Monday, March 31st

Your Monday Rundown: Spring Temps, Main Street Mayhem & Robots Take Over UVM – A warm start to the week gives way to a chilly April Fool’s Day, with rain, snow, and sleet all on the menu. We’ve got updates on Burlington’s construction chaos, Winooski’s detour frustrations, a robotics showdown at UVM, and why your next Montreal trip just got slower. Plus: culinary showcases, jazz nights, dodgeball, and David Sedaris at The Flynn.

March 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

Hello, Burlington! We’re finally seeing a break after that wet and stormy weekend. Passing rain showers and the odd rumble of thunder might still pop up this evening, with high rivers in some spots thanks to melting snow and bursts of rainfall. By tomorrow, expect a decent temperature drop—into the 30s—so don’t stash those heavier jackets just yet. Midweek could bring a messy blend of snow, sleet, or freezing rain overnight before switching to plain rain Thursday morning. Come Friday and Saturday, we should get a taste of calmer skies and upper 40s temperatures, with the next round of showers likely rolling in Sunday. Best to keep an umbrella handy no matter how bold you feel.

Looking ahead, there’s plenty happening around town to help you shrug off the lingering chill. From culinary showcases to dancing and live music, our local venues are brimming with activities that pair nicely with that leftover winter coat. Whether you’re stepping out to enjoy local brews, catch a comedy show, or sample comfort food, be sure to plan for the shifting forecast. No sense letting a little unpredictable Vermont weather slow your roll.

On March 31 in Burlington, Vermont, the average high is 47°F, the average low is 31°F, and the record high is 82°F (set in 1998).  Today’s forecasted high is 66°F and the low is 33°F, indicating significantly warmer daytime temperatures than average

Throwback to last April’s total solar eclipse

“On Friday morning, business owners will gather at City Hall to demand answers from Burlington leaders about the Main Street makeover.” (per WCAX)

Construction delays have a knack for throwing a wrench in everyone’s plans, and it sounds like local shops have had enough. With roadway closures dragging on, folks are hoping for better timelines and less disruption to foot traffic. Here’s hoping City Hall offers a plan that keeps the commerce flowing.

“Winooski residents say it marks the end of a peaceful and lucrative winter season.” (per WCAX)

Winter offered a rare stretch of calm for Winooski businesses—but the cones and crews are back. As traffic headaches return, local spots are bracing for another round of slow days and spoiled produce. If you’re headed that way, maybe build in some extra time and show them a little love.

“A spokesperson tells us that money for the final 2.7 miles will go to other transportation priorities.” (per WCAX)

So much for that breezy 25-mile sprint to Montreal. While the partial highway is saving time for some, the dream of a complete direct route is off the table. It might mean a couple more pit stops when you head north for poutine, but at least the open road is still open—just not as open as we’d hoped.

“More than 500 students from all over New England participated in Vermont’s Robotics Competition.” (per WCAX)

Robots in a standoff might sound like the stuff of sci-fi, but it’s become quite the creative showdown for local students. They learned to code, build, and strategize in ways that would make any tinkering enthusiast proud. Burlington better watch out—these youngsters will be engineering our future, and it looks pretty clever.

“The action comes after nearly two weeks of political back-and-forth and the governor’s veto over the Democratic lawmakers’ attempts to continue funding the program.” (per WCAX)

After much arguing, some folks in crisis now have a temporary safety net through June. It’s a relief for families on the brink, but the ultimate goal remains stable, long-term support rather than quick fixes.

“The funding, authorized by Congress as part of COVID-19 relief bills, had been scheduled to run through September 2025.” (per Seven Days)

These grants funded crucial programs like vaccine access and mental health support—now suddenly gone. It’s a setback, but one that puts a spotlight on how essential these services are and just how much is at stake for many Vermonters.

Events:

Monday, March 31, 2025
General Events
5:00 PM: 2nd Annual Catamount Culinary Showcase at Dudley H. Davis Student Center (UVM Campus)
6:00 PM: Monday Night Line Dancing Lessons & Open Dance at Burlington Beer Company
7:00 PM: Pickup Dodgeball at Robert Miller Community and Recreation Center
7:00 PM: Open Mic at Despacito (Free)

Performances
7:30 PM: An Evening with David Sedaris at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
General Events
11:30 AM: Saving Grace Family Ministries Street Outreach at 177 S Winooski Ave
5:00 PM: Latin Dance Night at Switchback at Switchback Brewing Company
6:30 PM: Open Studio – Tuesday Evenings at 208 Flynn Ave, Suite #3A
7:00 PM: Venetian Soda Open Mic at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (Free)
7:00 PM: Open Mic Comedy with Levi Silverstein at The 126 (Free)
7:05 PM: April Lindy 1 at Vermont Swings
7:05 PM: Beginning Swing at Vermont Swings

Performances
6:00 PM: Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
6:00 PM: Performance Solo Jazz at Vermont Swings (20 Crowley Street)

Live Music/DJ
12:00 PM: Peter Stoltzfus Berton, organ: Hereford Variations at 2 Cherry St
8:30 PM: Grateful Tuesdays ft. Dobbs' Dead at Nectar's ($10)
9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with John Abair and His Good Pals at Radio Bean ($10)

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
General Events
11:00 AM: 2025 UVM Summer Full & Part-time Job Fair at Davis Center Atrium (UVM Campus)
11:15 AM: Hollywood Websites with Mollie Lannen at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
3:30 PM: Resilience and The Power Grid: Current Solutions and Emerging Challenges at UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships
5:15 PM: Home Buying Seminar at Pizza44 – Vermont Federal Credit Union at Pizza44
5:30 PM: Wargame Wednesdays at The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe
6:30 PM: Trivia Night at Citizen Cider (316 Pine Street)
7:00 PM: April Westie Wednesday Lessons & Social at Vermont Swings (20 Crowley Street)
7:00 PM: The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam at Lily’s Pad (Free)
8:30 PM: Standup Open Mic at Vermont Comedy Club (Free)

Performances
7:00 PM: Chicken Sketchatore at Vermont Comedy Club ($10)
7:30 PM: Primary Trust by Eboni Booth at Main Street Landing

Live Music/DJ
8:30 PM: Jazz Night with Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)
9:00 PM: An Evening with Clive at Nectar’s (Free)
9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at The 126 (Free)

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Will continue updating this, but please double check deals are still valid - if not, let me know.

Monday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – 50% off burgers
• Bluebird Barbecue – Free kids’ meal w/ adult platter
• Three Needs – $1 pizza slices (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – Occasional chef’s burger special

Drink:
• Daily Planet – 50% off wine bottles
• Three Needs – $1 beers (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – $5 Moscow Mules

Tuesday

Food:
• Leunig’s Bistro – $24 prix fixe (app + entrée)
• Moe’s – Kids eat free (5–9 PM)
• Denny’s – Kids eat free (4–10 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

Drink:
• Daily Planet – 50% off cocktails (5–10 PM)
• Four Quarters – Margarita specials (Taco Tuesday)

Wednesday

Food:
• Pizzeria Verità – BOGO Margherita pizzas
• Friendly Toast – Kids eat free
• IHOP – Kids eat free (3–9 PM)
• 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 slices (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – $2 corn dogs, $4 hot dogs

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 beers (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – $5 whiskey pours

That’s All, Burlington!
Thanks for stopping by. Keep supporting our local movers and shakers, share a friendly smile around town, and stay curious about what’s on the horizon. If you’ve got tips, tidbits, or just want to say hey, hit reply and let us know. We’ll be here, same time, same place. Talk to you on Wednesday!

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