| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 16, 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
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on award-winning photographer Wayne 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 find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is "art rebel" Faith Perrino-Dubois who currently feeds her soul with art journaling, collage and upcycled jewelry. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART FOR SALE
NORTH HERO--Champlain Islands creator Jennifer Pratt hosts the Island Arts' Artisans Market at the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The all day boutique will be filled with the works of local artisans. Click here for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--Ceramic Tree Days continue at 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.
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.
NORTH HERO--Pat Brennan leads the Handcrafted Shadow Box Workshop at the Island Arts Center on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The class will learn the layered technique of creating designs in a Shadow Box frame. The cost is $30. Click here for reservations and 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.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library's Creative Creatures meet to craft 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 WRITERS
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library Two-Sentence Story Contest continues. Tell a whole story in exactly two sentences of no more than 400 characters (including punctuation). There are four age categories including adults. Prizes include gift cards and event swag. Click here or visit the library in person for a submission form and 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.
ST. ALBANS--First Step Dance and Vermont Ballroom Dance offer Sunday Swing in St. Albans in City Hall on Sunday at 1 p.m. Learn (or re-learn) the basics of six-count swing dance. The Rec Department class is ideal for brand-new dancers or anyone with "just a bit of experience." The lessons will be followed by free open dancing from 2 - 3 p.m. to a variety of swing dance music. The cost for lessons is $15 for residents or $25 for nonresidents; the open dancing session is free. Registration is required. Click here to register and for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. No experience needed. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is $10 per class. Find them on Facebook 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 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.
FRANKLIN--The Zumba Drum up Support for Dick Wright Pub will be held in Franklin Town Hall and on ZOOM on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Drumming can be done standing or seated to songs such as I'm a believer, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Just Like Fire, Bella Ciao, Coconut and more. No experience necessary. Check in with Maureen Sodaro for the Zoom link or Click here for more info
HUMANITIES
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents the Planetarium Lady with Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival at the Franklin Town Hall today at 3 p.m. The full-dome experience is an adventure about the adaptation and survival of dinosaurs, shown in 360 degrees! Call (802.285.6505) or email to reserve a place in the planetarium 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.
SHELDON--Textile conservator Michele Pagan presents Early American Samplers--Finding History in Stitchery at the Sheldon Historical Society on Saturday at 2 p.m. Samplers were the test of a young girl's fitness to enter 18th and early 19th century society as a woman. Needlework was an essential skill in an era when every stitch of clothing was made by hand. A girl's education focused entirely on the "domestic arts" and a well finished sampler was a proud diploma. There will be refreshments. Email or Click here for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--George Spear and Members of the Vermont Society of Sons of the American Revolution will lead ILM's Revolutionary Roots: a Guided Driving Tour beginning at Burying Yard Point on Sunday at 2 p.m. The tour will include heritage markers exploring the period's history. Click here for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
JEFFERSONVILLE--Annelein Beukenkamp will lead Bright, Bold Blossoms at Bryan Memorial Gallery on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The one-day watercolor workshop will include working from life and from photographs. Participants will work on design elements including size, shape, value, color, line and texture. The cost is $75 for members or $80 for non-members.
Use promo code "BMGmember" to receive the discounted member pricing. Click here to register and for more info.
The workshop is now full. Call 802.644-5100 to be put on a cancellation list.
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--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Fiadhnait Moser leads the Expressionist Pet Portrait Night workshop at the MAG Art Center on Friday at 6 p.m. Participants will paint an expressionist pet portrait in acrylic paint on a 6"x8" canvas, learning concepts of value and color theory, All supplies are provided. The cost is $35. Click here to register and for more info.
Julia Davenport guides the Beginner Watercolor class on Saturday at 1 p.m. Participants will explore a watercolor techniques while creating a 9"x12" impressionistic, summer-inspired painting on paper. The cost is $45. 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.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, July 16
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts Ryan Sweezey for a special solo performance 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 today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music most Thursday evenings 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 Soule Monde this evening starting at 6 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email, or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Barbie -– Bones 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.
Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Jesse Agan tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and then 90 Proof returns 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 the Free Range Band at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, July 16-22
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. The Seth Yacovone Blues Trio lights the night afire on Friday. Blackwolf howls live on Saturday night. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. Seth Yacovone returns for a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, July 17
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Dennis Fox and Friends 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. The series continues with Sean Jarvis in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Skylark returns to Island Arts with classical, folk, and modern music in the Island Arts Center on Friday at 7 p.m. Ben Lively, violin and guitar; John Dunlop, cello; Jane Kittredge, violin; and Ana Ruesink, viola; create original works influenced by the Nordic, Celtic, and American regions for all audiences. Admission is $25 online and at the outlets or $30 at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
SHELDON--Frevo returns to Summer Music at Grace at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Featuring Peter Matthews, guitar; Wendy Matthews, flute; Steve Klimowski, clarinet; and Bonnie Thurber Klimowski, cello; the quartet offers fresh and eclectic arrangements of music old and new from Bach to the Beatles.
Admission is free but a generous donation supports the musicians. Bring your own beverage, a picnic to enjoy before the concert, and a dessert to share. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star hosts a Shiny New Toyz EP Release with Humdinger & the Bucksnort and Chaos Called Me on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post hosts a Hullabaloo Reunion Party on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, July 17-19
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. The Mad Mojo Band performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and the R&R Duo plays on Sunday at 3:30 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River gets jerborned this week. Vachsean plays Friday and Jerborn is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Real Big Blues on Friday and the Nobby Reed Project for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Shane Murley Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Ginger Geezus on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Alex Riddell 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 Lavendair Band take the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Saturday Soundwave Series has Season of Yes at 2 p.m. and Blue Northern live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots on Friday and Ryan Hanson 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, July 18
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. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--Pack the Pub with Waves of Adrenaline at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 5 p.m. The LCCA "welcomes everyone to join them at the Pub for another night of music and fun(draising)." There will be outside games, including cornhole and washers, and the LCCA will have hotdogs and snacks available for purchase. Admission is by suggested donation of $20; all proceeds benefit the Pub. Click here for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--The 5th annual Isle La Motte Music in the Park presents Vermont Band King Me in ILM Veteran's Park on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. The evening will include live music, food, and community. Shaun and Shelby King, Jesse Cowan, Matthew Guzowski, and Ryan Ochs play originals and rock from the mid 90s to today. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket! Meals will be available for cash purchase. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing presents the George Petit Trio in the "cozy jazz club" Sunroom on Saturday night at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company has a busy Saturday planned.
21 Songwriters take over the Taproom for a day of music workshops and performances on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Concerts start at 4:30. Admission is free but all donations benefit Lakeshore Community Event. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
Phantom Suns, Fall District, Doom Service, and Yes, Machine take over the Room for an evening of alternative rock, groovepunk, Scooby Doom Punk, and more on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. $10 cover for all ages. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, July 19
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts Chris & Issy 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 20
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Business & Community Association's monthly Summer Sounds in Lincoln Park series continues with Second Hand Blues on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Some special guests are expected to sit in on a few songs. The rain date is Wednesday. Each perfomance has live music, food, and community. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Dimmer Triplets play Grateful Americana, Beatles, Stones and more 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 21
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park gets jerborned as the Jerband takes the stage 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.
ENOSBURG--Free Summer Concerts in the Park continue with the Enosburg Town Band on the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The evening also includes arts and crafts activities thanks to the Enosburg Public Library, popcorn and drinks to support the Enosburg Business Association, and ice cream sundaes to support the Franklin County Cat Crusaders. The concerts will continue every Tuesday through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, July 22
ESSEX--The Jammin' in July Summer Series presents Soul Porpoise with the Project on the Old Stage at the Double E on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Admission is free. All shows at The Old Stage are rain or shine. Click here or email for more info.
NORTH HERO--Texas-born singer-songwriter Shane Murley Duet sings "Americana-country-folk-alternative rock with a twist of soul-funk" 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 Mad Mojo 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--The Summer Concert Series presents TBD at Mills Riverside Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.899.1141, Email, or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Strange Machines front man Mike Mac returns to Two Heroes Brewery on Wednesday evening 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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up A Founding Mother by Laura Kaye and Stephanie Dray on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The novel the novel is an intimate portrait of the fiercely independent patriot Abigail Adams.
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.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Public Library hosts Vermont writers Alexis Lathem and Melissa H. Cronin for an evening of readings and discussion this evening at 5 p.m.
Ms. Lathem will read from her memoir Lambs in Winter: Sketches of a Vermont Life Through Seasons of Change. Ms. Cronin will read from The Peach: A Memoir of Trauma, Survival, and Forgiveness. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--Two Swanton Free Public Library book clubs meet this week.
The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich on Monday at 6 p.m. Registration is required. The first Lizzy and Diesel book is set at Dazzle's Bakery in Salem, Massachusetts, Call the library (802.868.7656) or click here for more info.
The Pocketbook Club takes up The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The historical fantasy tells the story of a young French woman who made a bargain with the Dark in 1714. It made her immortal, but cursed her to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Registration is required. Call the library (802.868.7656) or 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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