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- Monday, April 28th
Monday, April 28th
Summer Temps, Quick Tuesday Storms & What to Catch Before the Clouds — New Affordable Housing, UVM’s Climate-Friendly Dining, and Joann Fabrics' Farewell. Burlington heats up with 75° skies before a quick thunderstorm Tuesday evening—perfect timing to squeeze in waterfront rides, community marches, and midweek shows. Inside: 65 new apartments open in Colchester, UVM rethinks campus dining with a local-first menu, City Council takes a stand on student rights, and crafters brace as Joann Fabrics shutters across Vermont. Your full rundown of what’s changing—and what’s worth showing up for this week.
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Table of Contents
Weather & Monday Rundown
Warm air has parked itself over the lake, nudging thermometers to the upper 60s after sunset. Tomorrow the southerly flow turns downright summery; expect afternoon readings flirting with 75, maybe even 80 in southern Vermont, before a cold front drags a line of gusty thunderstorms across the Valley late day. The payoff is a crisp, blue-sky Wednesday in the high 50s, a steady climb back into the 60s on Thursday, then another rag-tag batch of showers sliding in for Friday and, yes, a mostly damp Saturday.
Tuesday evening is packed with good reasons to get out. The public EZ Breezy Bike Ride along the waterfront promises a casual, social spin starting from Steele Street, while the Take Back the Night march sets a powerful tone downtown as the community rallies from Royall Tyler Theatre to City Hall. Midweek brings a strong double feature indoors: [title of show], a clever, self-referential musical, opens at Main Street Landing, and Grammy-winner Allison Russell brings her soulful folk to Higher Ground. If trivia is more your scene, Citizen Cider’s Wednesday night quiz returns with a full slate of brain-benders—and a chance to unwind with a cider in hand afterward.
On April 28 in Burlington the historical average high is 62°F, the average low is 41°F, with record extremes of 90°F (1990) and 22°F (1972) . Today, the forecasted high is 73°F and the low is 53°F, both notably above average. Today’s temperatures in Burlington are running about 10°F above the historical average.
Guess where the photo of this Burlington gem was taken. We’ll reveal the location at the bottom of the newsletter:
Hint: A quiet curve by the railroad track, made for moments like this.
Local News (All Links Clickable)
“Sixty-five new affordable apartments are now open at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester.” “Average rent will be about $1,200, heat and hot water included.” Per WCAX.
More than fresh paint—this adds real supply just as Chittenden County vacancy rates hover below two percent. If you know someone couch-surfing, steer them to the Champlain Housing Trust wait-list while spots remain.
“University of Vermont food researchers and the dining staff are serving up sustainable menus this week.” “The plant-forward meals are meant to support a more sustainable food system by reducing food waste and increasing local and regional sourcing.” Per WCAX.
Maple-glazed tofu might sound boutique, yet the project’s bigger aim is locking in 25 percent local sourcing by 2030. If it sticks, campus dining could become one of the state’s stealth stimulus programs for small farms.
“A resolution in support of Mohsen Mahdawi and Rumeyza Ozturk is on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting.” “The measure calls for local colleges to refuse cooperation with federal immigration efforts to shut down student dissent.” Per WCAX.
Free-speech debates rarely draw ratings, but this one could rewrite how area campuses handle federal requests. Worth a livestream if you care where activism and policy intersect, City Council meeting starting right now at 6pm.
“One-third of Joann Fabrics stores will shut down this week, and the remaining stores will close next month.”Per WCAX.
Craft aficionados: bulk up on batting and bobbins now. No word yet on who’ll fill the retail void, though independent shops in downtown Burlington may see a welcome bump.
“The town’s public library building was relocated after 2023 flooding.” “The new facility will feature meeting rooms, computer labs, and more parking.” Per WCAX.
It’s not every day you see a library cross a bridge—but Johnson, VT just pulled it off. Beyond the impressive move, this relocation means better access and flood safety for a key community hub. I recommend you watch the video!
Events:
Monday, April 28, 2025
General Events
1:15 PM: Laughter Yoga at Pathways Vermont (Free)
5:15 PM: Community Meditation at First Unitarian Universalist Society (Free)
6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Elks Lodge (entry varies by cards)
6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Dancing at Burlington Beer Company
7:00 PM: Open Mic at Despacito Café (Free)
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
General Events
10:00 AM: Jersey Mike’s Boosters Fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s, South Burlington
5:00 PM: Take Back the Night march (H.O.P.E Works) – starts Royall Tyler Theatre, ends at City Hall (Free)
6:00 PM: EZ Breezy Bike Ride at 1 Steele Street, Burlington
6:00 PM: Performance Solo Jazz at Vermont Swings
6:00 PM: Partner’s Cribbage at 1233 Shelburne Road, South Burlington
6:30 PM: Forager’s Potluck at 1416 North Avenue, Burlington
7:00 PM: Swing Dance practice session at North Star Community Hall ($5)
7:00 PM: Open Mic Comedy w/ Levi Silverstein at the 126 (Free)
7:00 PM: Venetian Soda Open Mic at Venetian Cocktail Lounge (Free)
7:00 PM: Beginner Salsa at South End Studio
7:05 PM: April Lindy 1 at Vermont Swings
7:30 PM: Folk’n Open Mic at Venetian Soda Lounge
7:30 PM: KidPower Parent Workshop at 57 South Williams Street
8:00 PM: Intermediate Bachata at South End Studio
Live Music/DJ
6:00 PM: Michael Hartigan – Solo Piano at Venetian Soda Lounge
8:00 PM: Grateful Tuesdays ft. Dobbs’ Dead at Nectar’s ($10)
9:00 PM: Honky Tonk: Otter Creek at Radio Bean ($10)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
General Events
11:00 AM: “Who’s in Your Room?” Queen City Business Builder at DoubleTree by Hilton
4:00 PM: Friends & Family Takeout Dinner at The Mill Market
5:30 PM: Author Event: Dan Nott at South Burlington Public Library
6:30 PM: Singles Mixer – April at ArtsRiot
6:30 PM: Trivia Night at Citizen Cider
7:00 PM: April Westie Wednesday Lessons & Social at Vermont Swings
Performances
7:30 PM: [title of show] at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center
Live Music/DJ
7:00 PM: Songs of the Ancient World – world music soirée at Light Club Lamp Shop (Free)
8:00 PM: CHOB ft. Chuck & Rob (Dopapod) jam at Nectar’s ($10)
8:00 PM: Small Pond & Otis Shanty with Kiley Latham & Emmy McDonnell at Radio Bean ($10, 18+)
8:00 PM: Allison Russell at Higher Ground
8:30 PM: Jazz Night w/ Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)
9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at the 126 (Free)
Thursday, May 1, 2025
General Events
6:00 PM: Maximizing Design ROI in Vermont’s Outdoor-Obsessed STR Markets at Burlington Beer Company
6:00 PM: Crokinole at The Boardroom – Board Game Café
Performances
7:00 PM: Evening of Poetry with Chard deNiord & Adrie Kusserow at Phoenix Books
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Tower of Power at Hotel Champlain
7:00 PM: Balconiers at Foam Brewers
7:30 PM: Soda Plant Bluegrass Jam at Venetian Soda Lounge
9:00 PM: Bring the House Down at Einstein’s Tap House
101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)
Today’s picks:
Keeping the streak alive with five more picks from the 101+ things to do in Burlington—because there’s always something worth stepping outside for. Kick things off with a peaceful stroll through Centennial Woods, a hidden slice of nature right in town. If you're in the mood for a little friendly competition, hit the 9-hole disc golf course at Schifilliti Park. After that, wander over to Church Street for some casual people-watching and maybe a stop at Frog Hollow to check out local crafts. When golden hour rolls around, make your way to Lone Rock Point for a quieter sunset spot. And if you're not ready to call it a night, grab a pint and catch some live tunes at Radio Bean. Full list’s right here when you need it: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/101-activites
This Week’s Comic
Useless Tiny Tote Strikes Again
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: American Flatbread
American Flatbread has been a reliable go-to in Burlington since 2004, known for its wood-fired flatbread pizzas that some like to hype up. The massive earthen oven in the center of the dining room isn’t just for show—it’s where every pizza gets that perfect char and smoky flavor. The menu sticks to what they do best: simple, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms. You’ll find combos like maple-fennel sausage with caramelized onions or a minimalist garlic, cheese, and herb flatbread that proves you don’t need to overdo it to get something great.
Beyond the food, American Flatbread feels like one of those places that's woven into Burlington’s rhythm. They’re big on community—hosting Benefit Bakes where part of the night’s sales support local organizations—and they’ve been a steady part of the farm-to-table scene long before it became trendy. The vibe is casual, a little rustic, and always busy, especially on weekends, so expect a wait if you don’t plan ahead. But whether you're sitting by the oven in winter or out on the patio when it’s warm, it’s the kind of spot that works for almost any occasion. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s worth a reminder.
That’s All, Burlington!
Thanks for reading. Send hot tips, cold brews, or breaking event scoops to [email protected] and keep the chatter going. See you Thursday.
Mystery Photo Location: Roundhouse “Park”. Right by Perkins Pier is a like park off the bike path with seating for watching sunset views.
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