Monday, May 5th

Weekday Brief: Rain returns to Burlington this week, with off-and-on showers and cooler temps through Thursday—but there’s no shortage of ways to stay engaged. From MJ Lenderman's show tonight to Champlain Consort’s free Renaissance performance, Latin dance parties at Switchback, and Whose Live Anyway? at The Flynn, the city’s staying busy. Meanwhile, UVM faces federal pressure over visa revocations and quietly scales back its DEI language, prompting concern across campus. Plus: a new state park access program opens the outdoors to low-income Vermonters, and emerald ash borers continue their slow destruction through Chittenden County’s tree canopy.

May 05, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown

Good evening, Burlington! It seems we've stumbled right into another classic Vermont spring pattern. Showers rolled through central and southern Vermont today, and here in Burlington, clouds lingered with a damp feel as temperatures hovered comfortably in the mid-60s. Expect a shift overnight into tomorrow morning, when showers return briefly. We’ll catch a few moments of sunshine Tuesday before showers and scattered storms make their encore appearance, sticking around into Wednesday. By Thursday, we cool down into the mid-50s with stubborn clouds, but the good news: Mother's Day weekend promises to be drier and brighter, a welcome reprieve after our soggy start.

Despite the dampness, there’s plenty to keep you busy this week in Burlington. Tonight, catch MJ Lenderman & The Wind rocking out at Higher Ground in South Burlington. Tuesday, unwind at midday with a free Renaissance-themed performance by Champlain Consort at St. Paul’s Cathedral, or salsa into the evening with Latin Dance Night at Switchback Brewing. Comedy fans, mark Wednesday night at The Flynn for Whose Live Anyway?, and Thursday evening serves up local vibes at Foam Brewers with Ali T, followed by All Night Boogie Band bringing roots blues and rock n' roll to Nectar’s. Don't miss Evan Barker's double header—he’ll return Saturday for Cal Humberto's album release at Nectar's alongside Comatose Kids.

Today’s temps in Burlington are running warmer than usual, with a high of 66°F vs. the typical 65°F and a notably mild low of 55°F vs. the usual 44°F. The next few days stay warm through Wednesday before dipping below average on Thursday.

"International students have been the fastest-growing segment among our graduate students," UVM Graduate College Dean Holger Hoock noted in a press release from 2024. (per Burlington Free Press)

Visa policy changes are putting UVM’s significant international student community on edge. With international doctoral students comprising over 25% of all doctoral candidates, UVM faces potential impacts on research and cultural diversity. Support resources are available through the Office of International Education.

"A pilot program will provide free access to Vermont State Parks for more than 100,000 Vermonters." (per WCAX)

This initiative from Vermont Parks Forever could be a game-changer, opening up our beautiful parks to families and individuals receiving state economic assistance. A perfect reason to explore Vermont’s outdoors without financial barriers.

"I found emerald ash borer larvae and pupae under the bark. So we know we have it. It was no surprise. It was just a matter of time," said Jericho Tree Warden Don Tobi. (per WCAX)

With Chittenden County facing increasing infestations, homeowners and municipalities might want to consider preventive treatments or replacement planting to manage this invasive pest proactively.

"People in this program are entitled to due process," said Sandra Paritz of Vermont Legal Aid. (per WCAX)

A significant court decision means temporary relief for hundreds relying on state-sponsored hotel and motel stays. Vermont Legal Aid’s advocacy ensures affected residents gain crucial protection through proper notice and hearings.

"The fear on campus seems to be that we might, in supporting BIPOC students, be excluding non-BIPOC students," said KC Williams, assistant dean for equity, belonging and student engagement. (per Vermont Cynic)

UVM’s removal of explicit DEI language aligns with a controversial federal directive. Campus community members express concern about the future of diversity and inclusion programs, highlighting ongoing tensions in higher education policy.

Events

Monday, May 5, 2025


General Events
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Writing Circle (Creative Workshop) at Pathways Vermont (Free)
6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Elks Lodge (Pay‑per‑card)
7:00 PM: Despacito Open Mic (Music & Poetry) at Despacito (Free)

Performances
7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Marc Maron (Stand‑Up) at Vermont Comedy Club ($45 )

Live Music/DJ
7:30 PM: MJ Lenderman & The Wind at Higher Ground, South Burlington

Tuesday, May 6, 2025


General Events
3:30 PM: Art Classes for Students with Disabilities at Burlington (Various Locations)
5:00 PM: Latin Dance Night at Switchback Brewing Company
6:30 PM: Open Studio at South End Arts Collective (208 Flynn Ave)
7:00 PM: Mahler on the Rocks: Pre‑Concert Listening Party at Venetian Soda Lounge
7:00 PM: Beginning Swing at Vermont Swings
7:00 PM: Lindy 2: Solo Jazz in Lindy Hop at Vermont Swings
7:00 PM: Open Mic Comedy w/ Levi Silverstein at The 126 (Free)
8:00 PM: Swing Dance Practice Session at North Star Community Hall ($5)

Performances
7:00 PM: Marc Maron (Encore Stand‑Up) at Vermont Comedy Club ($45 )

Live Music/DJ
12:00 PM: Champlain Consort: Renaissance Songs & Dances of Love and Springtime at St. Paul’s Cathedral (Free)
8:00 PM: Honky‑Tonk Tuesday — Marley Hale & Wild Leek River at Radio Bean ($10)
8:30 PM: Grateful Tuesdays ft. Wolfman Jack at Nectar’s ($10)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025


General Events
11:15 AM: “What Would You Say You Do Here?” w/ Mollie Lannen at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts (Free)
4:00 PM: Garden Workshop: Soil Health & Bed Prep at Fletcher Free Library (NNE Branch) (Free)
5:00 PM: Farmhouse × Hill Farmstead 15th Anniversary Party in Downtown Burlington (Free)
5:30 PM: Circling – Authentic VT at Burlington Friends Meeting (Free)
7:00 PM: Author Harry Bliss – You Can Never Die Talk & Signing at Phoenix Books ($32 includes book)
7:00 PM: May Wednesday Lessons & Social at Vermont Swings
7:00 PM: Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam at Lily’s Pad (Free)
8:30 PM: Stand‑Up Open Mic at Vermont Comedy Club (Free)

Performances
7:00 PM: $5 Improv Night at Vermont Comedy Club ($5)
7:30 PM: Whose Live Anyway? at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
7:30 PM: [title of show] at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center

Live Music/DJ
7:30 PM: Michigan Rattlers at Higher Ground, South Burlington
8:00 PM: Sqwerv at Nectar’s (Free)
8:30 PM: Jazz Night w/ Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)
9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at The 126 (Free)

Thursday, May 8, 2025


General Events
5:30 PM: Beginning Trapeze — 5‑Week Series at Lines Vermont Studio + Store (Registration required)
6:00 PM: Wingspan & Wyrmspan Lovers Unite at The Boardroom – Board Game Café (Free)
6:30 PM: Craft & Skillshare Night at 1416 North Ave Community Space (Free)
6:45 PM: Beginner & Intermediate Kizomba at South End Studio
7:00 PM: Paint & Sip w/ Jesse Snyder + DJ Kanganade at Venetian Soda Lounge ($35, includes materials)
7:00 PM: Evening with Sarah Yahm: Unfinished Acts of Wild Creation at Phoenix Books (Free)

Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Tower of Power at Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain
7:00 PM: Ali T at Foam Brewers
8:00 PM: All Night Boogie Band at Nectar’s $10 – Boogie Down Thursdays (buy tickets with this link) If you like roots, blues, RnB and rock n roll, check it out!

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Todays picks:

Let’s keep the momentum going—another five from the 202+ Burlington list to give your week a little something extra. Start with a relaxed morning sitting on a bench by City Hall Park, coffee in hand, shade overhead. If the day heats up, North Beach is calling—go for a swim or just stretch out in the sand. Later, take a quiet walk through the gardens at Shelburne Farms (bonus points if you bring a picnic). In the evening, stop by Vermont Comedy Club for a dose of laughs. And if you’re still not done? Late-night karaoke at JP’s never disappoints. The full list is still right here if you're ready to scroll and let the universe decide: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

This Week’s Comic

You were so stylish Gramps.

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Here a just A FEW of the many food, and drink deals regularly found in Burlington.


• Monday: ½-price burgers at Shelburne Tap House and $1 drafts at Three Needs
• Tuesday: BOGO 50% off traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings and $10 burger + fries at Four Quarters
• 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)

If you want to view all deals click here: View the full list of food & drink deals here

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe

This week, the spotlight shines on Leunig’s Bistro & Café, a beloved Burlington staple serving French-inspired dishes with a Vermont twist since 1980. Nestled in the heart of Church Street, Leunig's blends elegance with approachable charm, featuring timeless favorites like their perfectly grilled Steak Frites, flavorful French Onion Soup, and indulgent Vermont Maple Crème Brûlée. Whether dining inside amid vintage Parisian ambiance or outdoors soaking in Church Street’s lively atmosphere, Leunig's delivers a consistently delightful experience.

Beyond their classic menu, Leunig's has deep local roots—earning frequent accolades in local "Best of" lists and becoming synonymous with Burlington’s downtown scene. Don't miss their kiosk around the corner, "Leunig’s Petit Bijou," for freshly brewed coffee and authentic French pastries. With its inviting atmosphere and reliably delicious offerings, Leunig's remains a top choice for both locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place you can count on for a celebratory dinner or just a leisurely afternoon people-watching. Even as Church Street evolves, Leunig’s continues to anchor it with familiar charm.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Keep your umbrellas handy, enjoy the vibrant local scene, and as always, drop us a line with your tips, insights, or event listings. Stay warm and connected, neighbors!

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