| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 20, 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 IS ALWAYS A WINNER
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence and the St Albans Free Library are hosting a Library Lover's Art Auction to support the library's brick restoration project.
Stop by the library's first floor between now and September 15 to view original artwork created by local Vermont artists. Buy $5 tickets at the library and drop them into the Mason jars next to the artwork you hope to win. There is also a silent auction for two large paintings. Winners will be drawn on September 15. All proceeds from the month-long, raffle-style art auction go directly to the historic project.
As a bonus, make a purchase at the Artist In Residence gallery during the event, bring your receipt to the library, and receive a free raffle ticket.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on sculptor Rebecca Nase Chomyn. 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 features new works by poet and painter Harry Bauld. 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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is fabric artist Kathy Giroux who makes felted pictures, purses, 3-D art and more. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART YOU CREATE
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department offers a free Water Marbling Sumnagashi Workshop with Mandi at the Dick Wright Pub on Sunday at 12 noon - 3 p.m. No experience needed. The Japanese technique uses ink pigments to create swirly, colorful designs on paper. The workshop is free but reservations are required. Click here for "tickets" and 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--Two groups meet at the Enosburgh Public Library this week.
Sip, Stitch, & Share meets 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.
Creative Creatures meets 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.
CALL FOR THESPIANS
ROCKY HORROR--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls is assembling a live shadow cast for the 2026 production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. They need to fill every shadow role: Frank-N-Furter, Janet, Brad, Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Dr. Scott, Rocky, Eddie, and a full house of Transylvanians. Click here to apply and 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.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
BURLINGTON--The 2026 Vermont Reggae Fest features Richie Spice, Sister Nancy, the Abyssinians, Marlon Asher with Roots Alley Collective, and Inna Higher Heights Band all on Main Street Landing at the Waterfront on Saturday at 4 p.m. "Doors" at 3. Admission is $75 plus service fees. Click here for tickets and more info.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library 17th annual Film Noir Festival continues with Try and Get Me! on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Originally titled The Sound of Fury, the 1950 crime film starred Lloyd Bridges, Frank Lovejoy, Kathleen Ryan, and Richard Carlson and was based on the 1947 novel The Condemned. Two men kidnapped and murdered Brooke Hart. They were arrested, confessed, and were lynched by a local mob. 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
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild begins a monthly Community Critique Night this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. The group critique brings artists of all disciplines and skill levels together to share work, receive thoughtful feedback, and offer insights. The free series is open to all artists. Bring in a project and enjoy. No registration is necessary but is appreciated on the Facebook event. Find them on Facebook for more info and to RSVP.
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.
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 Franklin County Senior Center will host an Advance Directive Workshop today at 1 p.m. The event will focus on the Vermont Ethics Network's Advance Directive Short Form. Participants may upload the form to the Vermont Advance Directive Registry for review and acceptance. Click here to review the form.
Space is limited so advanced registration is required. Email to register and 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. Bring your own mug. The event is free and open to the public. Call Mary Pleasant (802.442.0540) or email for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--The Isle La Motte Preservation Trust hosts Jonathan C. Lane for Independence Upon the Water: Lake Champlain, Isle La Motte, and the Making of a Nation, an ILM 250 Commemoration Day lecture, at on Saturday at 10 a.m. One of the nation's most important frontiers lay along the waters of Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain and Isle La Motte played a pivotal role in America's struggle for independence. From the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and Benedict Arnold's improvised fleet to the Saratoga campaign and Benjamin Franklin and Charles Carroll's diplomatic mission to Montreal and finally the settlement of Vermont's northern frontier, Mr. Lane will show how control of this vital waterway helped shape the course of the Revolution and secure the future of the United States. Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--ReMarketVT offers workshops in the "basement" creative space. This week, Dot Goulet will lead the Adventures in Acrylics Workshop on Saturday at 12 noon - 4 p.m. The hands on workshop will use acrylic paint techniques that go beyond traditional paintbrushes. The cost is $100. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts 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.
Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr. leads a Cartooning Workshop at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The workshop will introduce the fundamentals of cartooning, how to design original characters, create caricatures, and develop visual storytelling skills. The cost is $80. Click here to register and for more info.
Social Sundays continue at the MAG 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.
Becky Chappell guides the Gel Printing Basics Workshop at the MAG Art Center on Sunday at 3 - 5 p.m. The workshop will cover the fundamentals of creating single-layer prints by drawing directly on the gel plate, stamping with textured materials, incorporating stencils, and more. The cost is $45. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, August 20
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts the Devon McGarry Band for Live Music Thursday Nights this evening starting at 6 p.m. The Barn has weekly live music, food trucks, and specialty tastings from May through October.
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Nobby Reed Project 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 present Soulshine Revival this evening starting at 5 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email, or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Ultraviolet plays the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, August 20-26
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in August. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The John Lackard Blues Band lights the night afire on Friday. Decade brings a Neil Young Tribute on Saturday. The Long Gone John Band takes over on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. The sound system takes the day off on Tuesday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, August 21
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library presents the magic of Ventriloquist Doug Mickan on Friday at 10:30 a.m. The comic ventriloquist has a large cast of "lovable and unique characters" who will unearth a story at the library. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
STOWE--The Spruce Peak Friday Artisan Market presents Soulshine Revival at the Whistle Pig on Friday at 4 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Kyle Stevens on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The BBQ chicken 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. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents New York City concert pianist Sohyun Ahn returning to the Island Arts Center (the Homer Knight Barn) on Friday at 7 p.m. The solo program features shorter works by J. S. Bach, Robert Schumann, and others. She will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand piano provided by the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Admission is $25 online and at local outlets or $30 at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--YYZeppelin rocks the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 21-23
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. McMaple performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and Bettenroo plays on Sunday at 3 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.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, Mark Abair and Friends at 5 p.m., followed by the return of Nighthawk for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Dan Parks at 5 p.m., and Moonbird starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Chris and Erica play Friday and Justice 3 is back, returning live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in August. Mad Mojo plays Friday. The Jim Branca Trio performs live on Saturday night for some seriously funky musical skydiving. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Songwriter Luis Betancourt takes the stage on Friday and Tournesol plays jazz manouche and swing standards 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 the Blue Rock Boys return on Friday and Ethan Sawyer performs 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 22
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. Piper Hall plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Rec Summer Sounds Festival takes over the Highgate Arena and lawn with live music by Staircase 24, food, and fun on Saturday at 4 - 9 p.m. Champlain Color Dips will do body marbling. Cold Hollow Catering will have BBQ chicken halves, broccoli salad, potato salad, and dinner rolls for $20 plus drinks from the Brew Wagon. Meal tickets must be purchased before the event.
Admission is free. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series presents the Dave Keller Band outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. The torchbearer of deep soul and roots music teamed with Johnny Rawls for Tribute to Soul. The new album dropped in June.
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.
ST. ALBANS--They're back! Justice 3 returns to the Taphouse at Mill River on Saturday at 6 p.m. 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 night with Chris & Erica at 4:30 p.m. The Jazz Saturdays Series presents the Art DeQuasie Trio on the Patio or in the Sunroom on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Tenderbellies play bluegrass with a grounding of blues, rock, soul, jazz and Dawg on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Jimmy Jam takes over the Old Post for a very special night of music and memories to celebrate the life and music of Jimmy "Oxo" Carter on Saturday at 6 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Doug Blair, Stet Howland, John Middy Midworth, "Cosmic Joe" Caron, Andre Maquera and Frank Barnes, Gary "Buddha" Norful, Jeff Wheel, Tim O'Brien, and Rick Coakley, Joey Provost, Russ Flanigan, Bart Feller and Brian Corbier, and more will come together for the reunion, a celebration and benefit. Proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Oxo Carter Music Foundation. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 23
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers presents the Dale & Darcy Band on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The small, independent craft brewery has live music most days. Jazz Thursdays feature some of the Queen City's best jazz musicians. Times vary. Click here for more info.
NEWBURY, VT--Court Street Arts presents an UnCommon Jam with the Nobby Reed Project, Patrick Ross, and the Party Crashers, all on the Newbury Town Common on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. There will be local eats and a craft brew garden. Admission is $10 at the gate. Kids under 12 free. Click here for more info.
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts the Owl Stars on Sunday at 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. The Barn has weekly live music, food trucks, and specialty tastings from May through October.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents the MetalWerx Euphonium and Tuba Quartet at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 4 p.m. with the option to picnic outside on the green at 3:30, weather permitting. The program will mix fantasies, suites, marches, jazz, and pop music standards, with classical transcriptions from Holst, Sousa, Puccini, Rossini, and Piazzolla. The start of the program will honor the memory of Island Arts founder Ann Porter with Dvorak's Song to the Moon. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, August 26
GEORGIA--The Georgia Concert on the Green Summer Music Series presents the Stragglers in concert in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The old-time, bluegrass, and Americana string band perform traditional tunes, vintage country, classic rock, and originals. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Blue Blazes mix blues and rock 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 concludes with Rushmore in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are free for all. 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--Ryan Sweezy plays solo at Two Heroes Brewery on Wednesday 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground presents Luke Borchelt with Troy Millette & the Fire Below in the Showcase Lounge on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7:30. Admission is $22.50 plus service fees. Click here for tickets and more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 7 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 the irreverent and always in poor taste Oleo Romeos played the Meeting House on the Green on October 20, 2020. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly--now on the fourth Wednesday--to 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 will meet at 421 Patton Shore Road for a potluck and to discuss Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe on Monday at 12 noon. The 1719 English adventure novel about the castaway who spent 28 years on a lonely tropical island was primarily based on Scottish sailor and privateer Alexander Selkirk and other survival tales popular in the 18th century.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Library hosts a book launch for Midnight's Tale by Joyce Benvenuto on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The chapter book about a haunted clock, a brother and sister, a cat, and an old man is her fifth book Books will be for sale and signing. The audience is invited to appear dressed as cats. Kit-Kat bars will be served.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets for The Return of the Pharaoh by Nicholas Meyer on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The author of the Seven Percent Solution takes Dr. John Watson to Egypt in 1910 where he finds Holmes on a closed pyramid case. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone this morning at 10:30 a.m. The thriller follows a woman who wakes up in a Lisbon hotel room to find her husband completely gone. 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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library presents the magic of Ventriloquist Doug Mickan on Friday at 10:30 a.m. The comic ventriloquist has a large cast of "lovable and unique characters" who will unearth a story at the library. Admission is free. 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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