Wednesday, February 12th!

Burlington's feel-good news, events, weather and discussion all in one place. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

February 12, 2025

Good Morning, Burlington!

We’re starting off today with a crisp chill and maybe some morning sunshine, but keep your hat handy—things will cloud over this afternoon. By tonight, plan on snow moving in, and you can expect a slippery Thursday morning commute with a slushy mix in some spots. Totals may be a few inches in the Champlain Valley, while the mountain folks could see a bit more. After the messy Thursday, Friday looks calmer and colder, but don’t get too relaxed. There’s talk of a big weekend storm brewing (the term “nor’easter” is getting tossed around), so stock up on your cocoa and brace for a serious winter blast if this one hits us head-on.

In lighter news, Valentine's Day is Friday, so you’ll at least have a break in the weather for a cozy dinner, or maybe a night out on the town if you’re feeling bold. No major storms then—just keep in mind that roads might still be recovering from the Thursday muck. If you’re looking for a romantic stroll, maybe pick the afternoon, when the forecast is a bit friendlier. After that, all eyes are on the weekend powder potential. Stay tuned.

On February 12, Burlington's average high is 28°F, with a low of 12°F, and a record low of -30°F set in 1979; today's forecast predicts a high of 17°F and a low of 11°F, indicating colder than average temperatures.

Quiz Question: (answer at the bottom)

Which cuisine will the Oktay family's new Burlington restaurant serve?

A) Italian street food
B) Turkish street food
C) Vietnamese street food
D) Mexican street food

“RSV is the most common reason for children under one year old to be admitted to the hospital,” per Vermont Business Magazine

A new monoclonal antibody has significantly cut RSV admissions, and doctors say now’s the time to make sure your baby’s protected. Here’s hoping we see fewer of those anxious trips to the hospital for good!

“Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced Wednesday that Shawn Burke will fill the role,” per WCAX.

Burke steps in after leading the South Burlington force and 20 years with Burlington’s department prior to that. Fingers crossed he brings good energy to BPD and continues to build trust around town.

Tag us on Instagram to be featured! @BtownBrief

“We have an incredibly successful model that was created in the Housing Trust Fund,” per WAMC.

Councilors voted to look into boosting the city’s commitment to affordable housing. Given the tough housing market (and eye-watering rents), a little extra support could go a long way.

“Hospitality is one of Vermont’s largest economic sectors, and there is a high demand for developing a skilled workforce,” per Vermont Business Magazine.

This new certificate promises real-world training for folks eyeing a career in hotels, resorts, and restaurants—great news for anyone looking to jump into Vermont’s bustling tourism scene (and hopefully snag some sweet industry perks).

“The NAADAC ... awarded Mashkuri the 2024 Davida Coady Gorham Medical Professional of the Year Award,” per Burlington Free Press.

Dr. Mashkuri’s community-driven initiatives have paved new paths for substance use treatment and recovery in central Vermont. It’s always uplifting to see local medical pros recognized for making a difference.

Tag us on Instagram to be featured! @BtownBrief

“Let’s protect our outdoor spaces, boost community wellness, and spark new opportunities,” per WCAX.

The Move Forward Together plan aims to keep the state’s $4 billion recreation economy rolling along while protecting the spaces we all love to hike, bike, and ski. Now if only it came with a magical solution for those muddy spring trail closures.

Sports Corner

“Vermont (13-11) (6-3 AE) will host New Hampshire (6-19) (4-6 AE) on Thursday evening,” per UVM Athletics.

UVM looks to keep momentum after a solid win against UAlbany. Swing by Patrick Gym if you need a midwinter hoops fix, or tune in on ESPN+ to cheer from your couch.

Mikaela Shiffrin Teams Up for Gold at World Championships

“Mikaela Shiffrin and teammate Breezy Johnson Tuesday won the first team combined race in World Alpine Skiing Championships history,” per WCAX.

From Burke Mountain Academy to world champion again—Shiffrin seems unstoppable (even after her recent crash). She’s not just collecting medals; she’s cementing her status as a Vermont legend.

Events: February 12–14, 2025

Wednesday, Feb 12

Live Music

  • Audrey Pearl, Kiley Latham, Ben Dexter (Singer-Songwriter)
    • Radio Bean | 8:30 PM | $5/$10

  • Irish Trad Jam (Celtic)
    • ArtsRiot | 6:00 PM | Free

  • Jazz Night with Ray Vega (Jazz)
    • Hotel Vermont | 8:30 PM | Free

  • Jazz Sessions (Jazz)
    • The 126 | 9:00 PM | Free

  • Tom Pearo (Ambient Guitar)
    • Light Club Lamp Shop | 7:00 PM | $10

Other Events

  • Three Needs x Zero Gravity Ski Party!
    • Three Needs Taproom & Pizza Cube (or Three Needs, Burlington) | 5:00 PM | Free

  • Scrabble Night
    • 3 Mill Street, Burlington, VT | 6:00 PM

  • My Sassy Valentine (Comedy)
    • Vermont Comedy Club | 7:00 PM | $10

  • Second Wednesday Comedy Jam
    • Nectar’s | 6:30 PM | Free

  • Standup Open Mic (Comedy Open Mic)
    • Vermont Comedy Club | 8:30 PM | Free

Thursday, Feb 13

Live Music

  • Jazz with Alex Stewart and Friends (Jazz)
    • The 126 | 8:30 PM | Free

  • Lunch, Scram! (Jam)
    • Nectar’s | 9:00 PM | $5

  • Olivia Lurrie & the Sweetheart Band (Indie)
    • Radio Bean | 8:00 PM | $10

  • Olivia Lurrie's “Sweetheart of the BQE” Album Release Show w/ Queen City Cut‑Ups
    • 8 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT | 8:00 PM

Other Events

  • Biz Buzz Burlington February Meetup
    • Deep City | 10:00 AM

  • Galentine's Day Cookie Decorating Class
    • Burlington Paint and Sip Studio | 6:00 PM

  • Theresa Caputo Tickets Burlington VT
    • Flynn Center for the Performing Arts (The Flynn) | 7:30 PM

  • DJ JP Black
    • Red Square | 8:00 PM | Free

  • Greg Stone (Comedy)
    • Vermont Comedy Club | 7:00 PM | $25

  • Stealing From Work: “Love … Well, Actually” (Sketch Comedy)
    • Off Center for the Dramatic Arts | 7:30 PM | $17

  • DJ Chaston
    • Red Square Blue Room | 10:00 PM | Free

  • DJ Two Sev
    • Red Square | 11:00 PM | Free

Friday, Feb 14

Live Music

  • Winter Bike to Work & School Day
    • 86 S Williams St, Burlington, VT | 8:00 AM

  • Christie Woods-Lucas (Singer-Songwriter)
    • Hotel Vermont | 4:00 PM | Free

  • Dining in the Dark
    • Gold Restaurant, Burlington, VT | 4:30 PM

  • Bunny Harvey: Worlds Within Worlds
    • 135 Church St, Burlington, VT | 5:00 PM

  • All Night Boogie Band (R&B/Blues)
    • Nectar’s | 8:00 PM | $10

  • Avi Salloway and Friends (Indie)
    • Foam Brewers | 8:00 PM | Free

  • Jeff Wheel (Jazz)
    • Bleu Northeast Kitchen | 7:30 PM | Free

  • Left Eye Jump (Blues) / FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY – LEFT EYE JUMP BLUES BAND LIVE
    • Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge (or 266 Pine Street #122) | 8:00 PM | $10

  • Lutalo, Dari Bay (Indie Rock)
    • Radio Bean | 8:30 PM | $18/$22

  • Meir Levine (Acoustic)
    • ArtsRiot | 8:00 PM | $10

  • Rap Night Burlington (Hip-Hop)
    • Drink | 9:00 PM | $5

Other Events

  • 6th Annual Biff Ice Fishing Derby
    • Lake Champlain | Multi‑day event (Feb 14–16)

  • DJ Chaston
    • Einstein’s Tap House | 10:00 PM | Free

  • DJ Taka
    • Light Club Lamp Shop | 11:00 PM | $10/$15

  • Greg Stone (Comedy)
    • Vermont Comedy Club | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM | $25

  • Stealing From Work: “Love … Well, Actually” (Sketch Comedy)
    • Off Center for the Dramatic Arts | 7:30 PM | $17

Reddit Discussions

Pull Ahead When Waiting to Turn Left
A local Redditor questions the practice of pulling ahead while waiting to turn left on Burlington streets, sparking a thoughtful community debate.

Welcome Chief Burke
Community members extend a warm welcome to Chief Burke, sharing their insights and local perspectives on his new role.

Clean Off Your Car Windows
A discussion unfolds on the need for cleaning car windows in Burlington, reflecting diverse opinions on local cleanliness standards.

That’s All, Burlington!

Thanks for reading today’s rundown. Stay warm, stay safe out there on those slick roads, and let’s all cheer on more affordable housing, stronger local businesses, and another banner year for Catamount sports. As always, shoot us a note with story tips, local events, or your own neighborly takes on what’s happening around town.

Answer: B) Turkish street food

Want to feature your business in Btown Brief? Reach out to snag a spot and get in front of Burlington locals!

Get FIVE friends to sign up for our local newsletter and earn a shoutout in an upcoming edition as a thank you for helping our community grow. We love celebrating everything from kids’ achievements and big life milestones to anniversaries, retirements, local sports wins, and academic successes, so spread the word and be part of it. FIFTEEN people and you get a custom tote bag.