| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | September 17, 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
This is festival weekend!
BURLINGTON--The third annual Burlington Baroque Festival fills three venues around the Queen city with Ensemble L'Harmonie des saisons, Blue Heron, vocal soloists, and the Burlington Baroque Festival Singers for five concerts today through Sunday. Look for Music, Drama and Dance in the Kingdom of France in the College Street Congregational Church today at 7:30 p.m. The B Minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach is in the College Street Congregational Church Friday at 7:30 p.m. Divine Song will be in the Cathedral of St. Paul on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Viva Vivaldi is in the College Street Congregational Church on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Lane Series presents Oratorio: Israel in Egypt by George Frideric Handel in the UVM Recital Hall on Sunday at 2 p.m. Individual admission begins at $10. Festival passes are available for $140-285. Click here for tickets and here for more info.
BURLINGTON--Grace Potter's eleventh anniversary Grand Point North takes over Waterfront Park with 20 performances including Ms. Potter, singer-songwriter Steve Hartmann, the Dark Star Orchestra, and Dogs In A Pile, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Click here for the schedule, tickets, and more.
ENOSBURG--The annual Enosburg Harvest Festival fills Lincoln Park with performances by Second Hand Blues and Uncle John's Band on Saturday at 9am-3pm. There will be local artists plus over 60 local vendors, farmers' market stalls, antiques, local food trucks, a kids' zone, bouncy house, and a community duck race. Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--The ILM 250 Celebration Day has Summer Sounds favorite Mark Sheltonlive in concert, challenge awards, and a BBQ in Veterans Park on Saturday at 11:30-3:30 p.m. There will be cornhole, disc golf, t-shirt painting, a 250th raffle drawing, wiffle ball game, and more. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Afterglow, the music festival to "Shine the Light" on suicide awareness, returns to Hard'Ack with Dirty Dees, Love Story, and the Best of the Eagles, all on Saturday at 1:30 - 9 p.m. Dirty Dees deliver a "power-packed" journey through the AC/DC story. Rikki Lee Wilson's Love Story is the musical, magical, and memorable tribute to Taylor Swift. BOTE members mirror the Eagles instrumentally and vocally. Admission is $10-$30 plus service fees. Afterglow has now given over $500,000 to Shine the Light on Suicide Prevention and Awareness in Vermont, making a difference and saving lives. Click here for tickets and more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on wood turner Toby Fulwiler who works in local hardwoods often found on his 90-acre farm in Fairfield. 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 The World Before Sound by Jim Iacono Memorial Award winner Anna Yakubovskaya. It is in the Land, Light, Water, & Air exhibit 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.
MILTON--The annual Milton Artists' Guild Art & Stroll Festival is an outdoor art fair on the grass lot in the Milton Shopping Plaza on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dozens of artists, artisans, and crafters, food trucks and take-out caterers celebrate with live music, activities for kids, and more. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
The MAG art center and gallery showcases the work of over 145+ artist members in Milton Square behind the Milton Post Office. They are open Monday and Wednesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., and closed Tuesday. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
MONTGOMERY--Franklin County for Palestine presets the Palestine Art Exhibit at the Montgomery Center for the Arts this weekend. The gallery has prints of paintings, the embroidery of Tatreez, and ceramics and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m. The art exhibit is held in conjunction with the Palestine Film Series. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Island Arts September artists are Melissa Moran with an oil pastel and photo collage and Travis Nutting with large work and diptychs, acrylic on canvas, in the Gallery at Community Bank. The gallery is open during regular banking hours. The bank's stone building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is Jennifer Kerch of Jen's Jewels and Wire. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART YOU CREATE
SHELDON--The Sheldon Municipal Library will create a jar candle in the Fall Craft Class this Supplies are provided but "If you have a favorite jar you can bring it."
GEORGIA--Awaken Studio and Kreations by Katherine host a Barn Quilt Paint & Snack on Friday at 5:30-8 p.m. Participants will learn to paint maple leaf or bird barn quilt designs on wooden panels. All materials are included. The cost is $65 or $125 per pair. Click here for tickets and more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library holds a free Junk Mail Art Journal Workshop at the library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Participants will create an art journal using junk mail and featuring a window to display a watercolor insert. All supplies are provided. Attendance is free but regisrtation is required. Click here to register and for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub hosts a Paint and Sip with Patrick Murphy on Saturday at 2 pm. No experience is needed. All supplies are provided. The cost is $20. Find them on Facebook 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.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Fall Tree Button Art Craft for Adults on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Space is limited so registration is required. Call the library (802.524.1507) or Click here to register and for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library has two groups on one day this week.
Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the 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.
The Enosburgh Public Library's Creative Creatures meet 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.
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. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Line Dance Wednesdays with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesday at the new time of 6 p.m. "to satisfy higher skill levels before and after our no-experience-needed beginner line dance session." 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.
FILM
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts All That's Left of You, the fourth in a series of five films organized by Franklin County for Palestine at the MCA on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Spanning seven decades, the film follows three generations of a Palestinian family. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Veronica Lake is on the take in Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Sullivan's Travels on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. This showing is an after-hours event. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here 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.
MORRISVILLE--The River Arts Photo Co-op monthly gatherings resume with Summer Reflections this evening at 6 p.m. The meeting will feature a collaborative, two-part program of Photo Sharing and Feedback, then Planning and Open Discussion. The Photo Co-op is a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels. Email Nancy Banks or 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.
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
SWANTON--The joint Swanton Free Public Library and Vermont Humanities exhibit of SPARK continues at the library during regular library hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The immersive Smithsonian traveling exhibit explores innovation in art, heritage, social issues, and technology in rural communities. This exhibit is open to all ages. The library event includes the chance to contribute to a community mural, Missisquoi Abenaki Nation exhibits, Swanton Historical Society displays, interactive games, and more.
The exhibit will remain open through October 17. Click here or Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Rebecca Fagga will lead Autumn Glow, the Fall Watercolor and Line-Art Workshop, on Saturday at 9 a.m. The hands on workshop will celebrate the changing season exploring rich autumn palettes, loose wet-on-wet color blending, and crisp fine-line ink detailing. All supplies are provided. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts 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."
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department hosts Mini Barn Quilt Painting with local artist Martha Kinney at the Dick Wright Pub on Sunday at 11 a.m. Particpants will explore patterning and painting from transferring a chosen design to choosing colors and how to make crisp clean lines. The class is free with registration. Click here for tickets and more info.
MILTON--Social Sunday continues 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.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Recreation Department hosts a four day Adult Art Camp with Dale Mallett at the Camp Ingalls Butternut Hill Natural Area starting Monday and running daily through Thursday, September 24, at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of watercolor, soft pastel. oil pastel painting, and calligraphy. All materials will be provided but bring a lunch. All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $50. Email or Click here to register and for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Kristen Murphy begins a four-week Barn Quilts class at River Arts on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Classes will be held on four Tuesdays through October 13. The class will explore the historic roots of barn quilts and experiment with color mixing and color theory to create unique 2’ x 2’ barn quilts. All materials provided. Tuition is $135 for the entire program. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, September 17
ESSEX JUNCTION--The Sparky's Blues Jam has the Nerbak Brothers for the return of the Blues Jam this evening at 6 - 9 p.m. Food at 5 p.m. The Blues Jam will continue every other Thursday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, September 17-19
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with George Murtie tonight at 6 p.m. then two shows on Friday night, Jesse Agan at 5 p.m., and Magnetic Horse returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, September 17-23
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The Eames Brothers Band lights the night afire on Friday. Bad Luck Bliss rolls the dice 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, September 18
NORTH HERO--Americana troubadour David Karl Roberts plays the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Friday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--Nighthawk returns with a mix of rock, funk, and danceable grooves in the live and free Friday Night Live Music at the Spanked Puppy on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Bill Valliere of the Smokey Newfield Project plays a special solo night at the Taphouse at Mill River on Friday night at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts Dan Parks live on Friday at 6 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Theo Manazir in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Ryan Sweezey play the Island Vines 5K & 10K at Snow Farm Vineyard on Sunday. Racing begins at 8 a.m. A portion of all race proceeds benefits RunVermont's Youth Programming and C.I.D.E.R. (Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources). Click here for more info.
BARRE--Heading United Methodist Church presents Mark Shelton "back by popular demand" in a live benefit concert for the HUMC food shelf at the church on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation (don't forget to bring a non-perishable item). Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub presents an evening of classical jazz with LeoDos on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH FERRISBURGH--Justice 3 returns to the outdoor stage at the Village Tavern for "a great party with awesome food and drinks" on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The summer continues in downtown Sheldon as Sara Grey and Mark Greenberg perform in Summer Music at Grace at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Ms. Grey is a singer of traditional song and ballads, banjo player and collector of folk music. Mr. Greenberg has been a member of the Lake Country String Band, Summer Sounds favorites Coco & the Lonesome Road Band, Bob Yellin & the Joint Chiefs of Bluegrass, and Dave Van Ronk's Paleolithica Pro-Moosica Jug Band.
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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Quadra returns to close the patio if the weather agrees as the Summer Concert Series draws to a close at the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, 4-6
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Best of Boston Dueling Pianos back by popular demand and live in The Room on both Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The interactive sing-along party promises the audience picks the songs, joins the rivalries (rock vs. country, men vs. women, and more), and might even end up on stage. Dinner and appetizers available from The Black Radish. Admission is $25 plus service fees. Click here for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in September. Earthbound Spirits soar on Friday. The Duncan MacLeod Trio performs live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Friendly neighborhood acoustic rock & roller Brian Bielanski takes the stage on Friday and Swell expands the territory live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
Saturday, September 19
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. The Smokey Newfield Project plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--Summer Sounds favorite Mark Sheltonappears live at the ILM 250 Celebration Day in Veterans Park on Saturday at 1 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series will overflow with the upbeat American music of Annie and the Hedonists for this season's finale on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4, outdoors, weather permitting. Returning direct from Saratoga, the group plays from a vast repertoire of acoustic blues, vintage jazz and swing, as well as gospel and folk roots Americana. And Ms. Rosen interprets the songs of great female blues artists, Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace, Memphis Minnie, Billie Holiday, Rosetta Tharpe, Ella Fitzgerald and others.
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.
MONTGOMERY--Montgomery Smiles Production Company presents the third annual Battle of the Bands in Montgomery Town Hall on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. Bring your skateboard. There will even be free coaching on the mini ramp. Tickets available at the door. Find them on Facebook for more info
STOWE--The Von family gets a jump on October with the 17th annual Oktoberfest in the Bierhall on Saturday featuring the Inseldudler Band at both sessions. Click here for more info.
Sunday, September 20
ST. ALBANS--Church Street Sounds of the Season presents the first event of the Fall season with Karl Fandrich and Nate Pultorak in a joint concert as the Annual Organ Recital and fundraiser at the First Congregational Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. All proceeds from this event go towards upkeep and maintenance of the Hook and Hastings organ. Admission is by donation and very appreciated. Find them on Facebook for more info.
WESTFORD--The Westford Music Series presents the Missisquoi River Band in Westford Common Hall on Sunday at 4 p.m. The Common Hall was built in 1840 and now serves as a place to bring all members of our community in Westford, and neighboring towns in Chittenden, Franklin and Lamoille counties, together as a venue for music, art, education, yoga, and community and private gatherings. Admission is by free will donation. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Cooie and Adlai play across multiple genres on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Sunday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, September 22
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 most Tuesdays. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, September 23
SOUTH HERO--Indie rock singer, guitarist, and producer Nick Granelle brings "Zappa-inspired" solos to Two Heroes Brewery 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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library will begin Strange Worlds & Dark Corners, a new book club starting Saturday, October 3. The group will focus on fantasies, mysteries, and thrillers. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub has a book club. Stop by the Enosburg Public Library for a copy of The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd and then meet at the Rail Trail next Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday to inspire, share, and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion Group meets for Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf on Friday at 11 a.m. The 1925 modernist, stream of consciousness novel follows a single day in the life of the posh London hostess
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale this morning at 10:30 a.m. The 2008 non-fiction book covers the real-life 1860 murder of three-year-old Saville Kent in London and the Scotland Yard detective who was one of England's first. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Worthen Library welcomes Joyce Benvenuto to read from Midnight's Tale on Saturday at 11 a.m. Her chapter book about a boy and a girl, a cat, an old man, and a haunted clock has illustrations by Jordan K. Walker.
SWANTON--The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss The Sunflower House by Adrianna Allegri at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5 p.m. The debut historical novel researches the Lebensborn Program baby factory of Nazi Germany in a real-life "Handmaid's Tale" of World War II. 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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