It seems summer has decided to truly show up. Today was a sticky one, and the heat is planning to stick around for a bit. After a mostly sunny and quite humid day that pushed us into the upper 80s, things are about to get a little more active. A cold front is making its way through the area this evening, bringing along a line of thunderstorms. Expect some of those storms to pack a punch, with gusty winds and heavy downpours possible until they taper off later tonight. Tuesday will bring some relief, with the humidity dropping and temperatures settling into the more comfortable upper 70s under cloudy skies, though a stray shower might linger south of the city.

The good news is that the brief break in the humidity lines up perfectly for a couple of interesting weeknight outings. If your brain is buzzing from the heat, you could put it to good use tonight at The Monkey House for Trivia with Craig Mitchell, a true Winooski classic that kicks off at 7:00 PM. Or, if you’d rather save your energy for Tuesday, you’re in for a tough choice. The Moth StorySLAM returns to the Burlington Beer Company at 7:00 PM with the theme "Dirt," which promises some wonderfully messy tales; a heads up that tickets are best bought in advance online. For those whose knowledge base is less about gritty personal anecdotes and more about chart topping hits, Switchback Brewing is hosting a Taylor Swift Trivia night.

Looking ahead to midweek, the weather seems to be cooperating beautifully. Wednesday is shaping up to be sunny with highs in the mid 80s, making it an ideal evening for the return of Beach Bites at Leddy Park. From 5:00 to 8:00 PM, you can catch some great local food trucks, live music, and those unbeatable Lake Champlain sunsets. Also on Wednesday evening, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM over at South Burlington City Hall, the Empowerment Expo offers a fantastic opportunity for women and gender expansive individuals to connect and learn, with panels focused on everything from retirement planning to breaking into male dominated fields.

As we roll into Thursday, the forecast gets a little less certain, with another chance of afternoon thunderstorms. But if the weather holds, and we're hoping it will, the season's first Party on the Bricks kicks off on Church Street with Troy Millette & the Fire Below starting at 5:30 PM. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy some free live music right in the heart of downtown. And speaking of community, I'll be hosting another Btown Brief Friends Mixer at the Pinery aka South End Get Down spot. Reminder, the idea is simple: show up if you’re open to meeting new people. I’ll be there from 6:45 PM onward, so please come say hello to me and the others! Bring anyone you want/can! For a different kind of gathering, the Old North End Community Center is hosting its free and famously welcoming Community Dinner at 5:30 PM. Check out the hyperlink in the events section to read more about it.

Reminder: Church St’s Weekly Wednesday Passeggiata deals: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/wednesday-passeggiata

This early‑July heatwave is pushing temps about 10 °F above Burlington’s July average high of 81 °F, with today already flirting with record territory. And the next few days look to continue this warm trend well above seasonal norms.

Free meal group moves to Burlington’s City Hall Park

The situation with the Food Not Cops meal service remains complicated. After pressure from businesses, the group relocated from the downtown garage but their new, self selected spot in City Hall Park was chosen without city input. This unilateral move has frustrated the Burlington Business Association and city officials, who had intended to find a mutually agreeable location. The Mayor's Office is now tasked with figuring out the next steps in a delicate situation.

Facing declining enrollment and financial headwinds, Burlington’s Champlain College reshapes its academic programs

Champlain College is grappling with the same financial and enrollment issues hitting small private colleges across the country. While the administration frames the phasing out of majors like law and accounting as a strategic modernization, some students and faculty express deep concern. They fear that faculty departures and a reliance on adjuncts are diminishing the quality of education, and that the changes could worsen the very enrollment declines they are meant to address.

Residents opposed to South Burlington housing development file petition and appeal to City Council

The long running debate over a housing project next to Wheeler Nature Park in South Burlington continues. Despite the developer clearing legal hurdles, opponents are not giving up, now petitioning the City Council directly to buy the land back. Residents argue the 32 unit project threatens a vital public green space, referred to as "the green lungs of the City Center," for a private development that doesn't address the need for affordable housing.

Vermont Green FC Secures 3-1 Win Over Black Rock FC

Vermont Green FC continues its strong push for a division championship with a decisive 3-1 victory. The team's depth was on full display, with substitute David Ajagbe heading in a crucial goal to seal the win. The Green will play their final home game this Tuesday before a major showdown with the Western Mass Pioneers on Friday.

How to spot cyanobacteria

As the lake warms up, this is your annual friendly reminder to keep an eye out for blue green algae before you or your pets jump in. Blooms can look like dark green pea soup or spilled paint on the water's surface. It’s always best to look before you leap, and the video (found by clicking the link) is a great resource for knowing what to watch for.

Vt. bird flu testing to continue despite state’s ‘unaffected’ status

Even with an "unaffected" status for bird flu, Vermont is choosing to continue its monthly dairy farm testing program through at least the end of the year. The move is a proactive measure to safeguard the state’s crucial dairy industry. The big question moving forward will be funding, as the program currently relies on federal dollars that may not be available next year.

The Btown Brief Mixer is Back!

After such a great time and turnout for our first get-together, the Btown Brief Friends Mixer is back for round two this week. For anyone who couldn't make it last time, the goal is simple: it’s a low-pressure social night designed to make it easy to meet new people. The best part is that everyone who shows up is there for the same reason, which takes all the usual guesswork out of striking up a conversation.

Join us again at The Pinery in the South End this Thursday, starting around 6:45 PM. As before, it's completely free. I’ll bring back some of the simple icebreakers and group games to get conversations flowing. Whether you're a returning friend or a first-timer, I hope you'll come hang out, play a game, and say hello. Last time our main games were Group Scattegories and Rock, Paper, Scissor Tournament; come see what this week’s will be.

General Events

General Events

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

There are so many volunteer opportunities in Burlington! This week I choose to highlight:

Support Mental Health—One Meal at a Time
NAMI Vermont is partnering with local restaurants for Meals for Mental Health, a fundraiser running through July 13, 2025—and they need your help! This quick, flexible volunteer opportunity is all about making personal connections with restaurants in your area. NAMI provides all the materials; you just reach out and invite restaurants to join the cause. It’s a simple way to support mental health initiatives across Vermont while helping local businesses get involved. Interested? Email [email protected] or visit namivt.org to get started.

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

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep the momentum going as summer settles into its groove. Start your day with a quiet loop through Centennial Woods, where the mix of boardwalks, streams, and shaded trails offers a peaceful break just outside the downtown rush. Take a spontaneous road trip across the lake and explore Port Henry, New York—there’s a public beach, a long fishing pier, and just enough small-town charm to make the ferry ride worth it. Visit the Light Club Lamp Shop in the evening for live music in a space that feels more like a vintage living room than a venue. If you’re up for a climb, hike Camel’s Hump and soak in the 360-degree views from one of Vermont’s most iconic peaks. And if you’re staying in town, pick a new flavor and start your own personal creemee crawl; no wrong choices, just plenty of reasons to keep tasting.

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

Just updated the list with more deals. Here’s some highlights, or check out the full list.

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

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

For nearly a century, Henry's Diner has been a cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, serving up classic American comfort food from its unassuming mint-green building just off Church Street. Stepping inside is like taking a trip back in time, with a gleaming chrome-trimmed counter, vinyl booths, and walls adorned with photos that tell the story of its long history. The atmosphere is bustling and no-frills, attracting a loyal following of college students and longtime regulars who appreciate the diner's timeless, unpretentious charm. It’s the kind of place where the coffee flows freely and the focus is squarely on hearty, satisfying food.

The menu at Henry’s is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional diner fare. Breakfast is the main event, with classics like fluffy pancakes, generous omelets, and the legendary "Hungry Henry" platter that lives up to its name. For lunch, you’ll find everything from juicy burgers and club sandwiches to a surprising and delicious nod to the owners' Greek heritage with offerings like gyros. The portions are generous and the prices are refreshingly affordable, making it an easy choice for a casual and filling meal.

Of course, the diner's popularity means you might encounter a line, especially on weekends, and those looking for a quiet, spacious dining experience might find the close quarters and constant buzz a bit overwhelming. The fare is unapologetically old-school "greasy spoon," which may not appeal to every palate. Nevertheless, for its fast and friendly service, wallet-friendly prices, and a reliable taste of classic Americana, Henry's Diner remains a beloved Burlington institution that continues to earn its place in the heart of the community.

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

Thanks for reading. Get out there and enjoy the mix of sun and storms, and maybe make a new friend or two at one of the many gatherings this week. It’s what makes this town tick.

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Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned!

Also cooking up scavenger hunts to give to you soon! Lots of thoughts go into this, and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.

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