Thursday, June 19th

Holy Smokes, It's a Packed Weekend – From today's storms to a perfect Friday, navigate the city's biggest celebrations. We've got the scoop on the weekend's best events, from block parties to park concerts. Plus, the scoop on Shy Guy Gelato's sale and a surprise $1.8M budget hole.

June 19, 2025

Follow us on IG & FB @BtownBrief

Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Update:

We certainly got the heat and humidity today. This morning's mugginess, with temperatures already in the low 70s, gave way to an oppressive afternoon in the upper 80s that felt much closer to 90 degrees. A First Alert Weather Day was in effect due to the potential for strong to severe storms, which were expected to roll in between 3 and 7 p.m., bringing the risk of strong wind gusts, some hail, and heavy downpours. The good news is that these storms should break the humidity for a bit.

Tomorrow, the first official day of summer, looks like a real gem. Expect plenty of sunshine, much lower humidity, and highs comfortably in the upper 70s, making it a perfect day to get outside and celebrate the solstice. The heat and humidity creep back in for the weekend, with Saturday hitting the mid 80s along with a few showers, primarily late in the evening. Sunday will also be warm in the 80s, with the chance for some morning showers, but it won't be a total washout. Just brace yourselves for early next week, when temperatures are forecasted to soar into the mid 90s, feeling like the triple digits.

With the longest day of the year upon us, the city is buzzing with ways to celebrate Juneteenth and the arrival of summer. Tonight, you could ease into the evening at Coal Collective’s "On The Door Radio" series starting at 5 p.m., a laid back affair with DJs and food trucks. A bit further afield, South Burlington is hosting its Juneteenth Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park at 5:30 p.m., kicking off their Nite Out series with music from Jenni & the Junketeers and Jeh Kulu, alongside a host of BIPOC owned businesses and food vendors. Friday’s forecast looks ideal for the Juneteenth Block Party over in Winooski's Rotary Park from 5 to 8 p.m., a celebration of Black culture and community. Or, if you're feeling more of a South End vibe, August First is hosting a cookout with brats, beer, and block party energy from 4 to 8 p.m. And for a lovely midday break, the BCA Summer Concert Series features the mother and son duo Joanne Garton & Liam Moore at City Hall Park at 12:30 p.m.

The celebrations continue all weekend. The City of Burlington's official Juneteenth event is a massive affair Saturday, running from 2 to 10 p.m. in City Hall Park and on the Church Street Marketplace, culminating in a Twilight Block Party with an incredible lineup of local musicians. For a different kind of block party, the South End Get Down is popping up in the North End for it’s second annual North End Block Party at Brian's Auto from 5 to 9 p.m., promising food trucks, live music from DJ XAVWAX and Mal Maiz, and local vendors. If you've got something that needs mending, the Old North End Repair Café is your destination from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 12 North Street, where volunteers will fix just about anything for free. Then on Sunday, you can cap off the weekend with the Burlington Concert Band's kickoff performance at Battery Park at 7 p.m. or browse for vintage finds at The Wallflower Collective from 4 to 8 p.m. It's a packed schedule, to say the least… my goodness!

Today and through Sunday, Burlington will experience sustained warmth—roughly 10–12°F above typical June temperatures. Daytime highs in the mid‑80s to upper‑80s and nighttime lows in the 60s to low‑70s underscore a noticeably warmer stretch than usual. Monday and Tuesday even higher in temperature.

"Symbolism is important. It shows that we care," said Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (D-Ward 6), the resolution’s primary sponsor. "It resonates beyond our borders, and it sends a clear message that here in Burlington, we are about connection, not conflict.” per Seven Days

In a unanimous and rather theatrical City Council vote, complete with miniature flag waving, Church Street will be known as "Rue Canada" through Labor Day. This is a pointedly friendly gesture towards our northern neighbors, aiming to counteract the chilling effect of political tensions on tourism, which brings a vital $150 million into the state annually. It’s a bit of marketing savvy wrapped in a canadian bacon-flavored olive branch, a playful move meant to generate buzz and remind everyone that Burlington prefers connection over conflict.

“I’m recommending budget revisions to the budget we presented to you on June 2nd. And the biggest and primary reason is because we discovered an error that was made around an over estimation of our tax revenue associated with the commercial property in the city of Burlington to the amount of $1.8 million.” per WAMC

Just when the city was grappling with an $8 million budget gap, a $1.8 million accounting oopsie—a double count of commercial property tax revenue—surfaced. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak's proposed fix includes freezing her own salary and asking department heads to take a smaller cost of living increase, a move some councilors worry could hurt morale and retention. This adds another layer of complexity to the city's already tough financial picture as the July 1st fiscal year deadline looms.

“Everyone’s heard the saying, ‘it takes a village,’ and we’re just helping people to build their village and find their village,” said Holidae Rochman with the Grow Prenatal & Family Center. per WCAX

The Grow Prenatal & Family Center and The Pinery are teaming up to make the South End a little more welcoming for new parents. Their "On the Door Radio" series offers a family friendly space every Thursday evening for parents to socialize while local DJs spin daytime sets. It’s a simple but smart idea, leveraging a great outdoor space to help build the "village" that many young families are looking for.

“It’s been a long planning process, a lot of reviews and concepts. ReArch has been a good partner, getting us through that process. It’s been a long road. To see this happening today, we’re really excited,” said Adam Martin, a partner and investor. per WCAX

After years of sitting vacant and becoming a neighborhood problem, the old YMCA building on College Street is finally seeing some action. Crews have started demolition, the first visible step in a plan to transform the historic building into a six story apartment building with 79 housing units. With an ambitious target of having people move in by June 2027, this project represents a significant, and long awaited, development in the city's ongoing effort to address the housing crunch.

"New eligibility thresholds have doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, making about 70 percent of Vermont households eligible, according to state officials." per WCAX

The Community College of Vermont's 802Opportunity program is getting a major expansion, thanks to approval from lawmakers and the governor. By doubling the household income eligibility to $100,000 for Vermonters without a bachelor's degree, the program now opens the door to free tuition for a huge swath of the state's population. This is a significant move to broaden access to higher education and workforce development for thousands of Vermonters.

"Sales at the co-op have stagnated since the pandemic, and the business is losing money each year — close to $470,000 last fiscal year even after $56 million in net sales, the co-op’s annual report shows." per WCAX

Eight years after its ambitious $20 million South End expansion, City Market is facing some financial headwinds. The member owned co-op hasn't seen the sales growth it projected and is currently operating at a loss, meaning no profit sharing for its members. This is a sobering reality check for the beloved local grocer, highlighting the persistent challenges of the post pandemic economy even for established Burlington institutions.

"We're committed to keeping it as is through the selling process and looking to find an owner that can keep up the standards," co-owner Tim Elliott said. per Seven Days

In news that might cause a collective sigh across the city, Shy Guy Gelato is on the market for $200,000. Owner-operator Paul Sansone, after a decade of crafting beloved flavors, is ready to move on. He and his co-owner are assuring the public that the St. Paul Street shop will continue business as usual while they search for a new owner who is just as passionate about the craft, which is a small comfort for its legion of devoted regulars.

“The ranking comes from Money Magazine which lists the UVM Children's Hospital as No. 16 on their list of the top 20 hospitals in the United States.” per MyNBC5

Amidst local news of budgets and businesses, there's a significant point of pride for our community's healthcare. The University of Vermont Children's Hospital has been recognized as one of the top pediatric centers in the nation. This accolade speaks volumes about the quality of care and the dedicated professionals working to keep the youngest Vermonters healthy.

Volunteer Opportunties Highlight:

There are so many volunteer opportunities in Burlington! And a great way to meet people, and make new friends. This week I choose to highlight:

Intervale Center

Love spending time at the Intervale? Here’s your chance to give back. The Intervale Center offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities—from digging into soil at the Conservation Nursery or The People’s Farm, to helping improve food access through gleaning programs. You can also support events like Summervale or lend a hand maintaining local trails with Burlington Wildways. Whether you're looking to get outdoors or connect with neighbors, there’s a role for everyone—and all volunteers are eligible for City Market member hours. Learn more and sign up at intervale.org/volunteer.

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

Events:

Thursday, June 19, 2025

General Events

  • 10:00 AM: Jordan’s Way Live Fundraiser at Humane Society of Chittenden County

  • 3:00 PM: Community Partners Desk at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)

  • 5:00 PM: On The Door Radio at Coal Collective, Burlington (Free)

  • 5:30 PM: SB Nite Out #1 - Juneteenth at 1000 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT

  • 5:30 PM: South Burlington Juneteenth Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Mah Jongg at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe

  • 6:00 PM: Trivia at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Open Mic: Old Time Jam at Radio Bean, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:30 PM: Craft & Skillshare Night at 1416 North Ave, Burlington, VT

  • 6:35 PM: Vermont Lake Monsters Game at Centennial Field, Burlington ($7.50-19.50)

  • 6:45 PM: Beginner & Intermediate Kizomba at South End Studio

  • 8:00 PM: Third Thursdays at 4 Howard St, Burlington, VT South Burlington

  • Juneteenth - 3v3 Basketball Tournament at 1000 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT (finals start around 5:30pm)

Performances

  • 6:30 PM: Platform Intuitive Group Event at 1 Mill St, Burlington, VT

  • 7:00 PM: 'Food and Country' Screening & Climate Kitchen Conversation at Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)

  • 7:30 PM: Michelle Buteau at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (SOLD OUT)

  • 7:30 PM: The Brand New Bake Off at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($34-54 sliding scale)

Live Music/DJ

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

  • 6:00 PM: Eric George at the Skinny Pancake, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Frankie & the Fuse at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Local Dork at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead Set Thursdays at the District VT (Formerly ArtsRiot) at ArtsRiot

  • 7:00 PM: Queen Bonobo at Foam Brewers

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

  • 7:30 PM: Sarah Klang at Higher Ground

  • 8:00 PM: Windier w/ Joe Something, riverbed, & Fowl at Radio Bean

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 20, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: 'Will' Screening at The Screening Room VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)

  • 7:30 PM: 'The Bake Off' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($34-54 sliding scale)

  • 7:30 PM: 'Control Top' at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall ($18-20)

  • 7:30 PM: Michelle Buteau at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (SOLD OUT)

Live Music/DJ

Saturday, June 21, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 2:00 PM: 'The Bake Off' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($34-54 sliding scale)

  • 2:00 PM: 'Control Top' at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall ($18-20)

  • 3:00 PM: 'Escape From New York' Screening at The Screening Room VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)

  • 7:00 PM: 'They Live' Screening at The Screening Room@ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)

  • 7:30 PM: Mind Magic: A Summer Night of Laughter and Astonishment at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts

  • 7:30 PM: 'The Bake Off' at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($34-54 sliding scale)

  • 7:30 PM: Michelle Buteau at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($40)

  • 9:00 PM: Queeraoke by Goddess at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)

Live Music/DJ

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

  • 7:30 PM: Steve Ellis at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Five Seconds Expired, MERC, Phaze Gawd, Outnumbered at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.42)

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

  • 8:30 PM: Los Sóngoros – Cuban & Brazilian Music 6/21/25 at Venetian Soda Lounge

  • 8:30 PM: Dogs in a Pile at Higher Ground

  • 9:00 PM: The Supervillians w/ JWADI at Nectar's at Nectar’s

  • 9:00 PM: High Summer at Foam Brewers

  • 9:00 PM: Sparkomatik at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)

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

Sunday, June 22, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

  • 10:00 AM: Sunday Brunch Tunes at Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free) 1

  • 1:00 AM: Linda Bassick (Kids' Show) at Foam Brewers

  • 7:00 PM: Strange Purple Jelly at Red Square Burlington (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Albert Cummings at Higher Ground

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep your summer rhythm going strong. Take a morning walk through City Hall Park while the air’s still cool, maybe with a coffee from nearby Kru or Vivid as the city wakes up around you. Make a detour to Owl’s Head Blueberry Farm in Richmond and fill a bucket with fresh berries—easy, satisfying, and snackable right from the bush. Stop by Foam Brewers in the late afternoon for a drink and some lake breeze on the patio, especially if there’s live music on. Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum if you’re in the mood to learn a little local history, then follow the trails down to the river afterward. And if you want something spontaneous, flip through the shelves at Burlington Records until you find something you didn’t know you needed.

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 wings at Shelburne Tap House and BOGO boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
• Friday: $10 fish & chips at Shelburne Tap House and $5 Fiddlehead IPA at Daily Planet
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and ½-price burgers at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $0.85 wings at Rotisserie and $16 family dinner at Four Quarters Brewing (4–8 PM)

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

This Week’s Comic:

“…. but the shot was just too good!”

This Week’s Restaurant Review: American Flatbread

A cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, American Flatbread on Saint Paul Street has long been celebrated for its artisanal pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired earthen oven. The restaurant champions a strong farm-to-table ethos, sourcing wholesome, clean ingredients from a dedicated network of local Vermont farmers. This commitment to quality is palpable in the lively, rustic dining room where the impressive oven serves as a warm, inviting centerpiece. The in-house Zero Gravity Craft Brewery further enhances the experience, offering a selection of locally brewed beers that perfectly complement the menu.

The star of the show is, of course, the flatbread. Creative and satisfying options range from the "Medicine Wheel," a classic combination of organic tomato sauce and cheese, to the "New Vermont Sausage," which features house-made maple-fennel pork sausage with sundried tomatoes and caramelized onions. The use of high-quality toppings, including artisanal Vermont cheeses and all-natural meats, is evident in every bite. While the menu is a significant draw, the restaurant's dedication to community, demonstrated through its weekly "Benefit Bakes" for local non-profits, adds another layer of appeal.

Despite its many strengths, the popularity of American Flatbread can be a double-edged sword. During peak hours, the lively and communal atmosphere can translate into significant wait times for a table, which might deter those seeking a quick or quiet meal. The focus on meticulously sourced ingredients also places the flatbreads at a higher price point than your average pizza parlor. However, for those willing to wait and invest in a truly local and flavorful dining experience, American Flatbread remains a must-try Burlington institution.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

That’s the briefing for tonight. Get out there and enjoy the start of summer and all the community celebrations this weekend. It’s a great time to be in Burlington.

Help support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below. Or, right to our Venmo @btownbrief. Or, buy an advertising spot for your business.

Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned!

Also cooking up scavenger hunts, and an icebreaker meet up event at a block party soon! Lots of thoughts go into this, and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.

Support Btown Brief

Click here to Support Btown Brief

ko-fi.com/btownbrief