| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 4, 2026 |
ArtBits always features a calendar of the goings on of Franklin County artists. Check out these events around Franklin County. Each issue includes the entire text of our weekly newspaper column. STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
Franklin County's arts and music gatherings bring new opportunities, gossip, "show-and-tell" and occasional workshops. There are also booked and acoustic Open Mic Nights that feature music, readings, and more from the best new artists in Vermont.
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FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
ENOSBURG FALLS--June is National Dairy Month!
The Vermont Dairy Festival returns today and continues through Sunday in downtown Enosburg Falls.
The Enosburg Falls Lions Club celebrates 69 years of Dairy Days this weekend with more entertainment and magical family activities than ever before. Most of the music and entertainment is on two stages around Lincoln Park. The Dairy Scholarship Pageant returns tonight and the Fireworks will return to light up the sky on Saturday. There are pig races all weekend long. on Stebbins Street. All the outdoor entertainment is free.
The Mooooving Parade starts Saturday at 10:30. With marching bands and mobile mooving murals, it is one of Vermont's largest parades.
THURSDAY--The Vermont Dairy Festival Scholarship Pageant, this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, highlights the scholastic achievements, talents, and enthusiasm of college-bound high school senior girls in Franklin County. The competition includes poise and appearance, stage interviews, and youth fitness.
The Enosburg Lions offer scholarship prizes ranging from $125 to $750. Tickets will be available at the door.
FRIDAY--Mr. C, Bob Cseh, opens the Dairy Days stage at 6 p.m.
One man band Jacob Green plays blues roots music at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY--The Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Bubbles will roam the parade route ahead of the parade.
Singer/songwriters Chris & Erica start the live music day at noon.
Troy Millette and the Fire Below does 90s country at 1:30 p.m.
Team T&J brings music for kids and those young at heart to the Petting Zoo at 2:30 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Pirate Man Dan thrills in a cloak of comedy and his Land Moving Ship at 3:15, 7:15 p.m. and roaming at 9 p.m.
Keyboard wunderkind Will Austin plays at 4.
Tim Brick returns for a special solo acoustic performance at 5 p.m.
Ryan Sweezy & the Midnight Walkers play original music and classic rock covers at 8 p.m. right through the fireworks.
Fireworks will shoot over the mighty Missisquoi about 9:30 p.m.
SUNDAY--Pirate Man Dan begins roaming at 11 a.m. and sails his Land Moving Ship on stage at 1:15 and 3:30.
Team T&J brings music for kids and those young at heart to the Petting Zoo at 11, 12:30 and 2 p.m.
The Missisquoi River Band opens the Sunday music at 11 a.m.
The Car Show opens on Main Street at noon.
College-sweetheart acoustic duo Aaron and Alaria play popular hits and original music at 12:30 p.m.
Rusty Bucket plays original music at 2 p.m.
The men and women of the Enosburg Lions volunteer their time to conduct service projects and raise funds for the local community. They contribute to senior citizens' programs, area school projects, community health services, the Enosburg public library, family assistance and drug/alcohol programs, fire and ambulance services, other non-profit organizations, scholarships, as well as to the Lions International sight and hearing programs. The Vermont Dairy Festival is the Enosburg Lions' primary source of funding for these programs with thousands of man-hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to the community.
The Vermont Dairy Festival midway opens at 6 p.m. this evening. Entertainment on the bandstand starts Friday evening at 6 p.m. and the weekend activities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday in downtown Enosburg Falls. Admission to the grounds is free and most events are also free, rain or shine. Cows go about their business regardless of the weather, and so does the Vermont Dairy Festival. Click here for more info.
BURLINGTON--The Discover Jazz Festival continues today with Jason Moran to play Duke Ellington with the Vermont Youth Orchestra and vocalist Rachel Ambaye in the Flynn Space at 7 p.m. and more. There are shows at Church Street Marketplace, Dog Skate Park, the Flynn, Leddy Arena, Waterfront Park, and many venues around town today through Sunday.
Most of the Discover Jazz Festival is free and open to all "because jazz belongs to everyone." Student bands play Marketplace. The Flynn has Domo Branch Quartet Late Night Residencies and Open Jams. Look for Soul Porpoise featuring Paul Asbell and Dave Grippo, the Lara Cwass Band, Ruthie Foster, and Tank and the Bangas on Friday. Saturday takes
Jason Moran and The Bandwagon to a Skate Jam plus All the Rivers, the Eddie Palmieri Experience, Mavis Staples, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Alicia Hall Moran presents Coldblooded, On Ice and Chris Potter & Julian Lage present A Nation Listens with Mark Turner Reflecting On The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, all on Sunday.
Click here for tickets, free events, and the extensive schedule of events around town.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The ninth annual Celebration of Life Festival fills Martell's Red Fox with a day full of music with seven bands, face painting for the kids, vendors, and food tents all on Saturday at 11 - 8 p.m. Look for the Seth Yacavone Band, About 8, Dale & Darcy, Jess O'Brien, and more.
Admission is by donation and proceeds go to the local VFW this year. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--Visions of Vermont hosts the Northern Vermont Artists Association signature exhibit, the 95th June Juried Show, with an opening reception at the Sugar House Gallery on Sunday at 1 - 5 p.m. Awards are announced at the reception. The NVAA show continues through July 5.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on painter and photographer Natalie LaRocque, potter Marissa Mason, oil painter Martha Ohlinger, and watercolor painter and fiber artist Deborah Travis with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook.
The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. The gallery on South Main Street is open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park opens for the 2026 season on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The immersive art experience is a walk among the 70+ sculptures by David Stromeyer. Public programs explore the intersection of intellectual and cultural pursuits. The studio itself is an active fabrication facility and is not open to visitors. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library hosts an exhibit of fine art photographs by the Crossroads Photography Club. The show is on display at the library. The library is open Mondays, 10-2; Tuesdays, 1-6; Thursdays, 9-6, and Friday and Saturday, 9-1.
STOWE--Bryan Memorial Gallery celebrates Bending Light, the first solo exhibition of new work by David Utiger, with an Opening Reception at the Stowe Gallery on Saturday at 1-4pm. Mr. Utiger's re-imagined landscapes are mixed media works using a variety of paints and finished with a Medieval technique with a quill pen to add detail.
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville is open Wednesday-Sunday 11 - 4 and the Stowe Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 4, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Cardmaking with Barb in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library today at 2 - 4 p.m. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your own glue and scissors. The card making workshops take place the first Thursday of each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or email Barb or the Swanton Library , to register or for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the Creative Circle Cafe on Sunday at 10 a.m. The monthly gathering encourages a relaxed, exploratory making rooted in collage and other, gentle experimentation in drawing, mark-making, writing, stitching, mixed media, and more. Each session begins with a creative prompt to spark ideas. The cost is free by suggested donation of $10-15. Click here to enroll and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts a Paint & Sip for Spring Birches with Elizabeth Cleary on Sunday at 1 p.m. All materials are included, and all skill levels are welcome for the step-by-step class to create an 11" x 14" acrylic painting on canvas. The cost is $40. Click here to register and for more info. HIGHGATE--Coffee and Crafts meets at the Highgate Library and Community Center on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Materials and a hot coffee, tea, or cocoa are provided by HLCC. The program runs every Tuesday morning and is free adult library patrons. Email or call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info.
ENOSBURG--Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the Enosburgh Public Library every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Have a warm drink, learn a new craft (or work on honing an existing one), and chat. Any craft is welcome. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to knit, crochet, or craft with fiber. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts community painting project Together We Rock Montgomery planned for this week has been postponed to later in the summer. Click here for more info.
DANCE
ALBURG--Between the Lines Line Dancing offers Beginner Line Dancing at the American Legion Landon Post #60 on Fridays at 6 p.m. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is by $5 donation per class, which is donated to the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. No experience needed. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is $10 per class. Find them on Facebook for more info.
GATHERINGS
FAIRFAX--Sarah Barnes leads Sketchbook Club at the Fairfax Community Library on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The relaxed space is open to all ages and all skill levels to draw, try new art media, and build an artistic community. Bring your own supplies but materials will be provided.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center continues the Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour on Monday at 10 a.m. The program is a community connect to brainstorm opportunities for senior support. Each week will also include coffee and tea, as well as fresh pastries. The program will run every Monday morning and is free for anyone 55 and older. Registration is mandatory as space is limited. Call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info.
GEORGIA--The Georgia Public Library Crafting Club meets at the library to craft together and give back to the community on Wednesday evenings at 6 - 8 p.m. They have plenty of equipment and materials with the instructions to make homemade fiber crafts to donate to those in need. Or bring your own knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects to the craft circle on Wednesday evenings.
HUMANITIES
ST. ALBANS--The Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference will be held in City Hall today at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The conference is a day to network, explore intentional, community-driven efforts, and learn about historic preservation, community planning and downtown revitalization. There will be units on Main Street: Strengthening the Heart of our Communities; Resilience: Leading Through Change Without Burning Out; Adaptive Use: and Repurposing Historic Buildings; Community Preservation: Holding Onto What Matters Most. Email Karen Duguay for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The second statewide Creative Sector Convening will be "Hands-On" in City Hall on Friday at 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. The one day, in-person event will bring together Vermont's creative sector for learning and connecting through workshops, panels, performances, and networking. Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--Paul Markowitz leads a Mobile Making Workshop at River Arts on Saturday at 10 a.m. Participants will learn the design principles, the steps to create a mobile, and will take home a completed mobile. All the materials and tools are provided. The cost is $125. Click here for more info and to register.
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Carrie Klinefelter leads a Beginner Felting Class on Saturday at 1 - 3 p.m. The hands on workshop will teach sculpting wool using a special needle designed to adhere wool fibers. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts Community Drawing Night with a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sunday at 1 p.m. Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sunday at 1 p.m. Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Click here for more info.
Fiadhnait Moser begins the three-session Acrylic Landscapes on Wood workshops on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Participants will paint a magical, summery landscape on a large round of natural wood. Beginners are always welcome. All supplies provided. The cost is $130. Click here to register and for more info.
Fiadhnait Moser also continues the Acrylic Creatures on Wood workshop with butterflies at dusk on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Paint a little woodland creature on natural 4-6 inch wood rounds using folk art techniques. All supplies are provided. The workshop is offered on Wednesdays from through August 12. The cost is $65 per workshop. Click here to register and for more info.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--Artist of the Week. Swanton Arts Council fabric crafter Ali Boren quilts and does applique. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, June 4
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Staircase 24 today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. "The rain date will always fall on the following Friday." Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVU presents the Spring Band Concert in the Trahan Theater this evening at 6:30 p.m. This marks the final concert for the music department seniors. It features the Middle School Band and Middle School Strings as well as the high school Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.
SOUTH HERO--The Hitmen play the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, June 4-6
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Dan Parks tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the debut of Almost Sturcrazie at 5 p.m., and then the Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Two for Flinching at 5 p.m., and the Kwame Vibe's Shorts and Sundress Party will play all your favorites at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, June 5
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Boxcar Breakdown for a night of bluegrass with Pete Langdell, Brian Hamlin, Mike Riccarelli, and Jonny B Belcher Live at the Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. If the weather's good, they'll be on the patio so bring a camp chair. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course begins the season with Chris & Erica on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The meatball sub buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $15 per person ($7 for each child). You don't have to be a member; the public is welcome. Be sure to come early, usually around 6, to get a good seat. Call 802.893.0234 for reservations and click here for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Nightrain returns to the Depot for "Homeccoming" on Friday night at 9 p.m. This is their first show in their hometown in almost seven years. Admission is $10. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Barbie-N-Bones return to the Old Post to "kick off summer the right way" on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Maple Grove Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by a Hat Burning Event on Saturday and George Murtie on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Duncan MacLeod Band takes the stage on Friday and Jeff and Gina play live on Saturday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Will Austin on Friday and Cooper, Bob Recupero, live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
Saturday, June 6
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. George Murtie plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place will host Justice for Chris, a musical gathering and fundraiser with Canyonyero, the Dimmer Twins, the Lesley Grant Band, Hammerlane, Chris Lyon and Tristan Sellars, Wes Pearce, the Shady Trees, Django Soulo, Tallgrass Getdown, and Seth Yacavone, all on Saturday starting at 3 p.m. The event is for the family of Chris Harper who went missing without a trace in 2024. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series presents award-winning Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Michele Choiniere outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4:30. She will be joined by David Gusakov, violin; Will Patton, mandolins and bass; and Dono Schabner, guitar.
There will be plenty of room on the Green to "kick up your heels and dance the night away." Grab and Go light fare and desserts will be available for sale or bring your own picnic.
Admission is by $10 suggested donation with those under 12 admitted free. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The proceeds go to the Meeting House Preservation Project and supporting live music in Vermont. Concerts are held outdoors, weather permitting or moved indoors if not. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
Sunday, June 7
COLCHESTER--In honor of National Aphasia Awareness Month, the Aphasia Choir of Vermont will perform at Colchester High School on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Individuals with aphasia have difficulty talking or using language. Because music is largely mediated by the undamaged right hemispheres of the brains of people with aphasia, they can sing and are often fluent while singing even if they have severe difficulty speaking or are nonverbal. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
Monday, June 8
ST. ALBANS--BFA presents the Pops Concert in the Performing Arts Center on Monday at 7 p.m. Bands 1 and 2, the Jazz Band, and the String Ensemble will play a program of light classical, pop, jazz, and movie soundtracks in this concert that is always the student's favorite. The show is free and open to the public.
NORTH HERO--The Butterfields play a rich mix of traditional folk, blues, Caribbean, popular, and contemporary music on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, June 9
SOUTH HERO--Doug's Open Mic Night comes to Two Heroes Brewery on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Sign up in-person only from 5 - 5:30. Open Mic happens every other Tuesday. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, June 10
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The third annual Jam 4 SLAMT1D returns to the Old Post for a musical competition round on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Night 1 features Bad Luck Bliss, Peter Wayne Burton, MOMDAD, and the Returnables. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery welcomes Milton Busker on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts on Wednesday at 6 p.m. In Book 1 of the Circle Trilogy, Hoyt Mac Cionaoith (pronounced shuh-NEET) fights the evil sorcerer who lured his twin brother to an immortal doom. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. Two mismatched women in 1950s England embark on an expedition to find a mythical golden beetle in New Caledonia. The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--Books and Beyond at the Swanton Free Public Library reveals that The Brave Little Toaster is quite rare, often selling for around $300. Becky Rupp and Abbey Gaudette discuss new arrivals, books they've read recently, their TBR (to-be-read) lists. It's on YouTube.
PASSAGES
Artist and teacher Al Salzman died in May at the age of 92. He lectured in Art History at Johnson State and headed the art department at St. Albans City Elementary School. He brought to life the belief that art and music are essential school subjects. Mr. Salzman is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vermont artist Gail Salzman, and their sons Jonah and Eli.
Good News!There are so many events around the region that we miss some of them.Be sure to check these calendars for what's happening near you ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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