| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 2, 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 SPECIAL EVENTS
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The 45th Bay Day Festival kicks off America's 250th Celebration with lots more than fireworks in St. Albans Town Bay Park all day this July 4th Saturday. The legendary Great Race, afternoon activities, games, food, and live music capped by the fireworks. Live music with Rockin' Ron Gagnon starts at 2 p.m., Cooie sings with the Cooie DeFrancesco Blues Band at 4 p.m., and then Vermont's home-grown Allman Brothers tribute band, Soulshine Revival, plays at 7 p.m. and into the fireworks at dusk.
The Great Race triathlon has athletes coming from near and far. It has been a part of the community since 1979. The Bay Day celebration includes a Kids Run at 11 a.m., plus food, games, and local food trucks all afternoon.
ST. ALBANS CITY--Downtown, the City and the Saint Albans Museum host the CENTENNIALS Picnic in Park with live music by the Owl Stars in Taylor Park on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This Independence Day celebration of the semiquincentennial of our country has a local theme, St. Albans history in the centennial years 1876 and 1976. There will be Centennials cupcakes, make & take crafts, exhibits, community, and more. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
STATEWIDE--The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard will fly over much of the state starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The flyover will feature four F-35A Lightning II aircraft, flying a route that will allow communities throughout Vermont and neighboring regions to participate in the commemoration.
FIREWORKS
Burlington, Friday, July 3.
Cambridge/Smuggler's Notch, Saturday, July 4.
Colchester, Saturday, July 4.
Essex, Saturday, July 4, on the Midway lawn at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds.
Fairfax, Friday, July 3.
Milton, Saturday, July 4.
Richford, Thursday, July 2.
St. Albans Bay, Saturday, July 4.
Shelburne, Saturday, July 4.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on fabric artist Dody Susslin. 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.
The A.I.R. Gallery has changed the Featured Artist Receptions to a quarterly format. The next reception will be in September.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Hudson River Valley landscapes by James Coe. They are in the Stowe gallery 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
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.
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.
FRANKLIN--Celebrate America's 250th line dancing! Mae Gates will teach entry-level line dances and then lead a dance party at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday July 4 (really) starting at 12:30 p.m. admission is a suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesday 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
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 St. Albans Free Library hosts an America 250 Tea Party in the Youth Room this afternoon at 2 - 3 p.m. There will be tea and tea party snacks and a program about the Boston Tea party and Revolutionary War.
ISLE LA MOTTE--The Town of Isle La Motte 250th Anniversary Commission will celebrate Declaration Day with a re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at Alburgh's annual Fourth of July Parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. Email or click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week, crafter Anne Marie Chates, makes everything from dish cloths and afghans to frisbees. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, July 2
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap presents George Murtie tonight at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook, Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
MONTGOMERY--The free Montgomery Summer Sessions live from the Rec Center present the Moondogs this evening starting at 6 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email, or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots 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.
Friday, July 3
FAIRFAX--Fireworks follow the Party in the Park with live music by Blake Matteson and Troy Millette & The Fire Below in the Fairfax Community Park beginning at 6 p.m. Click here for more info
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts Phil Graziano in a special solo show on Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Twiggs will close at 4 p m on The Fourth of July so they will not have music on Saturday.) 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with David Miller in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, July 3-5
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. 90 Proof performs on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and the Ryan Sweezey Band plays on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The "the 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.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Nighthawk kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. The Puppy closes early on Independence Day. Jeff Shelly plays Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Independence Day, Saturday, July 4
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 Independence Day. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Recreation and Fire Departments present a July 4th Celebration. The parade moves down Main Street followed by a chicken barbecue, free ice cream, and the Old Man Garage Band live at the recreation center, all on Saturday starting at 12 noon. Call Peg Doheny (802.393.2593), email, or find them on Facebook for more info about the parade or BBQ.
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The 45th Bay Day Festival kicks off America's 250th Celebration with live music with Rockin' Ron Gagnon at 2 p.m., Cooie sings with the Cooie DeFrancesco Blues Band at 4 p.m., and then Vermont's home-grown Allman Brothers tribute band, Soulshine Revival, plays at 7 p.m. and into the fireworks at dusk.
SOUTH HERO--The Two Heroes Brewery Saturday Soundwaves Series celebrates the 4th with the special BBQ menu and Jaded Ravins on the lawn with Americana and country rock originals at 3 p.m. plus Model 97 to play live at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the Dale & Darcy Quartet at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX--Saturday festivities on the Midway lawn at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds start at 6 p.m. Look for live music by Sticks and Stones, inflatable attractions, airbrush tattoos, games and family activities, and much more. All activities are free and open to the public.
MILTON--Live music from the Milton Community Band at 5 p.m. and Iron Sights/40th Army Band at 6-9:30 p.m. follow a full day of activities at Bombardier Park West on Saturday..
STOWE--Rimrocks Mountain Tavern will celebrate the Fourth with the John Lackard Blues Band on Saturday at 6 - 9 p.m
COLCHESTER--The Hitmen will play 1970s and 1980s party rock from Santana to John Mellencamp for the Colchester Fourth of July celebration in Bayside Park on Saturday beginning at 6:45 p.m.
SHELBURNE--The Vermont Symphony Orchestra plays into the fireworks at the Shelburne Museum on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 6
NORTH HERO--Mad Mojo at North Hero House as the James Thacker Duet plays the Pier Bar on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents LC Hines to host Franklin County Open Mic on the stage of the covered outdoor patio on Monday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 7
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park with Staircase 24 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.
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. By popular demand, Open Mic happens every Tuesday. Click here 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground presents Chuck Ragan with Troy Millette & the Fire Below and Evan Jennison in the Showcase Lounge on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7:30. Admission is $25 plus a service fee. Click here for tickets and more info.
Wednesday, July 8
ESSEX--The Double E 2026 Summer Series presents The Grift in an energetic and original free show on the Old Stage on Friday at 5 p.m. Admission is free. All shows at The Old Stage are rain or shine. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--Kate's Food Truck get jerborned as the entire Jerband takes over the Vermont 15 parking lot on Wednesday at 5 - 8 p.m.
NORTH HERO--Jeff and Gina offer R&B vocal duets, soaring instrumentals, familiar and unique jazz standards, and more at the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots 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.
JERICHO--Summer Concert Series presents TBD at Mills Riverside Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.899.1141, Email, or 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 SPRINGS--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series at the Little White 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.
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
Many libraries will be closed on Friday and Saturday this week. And remember, libraries are the cool spaces this week.
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Adult Summer Reading Program 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Storm Front by Jim Butcher on Wednesday at 6 p.m. What does the author's name presage? As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don’t play well with humans. Find them on Facebook 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
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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