Thursday, June 26th

Your Weekend Kickstart: Cloudy Thursday, Rainy Friday, Drier Sunday Ahead – Main Street's Nightly Reopening, A New Art House & A Downsized Festival of Fools – From tonight's friends mixer and fire show to a soggy Saturday, your plans await. Get the details on Main Street's traffic compromise, the city's tough new budget, the grassroots effort bringing a cinema back to downtown, and how a beloved festival was saved by local businesses for this year.

June 26, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Update:

After a sweltering start to the week, today feels like a welcome change of pace. We’re looking at a cooler and cloudier Thursday with highs hovering in the low to mid 70s, which is actually a bit below normal for late June. The humidity has thankfully taken a holiday. While most of the day should be dry, a few light showers might drift through this afternoon, especially in central and southern Vermont. Don’t be surprised by increasing clouds as we head into the evening. Looking ahead, Friday is shaping up to be a wet one. Clouds move in during the morning, with showers becoming more widespread in the afternoon and turning into periods of heavy rain by evening. Saturday continues the trend with more rain and maybe a rumble of thunder, with highs staying in the low 70s. The weekend isn't a total washout, though. Sunday promises a much drier and warmer day, with sunshine breaking through and temperatures climbing back into the low 80s.

With a cool and pleasant evening on tap, it’s a perfect night to get out and about. For those of you who have been asking for a chance to meet fellow Brief readers, I’m hosting a Btown Brief Friends Mixer tonight at 7 p.m., complete with games and easy icebreakers to get the conversation flowing. Earlier in the evening, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., the tech scene is gathering for a "Golden Hour" happy hour on the patio at HULA, featuring free pizza and drinks by The 126. It’s a great chance to network or just enjoy the lake view. Just over in South Burlington, SB Nite Out is back with a fleet of food trucks and a grand finale performance by Cirque de Fuego, who will be putting on a 30 minute fire show starting at 8:00 p.m.

And if you’re already planning your weekend, there's plenty to pencil in. Saturday morning starts with a chance to get moving at ActiveVT, which is hosting a free intro fitness class at their waterfront space from 9 to 10 a.m. Later, you can head to Oakledge Park from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate 40 years of incredible work (and their closure) by Inclusive Arts Vermont with art making and refreshments. Or, if you've got the family in tow, Veterans Memorial Park is hosting Kites in the Park from 1 to 3 p.m., a free event with kite making, music, and even a bounce house. And with Sunday’s forecast looking much brighter, the return of Soda Plant Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seems perfectly timed, bringing together local artisans, farmers, and food vendors for a market in the South End.

Side note for next Wednesday: We noticed that Church St businesses teamed up with the Weekly Wednesday Passeggiata! Be sure to check out the huge list of deals they came up with for every Wednesday. Plus, it looks like Devil Takes a Holiday has a new deck set up for Wednesday 5pm-10pm!

June’s typical high in Burlington is ~70°F and low ~61°F, with record extremes of about 73°F and 60°F. Today’s high of 71°F aligns with the average, but tonight’s low (≈52°F) dips below, while the coming days trend slightly warmer than the usual June pattern.

"Starting June 27, a portion of the roadway will be opened for two-way traffic on nights and weekends. The shift is meant to prop up downtown businesses that have blamed the roadwork for slumping sales." per Seven Days.

The city is spending an extra $600,000 to offer a reprieve to businesses, but it comes at the cost of extending the Great Streets project’s overall timeline. It’s a classic Burlington compromise, attempting to balance immediate economic relief against the long term pain of construction. The move highlights the tension between daytime businesses, who may not benefit as much, and those hoping evening and weekend traffic provides a lifeline.

"The spending plan uses a mix of cuts and tax increases to close a $9.8 million budget gap... Balancing the budget required laying off 18 staffers and cutting seven vacant positions in what was the first major shrinkage of the city workforce in more than a decade." per Seven Days.

This budget represents the first real test of Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak's "ModernGov" initiative, aiming to streamline a city government that has grown significantly over the last decade. The plan walks a tightrope, cutting staff and programs while simultaneously increasing funding for police and social services like the Howard Center’s Street Outreach Team. It’s a move to rein in spending while still confronting the city's pressing public safety and homelessness crises.

"Called Building Burlington’s Future, the group is a coalition of activists, politicos and everyday residents who want to tackle the city’s thorniest issues, including public safety, through grassroots organizing." per Seven Days.

This new organization hopes to succeed where the often divided City Council has struggled: finding consensus. While its leadership includes some familiar faces from Democratic and Progressive circles, the stated goal is to be a nonpartisan force for change on housing and the economy. It’s an interesting effort to channel the widespread feeling of "something must be done" into a unified, policy focused group outside of City Hall.

"Partizanfilm, a new nonprofit art house movie theater, is set to open this fall in downtown Burlington — just around the corner from the former location of Merrill’s Roxy Cinema, which closed in November." per VTDigger.

In a heartening story of grassroots action, a group of five residents is bringing cinema back to downtown. By choosing a nonprofit, member-operated model, Partizanfilm is not only filling the void left by the Roxy; but also testing a more community-centric approach to keeping cultural venues alive. It will be more than a theater; the plan for a lobby cafe and bookstore aims to create a new downtown social hub. More third spaces - sign me up!

"Burlington’s City Council voted unanimously Monday to move forward with an ordinance banning public nudity following complaints from local businesses and residents." per VTDigger.

Responding to a letter from over 100 downtown businesses, the council is exploring a public nudity ordinance. The proposal now heads to a committee, which will have to sort out the details, such as potential exceptions for events like UVM’s traditional naked bike ride. This is a delicate balancing act between addressing public comfort and business concerns without infringing on expression or unfairly targeting certain groups.

"Burlington City Arts canceled the festival earlier this year, citing money problems, but thanks to fundraising by multiple local businesses, it’s back on -- kind of." per WCAX.

When institutional funding fell through, local businesses stepped in to save a beloved summer tradition. Spearheaded by the brothers who own Cafe HOT., the effort has resurrected the event as the "Fools Block Party" for August 1 and 2. It’s a testament to the business community's commitment to preserving the downtown vibrancy they depend on.

"Half Pint owners Neil and Rachel Solis bought Burlington's Daily Planet in January 2020. They've done a few Daily Planet pop-ups at Weird Window — owned by their good friends Emily and Jack Droppa — since the brewery opened that summer..." per Seven Days.

This is a perfect example of a smart, symbiotic local business partnership. The well established team from the Daily Planet is bringing a permanent food option to a popular South Burlington brewery. It’s a win-win, giving Weird Window’s customers a reason to stick around and offering a new venture for the Solises.

"The funding will be used to reduce the overall carbon footprint as part of the current upgrade of the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) in South Burlington." per Vermont Business Magazine.

This is a welcome infusion of federal cash that will have a direct local impact. The EPA funds, secured by Rep. Becca Balint, will help modernize the facility with energy efficient heat pumps. This move will not only cut the plant's carbon footprint significantly but also help keep utility rates stable for South Burlington residents.

Events:

Thursday, June 26, 2025

General Events

Performances

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

  • 7:30 PM: Challenge Wheel (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Free)

Live Music/DJ

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

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

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

  • 6:00 PM: Vinyl Thursdays at Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Blue Cactus at Radio Bean ($10/$15)

  • 7:00 PM: Alternate Take at Foam Brewers (Free)

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

  • 8:00 PM: Fantastic Negrito at Higher Ground ($37.15)

  • 8:00 PM: DJ JP Black 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 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 27, 2025

General Events

  • 11:00 AM: Volunteer to Clean Up Landry Park! at Landry Park, Winooski

  • 12:00 PM: Italian Conversation at Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)

  • 1:15 PM: Mindfulness Meditation at Pathways Vermont, Burlington (Free)

  • 4:00 PM: Splash Dance: DJ Kate Kush at City Hall Park

  • 5:00 PM: The People's Farmstand is Back! at Pomeroy Park

  • 5:00 PM: Weekly Passeggiata at Church Street Marketplace, Burlington (Free)

  • 5:00 PM: South End Get Down at Coal Collective, Burlington (Free entry; cost for food and drink)

  • 5:30 PM: French Social Hour at Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown (Free entry; cash bar)

  • 5:30 PM: SBRP Art In The Park at Veterans Memorial Park

  • 6:00 PM: Learn & Play Bus with Dave at The Boardroom - Board Game Cafe

  • 6:00 PM: Reiki & Restorative (at Chace Mill) at Chace Mill

  • 9:00 PM: Karaoke Night with DJ Big T at McKee's Original, Winooski (Free)

Performances

  • 6:00 PM: Vermont Comedy Awards 2025 at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Comedy for a Cause at Fraternal Order of Eagles #793, South Burlington ($25)

Live Music/DJ

Saturday, June 28, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 2:00 PM: 'An Otherwise Lovely Residential Area' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($10-20 sliding scale)

  • 5:30 PM: Good Clean Fun (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($5.99/$11.99)

  • 7:00 PM: 'An Otherwise Lovely Residential Area' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($10-20 sliding scale)

  • 7:00 PM: Poison at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center

  • 7:00 PM: Kana Zink, Kenzy Markello, Rob Hale, Gordon Clark, Max Palmer (comedy) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Rory Scovel (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (SOLD OUT)

  • 7:30 PM: B-FASMO: Inaugural Concert! at The University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington (Free, preregistration required)

  • 7:30 PM: Free Movie Music Concert at UVM Recital Hall at UVM Recital Hall (Free, reservation required)

  • 9:00 PM: Rory Scovel (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 at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Sub-Radio (indie pop) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.24)

  • 7:30 PM: Ira Friedman (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Grace Palmer: Song Release Party at Venetian Soda Lounge

  • 8:00 PM: Rachel Ambaye Quartet (jazz) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10)

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

  • 9:00 PM: Bob Wagner (rock, blues) at Foam Brewers (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: DJs Cre8, DillanwithaQ, Donny Spins, Rice Pilaf at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$15)

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

Sunday, June 29, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 2:00 PM: 'An Otherwise Lovely Residential Area' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($10-20 sliding scale)

Live Music/DJ

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

  • 1:00 PM: Mike MacDonald at Foam Brewers 6/29 (singer-songwriter) at Foam Brewers (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Burlington Concert Band at Battery Park, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Mike Love (Solo) (reggae) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.42)

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week: American Cancer Society

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

Road to Recovery: Give a Ride, Change a Life
Help make sure no one misses a cancer treatment because they couldn’t get there. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is looking for volunteers in Chittenden and Washington County to give patients free rides to and from treatment. It’s a simple but powerful way to support someone during one of the hardest times of their life. Volunteers must be 18–84 with a valid driver’s license. Learn more at cancer.org/drive or call 1-800-227-2345.

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

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep your summer plans from getting stale. Start with a hike through Red Rocks Park, where the forested trails lead to high overlooks and shaded corners perfect for a midday pause. Head to the top of the hill at Lone Tree Hill in Shelburne Farms for one of the best panoramic views around, especially quiet on weekday mornings. Spend a couple hours at the Shelburne Museum if you're up for exploring everything from folk art to a historic steamboat, all spread across a surprisingly walkable campus. For a change of pace, try a new cider or two at Citizen Cider and stick around for their food menu, which leans local and seasonal. And if you're looking for something light and last-minute, catch an outdoor concert or event in City Hall Park—there’s almost always something happening.

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 BOGO crepes at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $0.85 wings at Rotisserie and $3 Green State pints at Zero Gravity Pine St (5–9 PM)

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

This Week’s Comic: That Vermont Maple baby!

Basically Vermont’s Cologne

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Farmhouse Tap & Grill

A cornerstone of Burlington’s farm-to-table scene, the Farmhouse Tap & Grill on Bank Street has cemented itself as a downtown institution. Housed in a cleverly renovated former McDonald's, the gastropub buzzes with a constant, lively energy, drawing in everyone from beer aficionados to families. The rustic-chic interior is warm and inviting, though its popularity often means the main dining room is bustling and loud. For those seeking a different vibe, the seasonal outdoor beer garden provides a more relaxed setting, while the downstairs Parlor offers a cozier escape.

The menu is a testament to Vermont’s agricultural bounty, with the LaPlatte River Angus Farm beef burgers rightfully earning their city-wide praise. These aren't your average pub burgers; they are thoughtfully constructed, often featuring local standouts like Vermont Cabot cheddar. Beyond the burgers, the kitchen delivers consistent, elevated comfort food, from the savory blue cheese garlic toast to a fresh New England raw bar. The main attraction for many, however, is the tap list—an expertly curated and extensive selection of Vermont’s most sought-after craft beers that has earned the bar widespread recognition.

Still, the very elements that define the Farmhouse experience can be a double-edged sword. The commitment to high-quality, local ingredients is reflected in the price point, which is a noticeable step up from a casual pub meal and may not fit every budget. The restaurant’s energetic atmosphere, while vibrant and fun, can easily feel crowded and may not be the best choice for an intimate or quiet conversation, especially during peak hours. Despite these considerations, Farmhouse Tap & Grill remains a great spot for a reliably delicious, locally-sourced meal and arguably one of the best draft lists in town.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Thanks for reading. There's a lot happening out there, so I hope you find some time this week to check out an event, support a local spot, or just enjoy the slightly cooler air.

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