Friday, April 11th

Weekend Brief: Friday Clouds, Weekend Drizzles & Indoor Escapes – Violin Exports, Student Relief & Burlington's Indie Film Revival – Tonight’s overcast calm gives way to rain-soaked streets, but Burlington isn’t slowing down. From bass-heavy nights at Higher Ground to cozy screenings at The Film House, we’ve got your weekend mapped. Plus: a federal judge grants local students a lifeline, Vermont Violins goes global with sustainable strings, and Main Street’s indie cinema scene fills a long-empty void.

April 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Kickoff:


A stubborn deck of clouds is parked over Burlington this evening, keeping temperatures in the upper 40s. After midnight, a fresh batch of moisture rolls in from the south—bringing chilly rain to the city while only the hill towns see a few wet flurries. The drizzle eases late Saturday, and Sunday offers just a stray shower with a brief peek of sun near 50°. Monday finally rewards the waiting with bright skies and a refreshing 60° in Burlington, while a brisk cold front is set to roll in Tuesday night, so enjoy the warmth while it lasts.

If you’re heading to The Little Mermaid at the Flynn or catching Burlington Blackout at Higher Ground tonight, grab a waterproof layer—sidewalk puddles will be a thing by curtain call. Saturday’s Winter Farmers Market at Burlington Beer Company may feel more “winter” than planned, but the indoor venue means you can sip a stout and forget the flakes. By Sunday evening, roads should be just damp for Victor Wooten’s show, so no excuse to skip that bass clinic.

On April 11 in Burlington the historical average high is 53°F, the average low is 36°F, and the record high is 77°F (set in 2017) . Today, the forecasted high is 50°F and the low is 38°F, with cloudy skies. Thus it is slightly cooler than average.

Btown Hidden Gem “Guess the Spot”

Guess where the photo of this Burlington gem was taken. We’ll reveal the location at the bottom of the newsletter:

Near the clock that doesn’t tick, but always knows when golden hour hits.

“Two Vermont high school students from Nicaragua who feared deportation will stay in the country for now.” — WCAX

The CVU community can breathe again, at least temporarily. A federal stay buys the teens time, and it also spotlights how quickly local school halls can become flashpoints in national immigration fights.

“South Burlington business Vermont Violins was announced as the Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.” — Burlington Free Press

Church‑Street old‑timers still miss the shop’s downtown charm, but the new South Burlington digs—and its recycled‑paper GaiaTone fingerboards—are apparently impressing buyers around the globe. Not bad for a business that started restringing student rentals.

“After the only movie theater in Burlington closed, one art house is helping to fill the void.” — WCAX

Main Street Landing is turning into our miniature Cannes: small room, big screen, and popcorn that doesn’t taste like desperation. Word is Friday night screenings sell out fast, so maybe snag tickets before the credits roll on your weekend plans.

A reader spotted this bald eagle in the South End by the lake, taking in the views. Send us your best photos! [email protected]

“Is the insanity defense on the table for the man accused of shooting three Palestinian‑American students? Jason Eaton’s attorney says he’s still deciding.” — WCAX

The case that rattled North Winooski Avenue is inching toward trial, and legal strategy looks fluid. Expect a long docket and even longer comment threads once jury selection begins.

“Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney‑Stanak and Burlington Electric staff on Wednesday gave an update on their net zero energy roadmap.” — WCAX

Emissions are down 18 percent since 2018, but engineers say we’re still off‑pace for the 2030 finish line. Incentives for heat pumps and e‑bikes sweeten the pot; the real hurdle is convincing landlords to ditch oil before the next cold snap.

Events:

Friday, April 11, 2025

General Events

  • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Winter Farmers Market at Burlington Beer Company

  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Blood Drive at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center

  • 1:15 PM: Mindfulness Meditation at Pathways VT

  • 4:00 PM: SEA BASE Fundraiser at Panera Bread

  • 6:00 PM: Extended Practice at Chace Mill

  • 6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings

  • 7:00 PM: Dancing in the Rain – Paint Class at Burlington Paint and Sip Studio

  • 7:00 PM: Dads & Dungeons & Dragons at The Guild Hall

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Saturday, April 12, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM: Disney’s The Little Mermaid at The Flynn Center

  • 3:00 PM: Harvey – Film Screening at Fletcher Free Library (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Concerts by Candlelight – venue TBA (Burlington)

  • 7:30 & 9:30 PM: Carmen Lagala – Stand‑up at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)

  • 7:00 PM: The Royal Tenenbaums – Screening at Screening Room @ VTIFF

Live Music/DJ

Sunday, April 13, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

  • 10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont (Free)

  • 1:00 PM: Django Soulo Returns to Foam at Foam Brewers

  • 9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night w/ DJ Big Dog at Nectar’s (Free)

This Week’s Comic

Typical April day on the bike path

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Will continue updating this, but please double check deals are still valid - if not, let me know.

Friday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $10 fish & chips
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks around ~5:30 PM
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $5 Zero Gravity beer, $2 cheese slice, $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Daily Planet – $5 off burgers & sandwiches
• Gold – $12 pasta, $8 wine by the glass
• Shalimar – $5 fish & chips, $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• Skinny Pancake – ½ price burgers
• Pizza Verità – 2-for-1 Margherita pizzas
• Rotisserie – $3 Switchback Ale
• VT Pub and Brewery – Reduced-price snack menu (3–5 PM)
• The Kitchen Table – $5 drafts & pub food specials

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after keg kicks
• Daily Planet – $5 Fiddlehead IPA (all day)
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints of Conehead/Conehead Haze (5–9 PM)

Saturday

Food:
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks around ~5:30 PM
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $5 Zero Gravity beer, $2 cheese slice, $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Gold – $1 oysters (4–6 PM; parties of 3+ get a free share plate)
• Shalimar – $5 Switchback drafts, BOGO chicken sandwich
• Skinny Pancake – BOGO crepes
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• Rotisserie – $3 Switchback Ale
• VT Pub and Brewery – Reduced-price snack menu (3–5 PM)

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after keg kicks
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints of Conehead/Conehead Haze (5–9 PM)

Sunday

Food:
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – ½ price burgers
• May Day – $10 Patty Melt
• Rotisserie – $0.85 wings
• Shalimar – $14 brunch buffet
• Four Quarters Brewing – $16 family dinner (4–8 PM)
• Skinny Pancake – BOGO crepes
• VT Pub and Brewery – 25% off for restaurant workers

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints of Green State Lager/Green State Light (5–9 PM)

That’s All, Burlington!
Thanks for reading this edition of Btown Brief. Forward this to a friend who still checks the mountain cam every ten minutes, and send story tips or hot gossip to [email protected] . See you soon!

Mystery Photo Location: Oakledge Park Earth clock; specifically: 44°27'26.8"N 73°13'27.0"W Send us your best hidden Burlington gems to be featured!

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