We’re starting the big weekend off with some familiar summer haze and serious warmth. Temperatures are pushing into the upper 80s today, and the humidity is making its presence known. A cold front is set to move in later this afternoon, bringing with it the chance for some pop up thunderstorms between now and this evening. There’s a marginal risk for a few of these storms to get a little feisty with some small hail or gusty winds, but most of us will likely stay dry. The good news is that this front should push out the wildfire smoke and knock down the humidity for Friday.

The weekend forecast is a classic Vermont tale of two days. Friday will still feel warm in the upper 70s with a few more showers possible, especially for our friends south and east of the valley. Then comes Saturday, and the models are still debating just how much rain we’ll see for what might be our 25th weekend in a row with some precipitation. It could be a steady rain, or it could be just a few scattered showers. Either way, pack a light jacket for the outdoor festivities. The reward comes Sunday, with the sun expected to make a full return, bringing pleasant temperatures in the mid 70s that should stick around for Monday.

And what a weekend for it. The 42nd Burlington Discover Jazz Festival has officially arrived, and it’s impossible to capture everything happening. The best approach is to simply wander and let your ears guide you, but if you’re looking for a few anchor points to build your weekend around, here are some thoughts. The official kickoff is a significant one: tonight’s world premiere of “Origins: Sounds and Stories of the African Diaspora” on the Flynn Main Stage, a culturally rich performance curated by Guggenheim Fellow Anthony Tidd. But tomorrow, the action moves to the waterfront for a truly stellar evening of free music. It starts at 5:30 PM with the powerful legacy of the Roy Hargrove Big Band, followed by an absolute masterclass in funk from Dumpstaphunk, who will be joined by the legendary George Porter Jr. of The Meters. A free funk party with a founding member of The Meters right on the lake? Sign me up. And don’t forget that the South End Get Down on Pine Street is still on every Friday, and it’s sure to be hit with music, food trucks and overall spectacular vibes. Hopefully even busier than normal with everyone feeling in the party mood.

The energy just builds from there. Saturday’s main event is a massive free show at Waterfront Park featuring New Orleans brass powerhouse The Soul Rebels with two hip hop legends, Rakim and Talib Kweli. It’s a spectacular lineup that you don’t see every day, let alone for free. For those seeking something different, The Halluci Nation, formerly A Tribe Called Red, will bring their groundbreaking electronic powwow sound to Nectar's for what promises to be an electrifying show. And if you’re looking for a more local vibe, the Twilight Block Party will take over City Hall Park Saturday afternoon with artists and music. The festival wraps up on a high note Sunday with two free sets from Grammy nominated saxophonist Melissa Aldana at Big Joe's, offering a perfect, intimate end to a whirlwind of music. But those are just a TASTE of everything found during this week’s incredible Jazz Festival. Not only is there school bands performing right on Church St itself during the weekdays, but you have venues like the 126, Skinny Pancake, Red Square, Nectars, American Flatbread, BCA, Foam all with live music. Check out the full list of stuff provided by the Flynn, or just scroll down to my events section and see them there as well: https://www.flynnvt.org/bdjf/schedule

Burlington hits 84°F today, noticeably warmer than the usual 75°F but not quite like the 1919 record of 92°F. The rest of the week stays seasonally typical, with highs in the 70s and comfortable nights.

GlobalFoundries to invest $16B in chip manufacturing in New York and Vermont

While the headline number is huge, the local takeaway is a bit more modest but still significant for Chittenden County's largest private employer. This $125 million for the Essex Junction facility, combined with recent federal CHIPS Act funding, signals a continued commitment to the Vermont plant. The investment helps solidify the future of advanced manufacturing here, particularly in the growing field of Gallium Nitride semiconductors, which is a key focus for the state's tech sector. I love seeing big investments in our beautiful, local region.

Burlington Discover Jazz Fest kicks off 42nd run

It’s that time of year again when you can’t walk a block downtown without hearing a saxophone. The festival couldn't come at a better time for downtown businesses feeling the pinch from construction and other concerns. As festival curator Anthony Tidd notes, a majority of the shows are free, making it a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy the city. For a great video preview of what to expect, check out the link, because everyone loves a good video.

Nectar’s will put on shows through Burlington’s Discover Jazz Fest

In a bittersweet turn, the legendary Nectar's is hosting its last few shows before a planned summer closure. For a venue that has been the bedrock of the local music scene for 50 years, this weekend feels like a final chapter, at least for now. Saturday night's shows during the Jazz Fest will be the last chance to soak in the history and grab a Gravy Fry for the foreseeable future. Come out and support one last week of fun!

Burlington mayor outlines restructured city department with a focus on housing, safety and equity

The Mayor is moving forward with her "ModernGov" initiative, merging the city’s economic development office (CEDO) with business and workforce development, including the Church Street Marketplace. This move aims to create a more unified strategy for tackling Burlington's big challenges like the housing crisis and downtown revitalization. It’s a significant shakeup of city hall bureaucracy, intended to make the government more responsive and efficient as it faces some pretty serious headwinds.

Quick Rundown: What Happened at the Recent (and Long!) City Council Meeting

The latest City Council meeting was indeed a long one, with several key decisions made. Council approved zoning changes to allow for more "neighborhood scale" housing, confirmed a 4.5% electric rate increase for BED customers starting in September, and extended the 2.5% restaurant tax until August 31st while they await more clarity on state education taxes. They also got a first look at the Mayor's budget proposal, which aims for a minimal property tax increase and could even see a reduction for some homeowners. For a full breakdown of all the votes and discussions, from impact fees to department mergers, check out the full summary.

Einstein's Tap House Adds Fizzicks Craft Cocktail Lounge

The upstairs bar on Church Street has carved out a new, more intimate space for those craving something beyond a beer. By converting a pool room into a cozy lounge with creative drinks like a Froot Loops cereal milk punch, Fizzicks is adding a new flavor to the downtown scene. It's a nice evolution for the space, offering a sophisticated spot for conversation alongside their already popular tap house.

South Burlington gets younger as Vermont keeps aging

While Vermont as a whole is graying, South Burlington is bucking the trend and getting younger. The city's share of residents in the prime 25 to 44 age bracket is significantly higher than the state and even the national average. This demographic shift is already influencing city planning, from expanded adult recreation programs to long term economic strategy, positioning South Burlington as a "fountain of youth" in an aging state.

Entrées and Exits: Chittenden County Restaurant & Café News

It's a mixed bag of news for the local food scene. The highly anticipated reopening of Philo Ridge Farm's restaurant and market is set for June and July, a big win for fans of their farm to table dining. However, we've also seen the closure of several spots, including Café St. Paul, Sushi Maeda, the vegan eatery Despacito in the Old North End, and The Cup & Leaf in Essex.

South Burlington keeps residents fed with free weekly veggies

South Burlington's Recreation and Parks department is proving that its mission goes beyond just sports and playgrounds. A new mobile produce market is providing free bags of fresh vegetables to residents twice a month at city parks. The program has been an immediate success, showing a clear community need and offering a creative way to promote healthy living.

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep the ideas flowing while the days are long. Spend an afternoon at North Beach with a book, a snack, and a swim to cool off between chapters. Take the short drive to Grand Isle State Park and rent a rowboat or kayak for a quiet paddle with views of the Champlain Islands. Head to The Archives downtown for a night of arcade games and cocktails that feels equal parts playful and nostalgic. If you’re looking for something slower, visit the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington and walk the nearby trails after browsing the hand-carved exhibits. And when you’re back in town, grab a cone from Burlington Bay Market and wander the boardwalk as the sun goes down.

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

Weekend Food & Drink Picks
• Thursday: $0.75 jumbo wings at Shelburne Tap House and BOGO boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
• Friday: $2 slices and $5 Zero Gravity beer at McGillicuddy’s and $10 fish & chips at Shelburne Tap House
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and BOGO crepes at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $16 family dinner at Four Quarters Brewing (4–8 PM) and $0.85 wings at Rotisserie

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

What started as a farmers market cart has blossomed into a Vermont culinary fixture. The Skinny Pancake, with prominent Burlington locations on the bustling waterfront and conveniently past security at the airport, has built a loyal following by serving up an inventive array of crêpes with a strong commitment to local and organic ingredients. The waterfront spot, particularly vibrant in warmer months, boasts a spacious patio and often features live music, drawing a lively mix of locals and visitors. The airport outpost offers a welcome taste of Vermont for travelers.

The menu, available from breakfast through later hours, centers on both sweet and savory crêpes. Morning options like the "Breakfast Monster," packed with local ham, cheddar, and egg, offer a hearty start. Later in the day, savory choices such as the pesto and chevre "Lovemaker" or the quesadilla-inspired "Crepedilla" are popular, while the classic "Sugar Shack" with maple syrup and butter provides a quintessential Vermont sweet treat. Beyond crêpes, The Skinny Pancake also offers items like grass-fed burgers, fresh salads, and poutine, showcasing their dedication to farm-fresh regional products.

While The Skinny Pancake’s dedication to local sourcing is commendable and the food generally satisfying, its popularity, especially at the waterfront, can mean significant crowds and potential waits for a table. The lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere driven by music and a bustling crowd might not suit those seeking a quiet meal. Though the menu has expanded, the primary focus remains on crêpes, which might not appeal to all diners, and prices, while moderate, can add up for a family. Nevertheless, for a distinctively Vermont dining experience that champions local producers, The Skinny Pancake remains a noteworthy destination.

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

That’s the brief for now. Have a fantastic weekend enjoying the music, the food, and hopefully a good dose of that Sunday sunshine. Thanks for reading. Talk to you Monday.

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