| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 23, 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.
... FROM THE ARTBITS DESK ...
E-Mail Delivery
Sign up to receive the free weekly ArtBits
newsletter by e-mail
or by RSS feed.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
SHELDON--The Sheldon Historical Society hosts the Sheldon Old Home Days "Let Freedom Ring" celebration of Sheldon and its history on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. The day includes live music from Doug and Pauline, the Green Mountain Chorus, and the Old Man Garage Band, a parade, a BBQ, and more. Click here for the full day agenda and more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 36th annual Jig in the Valley takes over the Meeting House green for eight hours of music with the Missisquoi River Band, Uncle John's Band, Boxcar Breakdown Bluegrass, the Stragglers, the Buck Hollers, and the Nobby Reed Project all on Sunday starting at noon.
There will be flea market vendors, a silent auction, cow plop, a parade, raffles, cow plop, and the food tent with grilled chicken, burgers and dogs, sesame noodles, potato salad, wood fired pizza, and free local salads, beverages, the world famous pie table, and free ice cream. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. All proceeds support Fairfield Community Center programs; the Jig is their biggest fundraiser. The event is rain or shine. In case of rain, the music will move into the Meeting House. Email Paula Boomhower, call 802.827.6577 or 802.373.8979 to volunteer or click here for more info
THEATER
ENOSBURG--Extra! Extra! The World Will Know! The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents Newsies in a four show run this evening, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.Lyle Broe as Jack Kelly and the newsboys take on the powerful and win in this high-energy musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys' Strike of 1899. The production has a cast of more than 60. Kristi Kollar is making her directorial debut. Click here for tickets and more info.
ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council will host a free Opening Reception for Liminal pottery and woodworking by artists Hannah and Charles Cieri as part of the Paracosm Pop-up series in the Sugarhouse at the Visions of Vermont Fine Art Gallery on Saturday at 4 - 6 p.m. The Green Mountain Skillet Lickers will play live bluegrass music. Refreshments will be served. The show will run until August 10 and will be part of the 2026 Jeffersonville Art Jam. Click here for more info.
SHELDON--Quilts of Valor opens a three day exhibit at The Sheldon Historical Museum today from 10 - 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 - 3 p.m. The artistry and craftsmanship of the handmade quilts honors service and sacrifice.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on watercolor painter and fiber artist Deborah Travis . 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 local artist Katie Foster works in animation and digital media. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART YOU CREATE
MILTON--Artist, writer, and teacher Fiadhnait Moser will lead a Misty Mountains Paint Night at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center on Friday at 6 p.m. The beginner-friendly acrylic paint night. will cover simple blending techniques and the basics of color theory. Lemonade will be provided or BYOB. The cost is $40. Click here for tickets and more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council free Art Journaling Group meets in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Art journals, junk journals, art pages and more are on the table and make for fun for artists, writers, scrap bookers, and more. The group meets to share ideas and to take time to create. Gatherings are traditionally held at the library on the fourth Monday of every month. If you need supplies to get started, check out the library's Makerspace or click here 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.
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
ST. ALBANS--The Depot offers Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg on Thursdays at 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. Each session will include intermediate level lessons and dance, absolute to high beginner level lessons and dance teaching basic dance steps, improver level lessons and dance, and open dance and requests. Dance steps are called as needed and requests are welcomed. 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.
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--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
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 Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and the Franklin and Grand Isle County Natural Resources Conservation Districts host a Community Land & Water Conversation in the North Hero Community Hall on Friday at 6 p.m. With a focus on community priorities related to water quality, habitat, recreation, and access, participants will help identify future projects and opportunities. Dinner will be provided, and participants will receive a $42 stipend. Click here to register and for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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. Becky Chappell will explore Mixed Media Print Making in a hands-on workshop at the MAG Art Center on Saturday afternoon at 1 - 4 p.m. Participants will work with gelli plates, monoprints, stamps, and stenciling. All supplies are provided. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
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.
Julia Davenport guides the Summer Zentangle on Monday at 3 p.m. Participants will create Zentangle patterns on a small scale using just a few simple supplies with touches of color to bring the designs to life. Zentangle is a drawing technique invented by the monk Rick Roberts and artist Maria Thomas to combine meditation and art. Beginners are always welcome. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
MONTGOMERY--It's "Christmas in July" as Roberta Wendel leads the Punch Needle Rug Hooking Class at the Montgomery Center for the Arts on Sunday at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Supplies are included to make a small wool Christmas tree. The cost is $110. Click here for tickets and more info.
FRANKLIN--Are you watercolor curious? Franklin Arts Department presents Annette Goyne to lead the free Beginner Summer Watercolor Class "Butterflies and Dragonflies" at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 12 noon. This class to paint bright summer creatures is for beginners who want to explore watercolor, or artists who would like to try a different style of painting. The class is sold out. Email or click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, July 23
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Blues Over Easy 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.
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts King Me 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.
MONTGOMERY--The free Montgomery Summer Sessions live from the Rec Center presents Hammer Lane this evening starting at 6 p.m. "Food and fun for the whole family." Email, or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Sticks & Stones 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 23-25
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with a girl and her guitar, Laura Fedele-Rasco, tonight at 6 p.m., Chris Bell on Friday night at 5 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Charlie Rice at 5 p.m., and Nickel & Dime at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Seth Yacovone plays solo on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Alternate Take takes the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. The Soundwave Series has the Faerie Godbrothers live on Saturday at 5 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, July 16-22
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in July. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. Tristen Sellars and Chris Lyon light the night afire on Friday. Abby Sherman & the Way North play on Saturday. Steep Creek Duo takes over on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. And Evngwear is there with freak-fired jazz fusion for the masses on Wednesday night live.
Friday, July 24
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Nobby Reed Project on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The meatball subs 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Phil Graziano in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Tim Brick with a special solo concert at Mill River Brewing on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub hosts the R & R Duo on Wednesday at 7 pm. Gary Rudin and Marie Ragan play folk, country, oldies, and soft rock covers. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Sticks and Stones, nominated for best cover band In the state, return 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 24-26
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. The Milkhouse Heaters perform on Friday at 6 p.m. and Bettenroo plays 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Prit'Near plays Friday and McMaple is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The jerborned Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Jerband kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Magnetic Horse on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Laura Fedele-Rasco on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week Mr. Sing-A-Long Dave Miller returns on Friday and Will Austin plays 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--Island Arts has a double header this weekend.
Skylark returns to Island Arts with classical, folk, and modern music in the Island Arts Center, the Homer Knight Barn) 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. Table tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Sylvia Parker plays the classics in the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 4 p.m. The solo piano recital of shorter classical music will include Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Bartok, George Gershwin, and Scott Joplin. She will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand provided by the Vermont Youth Orchestra. Admission is $25 online and at the outlets or $30 at the door. Click here for tickets and more info. Table tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Saturday, July 25
ST. ALBANS--It's Christmas in July, part of the 2026 Festival of Trees, at the Northwest Farmers Market that 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. Antara & Chris Cheney plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--"Let Freedom Ring." Sheldon Old Home Days celebrates with live music from Doug and Pauline, the Green Mountain Chorus, and the Old Man Garage Band, a parade, a BBQ, and more on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Click here for the full day agenda and more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council will host The Green Mountain Skillet Lickers to play live bluegrass music in the the Paracosm Pop-up series in the Sugarhouse at the Visions of Vermont Fine Art Gallery on Saturday at 4 - 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with Cooie's Trio at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. With cold beer, hot showers, and hotter music, it's the draw of the Kingdom.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Laura Fedele-Rasco Live at the Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Click here for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with the high-energy, 5-piece DSM5 Band for rock, blues, and soul covers 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.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop! -- a Comedy Show live in The Room on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The former Boston Comedy Club offers a brand new line-up of comedians each month. Admission is $25 plus tax and fees. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Nightrain at Champlain Country Club live on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to close every day with pub fare from nachos and chicken wings to salads, burgers, salmon, and chicken to dinner options and libations. Admission is $10. Click here for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, July 26
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts singer-songwriter Bethany Conner 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 27
NORTH HERO--Jeff Shelley plays "everything from Neil Diamond to Pearl Jam to the Beatles" on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Franklin County Open Mic and 14th Star Brewing Company host Open Mic #2 at 14th Star on Monday at 7 p.m. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a joke, or enjoy. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 28
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park with the Milton Community 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.
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 29
ESSEX--The Jammin' in July Summer Series presents Kyle Chadburn and the Earthbound Spirits 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.
MORRISVILLE--Summer means music at Oxbow Park with Morrisville Live. This week,
Al's Pals play on on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The rotating cast of Vermont musicians led by bass player-singer Alex Budney plays funk, soul, blues, and rock. The free, seven-week concert series is held Wednesday evenings through August 19. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Lloyd Tyler Duet bring folk, country, rock, blues and Americana to 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 as Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers return to 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 concludes with the well known and always beloved TBD at Mills Riverside Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.899.1141, email, or Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Ken Clark Duo comes 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.
WESTFORD--The Citizens Concert Band concludes its summer series on the Westford Town Common on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
NW Access TV was there when McMaple played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on August 20, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Lake Champlain Access TV was there when Sohyun Ahn played solo piano in the Island Arts 2025 Summer Concerts on August 22, 2025. It's on LCATV.org.
Summer Sounds and Inch Beach favorite Mark Shelton sang Classic Gospel on Facebook on July 12, 2026. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Public Library hosts a Community Storytelling Event this evening at 6 p.m. Attendees will share and listen to true, first-person stories. First time storytellers are welcome and encouraged. Email Samara Anderson for details and guidance.
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Book Club takes up The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett this afternoon at 3 p.m. The "darkly comic" novel follows a 63-year old, million-dollar lottery winner on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush. There is, of course, a cat who can predict death. Call the library (802.849.2420) or email for more info or for the Zoom link to attend remotely.
The 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.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents award-winning Vermont writer Jamie Andrea Garzot in a free, interactive book talk at the Franklin Town Hall on Saturday at 11 a.m. , Complimentary copies of Ms. Garzot's debut memoir, Unconventional: A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot, will be available while supplies last. The book is part business memoir, part political chronicle, part personal reckoning. It recounts a decade building one of California's first licensed retail cannabis operations. The event is free and open to the public.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets for Behold a Fair Woman by Francis Duncan on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The seventh book in the Mordecai Tremaine series. His hobby of choice--crime detection--has left him in need of a holiday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library has two events this week.
The annual Library Book Sale is filled with treasures news and old on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Click here for more info.
The Classics Book Club takes up the original Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and the graphic novel Alice in Wonderland on Saturday at 1 p.m. Registration is required. Call the library (802.868.7656) or click here to register and 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 ... |
||
Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
||
Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
|
This article may also have originally been published in the traditional print media. It is Copyright © 2025 by Richard B. Harper. All rights reserved.
Archival material is provided as-is. Links are not necessarily maintained (if a link in this article fails, try Google.com or your favorite search engine). Thanks to recent misuse of copyright material on the Internet by individuals and archival firms alike, we emphasize that your rights to this article are limited to viewing it and printing it for personal use only. You must receive explicit permission from the All Arts Council and the author before reprinting or redistributing this article in any medium. Visit our Trademarks and Copyright page for more information. |