Calendar of Events – January 12 – January 31, 2023
Please send event listings to us at least three weeks in advance.
*Some events may be cancelled due to lack of snow, too much snow, lack of ice or COVID concerns. Always check ahead.
Access CVU classes
winter/spring schedule
Check out the extensive list of classes offered through Access CVU, based at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg. Possibly you’ll discover a new skill or craft or cuisine that intrigues you. Registration is now open for this season’s offerings. Or consider teaching a class to others. Click for all the info.
Online cooking class
Thursday, Jan. 12, 5:30-7 p.m.
Share in the annual South Indian Pongal celebration by learning about sweet and savory dishes, spices and cooking techniques. Pongal honors the fresh rice harvest. City Market offers this free livestream class with a Cordon Bleu graduate. Registration required.
Still life and optional sips
Thursday, Jan. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.
Paint a still life in acrylic on wood panel for a relaxed evening in a comfortable setting. BYOB is allowed for ages 21 and over. All other materials included in fee. The Shelburne Craft School invites any level of painter to approach a still life with confidence: your inner artist may surprise you. More info and to register.
Friday night pickin’
Friday, Jan. 13, 6-8:30 p.m.
The band Hot Pickin’ Party entertains in the loft at Shelburne Vineyard with two free sets. Hear some bluegrass, originals and traditional tunes. More info.
Hinesburg pride hike
Saturday, Jan. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper leads an Audubon walk at the Hinesburg Town Forest. Free event, rain or shine, and dress appropriately. Tapper will discuss forest management, birds and forest ecology. All families and allies are welcome. Pre-register and see parking instructions.
Zen workshop
Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a practical and authentic introduction to the mind/body disciplines of Zen Buddhism at Vermont Zen Center in Shelburne. Register and learn more.
Wool felting project
Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-noon
Meet a sheep at Shelburne Farms and learn how to turn some of its wool into a felted flower. Recommended for ages 7 and older with accompanying adult. More info and to register.
Revolutionary War event
Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fort Ticonderoga was a key supply depot for the Northern Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The soldiers in New York kept supplies moving north to troops fighting in Quebec City during January, 1776. Learn about the lives of our soldiers, and the ox sleds, loaded with provisions, making the journey north along the frozen lake. Experience the hardships of Fort life, including procuring scarce supplies and caring for the wounded. Dress for unpredictable weather. Details and tickets for this living history event in Ticonderoga, N.Y..
BIPOC Community Day
Saturday Jan. 14, 2-5 p.m.
Burlington Parks and Recreation presents a day of outdoor activities, food, a bonfire, and more at Leddy Park in Burlington. Gear for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and sledding is provided at no cost. Complimentary food available on site. An event for all ages that is weather dependent. Questions may be directed to Andrew at 802-809-1167. More info.
Sledding party
Sunday, Jan. 15, noon- 4 p.m.
With the weather’s cooperation, there will be a family sledding event at Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston. Bring your sleds, gather by the fire for s’mores, and follow a scavenger hunt. No registration required; donations gladly accepted. For directions and more info. Phone 802-879-6001 to confirm weather status.
Abenaki erasure
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Hear Vera Longtoe Sheehan, director of Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, speak on ‘Abenaki Erasure, Eugenics and Ethnocide’ in a Zoom presentation organized by Burlington’s Ethan Allen Homestead Museum. All are welcome to watch this free event. More museum info. Use this same website to access the Zoom link.
Healthy batch cooking
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 5:30-7 p.m.
Expand your knowledge of batch cooking for a healthy start to the new year. All recipes presented are free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar. Cook along with a nutritional therapist for this free virtual City Market class. More info and registration.
Vegan cooking class
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 5:30-7 p.m.
Cook along with a chef at this in-person class at City Market’s southend location on Flynn Ave. in Burlington. Learn the secrets to delicious vegan chili and cornbread for winter enjoyment. More info and to register.
Wildlife tracking
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 21 9-11:30 a.m.
Audubon Vermont presents a two-part event: part one is an online class covering the basics of tracking. Part two is held in person at the Audubon Center in Huntington to practice tracking skills along their trails. Dress for walking outside. More info and to register. Contact Audubon Vermont at 802-434-3068 to confirm class, if there is no snow.
The fountain of youth
Thursday, Jan. 19, 7-8 p.m.
Mountaineer Martin Pazzani presents a virtual talk based on his book, Secrets of Aging Well: Get Outside. This free event, organized by the Green Mountain Club, focusses on the particular benefits of hiking for a healthy life. Donations gladly accepted at registration.
Charlotte’s heart and soul
Friday, Jan. 20, 5-6 p.m.
Join fellow community members for a free chili dinner at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Organized by Community Heart and Soul, a project of Vermont’s Orton Foundation, the evening brings the town together to share ideas about the town’s future and what makes people happy about living here. Hear different perspectives on growth, change and what matters to our residents. More info by emailing or visit the website. All residents and ideas are welcome.
Music in South Hero
Friday, Jan. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Snow Farm Vineyard holds a series of Wine Down Fridays through March 17. Drinks and catered food are available for purchase starting at 5:30; no cover charge for the musical offerings. Carol Ann Jones entertains this evening. For a complete schedule of performers, directions, and menu pre-orders, call 802-922-8074 or visit the website.
Wool rug braiding
Saturdays, Jan. 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 9 a.m.-noon
The Shelburne Craft School offers a three-week class during which time participants learn to make a round chair pad or a small rug. Good for crafters ages 14 and older; no experience necessary. Learn more or register.
Tracking institute
Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier offers an immersive winter wildlife tracking class. Three in-person days and two evening Zoom classes are included. Participants receive field instruction as well as doing group and independent study. Appropriate for ages 16 and older. To see all dates, get more info, or register. Call 802-229-6206 about weather cancellations.
Make a basket
Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This one-day class will result in the creation of a black ash berry basket, perfect in size to be worn around the neck when picking. Learn about the traditional and useful skill of weaving while you see a basket materialize in front of you. Class is held at the Shelburne Craft School and requires registration. More info.
See the sea caves
Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 21-22, 10 a.m.-noon
Dress for the weather in this outing to the sea caves off of North Avenue in Burlington, near the empty Burlington High School. Short trek is led by a nature educator from Petra Cliffs Climbing Center. More info and to register. Call Petra Cliffs at 802-657-3872 about weather cancellations.
Be a wildlife detective
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-noon
Fingers crossed there will be adequate snow for a morning of animal tracking at Shelburne Farms. This program is best for ages 6 and older. Participants hunt for tracks and other animal signs in the farm’s forests and fields. More info and registration.
Saturday Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Montpelier’s farmers market continues through the winter, inside at the Caledonia Spirits building. The market occurs on the first and third Saturday of each month, through April. For more info and a list of vendors, visit the website.
Crafts and cocktails
Saturday, Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m.
The Old School Art Studio in Richmond is offering a class in Japanese embroidery (sashiko) for ages 21 and over. The fee includes one drink, appetizers and all supplies. More info and to register.
Americana and blues
Saturday, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m.
Shelburne Vineyard hosts Vermont native Reid Parsons in a loft performance. She’ll finger-pick her special brand of folk/blues with jazz influences. Seating in the loft is on a first-come basis. More info on this free event.
Sock knitting
Monday, noon-2 p.m., Jan. 23-Feb. 6
Join others at the Shelburne Craft School for a three-week class on knitting socks. Class will cover the necessary steps for this slightly complicated, but rewarding, project. Info and to register.
Tapestry weaving
Mondays, 6-8 p.m., Jan. 23-Feb. 20
This five-week introductory class at Shelburne Craft School is best for ages 14 and older. Learn fundamental skills on a frame loom to bring a woven tapestry to life. This class is an opportunity to learn enough to get you hooked on this fiber technique. Go home with a sampler showcasing your new skills. Materials included in class fee. Read more, or register.
Music without borders
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
A fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on a variety of instruments, including harp, at Richmond Congregational Church. Tickets and more info.
Mite control for bees
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
Learn from a panel of professional beekeepers about a new method for Varroa mite control which has been approved for use in Vermont. The free workshop takes place at the Middlebury Rescue Squad Building near Porter Hospital and is appropriate for experienced beekeepers or those thinking of keeping bees. There will be an ask-me-anything-about-beekeeping session. No registration required. More info.
Dead Ringer screening
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.
The movie “Dead Ringer,” starring rock legend and actor Meat Loaf, was made in 1982 and never released. It follows the star as he is about to start a world tour for his most recent album and how he is coping with his immense success. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see this unique film at the Essex Cinemas in Essex. Director Allan Nicholls will attend the screening and conduct a Q&A after the film. Tickets available at the door or purchase in advance.
Long Trail record holder
Thursday, Jan. 26, 7-8 p.m.
Learn how novice backpacker Liz Derstine became the women’s record holder for fastest known hiking time, unsupported, on Vermont’s Long Trail. Her journey to achieve that honor was a process, and she eventually became a confident solo hiker, both day and night. She presents her story via Zoom, thanks to the Green Mountain Club. Register for her talk.
Free (ice) fishing day
Saturday, Jan. 28, all day
No fishing license is needed to fish today in Vermont, for residents and nonresidents. This event may turn out to be simply free fishing day, due to lack of adequate ice. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department staff will be on hand at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard to help participants get started with ice fishing 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dress appropriately. Please email or call 802-505-5562 to confirm the Barnard event in case of poor ice. Register here. Check the ice wherever you go.
Owl pellet exploration
Saturday, Jan. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
Dissect an owl pellet to see what food the raptor might have digested. At Shelburne Farms, put on your science detective hats as you investigate the contents of the pellet while learning about owl eating habits. Live owls from Outreach For Earth Stewardship will be visiting the class. Recommended for ages 5 and older. More info and to register.
Magic in the air
Saturday Jan. 28, 2 p.m.
Alyx is a Vermont-based magician and she promises an afternoon of humor and sleight of hand that will amaze the whole family. She performs at the Vergennes Opera House; doors open at 1:15 p.m. More info and tickets.
Try cross-country skiing
Sun., Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Catamount Trail Association partners with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center to offer a community ski day where participants may try cross-country ski gear and snowshoes for no charge. Today’s event happens at Winooski’s Gilbrook Nature Area and is weather-dependent. To confirm event or call 802-864-5794.
The whole hog
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m.
By publication time, Philo Ridge Farm may still have a ticket or two available for their animal butchery workshop in Charlotte. Learn how an entire hog gets broken down into familiar cuts. Ticket price includes snacks, drinks and a family-style meal. Tickets and more info.
So you want to code?
Begins Thursday, Feb 2, 7-8 p.m.
In a series of six virtual classes, learn to program a collecting game using p5.js, a JavaScript library for artists and designers. This program is designed for students in fifth-12th grade with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and coding. It is organized by Vermont 4H and the University of Vermont School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Program is free. To learn more, see all dates, and register. Complete calendar of similar programs for young people.
Make a frame drum
Sunday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Participants will complete a 16-inch Native American-style frame drum in this class at Spirit Dancer on Flynn Avenue in Burlington. A deposit is required by Friday, Jan. 20, to hold a spot. To register or get more info, email or visit the website.