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- Friday, March 7th
Friday, March 7th
Your Weekend Rundown: Science Marches, Flower Show Fun, and Local Happenings – Burlington’s bustling with events this weekend! Support community protests, explore the vibrant Vermont Flower Show, enjoy live music, catch sports highlights, and discover the best local eats and things to do around town.

Table of contents: Weather→Trivia→Local News→Sports→ Events & Music→Discussion→Food+Drink Deals→Things-to-do→Contest Details
The Weather & Weekend Kickoff
Hold onto your hats, Burlington! Today's blustery conditions bring westerly winds gusting up to 40-50 mph, especially along east-facing slopes. Scattered snow showers, particularly in higher elevations, may lead to slick spots as temperatures drop into the 20s overnight. Anticipate icy patches in the early morning before a relatively calmer weekend, with highs in the upper 20s on Saturday and low-to-mid 30s by Sunday. Remember, Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2:00 AM, so set your clocks ahead one hour.
You’ll want to plan around those stiff breezes if you’re venturing out for evening fun or daytime errands over the next few days. Fortunately, there’s a packed lineup of shows, dancing, and tasty local stops to entice you outside. After all, a little wind can’t keep Burlington from savoring the Vermont Flower Show, catching a new band at Radio Bean, or cheering on local Feds hockey game. Coat up, maybe toss an extra layer in the car, and enjoy what the weekend has to offer.
Exciting news: We’re hosting a monthly $50 giveaway for one lucky subscriber each month—just for reading, staying updated, and, hopefully, referring friends! Yup, you heard that right. We’re giving back simply for your weekly attention. Let’s grow this newsletter together, so tell everyone you know! Drawing is every 20th of the month. Keep scrolling to the bottom to learn how to boost your odds with your given referral link, or just visit our landing page: Click here for full details

Historically, Burlington's average high on March 7 is 37°F, with a record high of 58°F set in 1964. This year, the high reached 43°F.
But first, here’s a trivia question to see how well you’re caught up with recent news: (Answer at the bottom)
Which Vermont-based company is rolling out electric scoop trucks in collaboration with Rivian?
A) Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
B) Ben & Jerry's
C) Lake Champlain Chocolates
D) Cabot Creamery
Local News (All Links Clickable)
“Over 200 people marched from the University of Vermont to downtown to call attention to Trump administration cuts to federal research funding. It comes as the University of Vermont and other schools across the country have announced hiring freezes linked to those cuts.” per WCAX
In typical Burlington fashion, folks are banding together to support science. Organizers say they hope these marches light a fire under local leadership to keep research afloat in Vermont.
“Encounters such as these, or the fear of them, are among the challenges facing Burlington restaurateurs this winter.” per Seven Days
Despite road closures, rising costs, and a good dose of cold weather, restaurants are still hustling. If you can, consider popping in for a meal this weekend — that local lunch might just help keep some of your favorite cafés going.

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“At the show attendees will ‘celebrate and recreate gardening through the ages and discover how we as humans learn from the past as we cultivate our own gardens and plant for the future.’” per ABC22/FOX44
If you’re craving green leaves and fresh blooms, the Champlain Valley Expo is your weekend destination. It’s a reminder that warmer, flower-friendly days truly are on the horizon.
“All proceeds from a silent auction, merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle go directly to the Maland family.” per WCAX
It’s a community-driven showdown on the ice to commemorate a fallen Border Patrol agent. If you’re near Jay Peak on Sunday, swing by to cheer — and know your support lifts up a family in need.
“Vermont Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle says while these changes are fluid, they are still working to understand what impact tariffs on Canadian goods and energy would mean for Vermont residents.” per WCAX
If you’ve noticed any unusual upticks in fuel or certain groceries, you might blame the tariff drama. With so much cross-border trade, local businesses and consumers are prepping for whatever the feds decide next.

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“The plan calls for consolidating the sprawling school bureaucracy down from the current 119 districts to just five, setting minimums on classroom sizes — which will likely trigger the closing of small schools — and throwing out the current funding formula to allocate funding on a per-pupil basis.” per WCAX
The governor wants legislators to move quickly to transform Vermont’s school system. Whether you’re pro or con, keep an eye on how this debate shakes out — it could impact property taxes, district lines, and local communities across the state.
Sports
“Annie McColgan and Finn Sweet each placed second in the 7.5K Classic Individual Start from Oak Hill, earning both skiers First Team All-American honors.” per UVM Athletics
A huge showing for UVM Nordic as McColgan and Sweet both snagged silver. The Catamounts are still in the overall hunt, proving once again that Vermont’s love of skiing isn’t just for weekend warriors.
“Priede led all scorers with 19 and was one of three Vermont players with over 15 points.” per UVM Athletics
A second-half surge sealed the deal for UVM women’s hoops, who are making a serious statement in the postseason. With balanced scoring and strong defense, this squad looks ready for the next round.
“Joey Muldowney had two goals and an assist Thursday night leading No. 8 UConn to a 4-1 win over Vermont in Hockey East action.” per UVM Athletics
Tough result, but the Catamounts gave fans plenty to cheer for in the closing stretch of the regular season. There’s still time for redemption as Hockey East playoffs loom.
“Junior skier Hanna Larsson Nathhorst earned First Team All-American honors as she collected bronze in the giant slalom race.” per UVM Athletics
Nathhorst’s podium finish keeps UVM on the national map for alpine skiing. Watch for more Catamount action as the final NCAA Championship events wrap up this weekend.
Events
Highlights:Tonight’s lineup kicks off with the Flower Expo showcasing a dazzling array of blooms that celebrate local horticulture in a festive atmosphere. Savor a sweet moment at the chocolate tasting event at Lake Champlain Chocolates before the high-octane action of the Burlington vs. Rice Memorial HS Division 1 basketball championship game lights up the court. The game promises to deliver a showcase of local talent and community pride that’s not to be missed. To round out the evening, catch an open mic comedy session at The 126, where local wit and charm bring a refreshing burst of humor to your night.
Friday, March 7
The 2025 Vermont Flower Show (All Weekend)
Venue: Champlain Valley ExpoScram and Astral Underground at Radio Bean (Early Set)
Venue: Radio Bean (Early birds, take note!)
4:00 pm – Collin Cope (Indie)
Venue: Hotel Vermont · Cost: Free
6:00 pm – Paul Webb (Piano)
Venue: Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge · Cost: Free6:30 pm – Friday Night Ballroom (#55)
Venue: Vermont Swings7:30 pm – Amythyst Kiah
Venue: Higher Ground7:30 pm – Sweeney Todd – A Musical Thriller!
Venue: Black Box Theater7:30 pm – Barbacoa (Surf Rock)
Venue: Radio Bean · Cost: $10
8:00 pm – Drum and Bass at Despacito! Rastafari / Kanganade / Mvlleus / Bo Twiggs (#57 / #90)
Venue: despacitovt8:00 pm – David Karl Roberts – Singer Songwriter (#99)
Venue: Venetian Soda Lounge8:00 pm – LaMP (Funk / Jam)
Venue: Nectar’s · Cost: $208:00 pm – Jonathan Richman & Tommy Larkins (Rock)
Venue: ArtsRiot · Cost: $258:00 pm – Starcleaner Reunion (Indie Rock)
Venue: Foam Brewers · Cost: Free
9:00 pm – Valley Meade & Aeolian Sound Present: Onyx & Cappadonna (#8)
Venue: Nectar’s9:00 pm – Rap Night Burlington (Hip Hop)
Venue: Drink · Cost: $59:00 pm – Craig Mitchell (DJ Set)
Venue: Light Club Lamp Shop · Cost: $10–$159:30 pm – Scram!, Astral Underground (Jazz/Funk)
Venue: Radio Bean · Cost: $1010:00 pm – Ron Stoppable (DJ Set)
Venue: Red Square · Cost: Free11:00 pm – Dierkes (DJ Set)
Venue: Red Square Blue Room · Cost: Free11:00 pm – DJ Taka
Venue: Light Club Lamp Shop · Cost: $10–$15
Saturday, March 8
Morning & Afternoon
9:00 am – Member Mornings Saturdays
Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain10:00 am – The Little Mermaid Lyric Meet & Greet!
Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain10:00 am – Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol Tournament
Venue: Quarterstaff Games11:00 am – Burlington Winter Farmers Market
Venue: Burlington Beer Company11:30 am – Kids Birthday Shabbat!
Venue: Chabad Burlington12:00 pm – vTB x BBCO Dortmunder Release Party!
Venue: Burlington Beer Company12:00 pm – Maple Magic: Free Chocolate Tasting
Venue: Lake Champlain Chocolates (Flagship Store)12:30 pm – Beginner/Intermediate Lindy Hop Workshop “Lindy Essentials” with Rafal Pustelny
Venue: Vermont Swings1:00 pm – Zines + Button Making
Venue: 239 South Union Street, Burlington2:00 pm – LOMI HA: Hawaiian Breathwork Journey
Venue: 100 Church St (3rd floor), Burlington2:00 pm – Have Fun with Watercolors
Venue: 235 College St, Burlington2:30 pm – Intermediate/Advanced Lindy Hop Workshop “Musicality and Flow” with Rafal Pustelny
Venue: Vermont Swings
Evening – Live Music
5:30 pm – ‘The Spoils’ Book Launch with Bill Mullins & Friends (Rock)
Venue: Light Club Lamp Shop · Cost: Free6:00 pm – Paul Webb (Piano)
Venue: Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge · Cost: Free7:00 pm – Burlington: An Evening with Chris Bohjalian: The Jackal’s Mistress
Venue: Phoenix Books7:00 pm – Reel Rock Film Tour: Climbing Films & Community
Venue: 105 Briggs St, Burlington7:00 pm – Concerts by Candlelight – Burlington VT
Venue: Burlington, VT7:00 pm – GRRRLS to the Front with All Night Boogie Band
Venue: Foam Brewers · Cost: Free7:00 pm – Marcie Hernandez (Singer–Songwriter)
Venue: Radio Bean · Time: 7:00 pm · Cost: $107:30 pm – The Z Quintet – Live Band Dance
Venue: Vermont Swings7:30 pm – TRS Live In-Studio Recording: The Earthbound Spirits
Venue: Tank Recording Studio8:00 pm – LaMP (Funk / Jam)
Venue: Nectar’s · Cost: $208:00 pm – Kitbash (Indie Rock)
Venue: Radio Bean · Time: 9:30 pm · Cost: $108:00 pm – Silver Tree, Otter Creek, Son of Barb (Country/Rock)
Venue: Light Club Lamp Shop · Cost: $10–$158:00 pm – Sploot, Kilter (Hip–Hop)
Venue: The Lounge at Nectar’s · Cost: $148:00 pm – Tiffany Pfeiffer Jazz Trio
Venue: Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge · Cost: $10
Late Night – DJ/Club
6:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 10:00 pm – DJ Raul / Molly Mood / Matt Payne
Venue: Red Square Blue Room · Cost: Free6:00 pm – Mr Cheng
Venue: Red Square · Cost: Free11:00 pm – Roost.world
Venue: Light Club Lamp Shop · Cost: $10–$15
Sunday, March 9
Morning & Afternoon
9:00 am – Sensory Friendly Sunday
Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain9:15 am – Sunday Morning Fam Jams!
Venue: Vermont Comedy Club10:00 am – Sunday Brunch Tunes (Singer–Songwriter)
Venue: Hotel Vermont
(Though a brunch show, many young adults attend!)11:05 am – Lorcana – Archazia's Island Release Celebration
Venue: Quarterstaff Games12:00 pm – LGBTQIA+ Mixer
Venue: 3 Mill Street, Burlington1:00 pm – Reid Parsons & Jeff Wilson (Singer–Songwriter)
Venue: Foam Brewers · Cost: Free1:00 pm – Jewish Meditation Sits
Venue: Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
Evening
5:00 pm – Open Practice Dance Class
Venue: South End Studio6:00 pm – Karaoke Night – Every Sunday!
Venue: Venetian Soda Lounge9:00 pm – Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog
Venue: Nectar’s · Cost: Free
7:00 pm – Sam Morril: The Errors Tour
Venue: The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Reddit Community Spotlight
Pine Street is a Dead End
Local residents note that Pine Street appears to have become a cul-de-sac, sparking conversation about neighborhood planning and its evolving use.
Pine Street is a Dead EndVegetarians' Favorite Burlington Spots
Community members share their top recommendations for vegetarian-friendly eateries and hangouts around Burlington.
Vegetarians' Favorite Burlington SpotsLocal Seed Swap & Giveaway
A post inviting neighbors to participate in a seed swap event, highlighting Burlington’s interest in sustainable gardening and community engagement.
Local Seed Swap & Giveaway
That’s it for the weekend!
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy everything happening around town! Feel free to share or forward this to friends who might want to join in.That’s All, Burlington!
Bundle up if you’re heading out tonight or tomorrow. Let’s stay active, keep local spots humming, and welcome every hint of spring that sneaks through. If you’ve got a story tip or a local scoop, drop us a line — we’ll be back on Monday with more news and neighborly finds. Stay warm out there!
Answer: B) Ben & Jerry's
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