The smoky sunrise greeting Burlington this morning painted the sky an eerie red, courtesy of our unwelcome visitors from Canadian wildfires. We're looking at another First Alert Weather Day with moderate surface smoke creating that distinctive haze that makes everything look like it's been Instagram filtered. The good news is conditions should improve overnight into Tuesday, though we'll still have a slightly soft focus view of the Green Mountains for a couple more days. Despite the atmospheric drama, temperatures are playing nice in the low to mid 80s today. Tuesday and Wednesday bring slight chances for afternoon showers or thunderstorms, but nothing that should derail your plans. By the weekend, we're back to clear skies and climbing temps, with Sunday potentially hitting 90 degrees in some areas. It's shaping up to be our second dry weekend of the year, so dust off those hiking boots but maybe wait until Wednesday when the air clears up a bit.

The biggest buzz around town this week is the 45th annual Sidewalk Sale transforming Church Street into Burlington's favorite summer tradition from Wednesday through Sunday. For 45 years running, this is when our beloved brick pedestrian mall becomes an open-air bazaar where local shops haul their best deals onto the sidewalk and the whole downtown comes alive with that perfect mix of treasure hunting and people watching. Picture racks spilling onto the bricks while Star 92.9 broadcasts live throughout the week, mini golf courses materializing on City Hall Block Wednesday and 3rd Block Saturday, and daily Imagination Station activities keeping kids entertained from noon to 2pm. Wednesday kicks off with una passeggiata from 5 to 8pm (that's Italian for an evening stroll, and trust me, it hits different on Church Street). Thursday's Party on the Bricks features Rachel Ana Dobken bringing her powerhouse vocals to Top Block with food and drinks from Halvorson's. Throughout the sale, Kiss the Cook offers knife sharpening for just $3 a blade, Tradewinds gives free henna tattoos, Saratoga Olive Oil pours mocktail samples, and Rí Rá demos Reuben sliders Friday afternoon. Plus there's an Instagram giveaway running Friday through Sunday where tagging @churchstreetmarketplace could score you a $25 gift card. This isn't just a sale, it's basically Burlington's unofficial mid-summer festival where scoring that perfect find is just an excuse to spend five glorious days soaking up the Church Street scene at its absolute best.

For those seeking more structured civic engagement, tonight's City Council meeting kicks off at 6pm with some meaty agenda items including discussions on the police union contract, homelessness initiatives, and a proposed increase in ride share fees from 25 to 50 cents. If you're more into moving your feet than raising your hand, Skirack's Monday group run departs at 6pm for a casual 3 to 5 mile jaunt. Tuesday night offers a choice between getting your groove on at Switchback's monthly Latin Dance Night (beginner bachata class at 6pm, social dancing until 9pm) or catching night one of Dobbs' Dead's two night run at Einstein's.

Wednesday's lineup includes Vermont Folklife's "Sugar in the Pan" bringing teen musicians and traditional tunes to City Hall Park at 12:30pm, perfect for a lunch break concert. Evening options include Black Martini's fundraiser for the Queen City Police Foundation at Halvorson's starting at 6:30pm, Back Porch Revival at American Flatbread at 5:30pm, or Jamie Lee Thurston's acoustic show at The Old Post in South Burlington at 7pm. Thursday brings can't-miss events: the Mumford & Sons Railroad Revival Tour featuring hometown hero Noah Kahan at the Champlain Valley Expo (doors at 5pm, show at 7:15pm, tickets $145 and running low), alongside an impressive lineup including Nathaniel Rateliff, Trombone Shorty, and Lucius. Also Rachel Ana Dobken's Party on the Bricks performance at Church Street Marketplace at 5:30pm (also part of the Sidewalk Sale festivities). For those not heading to the Expo, City Hall Park transforms into an outdoor cinema for Flicks in the Park featuring "Summer of Soul" at 8pm, Questlove's acclaimed documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Given the forecast, either choice promises a perfect evening of music under the clearing skies.

Today's temperatures fall right in line with the historical July norms for Burlington, with a high of 83 °F versus a typical average of 81 °F and a low matching the usual 62 °F. Over the coming three days, expect more of the same, daytime highs around 80–85 °F and overnight lows in the low 60s, keeping the local heatwave expectations moderate.

'Unbelievable. Unreal': Vermont Green FC wins national soccer championship

Vermont Green FC capped off their undefeated season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Seattle's Ballard FC in Saturday night's USL League Two championship at UVM's Virtue Field. It was electric there at Virtue Field! Check out the link to see incredible photos. The match drew thousands of fans who witnessed history as Kissel's dramatic late corner kick goal in the final minutes secured Vermont's first national soccer title. This victory marks the second national championship for Vermont soccer in less than a year, following UVM men's team's NCAA Division I triumph last December. Four UVM players, including Kissel, were part of both championship squads, proving that Vermont's soccer dominance is no fluke.

Burlington traffic alert: Intersection of Maple and Pine streets closed all week

Drivers take note: the Maple and Pine intersection will be completely shut down 24/7 this week for traffic signal installation as part of the Champlain Parkway project. Pine Street access will be limited to local traffic only, with sections accessible from either north or south depending on your location. The city's routing traffic to St. Paul Street via King, College, and Kilburn, so budget extra time for your commute and maybe discover that coffee shop you've been meaning to try on the detour route. Businesses and residences in the construction zone remain accessible, though patience will definitely be required.

Community teams take on Lake Champlain to support breast cancer patients

The annual Dragonheart Festival brought dragon boat teams from across the region to Lake Champlain Sunday, but this race is about much more than speed. Dragonheart Vermont's 200-plus members, many breast cancer survivors themselves, paddle not just for victory but to raise funds for cancer charities and honor those lost to the disease. The emotional centerpiece remains the sunflower ceremony, where team members drop flowers into the lake in remembrance. For those inspired to join this supportive community, Dragonheart hosts a "Try Paddling" day August 12 at 5:30pm at the Burlington waterfront (registration required). Click the link to watch video footage of the colorful dragon boats in action.

New buoy measures underwater conditions on Lake Champlain

A high-tech weather station buoy on the Plattsburgh side of Lake Champlain is revealing surprising secrets about our beloved lake's underwater dynamics. Funded by a $700,000 federal grant, this second monitoring buoy is already delivering unexpected findings about how storms affect the lake all the way to its 200-foot depths. The data collected on everything from water temperature to storm impacts is publicly available for anyone curious about lake conditions, whether you're a scientist, angler, or just someone who likes knowing what's happening beneath those waves. It's a reminder that even after centuries of human presence, Champlain still has mysteries to reveal.

Video: Activists sound alarm over immigrant detainee transfers through nonpublic side door of Burlington airport

Immigration activists have documented ICE agents moving detainees through nonpublic side entrances at Burlington International Airport, bypassing public areas where advocates have been monitoring transfers for months. Videos from July 25 and early Thursday morning show officials escorting people through side doors directly to TSA checkpoints before normal operating hours. This apparent escalation comes after activists' research showed roughly 450 detainees have passed through Vermont's largest airport since January. Airport officials maintain they don't coordinate with ICE but acknowledge federal agencies have access to secure areas. The Burlington Police officer on duty refused activists' requests to verify the legality of the transfers, stating simply that the detainees were "in the custody of government agents."

Gardener's Supply Lays Off Workers Ahead of Sale

The iconic Vermont company that's won "Best Garden Center" awards for two decades is laying off 40 workers with less than two weeks' notice and no severance as it prepares for a $9 million sale to Indiana-based Gardens Alive. By August 6, both the Intervale call center and Milton warehouse will close, leaving longtime employees scrambling to find new jobs. The bitter irony isn't lost on workers at this "100% employee-owned" company who've watched their stock options tank along with revenues. While the fate of retail stores remains unclear (Burlington and Williston locations claim to be open year-round), employees who've served Vermont gardeners for decades are left feeling betrayed by a company that once embodied Vermont values. The state Department of Labor will provide rapid response services next week, but for workers living paycheck to paycheck, that's a tough one to swallow.

It’s a packed newsletter this Monday! It’s a one man team out here, so if you appreciate what I do and want to keep it going, consider a small donation using the link below, or right to my Venmo @BtownBrief ! Now onto the next section!

I’m excited to introduce The Queen City Puzzle Hunt Club, a new interactive puzzle hunt hiding right here in your favorite newsletter! How it works: each Thursday newsletter includes a two-part puzzle: one you solve using clues from this issue and the last, and then an optional “Field Bonus” that sends you to a real spots in Burlington. Solve puzzles to earn points and climb the public leaderboard, where you can see how you stack up against others. Your points also count as entries into our monthly prize drawing. This month, you could win a $20 gift card to any local spot you love. Want the full rundown? Learn more.

PART 1: THE PUZZLE (20 POINTS)

To solve this puzzle, find the required pieces of information from both the Thursday and Monday newsletters and combine them in order to form a four-character code.

PART 2: THE FIELD BONUS (10 POINTS)

For your Field Bonus, head to Devil Takes a Holiday at 111 St. Paul Street to check out their recently opened Spritz Deck. It's quickly become one of my favorite downtown spots to grab a drink, with outdoor couches, standing tables, and music sometimes playing from a speaker.

Your Task: How many umbrellas are on the Spritz Deck?

Submit your answers to the puzzle here: Puzzle 2 Submissions

Come back and find the leaderboard here: Puzzle Hunt Leaderboard

Monday, August 4, 2025

General Events

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Thursday, August 7, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Right now, at least 11 boys at Burlington’s King Street Center are waiting for a mentor, some for over two years. This long-running nonprofit in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods offers afterschool programs, a preschool, and a youth mentoring program that pairs kids with trusted adults for support, friendship, and fun. Male mentors are especially needed to help boys build confidence, stay engaged in school, and make positive choices. No special expertise is required—just four to eight hours a month for at least one year, and a willingness to show up. Background checks are provided, and an “Opportunity Fund” covers activity costs for mentoring pairs. Learn more at kingstreetcenter.org.

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/volunteer-burlington

Today’s picks:

Five more to make the most of these long summer days. Walk the trails at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington where shaded paths lead to open cliffside views over Shelburne Bay. Visit the Soda Plant in the South End and explore the mix of artist studios, small shops, and local food spots all under one roof. Spend an hour or two at the Shelburne Museum and take your time wandering between historic buildings, art galleries, and gardens. Grab a maple creemee from Burlington Bay Market and enjoy it along the boardwalk while watching the boats come in. End the day at Battery Park with a blanket and some snacks while the sun sets over the Adirondacks.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/202-activites

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals. Shoutout to Shawn, a Btown Brief reader who sees the value in finding restaurant specials that feel like a win for both the people and the businesses themselves. Thanks, Shawn! Updates to come… In the meantime, here are this week’s picks for deals:

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

A cornerstone of Burlington’s farm-to-table movement, Farmhouse Tap & Grill has successfully transformed a former McDonald’s on Bank Street into a bustling gastropub with rustic charm. Since 2010, it has been a go-to destination for those seeking high-quality local fare, from its renowned burgers to a New England raw bar. The atmosphere is consistently lively and welcoming, making it a popular spot for a casual dinner or drinks, but its main draw for many is the exceptional and extensive tap list, which celebrates the best of Vermont’s craft breweries.

The menu champions local producers, with the grass-fed beef burgers from Shelburne’s LaPlatte River Angus Farm taking center stage, often crowned with Vermont Cabot cheddar. Beyond the burgers, other standouts include the flavorful dry-rubbed chicken wings and the classic New England fish & chips served with perfectly hand-cut fries. The legendary tap list is a key part of the experience, offering a curated selection of highly sought-after local brews that can be hard to find elsewhere, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for beer aficionados.

This popularity, however, comes with a few trade-offs. The price point is on the higher side for pub fare, with burgers hovering around the $19-$22 mark, which may feel steep for a casual meal despite the quality ingredients. Additionally, the consistently bustling atmosphere, while energetic and fun, can sometimes translate to a wait for a table and a high noise level that might not suit those looking for a quiet conversation. Even so, for a top-tier burger and an unmatched Vermont beer selection, Farmhouse Tap & Grill remains a defining Burlington experience.

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

Thanks for reading another edition of Btown Brief. Got a tip, event, or just want to share your sidewalk sale haul? Drop us a line. Until Thursday, keep your sunglasses handy and your air purifiers running.

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