Wednesday Editions! Monday and Friday are reserved for news and events. Wednesdays are for everything else worth highlighting.

Vermont Public's Vermont Edition, hosted by Mikaela Lefrak, brought Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak in for a wide-ranging hour that keeps circling back to one uncomfortable reality: the city's tax base barely moves. Mulvaney-Stanak put a number on it, roughly 1% annual growth on the grand list for over a decade, and explained that between UVM, nonprofits, and faith organizations, a huge portion of Burlington's land isn't even taxable. That context reframes everything else in the conversation. The 27 vacant positions she wants to cut, the voluntary furlough program she hopes will save $200,000, the layoffs from last year that she's still clearly processing ("I took that really hard decision very seriously"), all of it traces back to a revenue structure she described as fundamentally broken. She tried to push a homestead exemption through the city council last year to give lower-income property owners some relief and the Democratic majority shot it down, which she brought up with the kind of specificity that suggested the sting hasn't worn off.

There was an interesting exchange where a caller named Rea Moskowitz, who listed a string of downtown incidents, two robberies at a Church Street shop called Nostalgia, reported theft losses at TJ Maxx, open drug use in City Hall Park, and asked why the city hadn't done more. Mulvaney-Stanak responded with the community accountability docket, a special court she helped stand up with the governor that cleared about 7,700 backlogged cases. Lefrak then went back to the caller to ask if he'd noticed any improvement. He said yes, actually, he had. That back and forth felt more honest than either side alone would have. On the overdose prevention site, the mayor owned up to her 2024 timeline being way too optimistic, laughing a little at her former self as "a very bright eyed and very energized mayor," and said the city is now studying Montreal's mobile clinic model rather than committing to a fixed location. Herbalist Betsy Bancroft closes things out with a surprisingly compelling segment on her new book "Herbal Pharmacy" and a pitch for eating your dandelions that might make you think twice before mowing this weekend.

Vermont Public's Vermont Edition had another great episode this week where they give the first half of this 57-minute episode entirely to Gov. Phil Scott, who came on with the legislative session winding down and didn't budge on any of it. He's still holding the budget as leverage to force school district mergers, something he says he's been clear about since his January budget address, and when Lefrak asked whether legislative leaders actually support forced mergers, his answer landed in a weird middle ground: they "understand the need," he said, but they're "having trouble getting the votes." He pointed out the window at Montpelier High School to make his case, noting it's gone from Division One to Division Two, lost its football and hockey teams, and now offers far less than it once did. A caller named Zach from East Montpelier pushed back on the property tax buydown, suggesting it takes the urgency out of reform, and Scott conceded the point but said "I'm not here to punish taxpayers." He also defended the $15 million ask for UVM's stalled athletic venue, name-dropping Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas, and Ben Ogden as products of the university, and pushed back on critics of his return-to-office order by framing three days a week as already a compromise, noting that most Vermonters he hears from are asking "why not five?"

Statehouse reporter Peter Hirschfeld joined right after for a debrief, noting a closed-door meeting in the previous 24 hours between Democratic lawmakers and Scott administration officials that everyone called productive, though no actual language came out of the room and Hirschfeld has seen that movie before. The back half shifts to Seven Days food editor Melissa Pasanen previewing summer picnic spots, breaking the news that Cafe Hot in Burlington is closing because one of the owners has twins and wants to be near family, and flagging a new dim sum menu at Asiana House and a restaurant called Barbarian coming to Stowe with hash browns and caviar on the breakfast menu.

This week in Vermont podcasts, Vermont Edition had other great episode too, such as when they dove into tick season with Middlebury biologist David Allen breaking down the three species Vermonters need to watch for. Over on The Morning Drive on WVMT, the parade of political guests continued with Sen. Tom Chittenden, Rep. Joe Luneau, Rep. Bram Kleppner, Vermont GOP Chair Paul Dame, and Housing Commissioner Alex Farrell all weighing in on the session's final stretch, while Senate candidates Elaine Haney and Bruce Roy made their cases, Erik Wells and Kevin Unrath explained Williston's library project re-vote, and two-time Olympic silver medalist cross-country skier Ben Ogden chatted about his career. The Frequency kept up its tight daily format with stories on Bennington Little League's new indoor facility, St. Mike's launching an EMS degree, a Dartmouth study on intensifying rainfall patterns, a Starksboro musician-carpenter renovating a seven-year-old song, and a quick Capitol Recap on the high-stakes fight over forced school mergers. Vermont This Week tackled unfunded mandates and legislative funding woes, while Vermont Talks featured a conversation about Make Music Day VT with Vincent Freeman and caught up with Burlington musicians Taylor Friss and Casey Culp. There's No "A" in Creemee celebrated its podiversary with a fun role reversal as Charity Clark and Owen Foster turned the tables on hosts Joanna and Andy. Net Zero Energy Vermont brought on Burlington Electric's Darren Springer to spotlight a notable 24.3% drop in local fossil fuel use for ground transportation. Load-in Through the Back sat down with Boston funk-pop band Couch for a nearly 50-minute deep dive into their rise on the festival circuit, and United in Green delivered an hour-long preview of the 2026 VTGFC men's season, complete with some good-natured ribbing about the training kit. Happy Vermont highlighted Vermont museums showcasing Rockwell, chairs, and gambling exhibits in 2026, and finally, novelist Tim Weed, photographer Nate Larson, and filmmaker Robbie Leppzer joined Vermont Edition to discuss their latest creative projects coming out of the Green Mountain State.

Find all the different podcasts by visiting this page I made of local Vermont podcasts

Be the Energy They Need: Volunteer for the Vermont City Marathon!

One of Burlington’s biggest weekends is almost here. The M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon takes over the streets on Sunday, May 24th, and the organizers are putting out the call for more hands on deck.

They are specifically looking for Course Monitors (ages 15+) for the Central Section (which is right in the middle of all the action!) to help direct traffic and keep the racers safe. Not sure what you want to do? You can also sign up for the "Up for Anything" slot and go where the need is greatest. Honestly, there’s plenty of other things you can sign up to help with such as staffing the racers' food tent, joining the Green Team to keep the park clean, or helping out with the Youth Events on Saturday. Check it out here.

The Perks:

Let's show up for our runners! 👉 Grab your volunteer slot here

Check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Best coffee in Burlington?” and it received 45 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Check out the post here for every answer: Link

Check out the previous polls I tallied: ”Best of” Btown Eats Polls Archive

Do you agree? If not, send me your favorite recommendation by replying to this email!

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Have corrections? Email me at [email protected]

Someone started this spreadsheet for the most up-to-date.

Help grow it! Add your deal here.

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The Btown Brief merch store is live! Shop 15 subtle, Burlington-inspired designs on premium Comfort Colors tees and long sleeves. No touristy vibes, just high-quality gear that supports this city guide.

Shop here: [Btown Brief Merch]

Five more to match that almost-summer period where the jackets are lighter but the lake still looks colder than it feels. Start with a kayak rental from the Community Sailing Center and paddle along the shoreline while the water is still calm and quiet before peak summer traffic arrives. Walk the trails at Red Rocks Park where everything is finally turning green again and the overlooks start feeling worth lingering at. Grab a coffee and pastry from August First, then take a slow lap through downtown while patios begin filling back up for the season. Spend an afternoon browsing the South End Arts District where doors start opening wider and the neighborhood comes back to life after winter. Finish the evening at Battery Park where people gather for the sunset the second Burlington gets even a hint of summer energy back.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Events Coming Up Soon:

An Evening with Ken Burns Wednesday, May 20th

Happening tonight at The Flynn in downtown Burlington, legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Known for defining historical masterpieces like The Civil War, Baseball, and The National Parks, the 17-time Emmy winner will share insights from his nearly 50-year career. It's a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential storytellers of our time as he discusses his past acclaimed projects and previews his upcoming film, The American Revolution.

Bike Bloom Thursday, May 21st

Kicking off tomorrow evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Intervale Center in Burlington, Old Spokes Home and the Intervale Center are co-hosting the 4th annual Bike Bloom in partnership with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. The celebration starts with five different guided group rides (you can choose your pace and style) and ends with a party and bike show. It’s free to attend, though donations are accepted, making it a fantastic way to welcome the cycling season.

Adventure Dinner BTV Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt Saturday, May 23rd

Downtown Burlington turns into an 18-hole putting green this Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adventure Dinner and The Portable Mini Golf Company are bringing back their popular scavenger hunt, with mini-golf holes scattered across Church Street Marketplace shops, cafes, and hot spots. Tickets are $35 and include a box lunch, snacks, and a souvenir map. Making it a perfect way to support local businesses while getting a little competitive with friends.

Essex Memorial Day Parade Saturday, May 23rd

Essex Junction honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice with its 39th annual Memorial Day Parade, stepping off at 10:00 a.m. sharp. This year’s theme is "All Gave Some, Some Gave All," with Vietnam veteran Thomas Cilley serving as Grand Marshal. The event kicks off with a 9:30 a.m. service at Veterans Memorial Park and features a newly updated route through Five Corners, complete with a community gathering space featuring food trucks and vendors along Main Street.

May Bird Monitoring Walk Saturday, May 30th

Grab your binoculars and head to the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for their monthly monitoring walk. Open to birders of all experience levels, participants will record species across the museum's trails, forest, and meadow. The event is free with a suggested donation of $10 to $15, but space is limited to 12 people, so preregistration is highly recommended.

Winooski Service Carnival Sunday, May 31st

The Winooski Farmers Market is teaming up with Lions Club District 45 to host a brand-new event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Winooski Falls Way. The carnival highlights local service organizations, helping residents connect with community resources and volunteer opportunities. Alongside the informational booths, you can expect fun activities and a full lineup of regular Sunday farmers market vendors.

Further Out Events To Keep on Your Radar:

CAKE Tuesday, June 2nd

Alternative rock staples CAKE are bringing their defiantly original, deadpan sound to the Midway Lawn at the Champlain Valley Exposition next Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Presented by Higher Ground, this outdoor, rain-or-shine show is a perfect early summer outing. Fans can expect to hear classics alongside fresh material like "Billionaire in Space" and "Hold You (Responsible)." Bring a blanket or chair to claim your spot on the lawn, but leave the food and drinks at home. As a bonus for families, kids 12 and under get in completely free.

2026 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Wednesday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 7th

For its 43rd year, this iconic festival turns downtown Burlington into a city-wide stage. Curated by MacArthur Fellow and pianist Jason Moran, the five-day event features a massive lineup ranging from Flynn Main Stage headliners like Savion Glover and Chris Potter to free waterfront performances by Mavis Staples and Tank & The Bangas. Dozens of student bands will also play along Church Street, continuing the cherished tradition of keeping much of the festival free and open to everyone.

New England’s Odd and Unusual Show Saturday, June 6th

Calling all wonderful weirdos: the New England’s Odd and Unusual Show is taking over the Champlain Valley Exposition on Saturday, June 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This unique festival celebrates all things macabre, paranormal, horror, and occult. Patrons can shop wares from 45 talented artists and makers, get a psychic tarot reading, or take in an enthralling dark circus performance by Diiiotima Arts. It shapes up to be a fascinating, offbeat way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Essex Junction.

30th Annual Strawberry Festival Saturday, June 20th

Sam Mazza's Farm Market in Colchester is celebrating three decades of berry-fueled fun from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The festival will feature classic activities like pony rides by Harvest Moon Valley Ranch, kids' crafts, and bounce castles, plus live music from "She Was Right." Don't forget to come hungry for the strawberry fudge, strawberry shortcake, and treats from Mr. Rick's Chuck Wagon.

Vermont Renaissance Faire Saturday, June 27th – Sunday, June 28th

The Champlain Valley Exposition celebrates a decade of revelry with the 10th Anniversary of the Vermont Renaissance Faire. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days, the weekend promises medieval adventure with over 150 artisans, local mead and cider makers, epic jousting, and armored combat. Advance adult tickets are $20 for a single day, with kids under 6 getting in for free. Costumes are highly encouraged but not required!

The locals on r/burlington had another week full of hot takes, heart, and hyper-specific requests. From road rage to free tomato seedlings, here's what the community has been buzzing about:

Landlord of the Year: The post that won the subreddit this week was a pitch-perfect parody landlord listing offering a "sh*t box apartment" for $1,869.420 a month while agonizing over Italian tile for the garage.

UVM in Trouble: The subreddit passed around a report about UVM staring down a $12 million budget deficit fueled by a projected 7% enrollment drop and a 15% decline in first-year and transfer students.

Healthy Living vs. The Union: Workers at Healthy Living voted to unionize, but the company is now challenging the results of the vote. The thread went about as well as you'd expect.

Food Not Cops, One Year Later: One user is wondering why everyone seems to have collectively memory-holed the Food Not Cops situation. It's been a full year since City Council authorized $10K for relocation, and the group is still operating out of City Hall Park.

The Hummer Guy: Someone spotted a massive white Hummer pickup with a vanity plate that just says "PHISH" and couldn't help but appreciate the irony of repping a band known for environmental activism from inside a civilian assault vehicle whose battery weighs as much as a small car.

The Upside of Living Next to Chaos: In a beautifully backhanded love letter to the city, a 22-year resident admitted that while living next to a drug dealing hotspot has its problems, there's one unexpected perk: you never have to worry about getting rid of old junk. Just set it outside and it vanishes.

UVMMC Wants a Donation: A resident got a good laugh when a donation solicitation from UVM Medical Center arrived in the mail. The general vibe in the comments? Bold move asking patients to pay even more on top of what they already owe.

Sky Watching: The community enjoyed a gorgeous rainbow followed by an awesome sunset mid-week. Separately, a night owl looking out their window around 1 AM noticed a bright reddish-orange glow lighting up the sky with no smoke smell or sirens to explain it.

Tomorrow's Complaint Forecast: In a very on-brand meta post, one user preemptively asked what everyone plans to complain about on a beautiful day. Loud cars, loud music, weed smoke, wrong lanes. The forecast calls for peak Burlington griping.

Downtown Food Scene Shakeup: Word is spreading that changes are coming to the downtown Burlington food scene. Details are still trickling in, so keep your eyes on this one.

The Lobster Sauce Quest: One user is on a very specific and very valid mission to track down Cantonese/Kowloon-style lobster sauce somewhere in the greater Burlington area. If you know, you know.

Is the Late Night Still Alive? A pair of self-described "old" locals who are usually home by 8 PM got curious and asked the subreddit what downtown actually looks like after 10 PM these days. Do bars still spill into the street at closing? Is there still live music anywhere?

Road Rage & Reckless Driving: A longtime resident captured a wrong-way driver downtown and said they'd never seen anything like it in 20+ years, and another commuter flagged a dangerous driver weaving through 89 North between Waterbury and Burlington.

Nighttime Car Pilfering: A South End resident posted security footage of someone going through their car overnight and is asking if anyone recognizes the hoodie. Warm weather means pilfering season is back, so lock your doors.

Free Plants in the Park: A gardener whose seeds went wild left free tomato, herb, and hot pepper starts in City Hall Park by the blue restaurant kiosk. Brandywine tomatoes, Midnight Pear cherries, lemon balm, oregano, biquinho peppers, ring of fire cayenne.

Dads, Learn to Braid: One of the most wholesome posts of the week promoted a Hairdos & Don'ts workshop at the Soda Plant's Guild Hall where a stylist taught dads the basics of brushing, ponytails, and braiding their kids' hair.

Vintage Market & Yard Sales: The Burlington Vintage Market brought 15 vendors to the Barge Canal alongside the Pine Street farmers market. Multiple yard sales also popped up around town, including one where the host promised to grill you a hot dog with purchase while supplies lasted.

Outdoor Karaoke at the Spanked Puppy: Jenny Red Karaoke set up on the outdoor stage at the Spanked Puppy, which claims to have the largest outdoor patio in Chittenden County. Full bar, food menu, and a covered stage.

Free Haircuts for the Unhoused: A local barber shop is offering free haircuts to unhoused community members. Simple, kind, and exactly the type of thing Burlington does well.

Public Jam Session: A guitarist put out an open invite to come jam at the twin pine trees off Shelburne Road behind Bliss Bee. Guitar and amp provided, vibes are free.

College Essay Head Start: A local high school teacher partnered with Fletcher Free Library for a free college essay webinar this Thursday aimed at rising seniors. If your kid needs to write the essay over the summer, this is the move.

Nightlife Without Bars: One resident is trying to start a group for people who want to do things at night that don't involve drinking. The demand seems to be there.

Planting Season Confusion: A Virginia transplant who's used to gardens already flourishing by mid-May is asking the locals when it's actually safe to plant tomatoes and peppers here. Welcome to Zone 5, friend.

Lilac Disappointment: One resident's lilac bush barely bloomed this year and they're looking for tips on where to find or buy some blooms. A very Vermont kind of sadness.

The Leddy Opossum: There is a big dead mama opossum and her baby at the turnoff into Leddy Park and one dog owner is politely requesting that someone drag it into the woods a bit so they can walk in without getting their shoulder ripped out. Reasonable ask.

Burlington's subreddit continues to double as the world's most niche help desk: