Thursday, June 12th

A Weekend of Haze & Hops: As the smoke finally clears, get ready for a packed weekend featuring the Loving Day celebration, a big beer release on the waterfront, and two great farmers markets. We're also breaking down the ongoing short-term rental fight and the Governor's veto that leaves the state's emergency housing program in limbo.

June 12, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Update:

It looks like we're still swimming in a bit of that smoky haze today, courtesy of some distant wildfires. The good news is that it’s expected to clear out slightly as the day progresses, improving our air quality back to 'good'. Temperatures are holding steady in the pleasant mid to upper 70s with a mix of sun and clouds. Things will start to cool down as we head into the weekend, so don't put away those light jackets just yet.

As the smoke clears this evening, it should be just right for celebrating Loving Day over at the Zero Gravity Beer Hall on Pine Street from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s the 11th annual Vermont celebration of the landmark Loving v. Virginia case, and it’s always a powerful gathering of community. Expect music from DJ Ron Stoppable, art stations, and an open mic for sharing what the day means to you. All ages and even leashed dogs on the patio are welcome for what promises to be an evening centered on love and solidarity.

Looking ahead, Friday night is shaping up to be a good one. If you're a fan of local brews, the Spot on the Dock is hosting a release party for a New Zealand Style Pilsner, a collaboration between von Trapp and Zero Gravity. From 6 to 9 p.m., you can enjoy yacht rock, grab some giveaways, and even get a free iron-on logo for your t-shirt. For those seeking a different vibe, Orlando's is hosting a hip hop and DJ showcase with Charlie Mayne and Tootah, with David Chief on the decks starting at 9 p.m. for a five dollar cover. Then on Saturday, while there might be a few morning showers, they should clear up in time for a perfect afternoon stroll through the Burlington Farmers Market on Pine Street. And for your Sunday plans, consider the Winooski Farmers Market, featuring music from Sonic Geography, or perhaps the Father's Day 5K and fun run at Market Street Park in South Burlington, complete with a post race brunch.

Today’s temperatures are right on pace with the June average high but still cooler overnight. The next three days look subdued, with highs consistently 5–10 °F below the monthly norm.

"Although Vermont is a small state, especially in comparison with California, we are not so different. Here in Vermont, ICE has been attacking our communities and taking away our friends and our family and our neighbors." per VtDigger

Hundreds of Burlington residents gathered in City Hall Park this week, joining nationwide protests against recent ICE activities. The demonstration highlighted a growing local frustration over the detention of migrant workers in Vermont, connecting the state's issues to a larger national picture. The march, which moved up Church Street, drew cheers from onlookers and showed a strong, unified front from various local advocacy groups, signaling that this issue will remain a prominent topic in local discourse.

"According to a preliminary agreement with the Commerce Department, GlobalFoundries, the third-largest contract chipmaker in the world, will expand its operations in Vermont, and develop a new semiconductor production facility in Malta, New York." per World-Wire

After GlobalFoundries announced its own sweeping investment plans last week, the other shoe dropped this week in the form of a massive federal grant. To be clear, this isn't the company's money, but rather a $1.5 billion award directly from the federal CHIPS Act to make those ambitions a reality. This concrete funding from the government solidifies the future of the Essex Junction fab, ensuring it will be modernized and remain a cornerstone of our local economy and a key player in the national push to secure vital supply chains.

"More than 3 million gallons of the sweet stuff were made in Vermont in 2025, which state agriculture officials say it about on par with the last two years." per WCAX

In news that will surprise absolutely no one, Vermont remains the king of maple syrup. Despite a season described as a "wild ride" with inconsistent sap runs, producers managed to pull through and deliver a massive haul. The report also noted a significant jump in the economic value of last year's crop, bringing in $95 million in 2024. It’s a sweet reminder of one of the state's most iconic and economically important industries.

"A Vermont Supreme Court ruling last week has limited the ways in which a group of people who operate short-term rentals in Burlington can pursue their fight against city rules." per Seven Days

The long-running battle over short-term rentals in Burlington is far from over. A recent Supreme Court ruling essentially sent a group of Airbnb hosts back to Environmental Court to continue their challenge against the city's restrictive ordinance. This procedural move underscores the legal complexities of the case, and with the city pausing enforcement on some rules, the future of short-term rentals, particularly in neighborhoods like the Old North End, remains uncertain.

"Honey Road in Burlington has been closed since May 31 due to a cracked water pipe in the kitchen." per Seven Days

Just when you thought the downtown construction was headache enough, one of Church Street's favorite restaurants, Honey Road, had to shut down because of a burst pipe. They're hoping to reopen by Friday, which is welcome news. The article also touches on the resilience of Nomad Coffee in the South End, which has quietly kept its doors open under its remaining ownership following the tragic death of baker-owner Chris Johnson, with a transition to new ownership in the works.

"More than two decades after Elom Essiba arrived in Vermont from her native Togo, she will soon fulfill her dream of regularly sharing African food from her catering business, Le Bon GoûT, in the concessions stand at Myers Memorial Pool in Winooski's Landry Park." per Seven Days

Winooski is getting a fantastic new food option just in time for summer. Elom Essiba is turning her catering business, Le Bon GoûT, into a daily takeout spot at the Myers Memorial Pool, offering authentic African dishes like jollof rice and fufu. After building a following at local farmers markets, this move gives her a permanent home and brings a much needed and delicious culinary diversity to the Onion City. The grand opening is set for this Saturday.

"Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Wednesday vetoed an overhaul of the program, saying it would have added millions in costs without guarantees of better outcomes." per WCAX

The contentious debate over Vermont's emergency hotel housing program continues. Governor Scott's veto of a bill that would have shifted program management to community agencies means the state is, for now, sticking with the current system. With nearly 1,300 adults and over 400 children housed in hotels, the veto signals that the difficult conversations between the governor and lawmakers on how to create a sustainable solution for the state's homeless population are far from resolved.

Events:

Thursday, June 12, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:30 PM: Ryan Hamilton at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)

  • 9:00 PM: Strapped-In: A Queer Comedy Showcase at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($17.99)

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:00 PM: Frankie & the Fuse (indie pop) at Radio Bean, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Summer Music Series: Eric George at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center

  • 7:00 PM: Alex Stewart & Friends (jazz) at The 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Reid Parsons Album Release show (Americana) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead Set Thursdays at ArtsRiot, Burlington

  • 8:00 PM: DJ JP Black (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Familiar Faces Funk Jam (funk, jazz) at The 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: DJs Paul, Flat, Aidan (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: DJ Chaston (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 11:00 PM: DJ Two Sev (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

Friday, June 13, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: 'Cold War' at The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Burlington ($6-$12)

  • 7:30 PM: Ryan Hamilton (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)

  • 8:00 PM: Wit & Wine (comedy) at Shelburne Vineyard ($10)

  • 9:30 PM: Ryan Hamilton (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)

Live Music/DJ

Saturday, June 14, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 10:00 AM: FlynnZone Kids Hour: Linda Bassick at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

  • 3:00 PM: 'Holy Cow' at The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Burlington ($6-$12)

  • 7:00 PM: 'Holy Cow' at The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Burlington ($6-$12)

  • 7:30 PM: Ryan Hamilton (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)

  • 7:30 PM: 'Miscast: Queer Edition' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($15-$25)

  • 8:15 PM: Candlelight: Tribute to Adele at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington Vermont

  • 9:30 PM: Ryan Hamilton (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)

Live Music/DJ

  • 2:00 PM: Left Eye Jump (blues) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: The Swingin' Seven- Saturday Night Dance! at Vermont Swings

  • 8:00 PM: Umphrey's McGee (jam) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($58.12)

  • 8:00 PM: Captain Sunbeam, Morning Giants (prog) at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)

  • 8:00 PM: My Son The Doctor w/ Daffodil-11 & Yabai! (punk) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$12)

  • 8:00 PM: Dana Slattery (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Molly Mood (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Two Ton Tour! Burlington and Wilmington VT at The Venetian Soda Lounge

  • 8:00 PM: Dave Solazzo: Live jazz Trio at Venetian Soda Lounge 1

  • 0:00 PM: Kate Kush (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)

  • 10:00 PM: Matt Payne (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 11:00 PM: Shapes, Three Piece Meal (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

Sunday, June 15, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington

  • 1:00 PM: Alice + Oskar (indie) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 1:00 PM: Ali T at Vermont Pub and Brewery

  • 7:00 PM: The Bones of J.R. Jones, Nigel Wearne (folk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.42)

  • 7:00 PM: Knights of the Brown Table (Ween tribute) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Gaelic Storm (Celtic) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($36.21)

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more ways to make the most of the stretch of summer we’ve still got. Walk the shoreline trail at Shelburne Bay Park and take in the quiet views across the water, a solid choice if you want a peaceful spot close to town. Try an art class or drop-in workshop at Burlington City Arts if you're feeling creative or just want a break from the usual routine. Stop by The Boardroom downtown and pick a board game you’ve never played before—perfect for a low-key night with friends or something new on a random weekday. Take a self-guided tour of the murals and street art scattered around the South End, especially along Pine Street. And if you're up for a short drive, visit the Morgan Horse Farm in Middlebury to see a working piece of Vermont history surrounded by rolling hills and white fences.

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)

Weekend Food & Drink Picks
• Thursday: $0.75 jumbo wings at Shelburne Tap House and $6 margaritas at Despacito
• Friday: $2 slices and $5 Zero Gravity beer at McGillicuddy’s and $5 Fiddlehead drafts at Shalimar
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and BOGO crepes at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $0.85 wings at Rotisserie and $5 mimosa pints at Daily Planet

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

That’s All, Burlington!

That's your midweek brief. Have a great rest of the week, get out and enjoy some of these local happenings, and maybe take a moment to dig into the stories shaping our city. Got a tip, some feedback, or a neighborhood story we should know about? Drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you.

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Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned! Also cooking up scavenger hunts, and hopefully a icebreaker meet up tent at a local event soon!

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