Thursday, May 8th

Table of Contents

• Weather & Weekend Rundown

  • Local News (All Links Clickable)

  • Thursday, May 8 2025

  • Friday, May 9 2025

  • Saturday, May 10 2025

  • Sunday, May 11 2025

• 202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities …

• This Week’s Comic

• Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

• That’s All, Burlington!

Weather & Weekend Rundown

Good evening, Burlington. It seems Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes. Today brought a cooler feel with highs hovering in the mid fifties, and while we might have seen a few stray showers this morning, the day largely stayed dry under mostly cloudy skies. Do not get too comfortable with the dryness, though. More rain is slated to move in late this evening. This next round will start off light but is expected to become steadier and heavier throughout your Friday, with the most significant rainfall anticipated for late Friday. The Champlain Valley could see a good soaking, with one to two inches possible by the time things taper off on Saturday.

So, what does this mean for your plans? Well, tonight’s cooler, perhaps damp, weather sets a perfect stage for some indoor amusement. Consider testing your knowledge at Trivia Night at Nectar’s or Four Quarters, or maybe catching the Old Time Jam at Radio Bean. As for Friday, with steady rain in the forecast, an indoor concert seems like the smart, and enjoyable, move. The Wormdogs with Wolf Van Elfmand will be at Foam Brewers, offering a free show to ride out the rain. Looking ahead to Saturday, the morning might still see some lingering showers, but things are expected to trend drier in the afternoon. This could be good news for the Burlington Farmers Market, where you can also catch the Student Mentor Showcase between 10 AM and 1 PM. Hopefully, the skies clear up nicely for the Build A Bouquet event on Church Street Marketplace around noon, letting you gather those free flowers for Mom or yourself without needing an umbrella. Definitely a big thing for Church St Saturday, highly recommend you collect those flowers during your Church St stroll. Later on Saturday, whether it is still a bit misty or clearing up, the Cal Humberto Single Release Show at Nectar’s offers a great evening option. And for a truly grand indoor experience, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale, Mahler’s Titan, at The Flynn should be spectacular. Then, hold on to your hats for Sunday – Mother’s Day is shaping up to be sunny, dry, and warm with highs in the mid sixties. Perfect for just about anything outdoors! And the good weather looks to continue, with a significant warm up into the seventies and even low eighties forecasted for early next week.

Today’s high of 54°F in Burlington is well below the typical May 8 average of 67°F, though the low of 46°F is right on track. Looking ahead, the next few days stay on the cooler side overall, with highs stuck in the low 50s to low 60s—shy of the usual mid-60s for this time of year.

Local News (All Links Clickable)

Iconic Burlington bar Nectar’s to close for the summer

This news about Nectar's, a true Burlington institution, is definitely a shocker. Citing the Main Street construction and a quieter downtown, the team hopes this is just a summer break. We will all be watching to see if this cornerstone of our music scene makes its return. In the meantime, take this as your call to get out and support these businesses during this trying time of construction.

Burlington's Money Woes Are Forcing Difficult Decisions

It seems the city's checkbook is facing some serious headwinds again. This in depth piece lays out the tough choices ahead for Mayor Mulvaney Stanak and the council, balancing services we rely on with the costs of running them. Expect more discussions about what our city government can, and should, provide.

Foam unveils ‘You Are a Light,’ a mimosa‑inspired brew benefitting Make‑A‑Wish

Foam Brewers is at it again, mixing creativity with community support. Their new mimosa inspired beer, "You Are a Light," sounds intriguing, and it is even better that proceeds will help the Make A Wish Foundation. You can also find it at the Delta Marriott's Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser.

Vermont students tune up for the 98th All State Music Festival

This year’s festival adds a jazz ensemble to the usual orchestra, band, and chorus lineup, giving ticket‑holders four chances to spot future Higher Ground headliners before they graduate. If rain keeps you indoors Friday night, streaming links will be posted on the VMEA site.

Burlington Farmers Market boasts expanded offerings this season

The beloved Saturday market returns for its 45th year with over 75 vendors each week, a full music schedule, and new kids’ activities. The market’s also laying the groundwork for something more permanent—a foundation was just launched to help secure a long-term home. Whether you’re braving morning showers or swinging by as the sun returns, this weekend’s student/mentor performance showcase is a strong start to the season.

Graffiti cleanup session planned this month for downtown Burlington buildings

It is good to see some proactive measures against the graffiti that has become more noticeable downtown. Arts So Wonderful is stepping up to organize a cleanup, focusing on some of those prominent vacant buildings. Community efforts like these can make a visible difference. Hopefully you can participate if you have the time and help clean up the city!

Events:

Thursday, May 8 2025

General Events
• 2:00 PM Posting Party for Democracy – Resister Sisters – Queen City Brewery
• 5:00 PM TOWER OF POWER – Hotel Champlain
• 5:30 PM Beginning Trapeze – 5-week Series – Lines Vermont Studio + Store
• 6:00 PM Wingspan & Wyrmspan Lovers Unite – The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe
• 6:30 PM Craft & Skillshare Night – 1416 North Ave
• 6:45 PM Beginner & Intermediate Kizomba – South End Studio
• 7:00 PM Paint & Sip with Jesse Snyder feat. DJ Kanganade – Venetian Soda Lounge
• 7:00 PM An Evening with Sarah Yahm: Unfinished Acts of Wild Creation – Phoenix Books
• 6:00 PM Old Time Jam (open mic) – Radio Bean, Burlington (Free)
• 12:00 PM Italian Conversation Group – Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
• 5:00 PM Managing Garden Pests & Diseases – Landry Park, Winooski (Free; preregister)
• 6:30 PM Trivia Night – Nectar’s, Burlington (Free)
• 6:00 PM Trivia – Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski (Free)

Performances
• 7:30 PM title of show – Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center
• 7:00 PM Rachel Feinstein – Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
• 9:00 PM What Else, What Else? – Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington (Free)

Live Music/DJ
• 7:00 PM Ali T – Foam Brewers
• 8:30 PM All Night Boogie Band – Nectar’s, Burlington ($10)
• 5:00 PM Frankie & the Fuse – Red Square, Burlington (Free)
• 8:30 PM Jazz with Alex Stewart and Friends – The 126, Burlington (Free)
• 8:30 PM No Showers on Vacation – Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)
• 8:00 PM Zach Nugent Dead Set – ArtsRiot, Burlington ($12)
• 10:00 PM Damian (DJ) – Red Square, Burlington (Free)
• 10:00 PM DJ Chaston – Red Square Blue Room, Burlington (Free)
• 8:00 PM DJ JP Black – Red Square, Burlington (Free)
• 11:00 PM DJ Two Sev – Red Square, Burlington (Free)

Friday, May 9 2025

General Events
• All Day Permanent Jewelry for Mother’s Day (Fri–Sun) – Gosia Meyer Jewelry
• 5:30 PM Community Potluck & Dance Leader Roundtable – Contois Auditorium, City Hall
• 6:30 PM Friday Night Ballroom – Vermont Swings
• 6:00 PM Mantra & Restorative – Chace Mill
• 5:30 PM Spring BCA Benefit Bash – Burlington Paint and Sip Studio
• 6:00 PM Ballroom Dance Practice Session – North Star Community Hall, Burlington (Free)
• 11:30 PM Late Night Queer Karaoke with Goddess – Radio Bean, Burlington (Free)

Performances
• 7:00 PM The Complicated Lover – Venetian Soda Lounge
• 7:00 PM Rachel Feinstein – Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
• 7:30 PM Title of Show – Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing PAC ($34–54 sliding)
• 7:00 PM ‘Fun with Fascist Dictators: The Great Dictator’ – The Screening Room @ VTIFF, MSL PAC, Burlington ($6–12)

Live Music/DJ
• 3:00 PM Blues Jam with the Dave Mitchell Blues Revue – Red Square
• 4:00 PM Emalou & the Beat – Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free)
• 6:00 PM Paul Webb – Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (Free)
• 7:00 PM Femme Fest IV: Punk Prom – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, S. Burlington ($12/$15)
• 8:00 PM 90 Proof – The Old Post, S. Burlington (Free)
• 8:30 PM Satyrdagg, Lara Cwass Band – Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)
• 9:00 PM Rap Night Burlington – Drink Burlington ($5)
• 9:00 PM The Wormdogs w/ Wolf Van Elfmand – Foam Brewers (Free)
• 7:00 PM Blanchface (DJ) – Red Square, Burlington (Free)
• 6:00 PM DJ CRE8 – Red Square, Burlington (Free)
• 11:00 PM DJ Taka – Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($10/$15)
• 10:00 PM Ron Stoppable – Red Square, Burlington (Free)

Saturday, May 10 2025

General Events
• 6:00 AM Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive – New North End
• 9:00 AM Member Mornings – ECHO, Leahy Ctr. for Lake Champlain
• 9:00 AM Vermont Sports Card & Collectible Show – University Mall
• 9:00 AM Walk MS: Vermont – Rice Memorial High School
• 10:00 AM TransPlants Sale 2025 – 255 S Champlain St
• 10:00 AM Student/Mentor Showcase – Burlington Farmers Market
• 10:00 AM Warhammer 40K Tournament – Quarterstaff Games
• 10:00 AM Kitten Season 101: Bottle Babies & Beyond – Humane Society of Chittenden County
• 10:30 AM Learn to Play the Ukulele in a Day – New North End
• 11:00 AM Season Opener 2025 – Ethan Allen Homestead
• 11:00 AM Center City Opening Day – Roosevelt Park
• 12:00 PM Build A Bouquet – Church Street Marketplace
• 12:00 PM BCNE Youth Fellowship – 901 North Ave
• 12:00 PM Intro to Sanskrit – Chace Mill
• 1:00 PM Corgis & Creamees – Burlington Waterfront Dog Park
• 2:00 PM Jason Chin: Hurricane Talk – Phoenix Books
• 2:00 PM Green Mountain Greatness Workshop – Contois Auditorium
• All Day The Mother of All Sales! (Fri–Sun) – University Mall
• 1:00 PM Abolish The Empire – Oakledge Park, Burlington (Free)
• 7:00 PM Sisterhood Campfire – Leddy Park, Burlington (Free)
• 3:00 PM ‘Fun with Fascist Dictators: The Death of Stalin’ – The Screening Room @ VTIFF, MSL PAC, Burlington ($6–12)
• 7:00 PM ‘Fun with Fascist Dictators: Duck Soup’ – The Screening Room @ VTIFF, MSL PAC, Burlington ($6–12)
• 12:00 PM Greek Take-Out Event – Dormition Greek Orthodox Church, Burlington (Various)
• 12:00 PM Transplants Plant Sale & Block Party – Pride Center of Vermont, Burlington (Free)
• 1:00–3:00 PM The Poetry Experience – Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)
• 7:00 PM Rachel Feinstein – Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($30)
• 7:30 PM [Title of Show] – Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing PAC ($34–54 sliding)

Live Music/DJ
• 6:00 PM Cal Humberto Single Release Show – Nectar’s, Burlington (Free)
• 7:00 PM Bruce Sklar & Jazz Group – Venetian Soda Lounge ($10)
• 7:00 PM Foreigners Journey – Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington ($30/$35)
• 6:00 PM Paul Webb – Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (Free)
• 8:30 PM PINKLIDS w/ Neato & Remi Russin – Radio Bean ($10/$12)
• 9:00 PM Jeff Wilson w/ DelGrosso – Foam Brewers (Free)
• 8:30 PM Marvel Years w/ McWavy & SoBe – Nectar’s ($25)
• 6:00 PM DJ Raul – Red Square Blue Room (Free)
• 8:00 PM Matt Payne – Red Square Blue Room (Free)
• 10:00 PM Molly Mood – Red Square Blue Room (Free)

Sunday, May 11 2025

General Events
• 8:30 AM Mother’s Day/Guardian Appreciation Breakfast – South Burlington City Hall
• 9:00 AM Sensory Friendly Sunday – ECHO, Leahy Ctr. for Lake Champlain
• 9:15 AM Sunday Morning Fam Jams! – Vermont Comedy Club
• 9:30 AM Divine Worship Service – 1560 Williston Rd
• 10:45 AM Adult Bible Study & Sunday School – 1560 Williston Rd
• 11:00 AM Mother’s Day – Rustic Floral – Burlington Paint & Sip Studio
• 11:30 AM Mother’s Day Brunch – Spirit of Ethan Allen
• 12:00 PM LGBTQIA+ Mixer – The Boardroom – Board Game Cafe
• 2:00 PM Mother’s Day – Chickadee Love – Burlington Paint & Sip Studio
• 3:30 PM Library Playgroup – Fletcher Free Library
• 9:00 AM Weekly Free Yoga – Hotel Champlain

Performances
• 2:00 PM [Title of Show] – Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center ($34–54 sliding)

Live Music/DJ
• 10:00 AM Sunday Brunch Tunes – Hotel Vermont (Free)
• 1:00 PM Matt Hagen – Foam Brewers (Free)
• 9:00 PM Mi Yard Reggae Night w/ DJ Big Dog – Nectar’s (Free)
• 7:00 PM Venetian Karaoke – Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more ways to shake up your Burlington summer—because the lake’s not the only thing that’s overflowing. Start with a mellow walk at Shelburne Bay Park, where the lakeside trails are quiet, scenic, and just far enough from town to feel like a mini escape. Swing by Frog Hollow on Church Street to browse handcrafted Vermont art—it’s a great stop whether you’re shopping or just killing time between errands. Looking for something different? Head to The Boardroom downtown and dive into a new board game (they’ve got hundreds, and the vibe’s low-pressure fun). For some offbeat exploration, track down the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet in the South End—it’s weird, it’s iconic, and it makes for a pretty good photo. And if you need a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne is charming and surprisingly fun for all ages. Full list’s still growing—find your next pick here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

This Week’s Comic

View all of my comics: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/my-comics

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Here a just a few of the many food, and drink deals regularly found in Burlington.

• Thursday: $0.75 jumbo wings at Shelburne Tap House and BOGO boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
• Friday: $10 fish & chips at Shelburne Tap House and $5 Fiddlehead drafts at Daily Planet
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and BOGO ½-off chicken sandwiches at Shalimar
• Sunday: $16 family dinner at Four Quarters Brewing (4–8 PM) and $3 Green State pints at Zero Gravity Pine St (5–9 PM)

If you want to view all deals click here: View the full list of food & drink deals here

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe

This week, the spotlight shines on Leunig’s Bistro & Café, a beloved Burlington staple serving French-inspired dishes with a Vermont twist since 1980. Nestled in the heart of Church Street, Leunig's blends elegance with approachable charm, featuring timeless favorites like their perfectly grilled Steak Frites, flavorful French Onion Soup, and indulgent Vermont Maple Crème Brûlée. Whether dining inside amid vintage Parisian ambiance or outdoors soaking in Church Street’s lively atmosphere, Leunig's delivers a consistently delightful experience.

Beyond their classic menu, Leunig's has deep local roots—earning frequent accolades in local "Best of" lists and becoming synonymous with Burlington’s downtown scene. Don't miss their kiosk around the corner, "Leunig’s Petit Bijou," for freshly brewed coffee and authentic French pastries. With its inviting atmosphere and reliably delicious offerings, Leunig's remains a top choice for both locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place you can count on for a celebratory dinner or just a leisurely afternoon people-watching. Even as Church Street evolves, Leunig’s continues to anchor it with familiar charm.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

Stay dry out there tomorrow, and here’s to a lovely, sunny Mother’s Day weekend ahead. There is plenty to see and do, so we hope you get a chance to enjoy some of it.

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