It looks like today brought a bit of everything, didn't it? After some morning rain, the sun came out, but the afternoon is shaping up with scattered showers and the potential for a few isolated thunderstorms. Keep an eye out for some gusty winds and maybe some small hail if you happen to be under one of the more enthusiastic downpours. Things should calm down after sunset, leaving us with a drier and warmer Friday to look forward to. The weekend is promising some real summer heat, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and maybe even touching 90 degrees. Expect a good deal of sunshine Saturday, though a stray popup storm is possible. Sunday carries a slightly better chance for a late afternoon thunderstorm, but it seems most of the real activity is holding off until Monday.

With the weather holding for the evening, tonight is the perfect chance to head down to Church Street for the first Party on the Bricks of the season. Troy Millette & the Fire Below will be playing right on the marketplace starting at 5:30 p.m., a classic Burlington summer kickoff. A little later on, I’m hosting my second-ever Btown Brief Friends Mixer at the Pinery, that great spot in the South End. The idea is simple: a space where everyone showing up wants to make a new friend. It's free, the Get Down is already happening with a DJ and a food truck, and it starts at 6:45 p.m. Also tonight, the Old North End Community Center is hosting one of their wonderful community dinners from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with fresh baked pizza on the menu.

Looking ahead to the weekend, one of my personal favorites, the South End Get Down at the Coal Collective is the place to be Friday night for its usual block party vibe with food trucks and music. For something a little different, the soulful and energetic Lady Moon & The Eclipse are playing at Radio Bean on Friday evening; it’s an intimate venue for such a dynamic group. This is a must-see for those who love soulful and energetic live music. Lady Moon & The Eclipse are known for their captivating performances and unique blend of R&B and afrobeat-inspired rhythms. For art lovers and the eco-conscious, the Ellen Spring Fiber Arts Opening Reception at Foam Brewers (5:00 PM, Free) is a must-visit. Experience a stunning collection of wool-based abstract art that beautifully explores sustainability, with many pieces crafted from the wool of the artist's own sheep. Enjoy free hors d'oeuvres and a drink while you browse these unique works that connect land, animals, and the creative process in a truly special evening.Then on Saturday, a big event is Summervale at the Intervale Center. This is a one day affair this year, packed with live music from bands, from 2-8pm, like Guagua and Wild Leek River, local food, and activities. You can even join a community tree planting in the afternoon or a group trail run at 4:30 p.m or enjoy their one-mile self guided loop around the Intervale Center Community Barn showcasing “native plant species, wildlife habitat, and the work they’re doing to farm, steward, and protect this vital landscape.” It’s a fantastic way to spend a sunny Saturday. I can bet LOTS of planning goes into this annual event, so I hope you show out!

For those with more peculiar tastes, the New England's Odd and Unusual Show will be at the Champlain Valley Expo all weekend, offering everything from taxidermy to steampunk art. Also on Saturday is Mad Pride 2025, a vital community celebration of neurodiversity. The march begins at noon from King Street and heads to Battery Park for an afternoon of speakers, music, and art. Then, to wind down the weekend, you can catch the Skylark Quartet playing a free classical concert in City Hall Park on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. as part of the BCA's series. And of course, the Winooski Farmers Market will be in full swing Sunday morning, always a great stop for local goods and a bit of community connection. Then to wrap up the night, come out to Battery Park at 7pm to watch Burlington’s Concert Band free performance. It’s currently coming into its 175th season.

Burlington’s temperatures are tracking very close to historical July norms, with daytime highs in the low‑to‑mid 80s and nights a bit warmer than the long‑term lows of ~62 °F. Even the extremes (today’s high near 82 °F) fall well within the usual July range, reinforcing those stable seasonal trends.

Wings Over returns, Playa Bowls arrives, and Sobremesa scales back

Dorset Street is getting a couple of new options this weekend, with the return of Wings Over and the grand opening of Playa Bowls this Saturday. This new energy comes with some bittersweet news, as the beloved local ferment company Sobremesa announced it's ceasing wholesale distribution. Their move away from wholesale to a smaller, online-focused model is a path many Vermont producers take to stay afloat amidst rising costs, a tough but realistic adaptation in our local food economy. You can grab their goods one last time at the Burlington Farmers Market this Saturday. Still, a new açai bowl spot opening just in time for a hot weekend is certainly welcome news.

Howard Center announces layoffs and program closures

This is a seismic event for our region's social safety net. As Vermont's designated agency for mental health and substance use, the Howard Center is a linchpin; its stability affects our hospitals, emergency services, and schools. The fact that it was down to "single-digit days of operating cash" reveals a profound crisis, and cutting supportive housing and consolidating substance use services will inevitably shift more pressure onto an already strained system, impacting the community's most vulnerable residents directly. They quote one of the main reasons being the cost of healthcare going from $8 million to $18 million in just 5 years time!

Burlington welcomes international conference for women aviators

Beyond being just an interesting event, hosting the Ninety-Nines conference is a significant win for Burlington's hospitality sector and a moment in the spotlight for Vermont State University's specialized aviation program. It's a welcome piece of positive economic and academic news, bringing an international audience to the city for something other than our usual headlines. This kind of event diversifies our city's profile on a national stage.

New Fire Chief and Deputy Police Chief introduced in Burlington

After a period of considerable turnover and public debate, Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak is making a clear move to stabilize leadership in the city's public safety departments. The appointment of a department veteran like Michael Curtin as Fire Chief and the return of Jon Young as Deputy Police Chief are foundational steps. Deputy Chief Young’s focus on recruitment is particularly critical, as it directly addresses the staffing crisis that has been a central issue for the BPD and the city for years.

South Burlington auto shop grapples with tariff impacts

This story perfectly illustrates how abstract global trade policy creates concrete problems on our doorsteps. The tariffs mean a local manager at Girlington Garage has to tell a neighbor their repair cost just tripled without warning. This forces a difficult choice on customers: pay a surprise premium for manufacturer parts or opt for cheaper alternatives. It's a clear line from a decision made in Washington to a real-world financial dilemma in a South Burlington service bay.

Vermont film 'Gone Guys' addresses male social isolation crisis

A Montpelier based film company is tackling a complex and important topic with its new documentary, "Gone Guys." The film, which features interviews with Vermont educators and young men, explores a documented decline in the well being and engagement of boys. It’s not just a movie though, it's the start of a statewide series of free screenings and conversations, including one here in Burlington.

Rep. Balint calls new federal budget ‘devastating to rural America’

Vermont Rep. Balint is essentially translating the fine print of the new federal budget, arguing that its tax cuts are funded by gutting programs essential to Vermonters. The core issue is that new federal rules, like proof-of-work requirements for Medicaid, are viewed by local officials not as an integrity measure but as an intentional administrative hurdle. This is expected to push tens of thousands off their health insurance, shifting a massive financial and logistical burden onto our already fragile state healthcare system and charitable food networks.

This Day in History: Remembering the floods of July 10

It's hard to believe that this date has marked catastrophic, historic flooding for the past two years. While rebuilding continues, it is a moment to reflect on our community's resilience and to be grateful for a much calmer forecast this year. The link includes a video that is well worth watching to remember what so many went through.

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

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

Support Mental Health—One Meal at a Time
NAMI Vermont is partnering with local restaurants for Meals for Mental Health, a fundraiser running through July 13, 2025—and they need your help! This quick, flexible volunteer opportunity is all about making personal connections with restaurants in your area. NAMI provides all the materials; you just reach out and invite restaurants to join the cause. It’s a simple way to support mental health initiatives across Vermont while helping local businesses get involved. Interested? Email [email protected] or visit namivt.org to get started.

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

Today’s picks:

Five more to add to your summer mix as the season hits its stride. Take a ride up the Auto Toll Road on Stowe’s Mount Mansfield for sweeping views without the hike, then stick around the summit area for a short walk among the clouds. Stop by Frog Hollow on Church Street to see what Vermont artisans are working on: woodwork, pottery, prints, and more, all under one roof. Walk the trails at Ethan Allen Park, then climb the stone tower for a quiet, elevated view of Burlington and the lake. Spend an hour or two browsing at Junktiques Collective in the South End, where you’re just as likely to leave with a vintage find as with a story. And if the day’s still warm by evening, head to Leddy Park with something to grill and a couple of friends; it’s low-key, local, and always a good time.

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

Just updated the list with more deals. Here’s some highlights, or check out the full list.

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

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

For nearly a century, Henry's Diner has been a cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, serving up classic American comfort food from its unassuming mint-green building just off Church Street. Stepping inside is like taking a trip back in time, with a gleaming chrome-trimmed counter, vinyl booths, and walls adorned with photos that tell the story of its long history. The atmosphere is bustling and no-frills, attracting a loyal following of college students and longtime regulars who appreciate the diner's timeless, unpretentious charm. It’s the kind of place where the coffee flows freely and the focus is squarely on hearty, satisfying food.

The menu at Henry’s is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional diner fare. Breakfast is the main event, with classics like fluffy pancakes, generous omelets, and the legendary "Hungry Henry" platter that lives up to its name. For lunch, you’ll find everything from juicy burgers and club sandwiches to a surprising and delicious nod to the owners' Greek heritage with offerings like gyros. The portions are generous and the prices are refreshingly affordable, making it an easy choice for a casual and filling meal.

Of course, the diner's popularity means you might encounter a line, especially on weekends, and those looking for a quiet, spacious dining experience might find the close quarters and constant buzz a bit overwhelming. The fare is unapologetically old-school "greasy spoon," which may not appeal to every palate. Nevertheless, for its fast and friendly service, wallet-friendly prices, and a reliable taste of classic Americana, Henry's Diner remains a beloved Burlington institution that continues to earn its place in the heart of the community.

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

That's the brief for now. Have a great weekend, enjoy the sunshine (and hypnotic isolated thunderstorms), and maybe make a new friend out there. Thanks for reading!

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