| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 30, 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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CALL FOR THESPIANS
MISERY (August 1-2)--The legendary Stephen King thriller comes to Enosburg Falls, directrd by Jim Bray and produced by Jodi Bray, the novel, film, and theatrical phenomenon has captivated and unsettled audiences for nearly forty years. In person auditions will be held at the House on Saturday and Sunday at 6 - 9 p.m. Filmed submissions are due by Sunday at 6 p.m. as well. submissions to promo.fotoh@gmail.com Email. Click here for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on Vermont wood artist Courtney Adams . 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.
STOWE--Bryan Gallery debuts JuanCarlos Gonzalez's solo show, Vermont Light, on Wednesday with an opening reception on August 8. The show runs through October 11.
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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is Stephanie Archer makes wearable creations with semi-precious beads. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
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.
CALL FOR WRITERS
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library Two-Sentence Story Contest continues. Tell a whole story in exactly two sentences of no more than 400 characters (including punctuation). There are four age categories including adults. Prizes include gift cards and event swag. Click here or visit the library in person for a submission form and more info.
DANCE
ST. ALBANS--The Depot offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Thursdays at 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. Each session will include intermediate level lessons and dance, absolute to high beginner level lessons and dance teaching basic dance steps, improver level lessons and dance, and open dance and requests. Dance steps are called as needed and requests are welcomed. 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.
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.
FILM
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Historical Society hosts Amanda Kay Gustin of the Vermont Historical Society to share 100 Years of Vermont in Film in the North Hero Community Hall this evening at 6:30 p.m. She will have clips and stories that show how Hollywood has portrayed the Green Mountain State from Way Down East (1919) to Thank You for Smoking (2005). Admission is free,
The Hookenspoon Museum will be open Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m, and Sunday, 1 - 2 p.m.
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.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts two classes each week.
Community Drawing Night has a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
Creativi-Tea Tuesdays with Karen Winslow uses watercolor, gouache, and pastel pencils, and include tea and cookies on Tuesday at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.The cost is $30 per person, seniors free. The free Seniors class meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
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.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, July 30
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Tangents 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.
MONTGOMERY--The free Montgomery Summer Sessions live from the Rec Center continues with Hammer Lane this evening starting at 6 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Rock and roll and blues dance band B-Town 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-Saturday, July 30-August 1
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's starts the weekend early with Side Hustle on Thursday at 5 p.m. and Dan Parks live on Friday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, July 30-August 5
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music this summer. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The Eames Brothers Band light the night afire on Friday. No reports for Saturday and Sunday but music usually happens. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. The sound system takes the day off on Tuesday. And TBA is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, July 31
JERICHO--The Nobby Reed Project closes out July at the Jericho Cafe and Tavern on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Open Mic Night at the Swanton Free Public Library on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Share some music or a poem with other enthusiasts. Snacks provided.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Buck Hollers on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The teriyaki chicken 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.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents a metal blast with Balor, Psycho, Mutant, Hell Priest, and Mortuary Service live for a "good ole fashioned head bangin' shredder" in the Taproom at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door. Find them on Facebook 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 Nate Michaud in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Marsh Lights brings "acoustic folk-grass music with a hyperliterate edge" to Summer Music at Grace at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m.
Admission is free but a generous donation supports the musicians. Bring your own beverage, a picnic to enjoy before the concert, and a dessert to share. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Big Dog DJ hosts Karaoke Night at the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7:30 pm. "We would like for you to join us for a fun night out." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Better Angels return to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, July 31-August 2
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. NightHawk performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and Jesse Agan plays a special solo afternoon 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 two shows Friday night, the Chris Bell Trio at 5 p.m., followed by Magnetic Horse for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Jesse Agan at 5 p.m., and the Kwame Vibe starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
FRANKLIN--It's a double double header at the Pub this weekend.
A very special merger is happening and the Dick Wright Pub will kick off the celebration with a party with Rusty Bucket and Uncle John's Band Live at the Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
The Pub's favorite "bartender" will tie the knot on Saturday and invites everyone to a community party and pot luck with the Jim Branca Quartet rocking the Dick Wright Pub to celebrate on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights this summer. Roger Giroux plays Friday and the world famous TBA is 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 all weekend. Justice 3 brings the Spirit of '26 wrap July on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Jenny Red for Karaoke on Saturday at 3 - 6 p.m. and Ryan Hanson 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 Paddy Reagan Quartet takes the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Summer Soundwave Series has the MSJ Jazz Trio at 3 p.m. and Islands Jazz Quartet at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Dan and Sean Jarvis 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, August 1
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. Tom Bisson plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the Lloyd Tyler Duo at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents the Nobby Reed Project for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Cooter Creek Cattle Company presents Riverside Country Fest with Nashville musicians Michael & Black and special guest Nick Smith at the Abbey Pavilion on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with Out of Nowhere for live country music on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Champlain Country Club gets jerborned as Irons & Ale presents Jerborn live on Saturday night at 7 p.m., The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to close every day with pub fare from nachos and chicken wings to salads, burgers, salmon, and chicken to dinner options and libations. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 2
ST. ALBANS BAY--The Vermont Blues Society celebrates the dog days of the short Vermont summer with a Picnic and Blues Jam by the lake. Second Hand Blues and Missisquoi Slim host the Blues Jam on Sunday at 2 - 5 p.m. Admission is by $15 donation which includes a picnic meal "right off the grill." BYOB plus your blankets and chairs. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, August 3
NORTH HERO--Rockin' Ron Gagnon plays the hits from classic rock to country and blues 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--Festa Dell Opera comes to Snow Farm Vineyard on Monday at 6 p.m. This will be an evening of well known opera classics led by tenor Merritt David Janes. The reunion of sopranos Jacqueline Fontaine and Amy Justman, baritone Nathaniel Hackman, and returning vocalist Susie Pepper features Broadway cast members from the Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables will be accompanied by pianist Daniel Strange and violinist Ashley Liberty. Admission is $45 plus fees. Click here for tickets and more info.
Tuesday, August 4
National Night Out takes place on Tuesday. It is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August across most of the United States.
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, Milton celebrates police and community partnerships in a National Night Out with live music by the Hitmen, food served by the Milton Police, and more, all the Milton Farmers Market in Bombardier Park West 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. Open Mic happens every other 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.
Wednesday, August 5
MORRISVILLE--Summer means music at Oxbow Park with Morrisville Live. This week,Blackwolf plays on on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The free, seven-week concert series is held Wednesday evenings through August 19. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Cooie's Trio takes a musical adventure to the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Cooie DeFrancesco, Adlai Waxman, and songwriter Patti Shannon will bring a "dollop of blues, a touch of jazz, a bit of folk, and some old time rock & roll." Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Sound of Music In Concer begins a four night run at the Trapp Family Lodge on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The hills are alive again at the Concert Meadow. Presented by the James E. Dianich Family, the concerts are produced by Lyric Theater and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. In case of inclement weather, performances will take place at The Flynn in Burlington. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with Barbie N Bones 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.
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.
BAKERSFIELD--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series on the Bakersfield Town Green 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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 5 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 when Ryan Sweezy & The Midnight Walkers played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on August 27, 2025. It's on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Stragglers played the St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market on August 28, 2025. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
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.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion Group meets for The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The historical novel, a "tale of repulsion, resilience, in the Roaring '20s," pierces the glamorous world of a movie star's wife abruptly quarantined in America's only leper colony. 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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