Thursday, May 29th

Tonight's Briefing: Cloudy Eve, Brighter Friday, Rainy Weekend Kickoff & Sunnier Sunday Hopes – Pride Gala Shines, Tech Hub Funds Pulled & ArtsRiot's Farewell – Celebrate a community milestone tonight. As the weekend brings both a massive waterfront celebration and a damp forecast, get the scoop on shifts for Vermont's tech scene, the South End's cultural landscape, and who's now behind the counter at an Old North End institution.

May 29, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Update:

Looks like the clouds decided to stick around for our Thursday, keeping things on the cooler side, mostly in the sixties, with a few passing showers playing hide and seek. Don’t let it dampen your spirits entirely though; there should still be plenty of dry spells to get about. Friday is shaping up to be a bit brighter with a mix of sun and clouds, and temperatures climbing back into the seventies, though an isolated shower might still pop up to say hello. Then, batten down the hatches a bit for Saturday. A classic Nor’easter seems to be eyeing us, promising steadier rain and keeping temperatures back in the low sixties, which might make the Lake Monsters’ home opener a rather soggy affair. Sunday offers a glimmer of hope for drying out, with perhaps some sunshine breaking through later in the day, especially if you’re a bit south of the city, though it’ll remain cool in the low to mid sixties.

Despite the somewhat gloomy outlook for Saturday, there's plenty to coax you out and about before then. Tonight, for instance, is a big one: the Pride Center of Vermont is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a Gala at Main Street Landing. It's a significant milestone for an organization that means so much to our community, so expect a special evening. If live music is more your speed to kick off the almost weekend, you could head over to South Hero for the start of the Music in the Vineyard Summer Concert Series at Snow Farm Vineyard featuring The Tenderbellies. Good tunes and local wine sound like a fine way to spend a Thursday evening. And don't forget, Foam Brewers is already warming us up for the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival with live jazz all week; tonight it's Bella & The Notables.

Looking ahead, Friday night sees QUADRA kicking off the summer concert series on the back patio at The Old Post – they’re promising a fun night, so plan accordingly. Then Saturday, if you’re not braving the potential rain for the Lake Monsters' first game and the 50/50 raffle at Centennial Field, get yourself to the Community Sailing Center for their 2025 Season Opener. That’s a big one down on the waterfront, with ten dollar sailboat rides, food trucks (yes, there will be creemees!), kids' crafts and games, yoga on the deck, and all sorts of cool boats to view from local sailing groups and even the Coast Guard – definitely a highlight and at one of the best waterfront spots in Burlington. Summer feels officially here! Also on Saturday, Vermont Ballet Theater returns to the Flynn with their "Celebration of Dance." And come Sunday, you can always count on the Winooski Farmers Market over at Winooski Falls Way for your local produce and artisan goods fix. With the main event, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, just around the corner from June 4th to 8th, the city is certainly humming.

Today, May 29, Burlington's temperatures are slightly below the historical averages, with a high of 68°F compared to the typical 73°F. Looking ahead, the next three days are forecasted to remain cooler and wetter than usual for this time of year, with highs between 60°F and 74°F and lows from 49°F to 58°F.

"But earlier this month, the commerce department called the process “rushed, opaque, and unfair” and pulled the money," per WCAX.

This is a notable setback for the ambitious initiative led by UVM and GlobalFoundries, aimed at boosting next generation semiconductor development right here in Vermont. While tech hub officials express disappointment, they’re not throwing in the towel and plan to reapply, emphasizing the project's alignment with national security and economic development. The move also reflects broader political discussions around how best to support domestic chip production, with the former president often favoring tariffs over subsidies like the CHIPS Act.

"What makes the housing crisis so complex is that it is not a single-issue dilemma, and therefore there's no single silver bullet. We need to be trying out all sorts of things," per Seven Days.

Anyone trying to find a place in or around Burlington knows the struggle is real, and this Seven Days piece dives into the innovative, sometimes unconventional, ways Vermonters are tackling the daunting housing shortage. From co ops and tiny homes to community land trusts, it’s a look at grassroots efforts born out of necessity. These stories show a resilient community spirit, offering potential models that could, with support, make a real difference.

"We like this store. We like the people here," per Seven Days, quoting new manager Max Patel.

A collective sigh of relief might be heard from the Old North End as the beloved Shopping Bag, a cornerstone for 50 years under the Clayton family and home to the legendary Sizzler burger, has new proprietors. Brothers Yogeshkumar and Jigar Patel have taken the reins, and while some cosmetic upgrades like new shelving are in the works, they plan to keep the important things, notably that famous grill, just as we know them. It’s always a moment when a local institution changes hands, but the new owners seem keen on respecting its legacy.

"The District VT, the Burlington music venue, restaurant and event space formerly known as ArtsRiot, announced its impending closure on Thursday, May 29, 2025," per Burlington Free Press.

This news will surely hit the South End arts. ArtsRiot, and its successor The District VT, carved out a unique space for live music, events, and food over the years. Its closure marks the end of an era for many local artists and patrons, leaving a palpable void in Burlington's cultural fabric and raising questions about the future of independent venues. Good reminder to get out and support your local establishments like this!

“Let’s keep people safe and alive... I think sometimes assumptions are made about what’s happening, which isn’t exactly true,” stated the Howard Center’s Beth Holden, per WCAX.

The conversation around the Safe Recovery Center on Clarke Street continues, highlighting the delicate balance between providing essential harm reduction services and addressing the concerns of nearby residents. Howard Center officials are emphasizing the life saving work they do, including preventing disease spread and connecting people to recovery resources, while also acknowledging they've taken steps like adding security to mitigate neighborhood impacts. It’s a complex issue with deeply felt perspectives on all sides.

"I fully support our locally owned small businesses, and I also fully support mutual aid for those in need. I do not believe that these two things are mutually exclusive," Mayor Emma Mulvaney Stanak said in a statement, per WCAX.

The debate over the Food Not Cops meal service, particularly its presence near the Marketplace Garage, has a new development with the Mayor asking the City Council to reconsider a resolution to move the program. This situation brings familiar Burlington tensions to the forefront: how to support downtown businesses while also ensuring care for vulnerable community members. The Mayor's call suggests a path toward finding common ground, though that's often easier said than done.

"Legislators say that for every dollar spent at Vermont farms adds an additional 60-cents goes to the local economy," per WCAX.

Here’s some unequivocally good news. Governor Scott has approved state assistance for the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters grant program. This initiative, run through the Vermont Food Bank, does double duty by purchasing food from local farmers and distributing it to those in need. It’s a practical boost for our agricultural sector and a tangible way to support food security, demonstrating a clear local economic benefit.

“If the Burlington Police Commission wants to consider a policy that deviates from what was passed in 2020 by the city council, it should really go through the city council process,” said Will Lambek from Migrant Justice, per WCAX.

This issue touches on how Burlington defines fair policing and interacts with all its residents. Back in 2020, the city adopted its own distinct rules that, among other things, limited how much our local police would assist federal immigration enforcement, a move often intended to build trust with immigrant communities. That specific Burlington policy quietly expired last fall, meaning we reverted to the standard statewide rules without much public discussion. Now, the Police Commission is taking another look, reopening questions about what Burlington's approach should be and, just as importantly, who gets to make that call – and how.

Events:

Thursday, May 29, 2025

General Events

  • 10:00 AM: Business Plan Writing Workshop at Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (Free)

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

  • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Blood Drive at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall (Free)

  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Knit for Your Neighbor at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall (Free)

  • 5:30 PM: Bike Bloom 2025 at Intervale Center 5:30 PM: Elise Whittemore’s “Awkward Characters” Art Opening at Soapbox Arts

  • 5:30 PM: What’s Brewing with Rotary at Weird Window Brewing

  • 6:00 PM: Pride Center of Vermont 25th Anniversary Gala at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($50-70 sliding scale)

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

  • 6:15 PM: Vermont Tech Meet-Up at Innovation Hall, University of Vermont, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:30 PM: Writer's Bloc (poetry open mic) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington (Free)

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

  • 7:00 PM: Ran (screening) at Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington ($6-12)

Performances

  • 7:30 PM: Brooks Wheelan (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($25)

  • 9:00 PM: Pet Store: A Live Sitcom (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($5/$10)

Live Music/DJ

  • 5:00 PM: TOWER OF POWER at Hotel Champlain (Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain)

  • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: ON THE DOOR RADIO at Coal Collective, Burlington (Free)

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

  • 6:30 PM: MUSIC IN THE VINEYARD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE TENDERBELLIES at Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Bella & The Notables w/ Bob & Ira (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead Set Thursdays (Grateful Dead tribute by Zach Nugent's Dead Set) at The District VT (ArtsRiot) ($13.95)

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

  • 8:30 PM: All Night Boogie Band (blues, R&B) at Nectar's, Burlington ($13.51)

  • 8:30 PM: Jazz with Alex Stewart and Friends (jazz) at the 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:30 PM: Septic Vomit, Black Axe, CORRUPT WORLD, Violet Crimes (hardcore, punk) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 9:00 PM: Zack Fox (DJ Set) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($39.83)

  • 10:00 PM: Damian (DJ) at Red Square, 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, May 30, 2025

General Events

  • 10:00 AM: Phone & Tech Support at Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington (Free)

  • 1:00 PM: Tech Freebies: Saving Money with Library Resources at South Burlington Public Library & City Hall (Free)

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

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

  • 5:30 PM: SBRP Free Community Dinner (registration required) at South Burlington Recreation & Parks

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

  • 6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings

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

  • 7:00 PM: Dads & Dungeons & Dragons at The Guild Hall, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Ballroom Dance Practice Session at North Star Community Hall, Burlington (Free)

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: 'BABYCAKES' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($15-20)

  • 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM: Brooks Wheelan (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($25)

Live Music/DJ

  • 3:00 PM: Dave Mitchell Blues Revue Blue Jam (blues) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 4:00 PM: Danny & the Parts (Americana) at Hotel Vermont Burlington (Free)

  • 5:30 PM: Zach Nugent (Duo) (Grateful Dead tribute) at Switchback Brewing's Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: Connor Young (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 6:00 PM: DJ CRES (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: QUADRA – Opens the Patio!! at The Old Post

  • 7:00 PM: Blanchface (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Annie DiRusso with Daffo (indie rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.24)

  • 7:30 PM: Loubard (rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

  • 8:00 PM: Left Eye Jump Blues Band (blues) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Oakheart / Shapethrower / No Soul / Short Changed / Geeked Out (metal) at The Lounge at Nectar's, Burlington ($17.67)

  • 8:00 PM: Rumplecrunk ft. Mihali & His Frends (jam) at Nectar’s, Burlington ($17.67)

  • 8:00 PM: My Wife's An Angel, AUGRAH, Lungbuster, Workingman's Army (indie, noise rock) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$12)

  • 9:00 PM: Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink, Burlington ($5)

  • 9:00 PM: DJ Fattie B (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski (Free)

  • 10:30 PM: Leander, Ilearth (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 11:00 PM: DJ Taka (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$15)

Saturday, May 31, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM: CELEBRATION OF DANCE at The Flynn, Burlington ($18.90-30)

  • 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM: 'BABYCAKES' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($15-20)

  • 7:00 PM: GMGC presents “Clap Your Hands!” (Green Mountain Gospel Choir) at First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: WES BARKER at Flynn Space, Burlington ($42)

  • 7:30 PM: Vermont Choral Union – Rites of Spring at First Unitarian Universalist Society

  • 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM: Brooks Wheelan (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($25)

Live Music/DJ

  • 2:00 PM: Greenbush, Christy Pickwell, Alex Kauffman (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 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)

  • 7:30 PM: Donna the Buffalo with Richie Stearns (roots rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($37.04)

  • 7:30 PM: Jeff Wheel (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:30 PM: Queer Takeover (indie, DJ, drag) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($15)

  • 8:00 PM: Lloyd Tyler Band & Evan Jennison (folk rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($19.84)

  • 8:00 PM: Distortion Effect II (electronic) at Monkey House, Winooski ($10)

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

  • 9:00 PM: Joe Something, Danny & the Parts (rock) at Nectar's, Burlington ($12.47)

  • 9:00 PM: DJ KDT (DJ) at the Lounge at Nectar's, Burlington (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: DJ Ara (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington (Free)

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

Sunday, June 1, 2025

General Events

  • 10:00 AM: Winooski Farmers Market at Winooski Falls Way (Free)

  • 3:00 PM: Human Connection Circle at Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)

  • 4:00 PM: Rhododendron Walk and Talk at UVM Horticultural Research & Education Center

  • 6:00 PM: New Leaf Sangha Mindfulness Practice at Hot Yoga Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington (Free)

Performances

  • 2:00 PM: 'BABYCAKES' at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington ($15-20)

  • 4:00 PM: THE VERMONT CHORAL UNION at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington ($10-40)

Live Music/DJ

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

  • 1:00 PM: Geoff Kim Organ Trio (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Mi Yard Reggae Night with D.J Big Dog (reggae dancehall) at Nectar's, Burlington (Free)

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more ways to stretch out summer while it’s still in full swing. Take a walk at Shelburne Farms and find a quiet spot near the water or up by the gardens for a picnic or a pause. Visit the South End on a Friday evening and catch the South End Get Down—food trucks, music, and a good crowd without much planning required. Ride the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort if you’re up for a short drive and want a big view without the hike. Wander the Church Street Marketplace in the early morning before the crowds hit and grab a coffee while the city wakes up. And if you’re looking for something different, stop into the Winooski Mill Museum on a weekday and get a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.

Full list is still growing here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Weekend Food & Drink Picks
• Thursday: BOGO boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings and $6 margaritas at Despacito
• 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 $5 mimosa pints at Daily Planet

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

This Week’s Comic:

Ooof.. it’s that time of year again!

This Week’s Restaurant Review: A Single Pebble

A Single Pebble has long been a cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, offering an upscale yet welcoming experience centered around authentic Chinese cuisine. Housed in an unassuming Bank Street building, the restaurant’s interior, with its white tablecloths and elegant Asian art, sets a refined but comfortable stage for a convivial meal. It’s a place where communal dining is encouraged, evident in the large round tables equipped with lazy Susans, often bustling with groups sharing a variety of dishes. Chef-owner Chiuho Duval's commitment to traditional Sichuan and other regional Chinese flavors ensures a menu that is both genuine and appealing to a broad audience.

The menu at A Single Pebble is a journey of shared plates, designed for exploration and enjoyment. The famed Mock Eel, a remarkable creation of shiitake mushrooms transformed to an eel-like richness, stands out as a must-try and has even garnered national attention. Other highly recommended dishes include the subtly flavored Tea-Smoked Duck and the addictive Dry-Fried Green Beans. While the restaurant is celebrated for its meat and seafood, it also consistently wins accolades for its vegetarian and vegan options, with creative dishes like Buddhist Tofu and Buddha’s Beef satisfying all palates. Many diners opt for the chef’s tasting menu to sample a wide array of the kitchen’s best offerings.

While A Single Pebble delivers a high-quality culinary experience often compared to what one might find in a larger city, it does come with a higher price point, with family-style dishes generally ranging from $18–$30. A full meal, especially with appetizers, can become a significant investment. However, most patrons find the exceptional quality, depth of flavor, and attentive service justify the cost. For those seeking a truly special Chinese meal in Burlington, A Single Pebble offers a unique and memorable journey, showcasing the art of shared food and refined taste.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Whew, that’s the Btown Brief for your Thursday evening. Plenty to chew on, as always. We hope this helps you stay connected to what's happening in our vibrant, and sometimes complicated, little city. Do get out there and support local happenings, maybe check out an event you read about here, or simply enjoy what Burlington has to offer.

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