| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | September 24, 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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THEATER
ENOSBURG--Saturday is Speakeasy Night at the Opera House at Enoisburg Falls with Nevermore, an Evening of Poe and Jazz, featuring the Morgan Tavern Trio. Ron White, Bill Vitek, and Steve MacLauchlan on Saturday at 7 p.m. "Spoken word meets smoky jazz" as patrons don their best 1920s garb for an immersive evening of Edgar Allan Poe with live jazz. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar. Admission is $15. Click here for tickets and more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on wood turner Barry Genzlinger. 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 Memorial Gallery hosts Through the Lens: A Conversation with Photographer JuanCarlos Gonzalez on Saturday at 1 p.m. Vermont is a source of inspiration, connection, and belonging for Mr. Gonzalez. He will share the stories, ideas, and photographic process behind his work Admission is free and open to everyone but seating is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged. Click here to register and for more info
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.
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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is Cindy La Rocque maker of ConFused Glass. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Painting with Linda host a Paint Your Pet Portrait Workshop this evening at 6:30 p.m. Send a clear photo of a fur baby. This workshop will include a canvas. paintbrushes, paints, and palettes. The cost is $50. Click here or find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the in-person, January "Sip n' Slurry: Coil Plates" with Chiara No as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 6 p.m. Craft a functional and sculptural Halloween-themed ceramic candle lantern. The cost is $70. Click here to enroll and for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council free Art Journaling Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Art journals, junk journals, art pages and more are on the table and make for fun for artists, writers, scrap bookers, and more. The group meets to share ideas and to take time to create. Gatherings are traditionally held at the library on the fourth Monday of every month. If you need supplies to get started, check out the library's Makerspace or click here 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.
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.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Line Dance Wednesdays with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesday at the new time of 6 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.
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 here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Fall 2026 season continues with Director of Volunteer Services Erica Marks to discuss Age Well of VT- Resources, Support, and Community in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. The session explores the services and support available through Age Well Their programs promote healthy aging, independence, and community connection. The weekly series will offer eight lectures, mostly on Thursdays. A St. Albans series membership is $40 for all eight events, or $12 per program if purchased individually. Call 802.656.8407 or email for registration questions. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts the VNA & Hospice for Death, Dying and Danishes this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The open community discussion will have coffee, tea, and some nibbles. The event is free and open to the public but purchases are encouraged for host sites. Call Mary Pleasant (802.442.0540) or email for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Recreation Department Adult Art Camp with Dale Mallett at the Camp Ingalls Butternut Hill Natural Area concludes today 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 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."
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.
MONTGOMERY--The three-part Mindful Making Art Workshop Series concludes at Montgomery Center for the Arts on Sunday at 1 p.m. This class on gathered circle collage will begin with an exercise to encourage relaxation and creative flow. Students can then explore various materials or continue working with the technique introduced in class. Each class is $15. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday-Saturday, September 24-26
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Dan Parks tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Natural Selection at 5 p.m., and then the Hitmen return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Bob Cotton at 5 p.m., and the famed TBA at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, September 24-30
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The John Lackard Blues Band lights the night afire on Friday. Kelsie SIbbald returns 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 25
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. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--Barbie N Bones shut down the Outback for the year 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.
NEWPORT--Tim Brick plays a solo gig at Tavern on the Hill on Friday at 6 p.m.
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.
ESSEX--One more outdoor show to go for the 2026 Summer Series with Troy Millette and the Fire Below on the Old Stage at the Double E on Friday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. The show of 90s country was rescheduled from May 30. Admission is $20 plus service fees. All shows at The Old Stage are rain or shine. Click here for tickets and more info.
ENOSBURG--Friday is the final Karaoke Night at the Rail Trail Pub. It's a chance "to send them off the right way for therr final evening" on Friday at 7:30 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Boom City Limits -- a Variety Show with Jessie Baade and sex educator, comedian, and dating show host Jenna Emerson and more live in The Room on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. The former Boston Comedy Club offers a brand new line-up of comedians each month. Admission is $15 plus service fees in advance or $20 at the door. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Mr. French returns to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, September 25-27
ST. ALBANS--Oktoberfest Weekend begins in the Taproom at 14th Star on Friday at 11 a.m. and continues though Saturday evening. There will be live music from Bandhausen on Saturday at 5 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in September. Rushmore plays Friday. Unruly Allies perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Kiel Love on Friday and Lawless for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Season of Yes takes the stage on Friday and Americana/Blues guitarist William Lee Ellis plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Cooper, Bob Recupero, on Friday and Rockin' Ron Gagnon 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, September 26
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.
WOODSTOCK--Sugar in the Pan from Young Tradition-Vermont plays the Forest Festival at Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park, Billings Farm, on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Mill River Brewing hosts Oktoberfest on Saturday at 3 - 9 p.m. Jerborn will rock the lederhosen as the Jerband brings the oompah to the outdoor stage at 4 - 8. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Family Lodge has a double header on Saturday. The Bierhall Summer Music Series takes music to the Biergarten on Saturday with the Blue Rock Boys at 4:30 p.m. The Jazz Saturdays Series presents the George Petit Trio on the Patio or in the Sunroom on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. With cold beer, hot showers, and hotter music, it's the draw of the Kingdom.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts an evening of campfire style singing with Adrian and Mandi on Saturday around 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Vermont Symphonic Winds presents Mosaic, their fall concert at Elley-Long Music Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. The program includes Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait narrated by special guest Col. Michael Colburn (Ret.), AYO, and "The Mother of a Revolution," the world premiere: of Revelations composed and conducted by Holden Friesel. Island Arts Talent Award recipient Aleks Lee will play bassoon. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. Click here for tickets and more info.
ENOSBURG--Saturday is Speakeasy Night at the Opera House at Enoisburg Falls with Nevermore, an Evening of Poe and Jazz, featuring the Morgan Tavern Trio. Ron White, Bill Vitek, and Steve MacLauchlan on Saturday at 7 p.m. "Spoken word meets smoky jazz" as patrons don their best 1920s garb for an immersive evening of Edgar Allan Poe with live jazz. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar. Admission is $15. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, September 27
MORRISVILLE--"Hit the Trail, Do Good, Have Fun" with live music in Oxbow Park on Sunday starting at 9 a.m. Rockin' Ron Gagnon plays live at 1 p.m. Click here for more info.
MONKTON RIDGE--Soulshine Revival wraps up the 2026 Outdoor Concert Series with a free show at Yates Family Orchard on Sunday at 1 p.m.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House Fall Music Series gets jerborned rhis week as the series continues with the return of Jerborn live sans lederhosen on Sunday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, September 29
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 30
SOUTH HERO--Singer-songwriter David Karl Roberts plays 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 celebrates its 130th birthday with a Birthday Open House on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be fun, facts, and festivities, and maybe cake.
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 join the final meeting at the Rail Trail on Thursday at 6 p.m. The 2020 historical novel imagines the life of Ana, a rebellious young woman in first-century Galilee who becomes the wife of Jesus.
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Book Club takes up The Art Thief by Michael Finkel this afternoon at 3 p.m. The 2023 non-fiction book chronicles the crime spree of Stéphane Breitwieser, perhaps the most prolific art thief in history Call the library (802.849.2420) or email for more info or for the Zoom link to attend remotely.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets for Dark Nantucket Noon by Jane Langton on Wednesday at 6 p.m. "The moon did it." A woman is murdered during the dark minutes of the eclipse. A woman is kneeling over the body with a bloody knife nearby. The 1975 cozy is the second book in her Homer Kelly Mysteries. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts an Author Talk with Michael Freed-Thall on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. His historical coming-of-age novel, The Queen of New York, begins with an aspiring Jewish artist growing up in Horodno, Russia, and a Minister of State Security in the 1880s interposed with a young woman growing up in Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia, in the 1940s. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The monthly Classics Book Club, "a book club for all ages," meets to at the Swanton Free Public Library discuss Heidi by Swiss writer Johanna Spyri on Saturday at 1 p.m. The novel about the life of a five-year-old girl in her grandfather's care in the Swiss Alps was written as a book "for children and those who love children." 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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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