Calendar of events: June 18 – July 22, 2023
Please send event listings at least three weeks in advance of your event.
Growing young gardeners
Thursday, June 15- Thursday, August 17, 10 a.m.-noon
Every Thursday, young people are invited to participate in a free gardening program at the Vermont Garden Park on Dorset Street in South Burlington. A program of the Burlington Garden Club, kids and their accompanying adults learn about different subjects related to gardening. It is not required to attend each week. Best for ages 4-10 with a grown-up (or two). Each session is free; snack time and a craft project is included. Read more and see what to bring, and scroll down a bit.
Birds in our forests
Friday, June 16, noon-1 p.m.
Tim Duclos of Audubon Vermont discusses Vermont’s forest bird populations, and how avian diversity can predict overall ecosystem health. For more info and to register for this free presentation via Zoom.
Allman Brothers tribute
Friday, June 16, 7-9:30 p.m.
Shelburne Vineyard welcomes the authentic and local sounds of Soulshine Revival in a lively tribute to the Allman Brothers Band. Tickets and more info.
Illustrating nature
Friday- Sunday, June 16-18, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn about patterns in nature, forms and functions, tiny parts as well as whole plants. This three-day workshop with illustrator Susan Sawyer includes field exploration, instruction and the enjoyment of the natural world. No experience is necessary for this class at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. Complete info and registration.
Seventeen syllables
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
No writing experience required for a haiku workshop at Vermont Zen Center in Shelburne. Learn some history about this understated written form, usually evoking elements of the natural world. Event is rain or shine; take notes and pictures during the walk around the gardens for inspiration. More info and registration.
Carve a diminutive owl
Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Carve and paint a saw-whet owl, with the assistance of a member of the Green Mountain Woodcarvers, at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington. More info and registration.
A bit of Scottish history
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A celebration of Scottish history and heritage takes place at Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, NY. Bagpipes, musket demonstrations, clan tents and boat cruises are just part of this living history event. Hear heroic stories of the Scottish soldiers who served in the British Army when they served at the Fort in the 18th century. Admission is included in daily fee. More info.
Art at Horsfords
Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn the basics of carving a linoleum block and printing your designs on paper and fabric at Horsfords Garden and Nursery in Charlotte. Jen Berger leads the course in blockprinting botanicals. More info and registration.
Sheep and more sheep
Saturday, June 17, noon-3 p.m.
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh is pleased to invite all ages to their Sheep and Wool Day, a free event with wool spinning, a printing press demonstration, lawn games, crafts, a musical instrument petting zoo, and of course, sheep to visit. Soak up the history of the Robinson’s farm in the early 1800s. Museum entrance is free up until 5 p.m. for visiting exhibitions and buildings during the sheep festival. Read more about Rokeby events.
From Nashville to Vermont
Saturday, June 17, begins 5 p.m.
Vermont native and crowd favorite Jamie Lee Thurston puts on a free show at Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero for his many fans. Music starts at 5 p.m.; bring blankets or chairs and picnic dinners. Food trucks and beverages available for purchase. No outside alcohol permitted. Read more or call 802-324-5563.
Jazz from the greats
Saturday, June 17, 6-8:30 p.m.
Blue Moon Music performs at Shelburne Vineyard in a free concert on the patio. No tickets or reservations needed. Blue Moon features Hilary Kissel, vocalist, plus guitar and piano. Read more.
Outdoor skills for women
Saturday, June 17, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Outdoorsy Women Learning Survival Skills (OWLS Skills) present three adventure-based trainings for women: June 17 is survival basics; June 18 is shelter creation; and June 24-25 is a two-day navigation class. These courses take place near Burlington. Learn more and register or email.
Abenaki heritage weekend
Saturday-Sunday, June 17-18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Explore the Abenaki perspective on life in the Champlain Valley. Citizens from several nations and tribes will give presentations and hold workshops. Drumming, singing, dancing, crafts and storytelling are part of this free, two-day family celebration at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. More info.
Gerald and Piggie on stage
Sunday, June 18, 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.
Lyric Theatre Company, based in South Burlington, presents two free performances of “Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play” story. This musical follows Gerald, the elephant and Piggie on their adventures with their friends the Squirrelles on the Circus Lawn at Shelburne Museum. Perfect for all ages. Reservations strongly suggested because performances do fill up. Learn more and register.
Science of Father’s Day
Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee offers free admission to dads today. Bring the family, explore the exhibits, bring a picnic to enjoy and have a memorable visit at this special place. Read more.
Father’s Day celebration
Sunday, June 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Make-A-Wish Vermont and the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory invite all families and dads to a food truck festival at Vermont Teddy Bear in Shelburne. Free to attend. Numerous food trucks will offer delicious eats and drinks for purchase. More info and reserve a spot.
Juneteenth in Charlotte
Sunday, June 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, June 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Freestyling our Futures is a free, two-day family event at the Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte. Numerous free activities celebrate Black culture, history and resilience with live music, an arts and crafts market, free food and community co-creation art projects. Limited space; registration encouraged. Read more about the Farm.
A living memorial of Charlotte
Every Sunday, 1-4 p.m., June 18-October 9
Charlotte’s Historical Society has its home at the Charlotte Memorial Museum at the intersection of Church Hill Road, Museum Road and Hinesburg Road. The museum opens Sunday, June 18, for the season. Inside the circa 1850 Greek Revival building are archival photos, historical arts and crafts, and home and farm implements of yesteryear. Stop by to learn more about the town that was established 261 years ago, on June 24, 1762. More info.
Free admission to Rokeby
Monday, June 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh celebrates Juneteenth with free admission for visitors to buildings, exhibits and trails. Between 1792 and 1961, generations of the Robinson family farmed and worked hard on this tract of land. The first of their family established mills on near-by Lewis Creek. Sheep farming began in 1810 and grew into a thriving business. Rowland T. and Rachel Robinson were radical abolitionists who sheltered dozens of fugitives from slavery during the mid-1800s. More info.
Do you fancy a spot of tea?
Tuesday, June 20, 1 p.m.
Vermont Public invites all British comedy and drama fans to a British tea at the Essex Resort and Spa in Essex. Two speakers will discuss British sitcom history as well as upcoming British shows that you’ll want to watch. Tea, finger sandwiches and snacks will be served; it’s optional to wear your Sunday finery. Tickets are available by donating to Vermont Public. More info and registration.
Everyone, make some music!
Wednesday, June 21, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
If you can’t be in Charlotte on this day, there are locations in over 120 countries that will celebrate Make Music Day, the first day of summer. Live music and community spirit will infuse our town with good feelings and a shared appreciation for music in our lives. Whether you participate or listen, come on out to the Senior Center in Charlotte from 1-4 p.m., or the Charlotte Library porch from 4-7 p.m., to share the fun. Dancing welcomed. Bring your instruments, including your voice, because we all need more music. If you’d like to get your name on the program, email Nick. Showing up spur-of-the-moment is fine, as well.
Street trees of Burlington
Wednesday, June 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Take a stroll around some Burlington streets with a naturalist while learning about some of the trees and plants you see. When you drive through, you might not see them, but there are many special tree species on the Burlington streets. Christian Pages leads this free walk organized by City Market Coop. More info and registration.
The impact of deer browse
Thursday, June 22, noon-1 p.m.
Deer love to browse on young saplings for nourishment, yet those saplings are needed to replace the older generations of trees in a forest. Join ecologist Kate Miller in an online program, organized by the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, about her research into this challenge. To register.
Trapping and hunting discussion
Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding an online public hearing about new proposed regulations for trapping and for hunting coyotes with the aid of dogs. Read the new proposed rules. The link for tonight’s hearing. The comment period on these issues is open now through Friday, June 30, by emailing.
Little Shop of Horrors
Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, 7 p.m.
The Williston Community Theater presents the iconic story, “Little Shop of Horrors,” at the Isham Family Farm in Williston. Get tickets.
City Hall Park concert
Friday, June 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Burlington City Arts is pleased to welcome all ages to the park to hear The Pour Cousins, a guitar and fiddle duo playing roots music from New England as well as Ireland, Scotland and Quebec. Event is one of many free daytime and evening performances in the park. See the calendar.
Summer of science possibilities
Friday, June 23-Sunday, August 6, various times
The University of Vermont Extension 4-H department offers many free summer programs for high school students (and some younger) who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. Pre-registration is required for these events; read more and register and scroll to Summer of Science.
Built from the earth
Saturday, June 24, 2-3 p.m.
Take a guided tour with the curator of the Shelburne Museum’s special exhibition of Pueblo pottery. Included in admission fee. Read more.
Friends, families and fireflies
Saturday, June 24, 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Gregory Pask of Middlebury College will help participants identify fireflies at the Otter Creek Gorge in Weybridge. The evening is for all ages; bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the campfire and count firefly flashes. Free event organized by Middlebury Area Land Trust; no registration needed. More info and directions.
Words in the woods
Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Author, artist and teacher Toby MacNutt will speak live at Kingsland Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh as part of a Vermont Humanities writers program. Toby will read from his work and talk about his life and writing process. Register in advance for this free program. More info about Toby.
Tenderbellies in Richmond
Sunday, June 25, 5 p.m.
The Richmond Historical Society starts off their Round Church Concert Series with Vermont-based group The Tenderbellies. Their music is a blend of blues, soul, Americana, jazz and bluegrass. Some concerts are inside the Church, some are on the lawn where picnics and blankets are welcome (no dogs or alcohol). Call the Church at 802-434-2556 for information about which shows are inside or outside. Family-friendly events; doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets to the series. Click on the band’s name for more info about the music. Tickets also at the door.
Cooie DeFrancesco
Sunday, June 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
DeFrancesco sings traditional tunes, popular songs and originals in the blues, jazz and folk genres. She presents a free concert on the patio at Shelburne Vineyard; no tickets or reservations required. More info.
Plein Air at Shelburne Museum
Monday, June 26-Wednesday, June 28, 9:15 a.m.-noon
Get comfortable painting outdoors, in your chosen medium, while surrounded by historical architecture and picturesque gardens as subjects. Enjoy group encouragement and guidance from artist leader Stephanie Bush from the Shelburne Craft School. Best for all experience levels, ages 16 and over; participants use their own materials. Read more and register.
Animal ambassadors at Library
Wednesday, June 28, 1-2:30 p.m.
An educator from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee will be at the Charlotte Public Library with some impressive animal visitors, including two reptiles and a bird of prey. Get up close to the animals and learn about their importance in the natural world. No registration required.
Wildlife walk
Wednesday, June 28, 5-7 p.m.
Conservation biologist Mark LaBarr of Audubon Vermont leads a walk through the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, sharing ways to make our lands wildlife friendly habitats for all creatures. Free program of Sustainable Charlotte; wear comfortable walking shoes. For more info, call Cathy Hunter at 802-355-0439.
Mushroom meander
Thursday, June 29, 5-7:30 p.m.
The Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington hosts local author and mycologist Meg Madden for an observation walk around the museum’s property. Learn identification tips and the important roles fungi play in a forest habitat. Registration required and includes a signed copy of Madden’s new book on mushrooms. Note: This is not a foraging program. Read more and register.
Paddling the canoe trail
Thursday, June 29, 6-7 p.m.
Teacher, canoeist and musician Peter Macfarlane presents his story about paddling the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Program is at Vergennes’ Bixby Library and is free and open to all.
Women in music
Friday, June 30, 6 p.m.
Lincoln Peak Vineyard in New Haven presents a Women in Music series of concerts in June, July and August. Concerts are free but require registration. Food and drinks available for purchase. Sarah King opens the series with her thought-provoking Americana music. Bring blankets and the family; no outside alcohol allowed. Read more and reserve spots.
Extended exhibition through Friday, July 21
Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh is currently exhibiting 15 pictorial hooked rugs that chronicle significant African American women and events. The rugs are reproductions of a 1947 series of linocuts from artist Elizabeth Catlett’s I am the Black Woman series. The exhibition has been extended through July 21. Rokeby is open 10-5 daily.