| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 18, 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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ART ON THE WALLS
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library hosts an Opening Reception for Faith & Joy's exhibit of original works on Saturday at 1-2 p.m. There are always plenty of snacks. Email the Swanton Library or support Swanton's Substack for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts' Flips the Switch furniture design competition, exhibit, and silent auction continues this Saturday at noon. The free-standing illuminating devices on exhibit are made mostly from reclaimed, reused, and recycled materials. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on jewelry creator Holly Spier. The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 38 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features colored pencil drawings of Vermont by Rick Powell. It is in the m Jeffersonville and on Facebook .
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
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library's Creative Creatures meet to try new crafts on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The program is an opportunity try new crafts and meet other creative people. The group for young adults and up will try out several different seasonal and non-seasonal crafts.
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.
SOUTH HERO--Tipsy Daisy offers Paint n' Sip at Snow Farm Vineyard on Wednesday at 5 p.m. This event is SOLD OUT. The cost is $35. Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
BOOKS and MORE FOR SALE
NORTH HERO--The Island Arts Book Sale & Bric-a-Brac Market takes over the Island Arts Center (the Homer Knight Barn) on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. All books are organized by subject for easy discovery. There are paperbacks, hard-covers, and some beautiful coffee table books. This huge event is their only 2026 book sale. The barn's lower level has bric-a-brac treasurers and restaurant vouchers. This is a fundraising event to help support Island Arts programs. This fundraising event helps support Island Arts programs. Click here for more info.
CALL FOR THESPIANS
MISERY (Saturday-Sunday)--"You are going to be just fine. I will take good care of you. I’m your number one fan." Misery, the legendary thriller comes to the House, directed by Jim Bray and produced by Jodi Bray. In-person auditions will be held Saturday and Sunday at 6 - 9 p.m. After you register, the Opera House will email you audition appointments, scripts, sides, and any additional details. No memorization is required - readings will be from provided sides. Click here to register and for more info.
DANCE
COLCHESTER--Northern Vermont Ballet Company and Ballet School of Vermont present The Ugly Duckling Children's Ballet at Colchester High School, Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30. Admission is $20 for age 13+ or $10 for ages 2-10 with under 2 free on a lap. Click here for tickets and more info.
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
MONTGOMERY--Fiber Arts Meet and Make meets at the Montgomery Center for the Arts this evening at 6 p.m. The gathering for those who create with crochet, knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, or hooking meets on the third Thursday of the month. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Writers' Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library this evening at 6 p.m. They meet the third Thursday of each month to share progress and join in the discussion about longer projects and anything else about writing, reading, publishing, and more. Email Becky Rupp or the Swanton Library for more info.
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.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and 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.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MONTGOMERY--Roberta Wendel will teach the two-session Beginner Punch Needle Rug Hooking workshop at Montgomery Center for the Arts on Saturday at 1 p.m. The class will make a 5 x 5-inch mug mat featuring the north star to learn the art of punch needle rug hooking. The cost is $110 which covers both classes and all materials. 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--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Cindi LaFayette guides the Resin Ocean Wave Charcuterie Board project at MAG on Friday at 6 p.m. The charcuterie board is crafted with an ocean wave design in resin set on natural wood. All supplies provided. The cost is $60. Click here for reservations and more info.
Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr., leads Acrylic Painting Basics on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The workshop will explore acrylic vs. oil paints, color mixing, additives, and brushes, and will cover brushstrokes, basic composition, and more. The cost is $80. Click here to register and for more info.
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.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week Linda Bryant makes handmade wood items. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, June 18
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Old Man Garage Band 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.
BRATTLEBORO--Rev your engines for the Hemmings Cruise In and Thursday Night Live music series downtown with the Olson Brothers Band on Thursday at 5 - 8 p.m. "Yeah, we got dogs and Valvoline, it's a pretty damn good time," 8084's Frank Barnes said while playing his bass with a missing neck. And, yes. the Hemmings Popcorn Truck will be there.
SOUTH HERO--Nobby Reed plays 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-Wednesday, June 18-24
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in June. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. Chris Lyons and Tristen Sellars light the night afire on Friday followed by D. Davis and Django Soulo on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday and Tuesday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, June 19
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Carol Ann Jones and Will Patton on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The pulled pork 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. The series continues with Laura Fedele-Rasco in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Enjoy the music and hear the stories behind the songs as Evan Barber stops at the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents the return of Chris & Erica live on Friday at 5 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--90 Proof returns to the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. for dancing under the stars if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, June 19-21
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Bettenroo performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and 40 Thieves steal in on Sunday at 3 p.m. The "the newest hidden gem of the Lake Champlain Islands" is at Shore Acres where you can boat in or drive in. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots for late night music on Friday night plus Justice 3 live on Saturday night. Music starts at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--Get jerborned at the Taphouse at Mill River with shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Bob Chevalier plays Friday and Jerborn rolls a keg down the runway live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music this weekend. Paradox kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Dan Parks for Father's Day on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. She Was Right takes the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday is the new Summer Soundwaves Series kickoff with Organized Dead at 5 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host the Blue Rock Boys on Friday and Sister Speak 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 20
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. Singer-songwriter Giovanina Bucci plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Barbie-N-Bones headline the 14th Star 14th Anniversary Party with live music, beer, food, games, and community at 14th Star on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. They will have a full day of it with Nowhere Washington in the afternoon and Barbie-N-Bones in the evening. No cover charge. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery begins its Summer Soundwaves Series with Organized Dead on Saturday at 12 noon - 9 p.m. The summer series offers nine Saturdays and 15 bands with a BBQ-style menu including house-smoked pulled pork, turkey legs, mac & cheese and more. See the music poster here and click here for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with music from Bella Joan and Bob Gagnon at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more info. The Bierhall Music Series runs from June through Columbus Day Weekend.
SHELBURNE--Bluegrass & BBQ is back as the Shelburne Vineyard presents Soulshine Revival, Vermont's authentic tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, on Saturday evening. Ovenbird Kitchen will sell dinners. Food begins serving at 6 p.m. and| music is live from 7 - 9. Admission is $12. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, June 21
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground celebrates the Nectar's Experience 1975 with an all star cast in the ballroom on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Nectar Rorris opened Nectars Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street Burlington in 1975. He had a simple plan "Fresh Music Served Daily." Musicians and friends who were part of his 50-year run include the N-Zones, X-Rays, Grippo Funk, Nerbak Bros., Bloozotomy, Pure Pressure, Big Dolla, Left Eye Jump, Breakaway, Banjo Dan and the Midnite Plowboys, the Redbirds, Mango Jam, Sneakers Jazz Band, the Abair Brothers, and Blues for Breakfast. The Lineup includes Phil Abair, Paul Asbell, Jim Branca, Mr. Charlie and Blues for Breakfast, Alex Budney, Chuck Eller, Tom Freiheit, Dave Grippo, Steve Hadeka, Aaron Hersey, Mathew Nerbak, David Nerbak, Peter Riley, Jeff Salisbury, Seth Yacovone, and Gus Zeising.
Admission is $30 and up plus a service charge. Proceeds from this event go to the King Street Center & The Boys and Girls Club. Click here for tickets and more info.
Monday, June 22
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Business & Community Association kicks summer off with a Block Party in Lincoln Park on Monday at 5 - 7 p.m., anchored by the monthly Summer Sounds in Lincoln Park. "Music, fun, food, and friends will all be there waiting for you!"
The series begins with the Old Man Garage Band on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The rain date is Wednesday. Each perfomance has live music, food, and community. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Local legend Cooper, Bob Recupero, plays on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts Merritt David Janes for Broadway in the Islands 2026 on Monday at 6 p.m. The high-energy outdoor event features authentic Broadway actors performing selections from Wicked, Hairspray, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Rent, The Wiz, and Phantom of the Opera. Admission is $40. Click here for tickets and more info.
Tuesday, June 23
MILTON--Get supercharged fresh from the field and live from the stage, as music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park with Carol Ann Jones & the Superchargers on Tuesday at 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday evenings have food, lawn games, and the Milton Farmers Market through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Free Summer Concerts in the Park continue with the Enosburg Town Band on the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The evening also includes arts and crafts activities thanks to the Enosburg Public Library, popcorn and drinks to support the Enosburg Business Association, and ice cream sundaes to support the Franklin County Cat Crusaders. The concerts will continue every Tuesday through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, June 24
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The third annual Jam 4 SLAMT1D concludes at the Old Post for a musical competition round on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series rocks with the Smokey Newfield Project in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 27. 14th Star Brewing Company and eats from Black Radish will be on hand for food and drink. If the weather turns squishy, the concerts will move to 14th Star. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Vermont indie-pop singer-songwriter Ali T comes to Two Heroes Brewery on Wednesday 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.
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.
HIGHGATE--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series at St. John's Episcopal Church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 2 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Snuffling Up Bones, on NW Access TV and on YouTube . It is the first book in The Pig and I Mysteries series with Doris Flynn and her 450-pound pet pig, Buttercup.
NW Access TV was there for the BFA-St. Albans Spring Instrumental Concert on March 16, 2026. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
AROUND THE COUNTY--Most libraries will be closed for Juneteenth.
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Book Club takes up The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Botswick this afternoon at 3 p.m. Four suburban housewives in 1960s Virginia form a secret book club, nicknamed "the Bettys," after reading The Feminine Mystique. Call the library (802.849.2420) or Email for more info or for the Zoom link to attend remotely.
The Fairfax Adult Summer Reading Program begins Saturday and continues through August 12: Readers will get a raffle ticket for every category read. Winners will be announced on August 12. Click here to sign up and for more info.
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library Book club reads Theo of Golden by Allen Levi on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The story of Golden, Georgia, takes off when a curious stranger named Theo arrives in the city and begins buying portraits from a local coffee shop to return to their subjects. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center Summer Reading Kickoff is all day Thursday with The Traveling Storyteller puppet show Three Little Bears at 2 - 3:30 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets to "Pick a Patterson" on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Choose any James Patterson book to discuss. Alex Cross is Mr. Patterson's most famous franchise but he also writes the Women's Murder Club with Maxine Paetro; Holmes, Margaret & Poe with Brian Sitts; Detective Michael Bennett with James O. Born; the Jane Smith Thrillers with Mike Lupica who is known for continuing the Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone mystery series following the death of Robert B. Parker; the Texas Ranger series with Andrew Bourelle; the international Private detective agencies with various other writers; and many, many other series. His bibliography spans at least 300 titles across more than 30 series, in addition to over 100 stand-alone novels. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library has three happenings this week.
Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries will discuss the intriguingly titled How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kirsten Perrin this morning at 10:30 a.m. The dual-timeline cozy is the story of a teenager who is told that she will be murdered. She then spends her life gathering secrets to prevent it, unsuccessfully. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room.
The St. Albans Adult Summer Reading Program begins today and continues through August 22: Readers will be entered for every category read. Winners will be announced on August 24.
The library presents an Author Talk with Jodi Lew-Smith, winner of the 2025 prize for Historical Fiction, for Asa James. She will tell the true story behind the award-winning new novel involving life on a Vermont poor farm. A book signing will follow the talk.
Click here for more info.
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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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