| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 9, 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 YOU CREATE
FRANKLIN--Annette Goyne leads a free Beginner Watercolor Class Birds on a Branch at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 10 p.m. The Franklin Arts Department class will use the Birds on a Branch painting to teach the steps to make your own artwork. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has a busy Saturday.
Mixed media artist Theresa Rowe will lead the new Intro to Junk Journals at the MAG on Saturday at 1 p.m. Explore mixed media techniques including inking, stamping, collaging, and layering to build a one-of-a-kind handmade journal using repurposed materials. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. The cost is $45. Click here to register and for more info.
Julia Davenport guides the Summer Paint and Sip at the MAG on Saturday at 4 p.m. The class work through the process of painting a forest scene step by step in acrylic. All supplies (minus the beverages) are provided. The cost is $45. Click here to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Ceramic Tree Days come to Maple Glazed Pottery on Sunday at 11 a.m. The cost of $30 is applied toward final purchase of one tree, glazes, instruction, and kiln firing. Click here for reservations and more info.
SHELDON--It's "Barn Quilt Therapy" as Kimberly Hess leads a hands-on Barn Quilt class to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary by painting and displaying a patriotic barn quilt at the Sheldon Historical Museum on Saturday at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. "Creativity rules, perfection is optional, and everyone leaves with a stunning barn quilt of their own." No barn or experience is required. The cost is $125-225, depending on the board size selected. Click here to register and 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.
ST. ALBANS--Artist Becky Chappell leads Neurographic Art, an adult craft, at the St. Albans Free Library on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The therapeutic technique "transforms stress into abstract visuals." Call 802.524.1507 to register. Click here for more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Downtown Art and Sidewalk Sales take art to the streets today through Saturday. Artists, crafters, artisans, creators, and a worship of writers will display special deals along with downtown businesses on tents and tables. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on folk artist Sally Tarr. 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 have a look at local art at it's finest on Facebook for more info.
The A.I.R. Gallery has changed the Featured Artist Receptions to a quarterly format. The next reception will be in September.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is Swanton native Kris Daignault who is doing floral renderings, designing and painting Barn Squares, and fine art photography. He is the current SAC co-chair. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
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.
HIGHGATE--St Louis Church hosts a free Step into Fun Square Dance in the air conditioned church hall on Sunday at 1 - 4 p.m. Call 802.582.0455 for more info.
NORTH HERO--Christine Henninger leads the Island Arts Jazz and Funk Dance Class in the GreenTARA Space on Monday-Friday, July 13-17, at 9 - 10 a.m. The high-energy class blends the technique and style of jazz dance with the attitude and groove of hip-hop. The class will have the dynamic choreography set to today's pop, R&B, and dance music. The cost is $80. Reservations are required. Call 201.446.1845 or click here for reservations and more info.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with John Waters' Hairspray, starring Sonny Bono, Ruth Brown, Divine, Debbie Harry, Ricki Lake in her film debut, and Jerry Stiller on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. In 1962 Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity. 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
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 to register and 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
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Community Center presents the Planetarium Lady with Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival at the Community Hall for two shows today at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The full-dome experience is an adventure about the adaptation and survival of dinosaurs, shown in 360 degrees! Seats are limited to about 15 people.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Fairfield Community Center hosts Franklin County NRCD's 80th Birthday Celebration on Monday at 5 p.m. The evening will offer a look back at the District's history and lasting impact across the county, community connection and pizza fresh from the Community Center's wood-fired oven plus a raffle of local farm products. All are welcome. Click here for more info and to RSVP so they can plan for food and refreshments.
SOUTH HERO--Vermont Humanities presents writer and filmmaker Jim Jones for Vermont’s Island Line Revisited at the Worthen Library on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Vermont's "Island Line" featured four drawbridges, three causeways, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating anecdotes on the ride from Burlington through Starr Farm Beach, Colchester, South Hero, Grand Isle, Camp Abenaki, North Hero, Isle La Motte station, Alburgh and Rouses Point to Montreal. Call Keagan Calkins (802.372.6209) or click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, July 9
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Shane Murley Band 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 the Soulshine Revival this evening starting at 6 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The seven-piece A House On Fire plays the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star brings New Orleans rock/funk/blues original band Hypno Nun to The Room this evening at 6:30 p.m. No cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, July 9-11
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with James Shelly tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Shane Murley Band at 5 p.m., and then the Hitmen return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus live on Saturday night is Kyle Stevens at 5 p.m., with the On Tap Luau Night starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, July 10
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents She Was Right on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The pork loin roast buffet 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.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Casper Lawless on the Somewhere between Psychotic and Iconic Tour with special guests Real Ova Deceit, Marvelous Kevo, Yvng Omh, 23BabyJay, Lil Butter, Inhail, and DJ Ron Stoppable in the Taproom at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 plus fees in advance or $18 day of show. Click here for tickets and more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with John Gratton in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub presents Harpo and Richard for "100% electro-acoustics" on Friday at 7 pm. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns to the Old Post on Friday at 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, July 10-12
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Chris & Erica perform on Friday at 6 p.m. and Rockin' Ron Gagnon rocks on Sunday at 3 p.m. The "the newest 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.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music this weekend. North Country Hit-n-Run kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Kyle Stevens on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Matt Hagen Duo takes the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Summer Soundwaves Series on Saturday has Grace Palmer at 2 p.m. and the People's House Band at 5 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week Burlington cover band 3rd Shift Vermont makes its Twiggs debut with roots and R&B on Friday and Laura Fedele-Rasco returns 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.
NORTH HERO--The Island Arts Summer Arts Festival continues with two big events on Saturday and Sunday.
The Island Arts Jam Session is an amateur musicians' event for everyone led by Tony Pietricola in the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 1-2:30 p.m. Musicians bring their instruments, from bassoon and cello to ukelele and washboard, to the barn. All ages OK. Click here for more info.
The Ken Clark Organ Trio plays soul, jazz, R&B, and funk in the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. This is their second appearance at the Summer Festival. Admission is $25-$30. Reserve a table online or at the door at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Click here for tickets and more info.
Saturday, July 11
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. Barry Hayes plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Northern Vermont indie folk artist Luke Dame will play the Forever Young stage at Spotlight Vintage on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Mill River Brewing blows the doors out with a Block Party with live music to celebrate their 9th anniversary on Saturday at 3 - 10 p.m. Barbie-n-Bones, the Smokey Newfield Project, and the Jerband will fill the afternoon and evening. John Montagne will carve live and Jon Young will paint live. The final pieces will go to the lucky bidders in a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Voices Against Violence/Laurie's House and Franklin County Animal Rescue. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series presents Summer Sounds favorites, the Tenderbellies, outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. The Vermont string band has a bluegrass backbone that incorporates blues, rock, soul, jazz and Dawg music. The evening will have intricate harmonies, fast instrumental jams, and improv exploration. 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. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Kids under 12 are admitted free. 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.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with She Was Right at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--Crusty, Trusty, Dusty and Gusty return to the Dick Wright Pub as Rusty Bucket Live at the Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The busy Shane Murley Band plays a special event at the North Hero House on Saturday at 6 p.m. The American singer-songwriter and his band play a mix of Americana, country-folk, and alternative rock with a twist of soul- funk. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue begins a new season with the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, July 12
FRANKLIN--Due North Vineyard on Skunks Misery Road hosts a Haston Library and Franklin Rec Benefit with live music from Uncle John's Band on Sunday from 12 noon - 4 p.m. There will be treats from the Creemee Cart, the wines of Due North, lawn games, and other activities. Admission is free by donation to support the Haston and the Rec.
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts She Was Right on Sunday at 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. The Barn has weekly live music, food trucks, and specialty tastings from May through October.
Monday, July 13
NORTH HERO--Vermont singer-songwriter Kyle Chadburn & the Earthbound Spirits play an eclectic mix of soulful, blues-oriented rock and rootsy Americana on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 14
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park with the Devon McGarry Band on Tuesday at 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday evenings have food, lawn games, and the Milton Farmers Market through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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 Tuesday. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, July 15
ESSEX--The Jammin' in July Summer Series presents the All Night Boogie Band on the Old Stage at the Double E on Wednesday at 5 p.m. All shows at The Old Stage are rain or shine. Click here or email for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Summer means music at Oxbow Park with Morrisville Live. This week, the
Devon McGarry Band plays on on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The a free, seven-week concert series is held Wednesday evenings through August 19. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--She Was Right plays well-known covers 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 continues with the Tangents in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 27. 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.
JERICHO--Summer Concert Series presents the famed TBA at Mills Riverside Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.899.1141, Email, or 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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 4 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.
Lake Champlain Access TV was there when Haiduck and Heckendorn played the Island Arts 2025 Summer Concerts on August 16, 2025. It's on LCATV.org.
Summer Sounds and Inch Beach favorite Mark Shelton sang a mixture of songs on June 30 on Facebook on April 1. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Adult Summer Reading Program continues through August 12: Readers will get a raffle ticket for every category read. Winners will be announced on August 12. Click here to sign up and for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library Book Club reads The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes today at 6 p.m. The debut psychological thriller features a young woman haunted by her best friend's mysterious death. A YouTube video that shows another woman dying in similar circumstances, brings her home to confront her past.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Public Library presents the Traveling Storyteller for Jack and the Beanstalk in the Montgomery Town Hall on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.. The afternoon will be "filled with exciting fun activities."
SHELDON--The Traveling Storyteller journeys to the Sheldon Municipal Library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page hosts a worship of writers--the Local Author Open House--during the St. Albans Downtown Art & Sidewalk Sales on Friday and Saturday. Adam Bassett, Cary Brunswick, Jesse DuRona, Julia Greenshaw, Victoria LaFountain, Bobbi Loney, Sandy Manning, Daniel Marshall, William McKone, DonnaRae Menard, Thomas C. Stuhr, Rory Van Tuinen, Katharine Whitcomb, Maryanne Wood, and more will talk about (and sell) their mysteries, romances, children's books, and autobiographies.
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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