| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | October 15, 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 ON THE WALLS
MONTGOMERY--The 4th annual People's Art Show continues at the Montgomery Center for the Arts on Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon - 4 p.m. The non-juried, uncensored community group exhibition celebrates all forms of creativity, diversity, and imagination. Many artworks are available for purchase. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on the fiber artistry of Maureen Genzlinger who passed away in March but whose spirit lives on in her work. 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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week, jewelry artist Josephine Maskell, has "always loved art of any medium." The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery has changed to winter hours in Jeffersonville, perhaps because students in the just completed Plein Air Retreat with TM Nicholas and Leo Mancini-Hresko experienced wind, rain, sun, clouds, and hail.
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
SWANTON--Abbey Gaudette leads a Collage Workshop to create spooky monsters at the Swanton Free Public Library on Tuesday at 1 p.m.. and on Saturday, October 31, at 11 a.m. The workshop is free and all supplies are provided. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--Patrick Murphy leads a Paint & Sip at the Montgomery Center for the Arts on Saturday at 4 p.m. The event includes all supplies and two drink tickets. The cost is $40. All proceeds go towards the MCA Building Project. Click here for tickets and more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department welcomes back "artist and sparkly things enthusiast" Martha Kinney to lead the free Creative Beading Workshop at the Dick Wright Pub on Sunday at 11 a.m. Each beader will make one set of earrings and either a necklace or a bracelet. No experience needed. The workshop is free but reservations are required. Click here for "tickets" and 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.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to knit, crochet, or craft with fiber. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required.
CALL FOR SINGERS
RAIL CITY RASCALS--The St. Albans All Male a capella group practices at the Franklin Masonic Lodge on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. No experience necessary. They will provide learning tracks for the songs and will work with the group every week to help teach parts and work on our choral sound. All are welcome. Email Jim Walsh for more info.
FILM
JAY--The Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee presents a Wild & Scenic Film Festival in the Clips and Reels theater at Jay Peak on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The evening offers curated films, locally donated raffle items, food from Miso Hungry, and more. Admission is $5-20. Click here to view the trailer and for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Farmers Watershed Alliance will screen The State of Farming at the Welden Theater on Monday and reprised on Tuesday. Both shows begin at 6 p.m. The new documentary tells the story of Vermont agriculture through the voices of the farmers who live it every day. It is a first-hand look at the opportunities and challenges shaping farming in Vermont today. The screening will be followed by a discussion and Q+A with a panel of local farmers. Admission is free but a ticket is required. Click here for free registration and 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.
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 through Saturday 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. Click here or here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Fall 2026 season continues with Larry Trombley to discuss the Native Peoples of North America: Past and Present in the Greg Brown Lodge this morning at 11 a.m. Mr. Trombley will trace the arrival in North America through the transition from hunter gatherer societies to agriculture and the challenges people continue to face today.
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.
THEATER
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents the 2026 Youth Talent Search on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30. The live performance includes 20 acts, with live vocal, instrumental, dance, spoken word, and more. The House has celebrated local youth talent for 30+ years. Over $1,500 in total cash prizes will be awarded across two age categories: 5-12 and 13-21 with the Rising Stars and Champions awards plus People's Choice and Founders awards in each category. Click here for tickets and more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library hosts a free The Magic of Comics with Glynnis Fawkes from the Center for Cartoon Studies on Friday at 6 p.m. The hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the cartooning fundamentals and expand the concept of catoons not only as entertainment but also as a flexible language that conveys complex ideas with clarity and emotional impact. No prior drawing experience is required. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) 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--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, October 15
ESSEX JUNCTION--The Sparky's Blues Jam has David and Matthew, the Nerbak Brothers, 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey hosts legendairy Karaoke on Thursday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, October 15-17
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with George Murtie tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Dan Parks at 5 p.m., and then Bad Horsey returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Uncle Jimmy live on Saturday night at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, October 15-21
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. The sound system takes the day off on Saturday and Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, October 16
ST. ALBANS--Spotlight Vintage, 14th Star Brewing, and Behold Photography host another Paper Moon Portrait Party with live music by Fiddlhead Hollow at Spotlight Vintage on Friday at 5 - 9 p.m. The cost is $45 for two professionally edited digital copies, one in color and the other in black and white. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern the Smokey Newfield Project on Friday at 6 p.m. 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 Laura Fedele-Rasco in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX--The Double E presents Vermont's hard hitting power trio, the Seth Yacovone Band, in the Lounge on Friday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. Admission is $15 plus service fee. Click here or here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--HalloQueen returns to the Depot with A Woman named Carlos for the 5 Year Spooktacular, a special Halloween themed drag show, on Friday night at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. General admission is $25 plus service fees. Tickets are available at the Depot or click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Moonbird returns to the Old Post with covers from Motown to modern day on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, October 16-18
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River gets jerborned with shows on Friday and Saturday nights in October. Cooper, Bob Recupero plays Friday and Jerborn comes alive on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Duncan MacLeod Band takes the stage on Friday and Jeff and Gina return 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 Dave Miller on Friday and Dan Parks 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.
ST. ALBANS--There's a musical double header at the First Congregational Church this weekend.
The church hosts an Open Mic and Coffeehouse on Saturday at 7 p.m. Perform, sing along, or listen to music, spoken word, story telling, and skits. It's a good lead-in for the Singer-Songwriter Showcase on October 24. There will be refreshments and a pot-luck dinner and snacks. Call 802.524.4555 or Find them on Facebook for more info.
Church Street Sounds of the Season presents Fiddlehead Hollow with Eric Bushey and Rusty Charpentier at the First Congregational Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. Admission is by $20 suggested donation. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Saturday, October 17
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 Perro closes out the season this Saturday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents the 2026 Youth Talent Search on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30. The live performance includes 20 acts, with live vocal, instrumental, dance, spoken word, and more. The House has celebrated local youth talent for 30+ years. Over $1,500 in total cash prizes will be awarded across two age categories: 5-12 and 13-21 with the Rising Stars and Champions awards plus People's Choice and Founders awards in each category. Click here for tickets and more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Jazz Saturday Music Series fills Saturday night with the George Petit Trio at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents the blues legends Nobby Reed Project Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Divine Treasures hosts an Adult Prom with the Crow Hill Band at 14th Star Brewing Co. on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The night of dancing, snacks, and drinks . Admission is $20 with tickets available only at Divine Treasures. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
Sunday, October 18
WESTFORD--The Westford Music Series presents Marsh Lights for "acoustic folk-grass music with a hyperliterate edge" in Westford Common Hall on Sunday at 4 p.m. The Bluegrass Gospel Project and Possum Haw alums play acoustic folk-grass music in a program that features songs composed by Colby Crehan. Admission is by free-will donation. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, October 20
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.
Wednesday, October 21
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 Reading & Discussion Group hosts Vermont Humanities facilitator Rachael Cohen to discuss the Vermont Reads 2026 book, Charity and Sylvia, by Tillie Walden at the library on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Beginning in 1807 in Weybridge, an openly lesbian couple survives and thrives for 44 years in the graphic Vermont biography. Free copies of the book are available at the library.
GEORGIA--The Town of Georgia Public Library will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. but will close Saturday at 1 p.m. and will remain closed until October 28 to strip and wax the floors. There will be no storytime or brickbuilders tomorrow in order to prepare the space. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has a book signing and a book reading this week.
Local horror, zombie fiction, sci-fi, and murder mystery writer Tony Olson will sign his books at the store on Saturday at 11 a.m. He started out writing horror including Demon Wind and Reanimates. Then his wife said, "Hey, I love murder mysteries. Write one, please," so he did. The result is the Sarah Barney Chronicles. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Eloquent Page True Crime Book Club meets to discuss The Doctors' Riot of 1788 by Andy McPhee on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Body snatching, bloodletting, and anatomy in America leads to this forgotten story of the riot. Seventeenth century lecturers demonstrated anatomy by dissecting cadavers supplied by "resurrectionists" for their students. When one particular body was snatched, thousands of New Yorkers descended upon an anatomy lab. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts two book groups this week.
Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries will discuss The Verifiers by Jane Pek this morning at 10:30 a.m. Part literary mystery, part family history, the debut novel introduces a 21st century amateur sleuth to exploring love, technology, and murder in real and virtual New York. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room.
The Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss The Awakening by Kate Chopin on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 1899 novel explored female sexual desire, rejected traditional domestic and maternal roles, and featured a narrative that shocked the social norms. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m.
Click here for more info about both groups.
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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