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- Thursday, April 24th
Thursday, April 24th
Broadway at The Flynn, Illuminate Vermont Kicks Off, and Foam Brewers Turns 9 — Plus: Recycling Changes, Electric Planes, and Social Security Protests. Evan Hansen hits the stage tonight at the Flynn, South Burlington glows with music, food trucks and artisans lights starting Friday, and Foam’s weekend-long party brings music and special brews. Also in this edition: Burlington debates privatizing recycling, Beta adds all-electric planes to its fleet, and locals rally against Social Security cuts.
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Table of Contents
The Weather & Weekend Kickoff
Burlington is stepping into a classic late-April mix: today’s sun gave us a tease of summer, but don’t pack away the raincoat just yet. Showers roll in overnight, setting a damp tone through Friday and Saturday, with highs hovering in the 60s and evenings cooling into the 40s. Expect scattered rain, but not the kind that ruins plans—more like the kind that makes a hot drink at Foam Brewers’ anniversary or a stroll through Illuminate Vermont feel cozy instead of soggy. By Sunday, clouds linger but things dry out enough for outdoor brunches or a relaxed stop at the Bloom Flower & Home Market at Hula.
If you're eyeing Dear Evan Hansen tonight, you’re in luck—clear skies for the walk to The Flynn. Friday’s drizzle arrives just in time to give Illuminate Vermont’s winter lights that extra sparkle. Saturday’s Earth Day cleanups might be muddy, but hey, that’s half the point. And if you're headed to Citizen Cider’s Moving Party or day three of Foam’s festivities, a little rain never stopped Burlington from showing up where there’s music and local pours involved. The forecast says April’s doing its thing—so grab an extra layer and lean into it.
Today’s high of 71°F in Burlington tops the typical April 24 average of 60°F, though it falls short of the 80°F record set in 2001. This weekend’s highs in the 60s to low 70s are warmer than the usual late-April average of 60°F, but cooler, wetter weather is on the way.
Local News (All Links Clickable)
“Of all the years we've hosted the Bike Swap, this is shaping up to be one of the most difficult… we’re asking our community to go the extra mile — literally — to show up.” (Burlington Free Press)
When a 30-year tradition meets Burlington’s construction maze, it becomes less about convenience and more about commitment. The Bike Swap has always been part garage sale, part block party—this year, showing up says as much about supporting downtown as it does about scoring a used Cannondale.
“We are literally trying to practice what we preach here at Beta Technologies and rebrand our entire training fleet.” (WCAX)
Beta isn’t just building the future—they’re flying it. With electric planes joining their fleet and leaded fuel on the way out, Burlington’s tech darling is proving green innovation isn’t grounded in theory. For a city that loves its environmental wins, this one’s cruising altitude.
“These workers are essential… The Social Security Administration needs adjustment, but not with a meat axe.” (WCAX)
Burlington’s activism showed up loud and clear, as Pine Street became the latest stage for national policy pushback. While DC debates budgets, locals reminded everyone that Vermont doesn’t stay quiet when safety nets are on the chopping block.
“We are trying to achieve a broader mission than we have the funding resources to adequately deliver.” (WCAX)
Recycling has been a city service for 35 years, but budget pressures might hand your blue bin to private haulers. It’s a classic Burlington debate—save tax dollars or safeguard public services? Either way, expect this conversation to stick around longer.
“E-waste is such a big problem that we are all faced with.” (WCAX)
South Burlington’s newest storefront offers a second life for outdated gadgets—because somewhere, someone actually wants that drawer full of tangled chargers and retro consoles. It’s recycling, but with cash back and a bit more nostalgia.
Events
Thursday, April 24, 2025
General Events
• 3:00 PM–6:00 PM: Celebrating Net Zero – tours, demos & meet-the-experts open-house at 12–22 North St. (Free)
• 5:00 PM: Vermont Go Red for Women at DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington
• 6:00 PM–8:00 PM: Women/Fem Filmmakers Meet-up at The Media Factory (Free, donations welcome)
• 6:45 PM: Kizomba & Semba dance class at South End Studio
Performances
• 7:30 PM: DEAR EVAN HANSEN at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
• 7:30 PM: Kyle Dunnigan stand-up at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)
• 9:00 PM: Pet Store: A Live Sitcom at Vermont Comedy Club ($10)
Live Music / DJ
• 6:00 PM: Old Time Jam at Radio Bean (Free)
• 7:00 PM: Marcus Rezak’s Gumbo (Phish Tribute) at ArtsRiot ($10)
• 7:30 PM: SunSquabi at Higher Ground
• 8:00 PM: Anna McClellan w/ Hello Shark & Francie Medosch at Radio Bean ($12/$15)
• 8:30 PM: Jazz w/ Alex Stewart & Friends at The 126 (Free)
• 8:30 PM: LTJ Bukem at Nectar’s ($35/$40)
• 9:00 PM: Zach Nugent Dead Set (Grateful Dead tribute) at ArtsRiot ($12)
• 9:00 PM: Buckethead at Higher Ground
• 8 PM–Midnight: Red Square DJ block – DJ JP Black (8 PM), DJ Chaston (10 PM), DJ Two Sev (11 PM) (all Free)
• 9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night w/ DJ Big Dog at Nectar’s (Free)
• All day: Tower of Power at Hotel Champlain
Friday, April 25, 2025
General Events
• All day: City Nature Celebration kick-off activities in Burlington parks (Free)
• 10:00 AM: Earth & Space-tacular Festival at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
• 5:00 PM: Illuminate Vermont in City Center Park, South Burlington
• Weekend-long: Whoa Nellie Kettle Corn Food Truck Festival (South Burlington)
• Weekend-long: Log & Timber Home Design-Build EXPO at DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington
Performances
• 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM: Kyle Dunnigan stand-up at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)
• 7:30 PM: The Simon & Garfunkel Story at The Flynn Center ($52.75–$180.25)
• 7:30 PM: SOLD OUT – Stephane Wrembel Quartet at UVM Recital Hall
Live Music / DJ
• 5:00 PM: Foam Brewers’ “Cloud 9” 9th-anniversary party – Josh Panda, Madaila & more at Foam Brewers (Free)
• 6:00 PM: DJ CRE8 at Red Square (Free)
• 6:00 PM: Cocktail Piano Hour w/ Paul Webb at Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
• 7:00 PM: Seth Yacovone Solo at Nectar’s
• 7:00 PM: Fawn + 10 More Beers at Radio Bean ($10/$15)
• 7:30 PM: Double You at Radio Bean ($10/$15)
• 8:00 PM: Zach Nugent’s Dead Set ft. Sunshine Garcia Becker at ArtsRiot
• 8:00 PM: A Night of Tom Waits Music w/ Bob Gagnon at Venetian Soda Lounge
• 8:30 PM: Rik Jam w/ Dalwayne at Nectar’s Lounge ($20)
• 9:00 PM: PEAK at Nectar’s ($10)
• 9:00 PM: Buckethead at Higher Ground
• 9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington at Drink ($5)
• 11:00 PM: DJ Taka at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10/$15)
Saturday, April 26, 2025
General Events
• 7:30 AM: Latin Jazz Tribute to the Masters at UVM Campus
• 8:00 AM: Greg Noonan Memorial Homebrew Competition at Queen City Brewery
• 9:00 AM: Earth Day Waterfront Cleanup – Community Sailing Center→Church Street (Free)
• 9:00 AM: Member Mornings at ECHO
• 9:30 AM: Roosevelt Field Clean-Up Day at Roosevelt Park
• 10:00 AM: North Star Sports Bike Swap at North Star Sports
• 10:00 AM: 3rd Annual Kids Fest at 298 College St
• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Earth Day on the Marketplace – music, games, ice-cream (Free)
• 10:30 AM: Beginner Tap for Adults at Lines Vermont Studio
• 11:00 AM: Earth Day Family Art Saturday at Burlington Paint & Sip Studio
• 11:00 AM: Clean Energy Camp Info Session on Church Street
• 11:00 AM: Independent Bookstore Day Storytime at Phoenix Books
• 1:00 PM: Cuban Salsa Workshops & Party at South End Studio
• 1:00 PM: Von Trapp Tulip SuperBloom at Hotel Vermont
• 1:00 PM: UNION POWER ’25 at O.N.E Community Center
• 2:00 PM: Puppy Yoga at Hot Yoga Burlington
• 3:00 PM–8:00 PM: Citizen Cider “Moving Party” – music, games & deals (Free entry)
• 3:00 PM: Yappy Hour Easter Eggstravaganza at Hotel Champlain
• 3:30 PM: Vermont Amma Satsang at Burlington Friends Meeting
• 4:00 PM: Annual Cadet Awards Ceremony at UVM Davis Center
• 6:00 PM: Community Self Defense at 1127 North Ave Training Studio
• 6:45 PM: April Showers Contra at Mann Hall, UVM
• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM: Sisterhood Campfire at Leddy Park (Free)
• Weekend-long: Bloom Flower & Home Market at Hula
• Weekend-long: Pickleball Tournament at Robert Miller Community Center
Performances
• 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Off Center ($12.50–$30)
• 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM: Kyle Dunnigan final shows at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)
• 7:30 PM: The Simon & Garfunkel Story at The Flynn Center
Live Music / DJ
• All day: Foam Brewers “Cloud 9” day 2 – bands & DJs from noon (Free)
• 6:00 PM: Cocktail Piano Hour w/ Paul Webb at Venetian Soda Lounge
• 7:00 PM: MGB w/ 90 Proof & Quadra at Higher Ground
• 7:00 PM: Our Way Zine Release Party w/ music at Nectar’s
• 7:00 PM: The Eyetraps + Peddle + Mooncusser + Stones Throw at Radio Bean ($10/$15)
• 8:00 PM: Lab B Radio Future 90s Techno Funk Rave at Despacito
• 8:00 PM: Psychomanteum / Green Chapel / Shiny New Toyz at Despacito
• 8:00 PM: Dave Keller Solo at Venetian Soda Lounge
• 9:00 PM: It’s a 2000’s Party at Higher Ground
• 9:00 PM: The Niche ft. Rob Compa w/ Clive at Nectar’s
• 9:00 PM: Caribbean Dance Party at Switchback Brewing
• 10:00 PM: Freak Fest 3 dance-party at Light Club Lamp Shop ($10)
• 10:30 PM: Maple Ridge (jazz/soul) at Radio Bean ($10/$15)
• DJ-heavy Red Square night – DJ Raul (6 PM), Molly Mood (8 PM), Matt Payne (10 PM) (all Free)
Sunday, April 27, 2025
General Events
• 9:00 AM: Weekly Free Yoga at Hotel Champlain
• 9:15 AM: Sunday Morning Fam Jams! at Vermont Comedy Club
• 9:30 AM: Divine Worship Service at Trinity Baptist Church
• 10:00 AM: Cary Garden & Pollinator Garden Workday at UVM Horticulture Farm
• 10:45 AM: Adult Bible Study & Sunday School at Trinity Baptist Church
• 12:00 PM–6:00 PM: Bread for Peace community bake at Ohavi Zedek (pre-order)
• 12:00 PM–6:00 PM: Bloom Flower & Home Market at Hula ($8–$10)
• 12:30 PM: Elestrals VGA Playgroup at Vermont Gaming Academy
• 3:00 PM: Circle Dance for the Earth at Bobbin Mill Community Room
Performances
• 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: The Poetry Experience – open reading w/ Rajnii Eddins at Fletcher Free Library (Free)
Live Music / DJ
• 10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont (Free)
• 11:00 AM: Foam Brewers “Cloud 9” finale – daytime sets (Free)
• 6:00 PM: Karaoke Night at Venetian Soda Lounge
• 7:30 PM: Mike Hanford at Higher Ground
• 9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night w/ DJ Big Dog at Nectar’s (Free)
101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)
Today’s picks:
You know the drill—another five hand-picked gems from my ever-reliable 101+ things to do in Burlington list. If you’re stuck wondering what to do, consider this your friendly nudge. Start with a walk along the Winooski River Riverwalk for some fresh air and waterfall views. Swing by Muddy Waters after for a cozy coffee break that feels like a mini escape. If the weather holds, head to Waterfront Park for a casual picnic with lake views. Feeling adventurous? Wander the South End Arts District and pop into a few galleries or shops. And when evening hits, see what’s playing at the Sunset Drive-In—because movies are better under the stars. Full list’s waiting for you here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/101-activites
This Week’s Comic
Summer’s Longest Wait, I tell ya
Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)
Thursday
Food
• Shelburne Tap House – $0.75 jumbo wings
• Gold Restaurant – 50 % off small plates (<5 : 30 PM & >8 : 30 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Switchback Brewing – 25 % off appetizers (Mug Club)
• McGillicuddy’s – Half-price snack menu section
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $10 for 2 pizza slices + a Lighthouse Pilsner pint
• Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO boneless wings
• El Gato Essex – Half-price nachos
• May Day – $10 Patty Melt
• The Kitchen Table – $5 drafts + pub-food specials
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced-price snack menu (3 – 5 PM)
• Hen of the Wood – $2 oysters (4 – 5 PM)
Drink
• Daily Planet – $5 Zero Gravity pints (5 – 10 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Switchback Brewing – $5 Mansfield IPA
• Standing Stone Wine – 10 % off bottles & $2 off wine by glass
• Despacito – $6 margaritas
• Barnyard – $9 bucket cocktails
• Finnegan’s – $1 PBR
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)
Friday
Food
• Shelburne Tap House – $10 fish & chips
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $2 cheese slice | $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Gold – $75 dinner for two or $1 oysters (4 – 6 PM)
• Shalimar – $5 fish & chips
• Skinny Pancake – ½-price burgers
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced-price snack menu (3 – 5 PM)
Drink
• Daily Planet – $5 Fiddlehead IPA (all day)
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• Shalimar – $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• McGillicuddy’s – $5 Zero Gravity beer
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• El Gato Essex – $5 Fiddlehead IPA pints & $5 Mimosa pints
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)
• Rotisserie – $3 Switchback Ale
Saturday
Food
• Shelburne Tap House – BOGO ½-off chicken sandwich
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5 : 30 PM)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Gold – Parties ≥ 3 get free share plate + $1 oysters (4 – 6 PM)
• Shalimar – Buy 1 chicken sandwich, get 1 ½-off
• McGillicuddy’s – $2 cheese slice | $2.50 pepperoni slice
• Skinny Pancake – ½-price burgers
• VT Pub & Brewery – Reduced-price snack menu (3 – 5 PM)
Drink
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 Switchback drafts
• Shalimar – $5 Switchback drafts
• Standing Stone Wine – 10 % off bottles & $2 off wine by glass
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Conehead / Conehead Haze pints (5 – 9 PM)
Sunday
Food
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (5 : 30 PM)
• Barnyard – $0.75 wings
• Rotisserie – $0.85 wings
• Shalimar – Sunday brunch buffet ($14)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5 – 6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $16 family dinner (4 – 8 PM)
• VT Pub & Brewery – 25 % off food for restaurant workers
Drink
• Three Needs – $1 drafts at 4 PM
• Daily Planet – $5 Mimosa pints
• Halvorson’s – $5 Bloody Mary
• Black Flannel – $5 draft pours
• Burlington Beer Co. – $5 Elaborate Metaphor pints
• Barnyard – $4 Stella Artois
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 Green State Lager / Light pints (5 – 9 PM)
This Week’s Restaurant Review: Honey Road
This week’s pick is Honey Road, the lively Eastern Mediterranean restaurant right at Church and Main that’s as stylish as it is flavorful. Co-owned by chef Cara Chigazola Tobin, a James Beard semifinalist, the spot has become one of Burlington’s most celebrated places to eat—known for its creative mezze, housemade dips, and cozy-but-buzzing vibe. The menu rotates with the seasons, but you can usually count on staples like warm, fluffy house pita and bold dips like smoky baba ganoush, tahini hummus, and whipped feta. Current standouts include the sweet-and-spicy harissa chicken wings with dried lime labne, crispy potatoes with jalapeño labne, and the lamb dolma—grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice, finished with mint labne and chili oil. Even the sesame almond layer cake and walnut baklava hold their own. Whether you're settling in for a table full of small plates or just stopping by for snacks and drinks, it hits the mark.
Honey Road has earned plenty of praise, both locally and nationally—from Seven Days shoutouts to James Beard nods for both the chef and the restaurant itself. It’s also proudly women-owned and operated, with a name inspired by an old trade route in Turkey where women ran the show. The space feels equal parts dinner party and downtown hangout: warm lighting, a touch of glam, and a full house almost every night. While the portions lean small and prices can add up, most diners agree it's worth the splurge. Reservations are a good idea, and going with friends makes it easy to share a wide spread. It’s one of those places that feels a little special without being formal—and it’s where I bring people when I want to show off just how good Burlington’s food scene really is.
That’s All, Burlington!
Rain or shine, Burlington knows how to keep busy. If you spot a story worth sharing—or just have strong opinions on privatized recycling—drop us a line at [email protected] See you Monday!
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