Friday, April 4th

Weekend Brief: Friday Sun, Weekend Rain & Civic Pride – Spring Market, Comedy, and a Fresh Look at BPD – Today’s sunshine gives way to a soggy weekend, but there’s no shortage of reasons to get out. We’ve got your guide to Burlington’s packed event lineup, from Friday night funk and indie rock to Sunday reggae and candlelit concerts. Plus: Vermont’s civic engagement gets a spotlight, a new report urges more participation, and Interim Chief Burke lays out his plan for the future of BPD. And don’t miss the Vermont Spring Market—your best bet for staying dry *and* supporting local.

April 04, 2025

Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Kickoff:


The sun finally showed some generosity this afternoon in Burlington, with highs nudging into the low 50s. Don’t get too settled, though, because clouds are rolling in tonight and rain will be a near-constant companion through Saturday. Some spots in the higher elevations might glimpse a few snowflakes. By Sunday afternoon, you can expect scattered showers with a couple of sunny breaks, and Monday offers decent relief in the low 50s. That’s your cue to enjoy the mild spell because Tuesday aims to remind us it’s still early spring—prepare for possible snow showers and temps dipping into the 30s.

But who wants to hide indoors all weekend? Friday should stay dry long enough for a downtown stroll, maybe on your way to Foam Brewers for that Tower of Power tribute at 8 p.m. If a retro horn section isn’t your thing, consider catching Emily Catalano at the Vermont Comedy Club—there’s a 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. set. Saturday’s rain might be a mood, but it’s hardly an excuse to hunker down: ArtsRiot hosts Copilot, Jake Swamp & the Pine, and Jesse Taylor at 7 p.m., while Los Sóngoros heats up the Venetian Soda Lounge at 8:30 p.m. with Cuban and Brazilian rhythms. Even Sunday’s lingering drizzle won’t stop the music scene: Mi Yard Reggae Night at Nectar’s kicks off at 9 p.m. (free!), and if you need an earlier wind-down, check out an acoustic set from Joe Agnello at Foam Brewers in the afternoon. Rain or shine, the city’s jumping—just bring a rain jacket and let Burlington’s weekend lineup do the rest.

On April 4 in Burlington, the average high is 50°F, the low is 32°F, and the record high was 74°F (1991), while today it's 46°F with a low of 28°F—just a bit chillier than usual.

The vibes at Pomeroy Park in the Old North End of Btown

“Vendors spent Friday afternoon getting their booths set up at the Champlain Valley Expo. Over 65 artisans and craft vendors from across Vermont and New England will be selling everything from woodcrafts and artwork to jewelry and food,” per WCAX.

Local markets are always a bright spot, especially when they chase those winter doldrums away. This expo is your chance to snag that perfect gift or tasty treat without resorting to mass-produced imports. Show up hungry and ready to discover a new local favorite.

“The report also ranks Vermont second in the nation to donate to a political organization, discuss political issues with neighbors, and attend a public meeting,” per WCAX.

Nothing like some stats to remind us that people here really do show up for each other (and aren’t afraid to chat politics over coffee). Let’s keep building on that. Next time you see a local forum or a chance to volunteer, consider hopping in—you might even meet your new best neighbor.

“Nearly 250 students from more than a dozen high schools and career centers in Vermont met with health care professionals from across the University of Vermont Health Network,” per VermontBiz.

It’s great seeing future nurses, lab techs, and therapists exploring their options here at home. Healthcare worker shortages are no joke, so events like these are a win-win. If you know any budding medical minds, give them a nudge to check out these fairs and keep their talent local.

“Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Friday gave his second veto to a mid-year budget adjustment bill over Democrats’ inclusion of funding to extend the state’s housing of homeless in motels,” per WCAX.

Even if politics aren’t your favorite dinner topic, this ongoing clash over short-term housing is worth keeping on your radar. It’s a real balancing act between funding and policy. Stay tuned—this one isn’t wrapping up quietly.

“Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke has been on the job for almost two weeks and on Friday presented his vision for the months ahead,” per WCAX.

It’s no secret we’ve had plenty of public safety chatter these last few years. Chief Burke’s focus on rebuilding the department, including non-traditional roles, might be the mix we need. Let’s hope for a smoother, more collaborative approach to policing in the Queen City.

“Vermont health care regulators this week finalized a settlement with the UVM Health Network in their dispute over the hospital’s inflated revenues,” per WCAX.

While it might sound technical, these budget moves ripple through everything from patient billing to local job stability. It’s encouraging to see some traction on these talks, even if the road has been bumpy.

Events

Friday, April 4, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Emily Catalano (Comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)

  • 7:30 PM: Primary Trust by Eboni Booth at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:00 PM: DJ CRE8 at Red Square (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Halyard (funk) at Radio Bean ($10)

  • 7:00 PM: KRAMBAM (indie rock) at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)

  • 7:00 PM: Blanchface at Red Square (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Molly Grace @ Nectar’s at Nectar’s

  • 7:30 PM: Ilya Yakushev (Facebook event) at 384 S Prospect St

  • 8:00 PM: Power of Tower – A Tribute to Tower of Power at Foam Brewers

  • 8:00 PM: Soul Porpoise | Dave Keller at ArtsRiot

  • 8:00 PM: The Hokum Brothers 4/4/25 (Americana) at Venetian Soda Lounge ($10)

  • 8:00–11:00 PM: Sibling Reverie is back at The Old Post! at The Old Post

  • 8:30 PM: Bugcatcher, Sheepskin, Blueberry Betty (indie) at Radio Bean ($10)

  • 8:30 PM: Back in Black – A Tribute to AC/DC at Higher Ground

  • 9:00 PM: Mason at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 9:30 PM: Small Talk (funk) at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)

  • 10:00 PM: Ron Stoppable at Red Square (Free)

  • 11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)

  • 11:00 PM: Dierkes at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 11:30 PM: Rose Asteroid (rock) at Radio Bean ($10/$15)

Saturday, April 5, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Emily Catalano (Comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:00 PM: Mr Cheng at Red Square (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: DJ Raul at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Bywater Call at Higher Ground

  • 7:00 PM: Copilot, Jake Swamp & the Pine, Jesse Taylor (rock) at ArtsRiot ($16.95/$21.95)

  • 7:30 PM: Michael Chorney & Freeway Clyde (jazz) at Radio Bean ($10/$15)

  • 8:00 PM: Louisa Stancioff, LACES, Silver Tree (indie) at Light Club Lamp Shop ($15)

  • 8:00 PM: Sophistafunk, Wasted Talent at Nectar’s ($12)

  • 8:00 PM: CRWD CTRL at Foam Brewers (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: The Path / Wargraves / Violet Crimes / Robbery / Outnumbered at Despacito!!

  • 8:30 PM: Los Sóngoros – A Night of Cuban & Brazilian Rhythms at Venetian Soda Lounge ($10)

  • 8:00 PM: Molly Mood at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: DJ KDT spins vinyl only at The Lounge at Nectar’s (Free)

  • 9:30 PM: JATOBA, the Romans (bluegrass, rock) at Radio Bean ($12/$15)

  • 10:00 PM: DJ Ara$ at Red Square (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: Matt Payne at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: HAVEN at MothershipVT (Free)

  • 11:00 PM: Klub Kush w/ Kate Kush at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)

Sunday, April 6, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 1:00 PM: Joe Agnello (acoustic) at Foam Brewers (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Concerts by Candlelight – Burlington VT (Classical/Instrumental) in Burlington, VT

  • 7:30 PM: 12/OC at Higher Ground

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

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. Here’s hoping the drizzle doesn’t dampen your weekend spirit. Reach out anytime with tips, stories, or local happenings, and we’ll keep spreading the word. See you soon!

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