Burlington's seeing the tail end of some much needed rain this evening, with most of the city picking up between half an inch to a full inch before it wraps up around 11pm. We'll wake up to lingering clouds and maybe a stray shower tomorrow morning, but things clear out nicely by afternoon with temperatures climbing into the mid 70s. Saturday and Sunday both look spectacular for whatever you've got planned: think sunshine, low 70s Saturday, and pushing 80 on Sunday. The dry stretch continues deep into next week, which means the leaves are about to put on quite a show as cooler nights speed up the color change.

Speaking of this weekend's perfect weather, there's plenty happening around town to take advantage of it. This afternoon at 2pm, former Burlington mayor Miro Weinberger talks housing abundance at an EEE event (membership gets you into all their talks, or pay $8 at the door). Tonight, BCA Center on Church Street hosts the opening reception from 5 to 7pm for "Do We Say Goodbye?", their powerful new exhibition exploring grief and mourning through various artistic lenses. Later tonight, if you're feeling nostalgic for your middle school dance moves, Now That's What I Call A Rave takes over Higher Ground at 9pm, remixing all those songs you secretly still love. For something more low key, The Dirty Looks Band plays their farewell show at The Old Post starting at 7pm, and over in Essex Junction, tribute band Best of The Eagles performs, also at 7pm.

Saturday's lineup really capitalizes on that gorgeous forecast. Start your morning at the Fletcher Friends Fall Book Sale (10am to 6pm at the main library, continuing Sunday noon to 6pm), where most books go for just two bucks. Another huge, fun highlight: Old Spokes Home's 9th annual Fall Fundo offers four different bike routes for all skill levels, with proceeds supporting their bike access programs. Over at 266 Main Street, Mission Murals hosts community paint days both Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm) to transform that eyesore across from Edmunds School into something the kids can actually be proud to walk past. Families should check out the Ethan Allen Homestead for frontier life reenactments (10am to 4pm, free for Vermont residents), or head to Essex Junction where they're shutting down Main Street from 4pm to 8:30pm for family activities, vendors, and an outdoor screening of Lilo and Stitch. Black Flannel's Oktoberfest runs 2pm to 8pm with the Inseldudler German Band playing traditional tunes from 3 to 7. BCA brings back Family Art Saturday from 11am to 1pm with a special memory box project inspired by their new exhibition. Down in South Burlington, the Energy Festival runs 11am to 3pm at 180 Market Street with a bounce house, food trucks, and Champ making an appearance. UVM students can enjoy their Weekend celebration on Church Street Saturday from 2 to 4pm with mini golf and other activities.

Saturday evening offers even more options: learn some self defense moves at the free community seminar at Oom Yung Doe (6pm to 6:45pm on North Ave), then dance it off at the Contra-Ception Dance in Mann Hall starting with a lesson at 6:45pm, featuring live music by Frost and Fire. For something completely different, catch Green Mountain Roller Derby's homecoming double header at the Champlain Valley Expo starting at 3pm (doors open), or groove to the Jesse Taylor Band at City Hall Park's Twilight Block Party from 4pm to 8pm. Out in Shelburne, Guillemette Farm has pick your own pumpkins Saturday 10am to 4pm. Sunday brings its own delights: Vermont PoutineFest takes over the Coal Collective from 11:30am to 4pm (tickets required), while Switchback hosts their own Oktoberfest from noon to 8pm with Inseldudler playing 1 to 3pm. The Ethan Allen Homestead offers a free archaeology lecture at 2pm about artifacts found in their attic. Guillemette Farm continues with pick your own fall flowers Sunday 10am to 4pm. And if you somehow missed the memo, comedian Kevin James performs Sunday at 5pm, though good luck finding tickets at this point!

Burlington’s stretch is a warm blip for late September. Today comes in a bit above average, and the weekend spikes toward early-October records. Expect a pleasantly toasty run that feels more like bonus late-summer than crisp fall, with mild nights lingering.

An official Meetup.com group for Burlington! Burlington has tons going on. Btown Brief highlights it; Btown Brief IRL gets you out experiencing it. Thanks to all the folks that joined the group so far!

We run two types of events: Regular anchors (like the Saturday Coffee Meetup) and Member-picked events where your RSVP is your vote. I’ll have a poll in the newsletter each week. See a great community event you want go to? RSVP fast - first 5 commitments make it official. No committees, no maybe's, just "I'm in" or we move on. Think trivia takeovers, food crawls, volunteer days, whatever the group wants. Easy, low-pressure stuff where conversation flows naturally. Show up a few times and casually get to know your neighbor! We're also looking for people who might want to host a regular anchor event like run clubs or trivia nights in the future. (If that ever sounds like you, just let me know!)

How it works: Each week features 3-4 possible events. RSVP to what you want. Hit the threshold of 5 by the deadline = it's on. Simple.

Think of membership as showing love for the newsletter while unlocking Burlington's social layer. Your $3.50/month on Meetup (after a free trial) keeps the Brief alive and gets you into a community that actually shows up, with Telegram access, event RSVPs, and input on what we do next. Your attendance literally shapes what sticks.

New members: Check your Meetup messages for your welcome note and Telegram invite! We're keeping one main chat for now but will add age-specific groups (20s-early 30s and 30-40+) as we grow.

Click here to: Join Meetup group

****I’m out of town this weekend so no poll for this newsletter edition****

Want a beautiful photo you took of Burlington, with your name, in front of thousands of email subscribers + Instagram followers? Reply to this email with that info and I’ll post them, with credit to you! I’ve slowly running low on my relevant, spectacular pictures of this city.

Almost a Quarter of Vermont Now in Extreme Drought

The extreme drought has spread from the Upper Valley west across central Vermont, now covering about 24% of the state. In just one month, Vermont went from half the state seeing drought conditions to nearly a quarter in extreme drought. The good news is this week's rain wasn't included in Thursday's update, so next week's report might show the spread slowing, though the rainfall is nowhere near drought busting and dry conditions return after Thursday.

Kelli Perkins Named Burlington's Director of Racial Equity

If confirmed by city council Monday, Perkins will become the third permanent director of the department since its creation in 2019, earning $130,331 annually. She beat out 40 other applicants and brings experience from her recent role as HR and JEDI director at Vital Communities. The department has been through significant turnover, with former director Tyeastia Green alleging racial denigration under the previous mayor and her replacement Kim Carson leaving after just 18 months.

A Decade Later, Burlington's Downtown Mall Redevelopment Opens

The first phase of Burlington Square (formerly "the pit") is finally open with a 161-room AC Hotel, 53 apartments, a restaurant and cafe. Apartment rents range from $1,650 for a studio to $6,800 for a top floor two-bedroom. The developers are seeking an extension on their requirement to include affordable units by June 2026, though the city says negotiations haven't started. The second building with 320 more apartments and another hotel is slated for fall 2027 completion.

Jimmy Kimmel Returns to the Airwaves — but Not in Vermont

Kimmel's back on air after a week's suspension for comments about Charlie Kirk's murder, but Vermonters still can't watch because local ABC affiliate WVNY is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which continues to preempt the show. Senator Bernie Sanders sent a letter to Nexstar's CEO calling the decision "absolutely unacceptable" and saying it "undermines the rights of Vermonters to make their own decisions about what they watch." Nexstar and Sinclair together account for nearly a quarter of ABC stations nationwide.

Champlain College Closing Ireland and Montreal Campuses in 2026

Operations will conclude June 30, 2026, with a new partnership with Temple University providing access to semester programs in Japan, Italy and Spain instead. The announcement caught alumni by surprise, many of whom credit these programs as pivotal experiences. Recent grads are reaching out to each other to reminisce about opportunities that incoming students won't have.

Students Join Discussion on the Future of Vermont's Education System

Education leaders gathered at Champlain College Thursday to discuss Vermont schools' future, with potential federal cuts and DEI programs under threat as major concerns. The conference, organized by Middlebury College junior Addie Lentzner, emphasized the importance of student voice in education decisions. Education funding and district redistricting will be at the forefront of this legislative session in Montpelier.

Burlington Business Leader Kelly Devine to Step Down After 17 Years

Kelly Devine announced she'll step down as president and executive director of the Burlington Business Association at year's end after 17 years of service, saying serving Burlington's business community has been "a great honor" and that she looks forward to using her skills in new ventures.

Vermont Textile Producers Eye a 'Farm-to-Closet' Movement

Across Vermont, a nascent farm-to-closet movement is taking shape, with companies like Muriel's of Vermont buying 1,200 pounds of wool from 15 local farmers and producing garments on whole-garment knitting machines. Green Mountain Spinnery reports being busier than ever with long wait times, and two new mills have opened in the past four years. The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival expects 5,000 visitors October 4-5, while challenges remain including the lack of processing facilities for hemp and flax in the Western Hemisphere.

What's the Latest on Burlington's Anticipated Overdose Prevention Center?

Burlington's overdose prevention center, approved by City Council in April, still has no opening date. A service assessment report is due by June 2026 (goal is spring), with a public survey launching November 1. Vermont has seen 54 overdose deaths this year, down from previous years but advocates say bureaucracy and stigma are slowing progress on the supervised consumption site that could save more lives.

Report: Beta Technologies Leaders Plan to Take Company Public

This marks a significant shift for CEO Kyle Clark, who previously touted the benefits of remaining private. The South Burlington electric aviation startup has raised over $1 billion in private capital, most recently $300 million from GE Aerospace. Multiple Beta job ads seek applicants with public financial reporting experience, and the company disclosed plans to raise another $200 million in private equity as the path to certifying electric aircraft has proven longer and costlier than initially estimated.

New Burlington Murals Aim to Address Scourge of Vandalism

The Richard Kemp Center in Burlington's Old North End is getting a new mural from Juniper Creative Arts to cover years of graffiti. The Building Blocks project is also painting 266 Main Street this weekend (Saturday 10am-4pm) with community participation welcome. City officials see progress in tackling tagging through active properties and quick cleanup but acknowledge more work is needed, with the combination of city action, property owner involvement and law enforcement required for permanent change.

Up in the Canadian Arctic, Vermont Scientists Search for Microbes and Microplastics

Vermont State University researchers spent two weeks in Cambridge Bay, Canada, collecting cores of snow, sea ice and permafrost to study microbes and microplastics in pristine Arctic environments. The DRACO team, using a state-of-the-art nano-CT scanner on the Randolph campus, has completed four Arctic research trips this year. Undergraduate students get rare hands-on experience driving snowmobiles, operating corers, and processing samples, with a summer 2026 trip to Ellesmere Island or northern Greenland in early planning phases.

Burlington Progressive City Councilors Unveil Housing Plans

Progressive councilors announced plans to grow Burlington's housing trust fund by $1 million through a city property transfer tax, require UVM to maintain affordable student housing, use the state CHIP program for permanently affordable homes, and seek a charter change for rent stabilization. The Burlington Democratic Caucus responded that while they share many goals, some proposals "may not actually move us toward the housing growth and stability we so urgently need."

This twice-weekly deep dive into Burlington takes serious time and research, from tracking city council meetings to uncovering weekly events and meetups you won't find elsewhere. As a one-person operation, your support directly keeps this project alive. Consider becoming a Core Reader with a small monthly donation below, or send a one-time gift using that link, or straight to Venmo @BtownBrief. Every contribution helps!

Friday, September 26, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Saturday, September 27, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Sunday, September 28, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Volunteer at the Champlain Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s
On Sunday, Sept 28 (10 AM–1 PM) the Shelburne Museum will host the Champlain Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s: the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Volunteers are needed to help with everything from registration to cheering on walkers along the one- and two-mile routes. It’s a powerful, inspiring day that brings together families, friends, and neighbors in the fight against Alzheimer’s. See available volunteer roles here or reach out to staff partner Jenna Johnson at [email protected] with questions. Want to go the extra mile? You can also register a team to walk.

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Today’s picks:

Five more to round out your week with a mix of easy outings and local flavor. Start with a trip to Camel’s Hump if you’re ready for a longer hike and the reward of 360-degree views at the summit. Visit the Fleming Museum on the UVM campus for an hour of quiet time with art and history. Stop by Switchback Brewing in the South End and relax in their outdoor beer garden with a pint. Take a walk through the historic streets of downtown Burlington and notice the mix of old brick buildings and newer murals. End the night at Foam with live music in a space with great waterfront views and Burlington brews.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals:

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

A Single Pebble has long been a cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, offering an upscale yet welcoming experience centered around authentic Chinese cuisine. Housed in an unassuming Bank Street building, the restaurant’s interior, with its white tablecloths and elegant Asian art, sets a refined but comfortable stage for a convivial meal. It’s a place where communal dining is encouraged, evident in the large round tables equipped with lazy Susans, often bustling with groups sharing a variety of dishes. Chef-owner Chiuho Duval's commitment to traditional Sichuan and other regional Chinese flavors ensures a menu that is both genuine and appealing to a broad audience.

The menu at A Single Pebble is a journey of shared plates, designed for exploration and enjoyment. The famed Mock Eel, a remarkable creation of shiitake mushrooms transformed to an eel-like richness, stands out as a must-try and has even garnered national attention. Other highly recommended dishes include the subtly flavored Tea-Smoked Duck and the addictive Dry-Fried Green Beans. While the restaurant is celebrated for its meat and seafood, it also consistently wins accolades for its vegetarian and vegan options, with creative dishes like Buddhist Tofu and Buddha’s Beef satisfying all palates. Many diners opt for the chef’s tasting menu to sample a wide array of the kitchen’s best offerings.

While A Single Pebble delivers a high-quality culinary experience often compared to what one might find in a larger city, it does come with a higher price point, with family-style dishes generally ranging from $18–$30. A full meal, especially with appetizers, can become a significant investment. However, most patrons find the exceptional quality, depth of flavor, and attentive service justify the cost. For those seeking a truly special Chinese meal in Burlington, A Single Pebble offers a unique and memorable journey, showcasing the art of shared food and refined taste.

View the full list of restaurant reviews here.

Hope you found something worth venturing out for this weekend. The weather gods are certainly doing their part. Got a tip about something happening around town? Send it our way and we'll make sure your neighbors know about it too.

Stay curious, Burlington

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