Friday, May 23rd

Your Weekend Kickoff: Gray Friday, Showery Saturday, Brighter Sunday Hopes – Plex Fest's ONE Takeover, E-Bike Decisions & Meal Program Tensions – Tonight's cool, gray skies lead into a dynamic weekend: brave the showers for the Old North End's unmissable Plex Arts Fest or the downtown Mini Golf adventure. Plus, get the inside scoop on the contentious Food Not Bombs relocation and the future of Burlington's e-bike scene, before Sunday's Marathon brings a brighter outlook.

May 23, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

Well, Burlington, Friday has certainly made its presence known, hasn't it? We are decidedly still wrapped in a blanket of gray, with clouds sticking around and those cool temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s persisting. Expect these scattered, on and off rain showers to accompany us through the rest of today. Looking ahead, Saturday is still shaping up to be a bit on the unsettled side, with more scattered rain showers likely and temperatures remaining cool, again mostly in the upper 40s and 50s. The good news is that conditions are set to slowly improve as we move deeper into the weekend. Sunday promises to be drier, though still quite cloudy, with a chance for sunshine breaking out before sunset and temperatures climbing into the upper 50s and lower 60s. Then, for Memorial Day Monday, we finally get to see some proper sunshine, which should help drive our temperatures back up to more seasonable levels in the upper 60s and even lower 70s – though if a beach day is on your mind, Lake Champlain’s water is still refreshingly brisk.

With this evening's cool and damp forecast, you will absolutely want to dress warmly if you are venturing out to the South End Get Down on Pine Street by Coal Collective, which kicks off around 5 PM and runs until 9 PM. For Saturday, that lingering coolness and chance of showers might mean bringing an extra layer or a trusty raincoat if you are planning on the Adventure Dinner Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt. This delightful event has you putting your way through a walkable course around downtown from noon to 4 PM, checking in near Outdoor Gear Exchange to explore local spots like Common Deer, Kestrel Coffee, and Hotel Vermont. Similarly, Zero Gravity’s 21st Birthday Lot Jam at their Beer Hall, offering live music and local treats from 3 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, will be a blast, but perhaps keep an eye on the skies.

Then, of course, there is the unmissable Plex Arts Fest, set to ignite the Old North End on Saturday evening. This incredible grassroots event, now in its third year, explodes with creativity from 5 PM until after midnight. With over 120 indie artists showcasing everything from visual art and film to music and performance at varied venues including Junktiques, Tank Recording Studio (which closes at 10 PM for merch and screenings), and Despacito Bar and Kitchen, it is a true celebration of experimental art. Importantly, Plex is a rain or shine affair with plenty of indoor and outdoor happenings, so a little Vermont spring shower will not stop the spectacle – even Fluffy, the mobile art bus, will be there! Tickets are on a welcoming sliding scale from $0 to $50, with all proceeds going directly back to the artists. And as Sunday rolls in with improving, drier conditions, it will be excellent news for everyone at the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay. The endurance and community spirit starts bright and early at 7:00 AM from Waterfront Park, and for any inspired late deciders, you can still sign up to participate until Saturday. The anticipated temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s should make for good running weather.

Today’s high of 51°F is well below the May 23 average of 71°F. The next few days will stay cooler than usual, with highs in the 50s and 60s. Unseasonably chilly for late May in Burlington.

"Some 120 indie artists will present art, film, video, installation, music, performance and interdisciplinary works from about 5 p.m. until after midnight." (per Seven Days, from a previous year's coverage)

While this particular quote harks back to last year's triumph, it perfectly captures the spirit of what makes Plex a recurring gem. The festival, now in its third year and happening tomorrow, continues to champion emerging and experimental artists who might not find a home in traditional galleries. It's this dedication to the unconventional and the fleeting magic it conjures in familiar Old North End spaces that makes it such a vital part of Burlington's creative pulse.

"At this time, there are no confirmed plans in place for a new e-bike provider or regional system," Katie Martin, associate director of CATMA, told the Burlington Free Press. "CATMA, in partnership with with our municipal and institutional collaborators, has made an intentional decision to pause to reflect on past efforts and explore what a sustainable bike share model could look like going forward."

It seems Burlington's relationship with e bike share programs is complicated, to say the least, after a string of out of state companies have come and gone. Now, local entrepreneur Rick Sharp of Burlington Segways is looking to fill the void with a homegrown system, focusing initially on the bike path. This feels like a classic Burlington tale: if the big guys can't make it work, maybe a local, smaller scale approach is what we need, though Sharp is already facing hurdles like Trump era tariffs impacting his bike orders.

"Committee members opposed to the expansion said, given the tense political climate, enabling people to put their names on a public list of legal non-citizens could make those people targets of federal retaliation, they said." (per The Other Paper)

South Burlington is tapping the brakes on allowing all legal residents, including noncitizens, to vote in local elections, a measure already adopted by Burlington, Winooski, and Montpelier. The split on their charter committee highlights a difficult balancing act: concerns over potential federal retaliation against noncitizens in the current political climate versus the principle of enfranchisement for all taxpaying residents. It’s a debate echoing national anxieties right in our backyard.

"Before last December, Winooski High School junior Mapenzi Selemani had never performed onstage." (per Seven Days)

Mapenzi Selemani's journey from a Winooski student hesitant to perform to a regional finalist in the national Poetry Out Loud competition is a remarkable story of courage and growth. Her experience in Washington D.C., which included connecting with another student from Mozambique through a shared African language, underscores how these platforms do more than showcase talent; they build confidence and forge unexpected connections, reflecting wonderfully on her and the supportive school environment.

“Business owners want to move our lunch so that Church Street shoppers don’t have to look at poor, suffering people on their walk from their vehicles to the stores they’ll shop at,” Bliss said. (per VTDigger)

The contentious City Council decision mandating the meal program relocate from the downtown parking garage by July 14 vividly exposed the deep divisions within the community. While over 100 businesses cited negative impacts and safety issues, program organizers and supporters emphasized they are meeting essential needs and argued the core issue is discomfort with visible poverty, not genuine danger. The prolonged, sometimes fractious council debate highlighted the immense difficulty in reconciling economic concerns with social compassion.

"The state’s first-ever professional basketball team, the Vermont Coyotes, holds their first combine this weekend." (per WCAX)

Get ready for some hoops action of a different kind. The Vermont Coyotes, our very own professional basketball team, are holding their inaugural combine this Saturday at VTSU Johnson. It's a significant step for the fledgling team and a cool opportunity for the public to see potential future stars being put through their paces.

"Organizers call it a “passeggiata,” based on an old Italian tradition of folks strolling through the town square in the evening to shop and dine." "People are upset for good reason, but the only way to change it is to really come downtown and say, this is our downtown, this is our city," said Michelle Asch. (Per WCAX)

In response to recent calls for boycotts after the decision to move the downtown meal program, some residents organized a "passeggiata" this past Wednesday. The idea was a gentle show of support for downtown businesses by encouraging people to shop and dine locally. While turnout was reportedly light, the intent to foster positive community engagement is clear, and there’s hope it might become a regular thing.

“If I’m just going to have a hamburger in a location that happens to serve alcohol, and I go in for fries and a Coke, I can’t have the ability to defend myself, in Burlington of all places?” said the group’s Chris Bradley. (per WCAX)

Burlington's proposed charter change to ban guns in establishments serving alcohol is once again navigating the tricky waters of Montpelier. The debate pits public safety concerns voiced by bar owners against gun rights arguments, with the added complexity of how such a ban would be enforced and whether it would withstand legal challenges. Governor Scott’s preference for statewide, rather than patchwork, gun laws adds another layer to this ongoing discussion.

“Under heavy smoke conditions, [he] assisted her out of the hallway of the apartment building upstairs and helped her down out into the yard here," said South Burlington Deputy Fire Chief Terry Francis. "I’m not sure she would have survived if he had not done that.” (per WCAX)

A shout out to an unnamed bystander whose quick thinking and bravery likely saved an elderly woman from a burning apartment building in South Burlington this past Tuesday. After spotting smoke and calling 911, he ran into the building to help. It's a powerful reminder that everyday heroes walk among us.

Events:

Friday, May 23, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: Fun With Fascist Dictators Series: Film screening of "To Be Or Not To Be" (1942) at The Screening Room VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center (Burlington). $6-$12.

  • 7:00 PM: Bimbo · Assorted Fruit · Moth Mouth at Odd Fellows Hall.

Live Music/DJ

  • 2:00 PM: Dave Mitchell's Blue's Revue (blues) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

  • 4:00 PM: Eric George (folk) at Hotel Vermont (Burlington). Free.

  • 5:30 PM: Buck Hollers Trio at Switchback Brewing Co. 6:00 PM: DJ CREB (DJ) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

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

  • 7:30 PM: Sonic Futures: Youth Music Collective (youth music showcase) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge (South Burlington). $14.09.

  • 8:00 PM: Seth Yacovone Band, Peter Prince, Moon Boot Lover (rock) at Nectar's (Burlington). $15.50.

  • 8:00 PM: Tiffany Pfeiffer, Jane Kittredge, Zoë Keating (jazz) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (Burlington). $10.

  • 8:00 PM: Astral Underground (psych jazz) at Standing Stone Wines (Winooski). Free.

  • 8:00 PM: NightHawk at The Old Post.

  • 8:30 PM: Ciarra Fragale, Silver Tree (indie, alt-country) at Monkey House (Winooski). $10.

  • 9:00 PM: Olivia Lurrie, Danny and the Parts, Delta Sweet Duo (bluegrass, country) at Foam Brewers (Burlington). Free.

  • 9:00 PM: Paper Castles, Fossil Record, Rachel Ambaye, Addie Herbert (indie) at Radio Bean (Burlington). $10/$15.

  • 9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink Burlington (Burlington). $5.

  • 10:00 PM: Ron Stoppable, DJ ATAK (DJ) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

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

Saturday, May 24, 2025

General Events

  • 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Plex Arts Festival in the Old North End. Experience the 3rd annual Plex Arts Fest, a vibrant showcase of art, film, music, and performance by some 120 indie artists lighting up various indoor and outdoor venues. This grassroots, volunteer-organized event celebrates weird, experimental art. Tickets $0-$50 (pay what you can), all proceeds to artists.

  • 9am-2am Burlington Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning.

  • 9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Sports & Fitness Expo at DoubleTree by Hilton (South Burlington). Free.

  • 8:00 AM: Mini Marathon & VT City Two‑Mile at Waterfront Park.

  • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Sports & Fitness Expo at DoubleTree by Hilton (South Burlington). Free.

  • 9:00 AM: Member Mornings at ECHO Leahy Center.

  • 10:00 AM: Revolutionary War Militia Re‑enactment at Ethan Allen Homestead.

  • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Chess Club at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall (South Burlington). Free.

  • 11:00 AM: Champ’s Legendary Creemees Opening Day at ECHO Leahy Center.

  • 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM: Dragon Boating with Malia Racing at Community Sailing Center (Burlington). Free; preregistration required.

  • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Adventure Dinner Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt at Church Street Marketplace (Burlington). $35.

  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Emily Halnon (Talk) at DoubleTree by Hilton (South Burlington). Free.

  • 12:30 PM: Awakening the Heart at Chace Mill.

  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Poetry Experience at Fletcher Free Library (Burlington). Free.

  • 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM: 21st Birthday Lot Jam at Zero Gravity Beer Hall (Burlington). Free entry.

  • 5:00 PM: Froggy May Lunacy at South End Studio.

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park (Burlington). Free.

  • 7:00 PM: Saturday Swing Dance at Vermont Swings.

  • 9:00 PM: Queeraoke with Goddess (karaoke) at Standing Stone Wines (Winooski). Free.

Performances

  • 3:00 PM: Fun With Fascist Dictators Series: Film screening of "Richard III" (1995) at The Screening Room VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center (Burlington). $6-$12.

Live Music/DJ

  • 2:00 PM: Left Eye Jump (blues) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

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

  • 6:30 PM: Dan Greenleaf (jazz) at Radio Bean (Burlington). $10.

  • 7:00 PM: Samantha Mae, Eustis (singer-songwriter) at the District VT (Burlington). $22.59-$27.73.

  • 7:30 PM: Paul Asbell (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (Burlington). Free.

  • 7:30 PM: Night Protocol, Dutch Experts, Amystera, Forget the Sun (synth, indie rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge (South Burlington). $16.16.

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

  • 9:00 PM: Josh Panda Turns 40 (pop) at Foam Brewers (Burlington). Free. 9

  • :00 PM: North Beach Dub Allstars, Double You, DJ Transplante (Sublime tribute) at Nectar's (Burlington). $13.51.

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

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

Sunday, May 25, 2025

General Events

  • 7:00 AM: M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay at Waterfront Park (Burlington). Free for spectators; preregistration to participate.

  • 9:15 AM: Sunday Morning Fam Jams at Vermont Comedy Club.

  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Winooski Farmers Market at Winooski Falls Way (Winooski). Free. 10:00 AM: More Love Pet Adoption Event at Heritage Toyota.

  • 10:45 AM: Adult Bible Study & Sunday School at 1560 Williston Rd Chapel.

  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Spin-In Spinning Circle at Fletcher Free Library (Burlington). Free. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Rob Grandchamp (Talk): "The Anti-Masonic Period in Vermont 1825-1860" at Ethan Allen Homestead Museum (Burlington). Free.

  • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Human Connection Circle at Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library (Burlington). Free; preregistration required, limited space.

  • 4:00 PM: VT Synth Society Meetup (synth open jam, discussion) at Community of Sound (Burlington). Free.

  • 4:45 PM: Open Dance Practice at South End Studio.

  • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: For The Culture Dinner at Conscious Homestead (Winooski). $75-$125; preregistration required.

  • 7:00 PM: Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (Burlington). Free.

Live Music/DJ

  • 10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont (Burlington). Free.

  • 1:00 PM: Dale and Darcy (Americana) at Foam Brewers (Burlington). Free.

  • 3:00 PM: Joe Agnello (jam) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

  • 7:00 PM: John Lackard Blues Band (blues) at Red Square (Burlington). Free.

  • 7:30 PM: Wishy, Robber Robber (indie rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge (South Burlington). $19.84.

  • 8:30 PM: Sunday Night Mass with RODRIGUEZ Jr. (Hybrid‑Live) (DJ) at the Lounge at Nectar's (Burlington). $26.88.

  • 9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog (reggae, dancehall) at Nectar's (Burlington). Free.

Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day)

General Events

  • 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: Laughter Yoga at Pathways Vermont (Burlington). Free.

  • 6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Burlington Elks Lodge (Burlington). Various prices.

  • 6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Dancing (Memorial Day Party) at Burlington Beer Company.

  • 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night (open mic) at Monkey House (Winooski). Free.

  • 7:00 PM: Trivia with Craig Mitchell (trivia) at Monkey House (Winooski). Free.

Live Music/DJ

  • 7:30 PM: Glitterfox (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge (South Burlington). $22.95.

  • 7:30 PM: Samia, Farraella (indie) at Higher Ground Ballroom (South Burlington). $32.06.

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep things interesting as the season hits its stride. Start with a stroll through the LaPlatte Nature Park trails in Shelburne, where the mix of woods, fields, and river makes for a quiet, scenic loop. Wander the shelves at Pure Pop or Burlington Records and see what vinyl surprises you come across. Head to the top of Mt. Philo in the early evening and catch the light shifting over the lake and mountains. If you're in the South End, stop by The Soda Plant for a peek into local makers' shops and a coffee or cider while you browse. And when you want something offbeat, find the murals scattered around downtown and turn it into your own walking art tour. Full 202+ activity list’s still right here when you're ready for more: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Weekend Food & Drink Picks
• Friday: $10 fish & chips at Shelburne Tap House and $5 Fiddlehead IPA at Daily Planet
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and ½-price burgers at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $16 family dinner at Four Quarters Brewing (4–8 PM) and $3 Green State pints at Zero Gravity Pine St (5–9 PM)
• Monday: $1 pizza and $1 drafts at Three Needs and ½-price burgers at McGillicuddy’s

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

This Week’s Comic:

Guess I’ll borrow a neighbor’s pup.

This Week’s Restaurant Review: August First

August First Bakery & Café remains a Burlington staple, drawing regulars and newcomers alike with its light-filled, converted garage space and a lineup of fresh, scratch-made fare. The inviting, community-focused atmosphere is heightened by a long-standing laptop-free policy, which encourages genuine conversation over screen time. Standout offerings like the famous maple biscuit—beloved for its buttery, subtly sweet flavor—and the "Vermonter" sandwich continue to anchor the menu, alongside a strong lineup of artisan breads and pastries.

Since its founding by Jodi Whalen and Phil Merrick in 2009, August First has transitioned to new ownership under chef Frank Pace and Marnie Long, who have worked to maintain the bakery’s original spirit and commitment to quality. Locally roasted coffee and a menu of comforting classics, from croissants to scones, remain central, as does the lively, sometimes boisterous energy that comes with the café’s popularity. The counter-service setup and peak-hour rushes can lead to a bit of a wait or a scramble for seating, but for many, this is part of the charm.

Still, the very factors that make August First a vibrant hub can also be drawbacks for some. Prices are on the higher end for a casual café, and while vegetarian options are solid, vegan choices are somewhat limited, with a few past favorites gone from the lineup. The atmosphere—busy and screen-free—might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those seeking a quieter bite. Even so, August First remains a reliable choice for quality baked goods and a taste of Burlington’s local buzz.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

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