out this year's World Cup racing, which relocated to Colorado while Killington completes a new $12 million Superstar trail chairlift. The resort's new independent owners are hoping to bring back the Thanksgiving weekend competition in 2026, possibly on an every other year rotation with Copper Mountain to manage the event's $2 million annual cost. An additional $22 million in snowmaking infrastructure upgrades was just announced, part of the nimble decision making the ownership group says independence allows. Killington opened November 12 with record early season terrain and expects a busy holiday week even without the international racing crowd.

Trappers and Educators Protect Vermont Against Invasive Beetle

Teams are deploying Lindgren funnel traps at six Vermont forest sites, targeting campgrounds and areas with recycled wood or shipping pallets where the pest might arrive via infested firewood. The stakes are serious: in Worcester, Massachusetts, 30,000 trees have been removed since 2008 to contain an infestation that went undetected for 15 years. The ALB doesn't discriminate among tree species the way some borers do, making Vermont's maple dominated forests particularly vulnerable. Anyone who thinks they've spotted the beetle or its distinctive pencil sized exit holes should report it to Vermont Invasives, even if they're not certain.

Seven Days: Magnificent 7 Events This Week

The editors' picks for the week include the Isaiah J. Thompson Trio performing "A Guaraldi Holiday" at Middlebury's Mahaney Arts Center on Wednesday, plus the Fleming Museum's ongoing kimono exhibit exploring the garment's evolution from ancient traditions to modern wear. The Albany Berkshire Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Flynn on Saturday, while the Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures opens the same day with more than 60 storefront windows displaying tiny terrariums, model trains, and elaborately detailed dollhouses. For those seeking a new holiday tradition, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science's A Forest of Lights in Quechee features illuminated displays, a sparkle dome, and hot chocolate by the campfire.

Employees' Union Asks Judge to Block Return-to-Office Mandate — The Vermont State Employees' Association filed for an injunction in Washington County Superior Court this week, seeking to delay Governor Scott's December 1 policy requiring state workers in the office at least three days a week. The state recently signed a $2.3 million lease for additional Waterbury office space to accommodate the change. A hearing is expected next week.

Bolton Valley Opens Ski Season Early — The resort fired up lifts Saturday, a full week ahead of their planned Black Friday opening. President Lindsay DesLauriers said she couldn't remember the last time they opened before Thanksgiving. This marks Bolton's first season without founder Ralph DesLauriers, Lindsay's father, who passed away in October. Expect top to bottom access by next weekend.

Vermont Public's Local Gift Guide 2025 — Looking for holiday gifts that support local makers? Vermont Public compiled a comprehensive guide featuring everything from Darn Tough socks and Bag Balm tins to handmade wooden spoons, beaded rings by South Burlington's Isaac Shoulderblade, and mid century modern birdhouses from Pleasant Ranch in Winooski. Categories range from under $20 stocking stuffers to experiential gifts like flower subscriptions and craft classes.

The University of Vermont swimming and diving program highlighted the weekend action, securing a dominant invitational victory, while the men’s soccer team saw their season conclude in a dramatic NCAA Tournament battle.

The swimming and diving team claimed their fifth straight Harold Anderson Invitational title in Rhode Island, finishing with 865 points. On the final day, Amy Kenworthy won the 1650 Free with a time that set a pool, meet, and UVM first-year record. The 400 Free Relay team of Anastazja Szukala, Michaela Grace Miller, Izzy Macheel, and Katie Lester also set pool and meet records to close out the competition. Earlier in the weekend, Natalie Schick set a new varsity record in the 100 Back, and Jocelyn LeGere set a meet record in the 400 IM as the Catamounts built an insurmountable lead.

At Virtue Field, the men’s soccer team conceded a 3-2 overtime decision to Hofstra in the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Philipp Kühn opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Rui Aoki netted an equalizer in the 84th minute to force extra time. Omar Robbana provided assists on both goals, but Hofstra secured the win in the 97th minute. Great game though guys.

In Connecticut, the women’s hockey team fell 6-3 to No. 9 UConn. Despite the loss, Vermont became just the third team this season to score three goals against the Huskies, with tallies coming from Stella Retrum, Makena Lloyd-Howe, and Morgann Skoda. Back at Gutterson Fieldhouse, the men’s hockey team dropped a 5-1 contest to Harvard during the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Blake Steenerson scored the lone goal for the Catamounts early in the first period.

On the West Coast, the women’s basketball team lost 71-39 to No. 25 Washington in Seattle. Keira Hanson led the team with 12 points, while Nikola Priede secured a team-high eight rebounds.

General Events

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Live Music/DJ

I hope you’re enjoying those Wednedays editions! I have plans for a rotation of Food Deal highlights, Poll Questions, Top Reddit Posts, Volunteer Opportunities, Reader Photos, Restaurant Spotlights, Small Business Features, and Btown Explained (quick local deep dive). Or Dine Out Review, Podcast Pick, Pet of the Week (adoptable to user submitted), new local Job Highlights, a Burlington Throwback Photo or Fact, and a quick Burlington Game like “Spot That Location”, VT crossword, or unscramble popular Burlington terms.

Here are some of my favorite btownbrief links:

Full list of 202+ activities to do at anytime is always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Full list of restaurant reviews here.

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Whether you're lacing up for a turkey trot, settling into a free community meal, or simply surviving the family chaos with a second slice of pie, we hope your Thanksgiving week is a good one. Have a tip, event, or feedback? Send it our way. Happy Thanksgiving, Btown.

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.

**Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief VERY soon, stay tuned!**