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- Monday, April 21st
Monday, April 21st
Monday Brief: April Showers, Electric Ideas, and Midweek Music — Food Shelf Moves, Housing Gridlock, and a Jazz Festival Preview. A damp start to the week gives way to dry skies and packed calendars. From the Electrify Vermont Summit and patio screenings to zoning shifts on Pine and a bold jazz lineup reveal, here’s what’s shaping Burlington right now.
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Table of Contents
Weather & Monday Rundown
Rain held off for most of the day, but scattered showers drift through this evening while temperatures linger near 60. Skies clear by dawn and we settle into a quietly bright stretch: highs ride the low 60s Tuesday under retreating clouds, climb to the mid‑60s Wednesday, then flirt with 70 by Thursday and Friday before the next round of showers late week. Overnight lows stay comfortably in the 40s, so leave the heavy coat on the hook and keep an umbrella handy for the occasional sprinkle.
The timing looks perfect for the week’s highlight reel. Tomorrow afternoon’s Electrify Vermont Summit at UVM kicks off under drying skies, and the evening stays calm enough for the patio movie of “E.T.” at Switchback. Wednesday’s partly sunny break should sweet‑talk folks outdoors for Green Up Vermont at Zero Gravity and a lively High Fidelity screening on the waterfront. By mid‑week the air warms just in time for an 8:30 Yung Gravy set at Higher Ground, followed Thursday night by guitar legend Buckethead. Keep the rain jacket close, but the forecast is mostly cooperating with your social calendar.
On April 21 in Burlington the average high is 58°F, the average low is 39°F, and the record high is 81°F (set in 1987). Today, the forecasted high is 61°F and the low is 49°F. Today's weather is slightly warmer than average. This week in Burlington is trending warmer than usual, with daily highs consistently above the historical averages.
Guess where the photo of this Burlington gem was taken. We’ll reveal the location at the bottom of the newsletter:
Hint: Not quite North (Beach), not quite hidden. But always quiet.
Local News (All Links Clickable)
“A major redevelopment project that seeks to bring upwards of 1,000 housing units to Burlington’s South End is facing some financial hurdles, and the developers say they are struggling to make the math work without a key measure before the Legislature.” (per WCAX)
Hula’s Russ Scully is banking on state‑backed infrastructure dollars; without them, that vast Lakeside Avenue parking lot stays exactly that. Lawmakers will have to decide whether the new ‘CHIP’ financing tool is worth the risk or if Burlington’s biggest housing vision stalls in committee.
“Summer may feel far away, but it’s less than two months until the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. International jazz artist, composer and producer Anthony Tidd is this year’s curator.” (per WPTZ)
Five free days of music land June 4‑8, with Dumstaphunk honoring The Meters on Friday and The Soul Rebels teaming with hip‑hop icons Rakim and Talib Kweli Saturday. Mark your calendars; waterfront lawn spots fill fast once the brass section starts up.
“The new rules remove the previous 5,000 square foot size limit on performing arts centers on Pine Street. The restriction would have prevented Burlington venue Higher Ground from relocating.” (per Seven Days)
City Council’s unanimous vote gives Higher Ground room to build the bigger stage it wants closer to downtown. Parking headaches remain unsolved, but music fans may soon swap Williston Road trips for Pine Street strolls.
“Feeding Champlain Valley says the food shelf has been moved there because of construction to revamp their location on North Winooski Avenue in Burlington.” (per WCAX)
The temporary move to the O’Brien Center hasn’t slowed demand—staff still serve about 100 neighbors daily. Renovations on the North Winooski site wrap later this summer; until then, the Good Food truck brings meals back to Pearl Street every Wednesday.
“A year into South Burlington’s rental registry, fewer than half of the city’s units have been inspected.” (per WCAX)
Inspections uncovered makeshift bedrooms and missing smoke alarms, but officials say the goal is safer housing, not citations. With 3,000 units to review, the city hopes to visit every property at least once by year three.
Events:
Monday, April 21, 2025
General Events
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Earth & Space‑tacular Festival — Day 3 at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Preschool Story Time at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Electrify Vermont Summit at UVM Alumni House (Free)
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Teen Drop‑In Volunteering at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Dancing at Burlington Beer Company
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Burlington Literature Group — reading Gravity’s Rainbow (Free)
8:00 PM: Spring into Wealth: Exclusive RE Investment Event (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
General Events
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Earth & Space‑tacular Festival — Day 4 at ECHO
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Sing‑Along with Linda Bassick at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
4:00 PM: Oyster Happy Hour! at Windjammer Restaurant & Upper Deck Pub
6:00 PM: Patio Movie — E.T. at Switchback Beer Garden (Free)
6:30 PM: Poetry Reading – “Odd Hour” at Odd Fellows Lodge
7:00 PM: Film — High Fidelity at Film House, Main Street Landing (Free)
7:00 PM: Beginner Salsa at South End Studio
7:00 PM: Comedy Open Mic w/ Levi Silverstein at The 126 (Free)
8:00 PM: Intermediate Bachata at South End Studio
Live Music / DJ
7:00 PM: Olivia Ellen Lloyd + Olivia Lurrie at Radio Bean ($10)
8:00 PM: Grateful Tuesdays at Nectar’s ($10)
9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday w/ Wild Leek River at Radio Bean ($10)
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
General Events
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Earth & Space‑tacular Festival — Final Day at ECHO
11:15 AM: Why & How We Do It – Green Vision Cleansing at The Flynn Center
1:00 PM: Flower Making Workshop at Faith United Methodist Church
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Writing Circle at Pathways VT (Free)
5:00 PM: Green Up Vermont at Zero Gravity Beer Hall
6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Elks Lodge (cash prizes)
6:30 PM: Trivia Night at Citizen Cider
6:30 PM: Mindfulness on the Mat – DBT & Yoga at 35 King Street Studio
8:30 PM: Stand‑Up Open Mic at Vermont Comedy Club (Free)
Performances / Comedy
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: UVM Student Recitals at UVM Recital Hall (Free)
8:00 PM: DEAR EVAN HANSEN at The Flynn Center
Live Music / DJ
6:00 PM: Irish Trad Jam at ArtsRiot (Free)
6:30 PM: Giannina Sol & Natalie Palmer at Radio Bean ($5/10)
8:00 PM: Lara Cwass Band at Nectar’s (Free)
8:30 PM: Jazz Night w/ Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)
9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at The 126 (Free)
8:30 PM: Yung Gravy at Higher Ground
Thursday, April 24, 2025
General Events
12:15 PM: Spring Pilates Series (5‑Class Matwork) at Momentum Physical Therapy
12:30 PM: Open Studio at Expressive Arts Burlington
5:00 PM: Vermont Go Red for Women at DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington
Performances / Comedy
5:00 PM: Tower of Power at Hilton Burlington
7:30 PM: DEAR EVAN HANSEN at The Flynn Center
Live Music / DJ
6:45 PM: Kizomba & Semba at South End Studio
7:00 PM: Marcus Rezak’s Gumbo – Phish Tribute at ArtsRiot
7:30 PM: SunSquabi at Higher Ground
8:00 PM: Anna McClellan w/ Hello Shark & Francie Medosch at Radio Bean
8:30 PM: LTJ Bukem at Nectar’s
9:00 PM: Buckethead at Higher Ground
101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)
Today’s picks:
Back at it again with another five picks from the 101+ things to do in Burlington—because yes, the list is still growing, and yes, you still don’t need to be bored. Whether you're plotting out your weekend or just need a midweek mood boost, try one of these: Climb the Ethan Allen Tower for city and lake views with minimal effort, then stroll through the nearby woods if you’re feeling it. Post up at Battery Park for sunset—always a classic, always worth it. If you're craving something sweet, Little Gordo’s creemee stand is open and hitting just right. And for a low-key vibe, grab a book and chill at Calahan Park under the trees. Whole list’s still right here if you're feeling lucky: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/101-activites
This Week’s Comic
Summer’s Longest Wait, I tell ya
Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)
Monday
Food
• Shelburne Tap House – ½‑price burgers
• McGillicuddy’s – ½‑price burgers
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Bluebird Barbecue – Free kids’ meal w/ adult platter
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
Drink
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – ½‑price wine bottles
• Shelburne Tap House – $3 bottled beer
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours
Tuesday
Food
• Leunig’s Bistro – $24 prix fixe (app + entrée)
• Moe’s – Kids eat free (5 – 9 PM)
• Gold Restaurant – $12 pasta (from 4 : 30 PM)
• Texas Roadhouse – $1.99 kids’ meals (4 – 8 PM)
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 tacos
• Four Quarters Brewing – $10 burger + fries or $3.50 tacos
• Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO 50 % off traditional wings
• Burlington Beer Co. – $10 for 2 tacos + 16 oz Kings Canyon Lager
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• El Gato Essex – $4 tacos
• Finnegan’s – $1 wings
• Rotisserie – $3.95 Taco Tuesday
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
Drink
• Daily Planet – 50 % off cocktails (5 – 10 PM)
• Four Quarters – Taco‑Tuesday margarita specials
• Barkeaters – $5 (6 oz) wine pours
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Green State pints (5 – 9 PM)
Wednesday
Food
• City Market – $5.99 sushi rolls
• Gold Restaurant – 50 % off small plates (<5 : 30 PM & >8 : 30 PM)
• Daily Planet – $5 off burgers & sandwiches
• Shelburne Tap House – BOGO ½‑off salads
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Mule Bar – $2 corn dogs & $4 hot dogs
• Barkeaters – $12 burger + fries + beer
• BKK in the Alley – Half‑price snack menu
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $2 cheese slice | $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Rotisserie – $5 sliders
• Shalimar – BOGO ½‑off salads
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced snack menu (3 – 5 PM)
Drink
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Mule Bar – $5 whiskey pours
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours
• Burlington Beer Co. – $5 Wizard beers (NEIPA / DIPA)
• Standing Stone Wine – 10 % off retail & $2 off wine by the glass
• El Gato Essex – $5 margaritas
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)
Thursday
Food
• Shelburne Tap House – $0.75 jumbo wings
• Gold Restaurant – 50 % off small plates (<5 : 30 PM & >8 : 30 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Switchback Brewing – 25 % off appetizers (Mug Club)
• McGillicuddy’s – Half‑price snack menu
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $10 for 2 pizza slices + a pint
• Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO boneless wings
• El Gato Essex – Half‑price nachos
• May Day – $10 Patty Melt
• The Kitchen Table – $5 pub‑food & drafts
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced snack menu (3 – 5 PM)
Drink
• Daily Planet – $5 Zero Gravity pints (5 – 10 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Switchback Brewing – $5 Mansfield IPA
• Standing Stone Wine – 10 % off retail & $2 off wine by the glass
• Despacito – $6 margaritas
• Finnegan’s – $1 PBR
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)
This Week’s Restaurant Review: Honey Road
This week’s pick is Honey Road, the lively Eastern Mediterranean restaurant right at Church and Main that’s as stylish as it is flavorful. Co-owned by chef Cara Chigazola Tobin, a James Beard semifinalist, the spot has become one of Burlington’s most celebrated places to eat—known for its creative mezze, housemade dips, and cozy-but-buzzing vibe. The menu rotates with the seasons, but you can usually count on staples like warm, fluffy house pita and bold dips like smoky baba ganoush, tahini hummus, and whipped feta. Current standouts include the sweet-and-spicy harissa chicken wings with dried lime labne, crispy potatoes with jalapeño labne, and the lamb dolma—grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice, finished with mint labne and chili oil. Even the sesame almond layer cake and walnut baklava hold their own. Whether you're settling in for a table full of small plates or just stopping by for snacks and drinks, it hits the mark.
Honey Road has earned plenty of praise, both locally and nationally—from Seven Days shoutouts to James Beard nods for both the chef and the restaurant itself. It’s also proudly women-owned and operated, with a name inspired by an old trade route in Turkey where women ran the show. The space feels equal parts dinner party and downtown hangout: warm lighting, a touch of glam, and a full house almost every night. While the portions lean small and prices can add up, most diners agree it's worth the splurge. Reservations are a good idea, and going with friends makes it easy to share a wide spread. It’s one of those places that feels a little special without being formal—and it’s where I bring people when I want to show off just how good Burlington’s food scene really is.
That’s All, Burlington!
Thanks for reading. Drop us a tip, a photo, or the best meal you tried this week at [email protected] See you Thursday evening.
Mystery Photo Location: The south end of North Beach, aka Texaco Beach. Great dog friendly beach!
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