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Monday, June 30th (4th of July Edition!)

Your Week Ahead: Hot Start, Stormy Middle, Fireworks Gamble – BTV's July 3rd Blowout, Dead's New Digs & Airport Upgrades – Today's heat gives way to midweek storms, putting Thursday's massive waterfront fireworks display in question. Find out where to catch the new Grateful Dead 'residency', what $5.8M means for the airport, and all the details for the biggest party of the summer before things (hopefully) clear up for the weekend.

June 30, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

The morning fog has certainly made way for some serious heat. Expect mostly sunny skies today with highs creeping into the upper 80s, and maybe even the low 90s in the valleys. It’s a bit muggy out there, but the real stickiness arrives tonight and sticks around for Tuesday, when we’ll see highs in the mid 80s. A cold front is set to bring some drama Tuesday afternoon, with a line of showers and potentially strong thunderstorms rolling through late afternoon., so keep an eye on the sky. Wednesday looks like a gem: sunny, less humid, and comfortably in the low 80s.

The real nail biter this week is Thursday's forecast. Another round of showers and storms is likely in the afternoon, and the timing is still a toss up. While we’re all crossing our fingers for clear skies, some forecasts suggest the rain might linger into the evening, which could put a damper on the main event. Friday, the actual Fourth, should see things clearing up for a pleasant holiday with highs in the upper 70s. The weekend is looking quite nice, with a mix of sun and clouds and temperatures in the low to mid 80s. A few showers might drift in overnight Saturday, but they shouldn't spoil any weekend plans.

If you’re looking to work off some weekend indulgence, tonight’s the night. Skirack is hosting its weekly group run at 6 p.m., a casual three to five mile jaunt starting from their Run Center. On Tuesday, you’ve got options. For those feeling the rhythm, Switchback Brewing is holding its monthly Latin Dance Night, with a beginner bachata class at 6 p.m. followed by a social dance. Or, if you’re looking to relive some glory days, Einstein’s Taphouse is launching a new weekly Grateful Dead residency, ‘Dead is Alive,’ on the old Club Toast stage, bringing a cherished Burlington tradition back to life. Doors are at 7 p.m.

The rest of the week is just as packed. Wednesday offers a chance for some slightly nerdy fun with a Lord of the Rings trivia night at the Venetian Soda Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m., complete with themed cocktails and a costume contest. Earlier that day, the summer concert series continues at City Hall Park with the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic playing from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. But the big show, of course, is Thursday’s July 3rd Independence Day Celebration at Waterfront Park. Kicking off at 5 p.m., the evening features food vendors, live music from Jesse Ray Smith, and Vermont’s largest fireworks display over the lake at 9:30 p.m. Organizers are strongly recommending the GMT shuttle from UVM or biking in (hello, free bike valet) to avoid the inevitable traffic jam. It’s the can’t miss event of the week, so plan accordingly.

Reminder about Wednesdays: We noticed that Church St businesses teamed up with the Weekly Wednesday Passeggiata! Be sure to check out the huge list of deals they came up with for every Wednesday. 20% off Vermont Pub and Brew? Sheesh! Also, reminder about July 10th for our second-ever Friends mixer at the Pinery. First one was an awesome time, I can’t wait to see those again, and hopefully new faces too!

Today’s high of 88 °F significantly exceeds the historical average high of 81.1 °F (average low 61 °F), highlighting a continued warmth. And with the next few days projected to have highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and lows in the mid‑70s, the trend of above‑average summer temperatures is persisting.

"Vermont’s congressional delegation says $5.8 million in grant money from the FAA will help with the expansion and improvement projects, like the reconstruction of the airport’s second-floor corridor and the replacement of four jet bridges..." per WCAX.

This federal funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a significant boost for BTV. The work aims to improve passenger flow and accessibility, which is welcome news for anyone who has navigated the sometimes crowded upstairs corridor or boarded a plane via the aging jet bridges. It’s a practical investment in making our local airport a smoother travel hub.

"Upwards of $17 million in school funding for Vermont that was previously cancelled by the Trump administration has now been restored," according to WCAX.

After a protracted fight that included a multistate lawsuit, these COVID relief funds are finally back in Vermont’s hands. School districts had earmarked this money for critical projects, including building renovations and vital summer and after school programs. For local schools struggling with tight budgets, this restoration provides some much needed breathing room.

"Instead of competing with each other, Einstein's and The Skinny Pancake said they chose to come together to figure out how to make each series work and bring local music back downtown," reports myNBC5.

This is a classic Burlington story of collaboration over competition. With Nectar’s temporarily closed, both The Skinny Pancake (hosting free Friday shows) and Einstein’s (hosting Tuesday shows) independently moved to save the weekly Dead tribute nights. Their decision to coordinate efforts ensures a beloved musical tradition continues uninterrupted, strengthening the downtown music scene.

"Starting at the end of July, children can get a weekly meal box with seven breakfasts and seven lunches," says WCAX.

The Burlington School District is expanding its summer food program to offer these substantial meal boxes, available to any child under 18 regardless of their town or state. This initiative provides a significant resource for families, ensuring kids have consistent access to meals throughout the week. Pickups are scheduled for three Wednesdays at the Intervale Center, starting July 30th.

"Winners must also have gone to great lengths to uplift and engage others in their art, a mark Kasso Condry has hit throughout his career," notes Seven Days.

This is a major, and well deserved, recognition for an artist who has become deeply embedded in Vermont’s creative landscape. Kasso Condry’s Afrofuturist murals and community art projects, often created with his wife Jennifer Herrera Condry through their Juniper Creative Arts collective, are vibrant fixtures across the state. The $10,000 prize honors not just his artistic talent but his profound commitment to collaborative, community focused creation.

"Two businesses walked away with cash awards, and all will receive professional services from local businesses worth tens of thousands of dollars," according to VermontBiz.

The annual celebration of local entrepreneurship saw Vship, a vehicle shipping platform, win the $15,000 grand prize. Xander Medical, a surgical device company, took home the $5,000 Audience Choice Award. The event highlights the strength of Vermont’s startup ecosystem and the robust support network helping new businesses get off the ground.

"Last season, Vermont Green announced a permanent women’s squad is a matter of when, not if," writes VTDigger.

Following another pair of successful and sold out exhibition matches, the path toward a professional women's soccer team in Burlington looks clearer than ever. With World Cup winner Sam Mewis at the helm as coach, the events drew huge crowds and showcased a deep well of community support. The success reinforces the idea that Vermont is more than ready to become a destination for women's professional soccer.

"Vermont’s farmers are growing crops that better suit the state’s warmer and wetter climate — and branching into products that provide income even when traditional crops fail," reports VTDigger.

This piece explores the fascinating and necessary adaptations Vermont farmers are making in response to our changing climate. Milder winters are making peach crops more reliable, while wetter conditions have led some to experiment with rice paddies in flood prone areas.

Events:

Monday, June 30, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 8:00 PM: The Lowdown at Higher Ground: A Comedy Show at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($15/$20)

Live Music/DJ

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:30 PM: The Bits (folk) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($5/$10)

  • 7:00 PM: All That Jazz Open Mic Comedy at the 126, Burlington

  • 9:00 PM: Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at the 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead is Alive: A New Tuesday Night Residency at Einstein’s Tap House 

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

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

Thursday, July 3, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week:

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

Volunteer at the Winooski Food Shelf
Join a welcoming, diverse team working to make sure no one in our community goes hungry. The Winooski Food Shelf is powered by dedicated volunteers of all backgrounds who help with everything from distributing food to organizing fundraising efforts. Whether you can commit weekly or want to get involved behind the scenes on a committee, there’s a way to pitch in. No religious affiliation is required; just a desire to help. Interested? Call 802-655-7371 and leave a message, or email [email protected] to learn more.

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

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to help you make the most of every last bit of summer. Take a walk through the University of Vermont campus, where old trees, quiet pathways, and historic buildings make it an underrated spot for a midday reset. Visit the Vermont Comedy Club downtown and see what’s on the calendar. Whether it’s stand-up, improv, or open mic night, there’s usually something worth a few laughs. Head to North Beach in the early evening when the crowds thin out and the light softens, perfect for a swim or just sitting by the water. Browse the shelves at ReSource or Dirt Chic for secondhand gems, whether you're looking for clothes, furniture, or just something unexpected. And if you're in the mood for music, check the schedule at Radio Bean and see who’s playing that night.

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

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks
• Monday: $1 pizza and $1 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 $5 tacos at Shelburne Tap House
• Wednesday: $5 off burgers at Daily Planet and $2 corn dogs at Mule Bar
• Thursday: $0.75 wings at Shelburne Tap House and $10 for 2 slices + pint at Four Quarters Brewing

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

This Week’s Comic: July 4th Fireworks, every other year!

Seems like tradition at this point!

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Hen of the Wood

Nestled inside Hotel Vermont, Hen of the Wood offers a sophisticated, farm-to-table dining experience that has become a standard-bearer in Burlington’s culinary scene. The ambiance strikes a balance between rustic charm and urban elegance, with dark wood and an intimate setting that echoes its original Waterbury location. This commitment to Vermont extends to its menu, which changes daily to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients from a dedicated network of local farmers, ranchers, and artisans, creating a true taste of the region.

The menu’s reliance on seasonal availability means there are always new dishes to explore, but certain signature items have become beloved mainstays. The hen-of-the-woods mushroom toast with a poached egg is a consistently praised favorite, as are the simple yet perfect Parker House rolls with cultured butter. While the quality of the ingredients shines through in every dish, from fresh oysters to local cheeses, this dedication to premium, locally-sourced food comes at a cost, positioning it firmly in the upscale dining category with entrees often ranging from $35 to $45.

While Hen of the Wood has earned numerous accolades, including James Beard nominations for its chef and recognition as a top spot for business dinners, the experience isn't without its potential downsides. The restaurant's popularity can lead to a bustling and sometimes noisy atmosphere, which might not suit those seeking a quiet, intimate meal during peak hours. Securing a reservation can also be a challenge, but for a special occasion or a taste of expertly crafted, quintessentially Vermont cuisine, the consensus is clear: Hen of the Wood delivers a memorable and worthwhile culinary adventure.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Thanks for reading. Get out there and enjoy the week, support these local events and businesses, and maybe we’ll see you at the waterfront on Thursday.

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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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