Perfect August weather has arrived in Burlington, bringing sunshine and comfortable temperatures that feel more like early September than midsummer. Today's high reached the mid-70s under crystal clear skies, with that refreshing lack of humidity we've been craving. Tonight will turn properly crisp as temperatures dip into the 50s, so grab a light jacket if you're heading out. Saturday continues the trend with abundant sunshine and temperatures climbing to around 80, while Sunday pushes into the mid-80s but still without that sticky summer humidity. This stretch of picture-perfect weather looks to continue well into next week, with daily highs in the 80s and only modest humidity returning by midweek.

Church Street transforms into pure magic this weekend as the Festival of Fools Block Party returns after narrowly escaping cancellation. When budget cuts threatened to end this beloved tradition, Burlington's businesses, artists, and generous donors like the Pomerleau Family Foundation rallied to save it, with a big push from Cafe HOT owners Travis and Allan Walker-Hodkin to make it happen. The reimagined Block Party runs Friday and Saturday with 36 events featuring everything from rescue dogs with Guinness World Records (Mutts Gone Nuts) to aerial performances, vaudeville juggling, and acrobatic chaos. This is a must-got-to annual event so be sure to come out and click the link to see the full schedule of events. Tonight catches Hidden Spheres closing out with a massive dance party, while Saturday brings continuous performances from 11am onward. The whole spectacle is free and fills downtown with the kind of joy that makes Burlington special.

Beyond the Fools festivities, this weekend overflows with options. Dog Water headlines an all-ages show at Oddfellows tonight at 7pm alongside War Turtles and Leatherbound Book. South Burlington screens Jumanji for their free community movie night at 7:30pm with complimentary hot dogs and blankets for early arrivals. J Skis unveils their 2025-26 collection with Jason Levinthal himself hosting the launch party. Saturday morning kicks off with the Red Rocks 5k supporting local scholar athletes, while the Green State Tattoo Convention runs all weekend at Champlain Expo. COTS hosts their Back to School Bonanza from noon to 3pm Saturday, providing free supplies, haircuts, tacos, and snow cones for K-12 students in need. The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival kicks off Saturday at noon with 500m races for Breast Cancer Survivor and Sport teams, before Sunday's full festival brings all divisions together for 200m shoreline races.

Saturday night brings the biggest soccer match in Burlington history as Vermont Green FC competes for the USL League Two championship against 2023 National Champions Ballard FC at Virtue Field at 7pm. While tickets sold out in minutes, those wanting to witness this historic moment can bring lawn chairs and set up behind the end goal on the school side for a free view of Burlington's team chasing the ultimate prize. UVM even took down the signage from the south end goal, making it easier for fans to watch from the hill, but be sure to come early to get a spot. Saturday evening also brings another highlight as Robber Robber plays the Twilight Block Party with Cricket Blue, merging the best of downtown markets with live music in a Carnivale theme. Sunday keeps the momentum with the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival racing along the waterfront all day, featuring teams paddling for cancer charities, food vendors, and entertainment. Cornflower brings their genre-bending vocal loops to Ecstatic Dance at The FRAME from 4-6pm. Down in Charlotte, Waves of Adrenaline plays a free outdoor concert from 2-3:30pm on the Historical Society lawn. And if you need some morning zen, Hotel Champlain offers free Sunday yoga at 9am with Laughing River instructors.

Compared to July’s typical high of 81 °F and low of 62 °F, today’s temperatures—high near 76 °F and low around 51 °F—are noticeably cooler. However, the coming weekend brings a warmup with highs climbing into the upper 80s and overnight lows settling into the low 60s, getting back toward or above normal.

Essex Junction's El Gato Cantina Sold to Employee

After 14 years building her Mexican restaurant empire from lower Church Street to Essex Junction, Tree Bertram passed the torch to employee Javier Zirko on July 1. While Bertram heads into semi-retirement and more pickleball, Zirko is spicing things up with a "Gato 2.0" menu featuring more authentic Latin dishes alongside the Tex-Mex classics. He's also amping up the entertainment with trivia, karaoke, salsa dancing, and live music every other Saturday. The Essex Junction location faces demolition within two years, but Zirko's already scouting for a new Essex spot plus eyeing a Burlington comeback after the original closed in 2023.

Scott Declines to Authorize Guard to Aid Immigration Crackdown

Governor Phil Scott has denied a Trump administration request to deploy Vermont National Guard troops to assist ICE operations, citing insufficient detail and planning in the proposal. The Department of Defense had announced Guard members would replace Marine and Navy reservists in tasks like transporting and processing detainees at ICE facilities. While Scott's spokesperson noted he agrees that addressing violent criminals here illegally is important, the governor suggested alternatives like reassigning recently laid-off federal employees instead of Guard troops. Vermont National Guard spokesperson Joseph Brooks confirmed that working in detention facilities would be unusual duty for state troops, though they have previously served at the southern border in different capacities.

CCV Awarded More Than $2 Million for Student Services

The Community College of Vermont just secured a $2 million federal grant over five years to continue its 42-year tradition of helping first-generation, low-income, and disabled students succeed. The TRIO Student Support Services program has served 225 students annually since 1983, providing everything from prioritized advising and tutoring to mental health counseling and four-year college visits. The numbers speak volumes: CCV's TRIO students are three times more likely to graduate than eligible students not in the program. Director Conner Gilbert, himself a TRIO alum, knows firsthand how this support transforms lives and helps students overcome barriers to achieving their goals.

No Encore: Nectar's Closes for Good

Burlington's iconic music venue Nectar's has played its final set after nearly 50 years of hosting local bands and touring acts. The Main Street club that helped launch Phish in the mid-1980s couldn't overcome the challenges of downtown construction, changing nightlife patterns, and ultimately, failed negotiations with landlord Joe Handy. Former employees are now clearing out decades of equipment and memorabilia from the venue that inspired Phish's album "A Picture of Nectar." While the original location won't reopen, sources suggest conversations continue about keeping the Nectar's brand alive through shows at other venues or finding a new home. Despite its closure, Nectar's still won two Seven Daysies awards this year for best small live music hotspot and best place to dance.

Seven Daysies Awards 2025

Seven Days celebrates its 30th anniversary with a zodiac-themed readers' choice awards recognizing 241 winners and 946 finalists across Vermont. From favorite folk bands to creemee stands, the Daysies highlight what makes the Green Mountain State special at a time when downtowns are struggling and communities feel fractured. This year's democratic process drew massive participation as Vermonters voted for their favorite businesses, people, and places. Winners and advertisers are invited to celebrate at the Seven Daysies Party tonight (Friday, August 1) from 7-10 p.m. at the ECHO Center in Burlington.

Vermont Has Made Little Progress on Homelessness, Report Finds

The latest Point-in-Time Count recorded 3,386 homeless Vermonters on a single January night, including 633 children and 215 seniors over 65 - a 200% increase since 2020 but roughly unchanged from last year. The actual number is likely higher, with June's coordinated entry data showing at least 4,588 homeless individuals statewide. Vermont now ranks 4th nationally in homelessness per capita. The state has 602 shelter beds (all full) and the motel program currently serves just over 1,000 people, down from 2,300 in March. The report calls for investments in affordable housing, expanded emergency shelter options, tenant protections, and various policy changes. Different stakeholders continue to debate the most effective approaches, with some advocating for increased funding and services while others question the sustainability and effectiveness of current programs. The complexity of factors contributing to homelessness - from housing costs to mental health and substance abuse issues - ensures this remains one of Vermont's most challenging policy discussions. Find the full report for yourself here: 2025 Report

South Burlington Hires a New Police Chief from Dover, New Hampshire

William Breault will lead South Burlington's police department starting October 6, bringing 26 years of experience from Dover, New Hampshire where he oversees 54 officers. Selected from 14 nationwide applicants through what officials described as an extensive process involving community input, Breault holds an FBI National Academy graduation and degrees in criminal justice and public administration. He'll earn $160,000 annually managing Vermont's second-largest city's 40-officer force and $8.3 million budget. The hire comes after former Chief Shawn Burke resigned in March to serve as Burlington's interim chief, leaving Deputy Chief Sean Briscoe as interim since February. South Burlington, with over 20,000 residents, continues to navigate public safety needs while balancing community concerns about policing approaches and budget priorities.

Burlington's King Street Center Seeks Mentors for Boys

King Street Center faces a critical shortage of male mentors, with 11 boys on the waiting list while 36 girls have matches. The need is urgent as male students nationwide struggle more academically and face higher dropout rates, while recent Burlington violence has involved boys as young as 14. The 54-year-old nonprofit serving one of Burlington's poorest neighborhoods asks mentors for just 4-8 hours monthly for at least a year. Success stories like Uson Karki and mentor Alex Demoly show how these relationships provide crucial support and positive activities. Executive Director Shabnam Nolan emphasizes that mentoring offers kids belonging they might otherwise seek on the streets. The center provides activity funding, mental health support for mentors, and recently secured state funding to hire recruitment staff before the school year begins.

UVM Health Network Announces Layoffs, Over $180M in Cuts

Vermont's largest hospital system is cutting 77 non-clinical positions and leaving dozens more vacant to save over $5 million as part of $185 million in spending reductions by next year. The cuts span finance, patient registration, HR, and IT departments, with some layoffs immediate and others extending through September. Additional measures include eliminating executive bonuses ($10 million savings), delaying infrastructure projects ($70 million), and improving clinical efficiency through reduced hospital stays and standardized procedures. Unlike last year's cuts that closed psychiatric units and primary care clinics, no patient services are being eliminated. The moves follow state-mandated insurance rate reductions of 8% at UVM Medical Center and 3% at Central Vermont Medical Center to address Vermont's nation-leading healthcare costs.

It’s a packed newsletter this weekend! It’s a one man team out here, so if you appreciate what I do and want to keep it going, consider a small donation using the link below, or right to my Venmo @BtownBrief ! Now onto the next section!

I’m excited to introduce The Queen City Puzzle Hunt Club, a new interactive puzzle hunt hiding right here in your favorite newsletter! How it works: each Thursday newsletter includes a two-part puzzle: one you solve using clues from this issue and the last, and then an optional “Field Bonus” that sends you to a real spots in Burlington. Solve puzzles to earn points and climb the public leaderboard, where you can see how you stack up against others. Your points also count as entries into our monthly prize drawing. This month, you could win a $20 gift card to any local spot you love. Want the full rundown? Learn more.

PART 1: THE PUZZLE (20 POINTS)

To solve this puzzle, find the required pieces of information from both the Thursday and Monday newsletters and combine them in order to form a four-character code.

PART 2: THE FIELD BONUS (10 POINTS)

For your Field Bonus, head to Devil Takes a Holiday at 111 St. Paul Street to check out their recently opened Spritz Deck. It's quickly become one of my favorite downtown spots to grab a drink, with outdoor couches, standing tables, and music sometimes playing from a speaker.

Your Task: How many umbrellas are on the Spritz Deck?

Submit your answers to the puzzle here: Puzzle 2 Submissions

Come back and find the leaderboard here: Puzzle Hunt Leaderboard

Friday, August 1, 2025

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Sunday, August 3, 2025

There are so many volunteer opportunities in Burlington! This week I choose to highlight:

Drive a Neighbor, Brighten a Day
Cathedral Square is looking for volunteer drivers to help residents get to medical appointments, do their shopping, and get around town. You’ll be added to an on-call list and contacted based on the days and times you’re available. It’s a flexible way to support older adults and people with disabilities who live independently; and a nice chance to get to know the folks in your community. All you need is a standard driver’s license. Cathedral Square is a nonprofit that’s been providing affordable, service-enriched housing for older adults and people with disabilities across Vermont for over 45 years.

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/volunteer-burlington

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep the ideas coming as we roll through late summer. Start with a paddle from the Community Sailing Center where you can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Burlington shoreline at your own pace. Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead and take a short walk through the museum before heading down to the riverside trails. Check out the murals scattered through downtown and the South End and turn it into a casual walking route with a coffee in hand. Spend a lazy afternoon at Leddy Park where you can combine a beach visit with a quiet picnic or a game of tennis. If you're looking for something different in the evening, see what's playing at Vermont Comedy Club and grab a seat for a show.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. Quick shoutout to Shawn, a Btown Brief reader who sees the value in finding restaurant specials that feel like a win for both the people and the businesses themselves. Thanks, Shawn! Updates to come… In the meantime, here are this week’s picks for deals:

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/food-drink-deals

For over three decades, Trattoria Delia has been a cornerstone of Burlington’s dining scene, offering a truly authentic Italian experience from its cozy nook on Saint Paul Street. The ambiance is immediately transportive, set within a historic building featuring the rustic interior of a relocated sugar house and a grand stone fireplace. This intimate and romantic setting makes it a perennial favorite for special occasions, promising an escape from the everyday bustle with a focus on traditional, regional Italian fare prepared with both local Vermont ingredients and curated Italian imports.

The menu is a testament to classic Italian culinary arts, emphasizing expertly handmade pastas and rich, flavorful entrees. Standouts like the hearty Rigatoni alla Bolognese and the decadent Filetto al Barbera have become signatures for good reason. The experience is further elevated by an extensive, award-winning wine list that features exclusively Italian selections, carefully chosen to complement the food. Combined with service that is frequently lauded as some of the most professional and attentive in the city, a meal at Trattoria Delia feels both polished and deeply comforting.

However, this classic fine-dining approach comes with a price tag to match, positioning it firmly in the special-occasion category for most. The menu’s strict adherence to tradition, while a strength, may not appeal to diners seeking more contemporary or experimental Italian cuisine. Due to its intimate size and well-deserved popularity, securing a reservation can be challenging at times, particularly on peak evenings. Despite these considerations, Trattoria Delia remains an essential Burlington destination for anyone craving a truly classic Italian meal executed with masterful precision.

View the full list of reviews here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/restaurant-reviews

Another packed weekend in the 802, where budget cuts can't kill our spirit and perfect weather arrives just when we need it most. Support your local artists, cheer on those dragon boats, and maybe grab one of those world-record rescue dogs a treat. Keep those tips and story ideas coming, 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 soon, stay tuned!

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