Friday, April 18th

Table of Contents

• The Weather & Weekend Kickoff

• Local News (All Links Clickable)

• Events:

  • Friday, April 18, 2025

  • Saturday, April 19, 2025

  • Sunday, April 20, 2025

  • Monday, April 21, 2025

• 101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities …

• This Week’s Comic

• Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

• This Week’s Restaurant Review: Pho Hong

The Weather & Weekend Kickoff

The sunshine started us off on a promising note this morning, but clouds have since moved in, and they’re not planning on leaving quietly. Showers will pick up through the evening and may hang around late tonight, with a chance for some thunder after dark. Temperatures are holding steady in the low 60s, making for a mild (if damp) Friday night. Saturday stays unsettled. Expect scattered showers during the day, but it won’t be a total washout. Breaks of sunshine are in the mix, and highs could climb into the 70s by afternoon. Sunday clears out nicely—cooler, with highs in the low 50s, but bright and breezy. Good news if you’re heading to the UVM WE 5K or grabbing brunch outside. Monday starts off calm before another batch of rain moves in later in the day. The rest of next week holds steady in the 60s, with some off-and-on sun.

That kind of up-and-down weather makes event planning a gamble, but Burlington’s still showing up. If you’re looking to stay dry and entertained, Dweezil Zappa plays The Flynn tonight, while sketch improv at Vermont Comedy Club brings a lighter option around the corner. Saturday’s Repair Café in the Old North End gives your busted blender another chance, and ECHO’s Rube Goldberg build continues for the kid-at-heart. Sunday’s looking ideal for a jog or walk at the 5K for Wellness. Rain or shine, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your weekend.

​On April 18 in Burlington the average high is 57°F, the average low is 37°F, and the record high is 91°F (1976), with a record low of 21°F (1948). Today, the high is 62°F and the low is 58°F . Today's temperatures are warmer than average.

Local News (All Links Clickable)

A quiet effort to bring people back to Main Street. If you’ve been avoiding downtown during the week, this might be the nudge that gets you there. After all, who doesn’t like walking off lunch on a brick-paved street lined with shop windows and the occasional neighbor passing by?

With new federal rhetoric casting doubt on fluoridation, towns like Richmond are once again navigating the tricky intersection of science, policy, and public trust. What was once considered settled public health guidance is now back under local scrutiny, forcing communities to weigh long-term health outcomes against a rising tide of skepticism.

Not exactly a Burlington headline, but worth noting if your ski gear isn’t packed away yet. Jay Peak is riding a surprise April snow bump and plans to stay open past Mother’s Day. Just another reminder that Vermont spring doesn’t always mean what the calendar says it should.

The detention of a Palestinian student in Colchester has sparked new scrutiny over Vermont’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. What began as a quiet contract is now a public flashpoint, with lawmakers divided over whether continuing that partnership aligns with the state’s values—or compromises them.

Operation Clean Sweep returns next week. If you park on the street overnight, make sure you know your zone or risk a tow. Downtown residents can use city garages for free on their assigned sweep night.

Tensions at the border and new federal policies may be discouraging travel from Canada. Local economies that depend on cross-border visitors are beginning to feel the impact.

Events:

Friday, April 18, 2025

General Events
10:00 AM: Rube Goldberg Week — working build at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (reg. admission)
4:30 PM: Global Talk, Local Taste — world‑affairs mixer at Burlington Beer Company ($15 / Free for VCWA members)
5:30 PM: GMAPA – Singles Boards at Vermont Pool & Bar
6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings
6:45 PM: Beginning Lyra (Aerial Hoop) at Lines Vermont Studio + Store
7:30 PM: Two Wheels Towards Adventure (venue TBA)
9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington — hip‑hop open mic at Drink ($5)

Performances
7:00 PM: Max Higgins — stand‑up comedy at Light Club Lamp Shop ($15)
7:00 PM: Misericordia at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center
7:30 PM & 9:00 PM: Kingdom Kids & Friends — sketch‑improv at Vermont Comedy Club ($20)
8:00 PM: Dweezil Zappa at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts ($49.50–$77.75)

Live Music / DJ
5:30 PM: Lost Ape — acoustic grooves at Switchback Beer Garden (Free)
6:00 PM: Paul Webb — piano cocktails at Venetian Lounge (Free)
6:30 PM: Padded Waltz & A Band Called Sundown — indie‑psych funk at ArtsRiot ($10–$20)
8:30 PM: Craig Mitchell Birthday Show: PURPLE – A Tribute to Prince at Radio Bean ($20–$25)
8:30 PM: Jazz with Alex Stewart & Friends at The 126 (Free)
9:00 PM: The Edd w/ Night Protocol at Nectar’s ($10)
9:00 PM: Mason — DJ set at Red Square Blue Room (Free)
10:00 PM: Ron Stoppable — DJ set at Red Square (Free)

Saturday, April 19, 2025

General Events
9:00 AM: Member Mornings at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
10:00 AM: Family Playshop (ages 0‑5) at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
10:00 AM: Rube Goldberg Week — working build at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (reg. admission)
11:00 AM: Hop Into Spring — Easter Bunny & treats at Church Street Marketplace (Free)
11:00 AM: Old North End Repair Café at Laboratory B (Free)
1:00 PM: Rad History: The Situationists at 239 South Union Street
1:00 PM: VTH3 “Hunt for Eggsellence” Trail Run/Walk at Oakledge Park
3:00 PM: Take Out — contemporary dance at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center
6:00 PM: Discovery After Dark (21+) — science exhibits, live music & axe‑throwing at ECHO ($40)

Performances
5:30 PM: Good Clean Fun — family‑friendly improv at Vermont Comedy Club ($5 / $10)
7:00 PM: Concerts by Candlelight — classical program at a secret Burlington venue
7:00 PM: Memories of Murder — film screening at Main Street Landing Film House
8:00 PM: moe. — prog‑jam veterans at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts ($41.50–$62.50)
8:00 PM: Green Mountain Cabaret — burlesque & drag at Venetian Lounge ($10 / $15)

Live Music / DJ
6:00 PM: Pluto Rising — pop/reggae at Radio Bean ($10 / $15)
8:00 PM: The Wormdogs — bluegrass at Radio Bean ($10 / $15)
10:00 PM: Pretty Privilege + Blossom + Tub Time! — punk & DJs at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
11:30 PM: Oh What? Wow! — disco set at Radio Bean ($10 / $15)

11:45 PM: Groundhog – Late‑Night Superjam at Nectar’s
Evening: DJ sets with Ara$, Raul, Molly Mood & Mr Cheng at Red Square / Blue Room (Free)

Sunday, April 20, 2025

General Events
9:00 AM: Easter Brunch at Hotel Champlain (Hilton Burlington)
9:15 AM: Sunday Morning Fam Jams! — interactive kids’ music at Vermont Comedy Club (Free)
10:00 AM: Earth & Space‑tacular Festival at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
10:00 AM: Joyful, Inclusive Easter Celebration at 38 South Winooski Ave
1:00 PM: Dan Ryan Express — jazz brunch at Foam Brewers (Free)
4:00 PM: Rough Francis + guests — punk/hip‑hop/DJ matinee at ArtsRiot ($10)
4:20 PM: 10th Annual UVM WE 5K for Wellness — fun run starting on UVM Athletic Campus (Free)
5:00 PM: Open Dance Practice at South End Studio

Live Music / DJ
7:00 PM: The Ballroom Thieves at Radio Bean ($18 / $20)
8:00 PM: Ranking Joe + Green Lion Crew — reggae night at Nectar’s ($20)
9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog at Nectar’s (Free)
10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes — singer‑songwriter at Hotel Vermont (Free)

Monday, April 21, 2025

General Events
10:00 AM: Earth & Space‑tacular — day 3 at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
11:00 AM: Feeding Champlain Valleys — community meal prep at Feeding Champlain Valley
11:00 AM: Preschool Story Time at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
1:00 PM: Electrify Vermont Summit — clean‑tech demos at UVM Alumni House (Free)
3:30 PM: Teen Drop‑In Volunteering at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Dancing at Burlington Beer Company Taproom
6:30 PM: Burlington Literature Group — reading Gravity’s Rainbow (Free)

101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

I’ve been on a mission lately—channeling peak local tour guide energy—and I put together a list of 101+ things to do in Burlington. From hidden trails to lakeside hangouts, it’s got just about everything, mostly free and all very “I live here and actually do this” energy. If you ever catch yourself saying “there’s nothing to do,” just open the list and let fate decide. Here are 5 picks pulled straight from it: Take a peaceful morning paddle at Colchester Pond, wander the Intervale trails as spring blooms kick in, or stretch out on the rocky shore at Oakledge’s Cove. Later, grab a drink on Foam’s patio with lake views, then wrap it up with some cozy live music at Light Club Lamp Shop. Full list of all 101+ things is right here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/101-activites

This Week’s Comic

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Friday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $10 fish & chips
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $2 cheese slice | $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Gold – $75 dinner for two or $1 oysters (4 – 6 PM)
• Shalimar – $5 fish & chips
• Skinny Pancake – ½‑price burgers
• The Kitchen Table – $5 pub‑bites & drafts specials
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced‑price snack menu (3 – 5 PM)

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Fiddlehead IPA & $5 Mimosa pints
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• McGillicuddy’s – $5 Zero Gravity beer
• Shalimar – $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• Rotisserie – $3 Switchback Ale
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• El Gato Essex – $1 PBR
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)

Saturday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – BOGO ½‑off chicken sandwich
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Gold – $1 oysters (4 – 6 PM)
• Shalimar – BOGO ½‑off chicken sandwich
• McGillicuddy’s – $2 cheese slice | $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Skinny Pancake – BOGO crepes
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced‑price snack menu (3 – 5 PM)

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 Switchback drafts
• Shalimar – $5 Switchback drafts
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)

Sunday

Food:
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (5 : 30 PM)
• Barnyard – $0.75 wings
• Rotisserie – $0.85 wings
• Shalimar – Sunday brunch buffet ($14)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $16 family dinner (4 – 8 PM)
• VT Pub & Brewery – 25 % off for restaurant workers

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Burlington Beer Co. – $5 Elaborate Metaphor pints
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Pints of Green State Lager / Light (5 – 9 PM)
• Barnyard – $4 Stella Artois
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours

Monday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – ½‑price burgers
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Barnyard – $0.75 wings
• McGillicuddy’s – ½‑price burgers
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Bluebird Barbecue – Free kids’ meal w/ adult BBQ platter

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – ½‑price wine bottles
• Shelburne Tap House – $3 bottled beer
• Barnyard – $4 Stella Artois
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Pho Hong

This week is my favorite place to eat in Burlington. Pho Hồng is a beloved fixture in Burlington’s Old North End, consistently praised as one of the city’s best spots for authentic, flavor-packed Vietnamese cuisine. Family-owned and operated by the Le family since opening in 2008 in a converted former bus station, the restaurant has cultivated a loyal following for its exceptional pho, crafted from aromatic broths that simmer for hours using traditional family recipes. Diners choose from beef, chicken, or vegetarian pho, customizing each steaming bowl with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. The menu also features crispy and fresh spring rolls served with vibrant dipping sauces, savory noodle stir-fries brimming with fresh veggies, and my personal favorite, the Panang Curry. The relaxed, casual atmosphere and friendly, attentive service enhance the feeling of enjoying a home-cooked meal among friends.

Pho Hồng’s reputation extends well beyond its regular patrons, earning widespread recognition, including frequent nods from Seven Days as Burlington’s "Best Vietnamese Restaurant" and consistently high rankings on TripAdvisor and Yelp. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, highlighting not only the food but also the warm hospitality of the Le family. With affordable pricing and a BYOB policy, Pho Hồng remains an accessible, inviting dining destination. In 2022, the family realized a long-held dream by purchasing the restaurant property, securing its future as a cornerstone of Burlington’s culinary scene. Personally, its where I bring people that are visiting Burlington so they leave with a good impression of the town. Hasn’t failed me yet. Check it out if you haven’t already! Also, I’ll be creating an archive of these posts soon.

That’s All, Burlington!

Thanks for reading. Forward this brief to a friend who still thinks “mud season” means staying home—there’s clearly too much going on. Got tips, hot gossip, or a favorite event we missed? Hit reply or send a note to [email protected] 

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