Monday, June 2nd

Your Evening Briefing: Brace for summer heat (and Thursday thunder)! Navigate the Jazz Fest wave, grab local bounty at the ONE Market, dissect the Mayor's budget plan & the divisive downtown letter storm, try a new Church Street stroll, and mourn (or just note) a quick venue closure. Plus, big time City Council meeting this Monday; check out the scoop!

June 02, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

After a few early morning sprinkles decided to move along, we're looking at a rather pleasant Monday unfolding. Expect plenty of blue sky and sunshine to round out the day, with temperatures hovering comfortably in the low 70s. Things are set to warm up nicely as the week progresses. Tuesday should see lots of sunshine with highs climbing into the upper 70s, perhaps even touching the low 80s. Then, Wednesday really turns up the dial, with temperatures aiming for the upper 80s – some spots might even flirt with 90 degrees. Along with that heat, the humidity will be making a comeback, so keeping hydrated will be key. Thursday continues the warm and humid trend, with highs again in the upper 70s to low 80s, but keep an eye on the sky later in the day; a cold front is expected to roll through bringing a chance of thunderstorms, some of which could be on the stronger side.

With that summery outlook, especially for midweek, it's prime time to get out and about. The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is in full swing, and honestly, there's an overwhelming amount of fantastic music happening all over town. From school bands showcasing their talents on Church Street during weekday afternoons – catch the Flynntones Jazz Ensemble at City Hall Park on Wednesday at 4:30 PM or the Jazz Festival Kickoff Celebration at Flynn Space at 5:30 PM – to big time headliners and intimate club gigs, there's a rhythm for everyone. Seriously, the schedule is packed, I couldn’t even list it all if I wanted. You can find the full lineup and plan your auditory adventure by clicking this link: https://www.flynnvt.org/bdjf/schedule

Beyond the amazing Jazz Fest offerings, pencil in the ONE Farmers Market for Tuesday afternoon. From 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM in the Old North End, you can snag fresh local produce, baked goods, and delicious prepared foods from Ghanaian, Lao, and Korean traditions, among other treasures. It’s always a vibrant community gathering. Then, if you're looking for a Thursday evening plan, The Pinery on Pine Street is hosting their "On the Door Radio" series from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Think two DJs, food trucks, cool drinks, and those fantastic Adirondack sunsets. It's a free, family friendly affair, and a great way to discover local DJ talent. While many know about The Pinery's "Get Down" dance parties on Fridays, these Thursday sessions offer a more laid back vibe to ease into the end of the week.

Today in Burlington, the high matches the historical average at 72°F, while the low is cooler than average at 46°F. The upcoming three days are forecasted to be warmer than usual, with highs between 79°F and 87°F and lows from 62°F to 68°F.

"Tasked with closing the $8 million funding gap, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has already cut 25 jobs from seven city departments, citing 37 new positions created from now-gone one-time COVID money." (per WCAX)

Tonight’s City Council meeting at 6 PM (as this newsletter releases) will see Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak lay out her proposed 2026 budget. The administration is grappling with a significant $8 million shortfall, leading to some tough decisions including job cuts and the proposed end of adult programming like the Center of Recreation and Education (CORE) at the Old North End Community Center. The budget does, however, include funding for positions at the Howard Center and for ten new Burlington Police Department jobs, with property tax hikes reportedly off the table for now. You can tune in or attend the meeting; details are usually on the city's website, accessible through the link: https://frontporchforum.com/calendar/events/427924

"Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is asking City Councilors and residents to focus on collaboration over divisiveness." (per Burlington Free Press)

The discussion around downtown vibrancy and safety has taken a contentious turn. Following a letter from business owners expressing concerns and a subsequent City Council resolution to relocate the Food Not Bombs free lunch program, fraudulent letters misrepresenting business owners' views began circulating online. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak is now urging the council to reconsider that resolution, hoping to find a path that supports local businesses while also acknowledging the importance of mutual aid in a time of rising food and housing insecurity. It’s a complex situation highlighting differing perspectives on how to best support all members of the Burlington community.

"In Burlington, only 8 days in the entire month were dry! The other 23, nearly 75% of the month, had some precipitation." (per mynbc5.com)

If you thought last month felt particularly damp, your senses weren't deceiving you. May 2025 was indeed a soaker, with Burlington recording over six inches of rain and experiencing precipitation on 23 out of 31 days. This made it the wettest May for many areas in the region since 2013. The silver lining to all those clouds is that we're heading into meteorological summer without any widespread drought concerns, and Lake Champlain remains below flood stage, with a drier stretch of weather anticipated for early June.

Caught this double rainbow on Pine St!

"Throughout her six years with the City of Burlington, McGinnis has led efforts to activate the Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park, with 100+ free annual public programs and events, including the launch of the Winter Market in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic." (per Vermont Biz)

A familiar face is poised to take the helm of the Church Street Marketplace. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak has announced Samantha McGinnis as her nominee for the Director role. McGinnis, currently the Assistant Director of Downtown Projects & Programs, brings significant experience in organizing many of the Marketplace and City Hall Park events we enjoy. Her appointment is up for City Council approval at tonight's meeting, with a potential start date of July 1st if confirmed.

"After doing everything we could to push through an increasingly challenging landscape, The District VT (formerly ArtsRiot) has been forced to close its doors effective immediately." (per Seven Days)

Last week we reported on how just a few weeks after rebranding from its longtime identity as ArtsRiot, The District VT on Pine Street had abruptly closed. This article provides a bit more background on the venue's recent turbulent history, including multiple ownership changes and operational challenges since 2020. The sudden closure means all upcoming performances are canceled, a tough blow for artists and the local music scene that had seen a new schedule emerging there.

From the Publisher: Walking the Talk (the weekly Wednesday passeggiata)

"The daily tradition involves rounding up the family and walking — slowly, with no particular goal — through an urban core while making frequent stops to shop, sit for a drink or catch up with friends." (per Seven Days)

Seven Days publisher Paula Routly shares her experience joining the inaugural Burlington "passeggiata," an Italian tradition of a leisurely evening stroll downtown. Championed by the Vermont Italian Cultural Association, the idea is simple: show up, walk, chat, maybe stop for a bite or a bit of shopping, all to bring a gentle, consistent buzz back to Church Street. With businesses like Burlington City Arts considering extended Wednesday evening hours, this weekly 5 PM to 8 PM stroll sounds like a rather civilized and enjoyable way to support our downtown merchants and reconnect with neighbors. Thinking about going this week, maybe I’ll see there!

Events:

Monday, June 2, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 7:00 PM: Cvmrats (punk) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 7:30 PM: The 309 House Band (rock) at Monkey House, Winooski (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Grateful Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute) at Nectar's, Burlington ($10)

  • 8:30 PM: Dobbs' Dead ft. Brian Murray at Nectar’s

  • 8:30 PM: DIE the Monk, Rubber Inferno, Tabarnak, Kate Kush (experimental, indie) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Thursday, June 5, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep your summer feeling open and easy. Start with a paddle on Lake Champlain from the Community Sailing Center, where you can rent a kayak or canoe and drift along the shoreline at your own pace. Stop by Switchback Brewing’s outdoor beer garden in the South End for a relaxed afternoon with plenty of space to stretch out. Take a quiet walk through the UVM Horticulture Farm in South Burlington if the gate’s open—it’s one of the more peaceful spots around and rarely crowded. Explore the shelves at the Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne and see what jumps out at you for your next lake read. And when the day starts to wind down, head to Battery Park with a blanket and catch the sunset as the sky shifts behind the mountains. Full list’s still here when you're ready for more: Full list is still growing here:

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks
• Monday: $1 pizza and drafts at Three Needs (after 4 PM) and ½-price burgers at McGillicuddy’s
• Tuesday: BOGO 50% off traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings and $12 pasta at Gold Restaurant
• Wednesday: $5 off burgers at Daily Planet and $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM)
• Thursday: $0.75 jumbo wings at Shelburne Tap House and $5 Zero Gravity pints at Daily Planet (5–10 PM)

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

This Week’s Comic: Bike Path Etiquette

Oh snap, I scared ‘em

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Skinny Pancake

What started as a farmers market cart has blossomed into a Vermont culinary fixture. The Skinny Pancake, with prominent Burlington locations on the bustling waterfront and conveniently past security at the airport, has built a loyal following by serving up an inventive array of crêpes with a strong commitment to local and organic ingredients. The waterfront spot, particularly vibrant in warmer months, boasts a spacious patio and often features live music, drawing a lively mix of locals and visitors. The airport outpost offers a welcome taste of Vermont for travelers.

The menu, available from breakfast through later hours, centers on both sweet and savory crêpes. Morning options like the "Breakfast Monster," packed with local ham, cheddar, and egg, offer a hearty start. Later in the day, savory choices such as the pesto and chevre "Lovemaker" or the quesadilla-inspired "Crepedilla" are popular, while the classic "Sugar Shack" with maple syrup and butter provides a quintessential Vermont sweet treat. Beyond crêpes, The Skinny Pancake also offers items like grass-fed burgers, fresh salads, and poutine, showcasing their dedication to farm-fresh regional products.

While The Skinny Pancake’s dedication to local sourcing is commendable and the food generally satisfying, its popularity, especially at the waterfront, can mean significant crowds and potential waits for a table. The lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere driven by music and a bustling crowd might not suit those seeking a quiet meal. Though the menu has expanded, the primary focus remains on crêpes, which might not appeal to all diners, and prices, while moderate, can add up for a family. Nevertheless, for a distinctively Vermont dining experience that champions local producers, The Skinny Pancake remains a noteworthy destination.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

It certainly feels like summer is knocking on the door, and with it, a whole lot of ways to engage with our lively city. From navigating budget discussions to enjoying world class music or simply taking a thoughtful stroll down Church Street, there's plenty to absorb and participate in. Keep supporting local, keep engaging, and keep enjoying what makes Burlington, well, Burlington.

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