| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 6, 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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FESTIVALS and EVENTS
ST. ALBANS-- St Luke's Episcopal, the St Albans Museum, St Paul's Methodist, Franklin County Courthouse, First Congregational Church, and St Albans City host a Church Street Celebration, an old fashioned block party with a DJ for dancing down the Church Street Historic District, on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Visit all the historic buildings on Taylor Park for tours and open houses. There will be a steam engine, kids activities, yard games, square dancing, a family-friendly DJ, and a concert of the bells. Did I menthon the steam engine? Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council's annual town-wide Jeffersonville Art Jam takes over Main Street with live art and live music on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The festival has three gallery shows each at the Bryan Gallery and at Visions of Vermont Three Gallery. The Sidewalk Art Show fills the sidewalk alongside artist demos, the Emerging Artists group show, food trucks, live music and children's activities. Green Mountain Swing leads off at 10:30 a.m. and High Summer takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Homestead FUNdraiser will fill the Franklin Town Hall with live music by Rosie Newton and Uncle John's Band on Sunday at 12 noon - 4 p.m. There will be a a live auction, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and light refreshments. Admission is free. All proceeds will go to support affordable and supportive housing at Franklin Homestead and Carriage House. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero Historical Society Historic House Tour celebrates the historic buildings, families, and traditions of the Champlain Islands on Sunday at 12 noon. The self-paced, driving tour will have guides at each stop to share stories about the history and community life in the Islands. Tickets are $60. All proceeds will support a new North Hero Fire Station.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on St. Albans native and visual artist Colleen Blatchley. 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.
The A.I.R. Gallery has changed the Featured Artist Receptions to a quarterly format. The next reception will be in September.
STOWE--Bryan Gallery debuts JuanCarlos Gonzalez's solo show, Vermont Light, with an opening reception on Saturday at 1 - 4 p.m. The show runs through October 11. The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville is open Wednesday-Sunday 11 - 4 and the Stowe Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 4, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Artist of the Week is "hooked on art" still photographer Nancy Fuller who uses her photographs as subjects for paintings in oil, acrylic, or pen & ink with a watercolor wash. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ART FOR SALE
SOUTH HERO--The Summer Artisan Market takes over Snow Farm Vineyards on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be local artisans and Boerie Roll will prepare food on site. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star hosts the Remix Physical Media Market with music movies, and nostalgia in the Taproom on Sunday at 12 noon - 3 p.m. Shop collections of vinyl records, CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs, cassettes, retro media, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Cardmaking with Barb in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library today at 2 - 4 p.m. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your own glue and scissors. The card making workshops take place the first Thursday of each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call (802.752.7917) or email Barb Switzer or email the Swanton Library , to register or for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Spotlight Village crafts some mermaid magic with a Mermaid Crown Headdress workshop on Sunday at 2 p.m. The afternoon of crafting and giggles will bedazzle gold or silver crowns. The cost is $55. All materials and some light snacks are supplied. Find them on Facebook 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.
FRANKLIN--The Franklin Arts Department and the Dick Wright Pub host a Family Art Class with Jordan Bushey on Wednesday at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The class is free as part of the Free to Make Art - Summer 2026 series but registration is required. All materials will be provided and no painting experience is necessary. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Find them on Facebook to register and for more info.
FILM
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts The Wanted 18, the fourth in a series of five films organized by Franklin County for Palestine at the MCA on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. 18 cows, the "wanted 18," are pursued by the Israeli army near Bethlehem. Admission is free.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library 17th annual Film Noir Festival begins today with The Suspect with Charles Laughton and Ella Raines on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The 1944 film was set in Edwardian London in 1902 with Scotland Yard, accidental death, actual murder, blackmail, and more. 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
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center has two gatherings this week.
The library hosts a Garden Tea Party with Bob the Garden Guy plus sweet treats, teas, and crafts on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
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.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild Queer Art Club returns on Saturday at 5 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to work on or to take a 30 minute art demo. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HUMANITIES
ENOSBURG--AgeWell hosts a Franklin County Caregiver Support Group at the Enosburg Public Library this afternoon at 1 p.m. The gathering is open to all caregivers. The nonprofit has a variety of services for older adults at agewellvt.org. They do not charge fixed fees for their core services, but instead operate on a voluntary contribution and suggested donation model.
ALBURGH--The Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and the Franklin and Grand Isle County Natural Resources Conservation Districts host a Community Land & Water Conversation in the Islands in the Sun Senior Center on Monday 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
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center hosts Mat Heagerty in-person for a Graphic Novel Workshop in the Town of Highgate back conference room this afternoon at 2 - 3 p.m. The comic book writer from Bridport has written Martian Ghost Centaur, Unplugged and Unpopular, and the graphic novel Lumberjackula. Call the Highgate Library (802.868.3970) for more info. This event is made possible by the 2026 CLiF Summer Readers grant. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Fiadhnait Moser leads the Impasto Oil Painting workshop to paint the Coast of Ireland on Friday at 5 p.m. The class will explore composition and color theory to create impressionistic oil paintings using just a palette knife and paint. All supplies are provided. The cost is $50 per workshop. Click here to register and for more info.
Robert Waldo Brunelle guides Learn to Draw on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The workshop will introduce and explore the essential drawing techniques for creating both realistic spaces and expressive portraits..The cost is $80. 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.
IN THE ISLANDS--Island Arts has two workshops this week.
Lucie Faulkner leads Part 1 of the Clay Ornaments Workshop at the Island Arts Center in North Hero on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Participants will use "Air-Hardening Modeling Clay" to make holiday ornaments. The workshop is free but registration is requested. All materials including paint to decorate the pieces will be supplied. Click here to register and for more info. Part 2 of the workshop will be held August 18.
Pat Brennan leads the Handcrafted Greeting Card Workshop on South Street in South Hero on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. This session will teach the basic card making techniques. A tool kit ($7) that includes a dispenser with double-sided tape, glue dots, sponge daubers, and a little bling is required in addition to the class fee. Bring scissors if you have them. The cost is $12 which includes two card kits per class. Click here to register and for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, August 6
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts Chris and Issy 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 with the Hitmen 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.
SOUTH HERO--The Vermont Willistones play 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, August 6-8
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Tim Brick solo tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Charlie Rice at 5 p.m., and then the Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows as the Inn gets jerborned live on Saturday night with Cooper at 5 p.m., and the Jerband at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
STOWE--The Sound of Music In Concert continues its four night run at the Trapp Family Lodge this evening through Saturday at 7 p.m. The hills are alive again at the Concert Meadow. Presented by the James E. Dianich Family, the concerts are produced by Lyric Theater and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. In case of inclement weather, performances will take place at The Flynn in Burlington. Click here for tickets and more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, August 6-12
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in October. Michael Perry leads Open Mic Night tonight. O Odious Ones light the night afire on Friday. The sound system takes the day off on Saturday. Hammer Lane drives in on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. Songwriter Pam McCoy of Familiar Faces plays Tuesday. And Jaded Ravins are there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, August 7
ENOSBURG--Sleeveless Tease brings contemporary pop, rock, and dance numbers to the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Jesse Agan on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The taco 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 Bob C in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--90 Proof returns to the Old Post with special guest Kelly Dolan Stuber on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 7-9
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. The Blue Rock Boys perform live on Friday at 6 p.m. and Rockin' Ron Gangon 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 August. Kyle Stevens hosts Karaoke on Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project plays live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Downtown Dan on Friday and Rock On 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. Sticks and Stones kick it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Dan Parks on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Milton Busker & The Grim Work take the stage on Friday at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Summer Soundwave Series has the Spring Chickens at 3 p.m. and Minced Oats at 6 with the special BBQ menu. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week Ken Schofield's Old Friends Band featuring Phil Graziano, Billy Boom, Ron Horton, Stetson Ward, and probably some other surprises all show up on Friday evening. Cooie Sings 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, August 8
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council's annual town-wide Jeffersonville Art Jam takes over Main Street with live art and live music on Saturday. Green Mountain Swing leads off at 10:30 a.m. and High Summer takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Justin Taylor will play the Forever Young stage at Spotlight Vintage on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. His new album, Running Stop Signs, released in June. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorites the Dixie Six play Satchmo's Louisiana in the Island Arts Center (the Homer Knight Barn) on Saturday at 4 p.m. Tony Pietricola, Lisa Henry, Chris Gribnau, Rich Magnuson, Charlie MacFayden, and George Voland bring the sound and repertoire of Louis Armstrong's All Stars of the 1950s and 60s. Admission is $25 online and at local outlets or $30 at the door. Add a reserved table for cabaret seating and BYOB for $15 for a 2-top or $25 for a 4-top. Click here for tickets and more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2026 Meeting House Music Series presents the Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. Mr. Vega is a teacher, an international ambassador of Latin jazz, and a VPR host. He has performed and/or recorded with Joe Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Paul Simon, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and others.
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 with those under 12 admitted free. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. 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 Family Lodge has a double header on Saturday. The Bierhall Summer Music Series takes music to the Biergarten on Saturday night with the Shane Murley Trio at 4:30 p.m. The Jazz Saturdays Series presents the Bart Feller Trio on the Patio or in Sunroom on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 6 p.m. With cold beer, hot showers, and hotter music, it's the draw of the Kingdom.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents bassist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Mowgli Giannitti Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Find them on Facebook or click here for more info.
Sunday, August 9
MILTON--Maquam Barn & Winery hosts Troy Millette & the Fire Below 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, August 10
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Business & Community Association's monthly Summer Sounds in Lincoln Park series concludes with Jerborn & Justin on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The rain date is Monday, August 17. Each perfomance has live music, food, and community. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Allison Peryer will join John Seiden with "a bunch of new tunes" from by Kacey Musgraves, Allen Stone, 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, August 11
MILTON--Fresh from the field and live from the stage, music fills the Milton Outdoor Performance Center at Bombardier Park with B-Town 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, August 12
MORRISVILLE--Summer means music at Oxbow Park with Morrisville Live. This week, Ryan Sweezy and the Midnight Walkers play 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--AmerikanaBlue plays folk, rock, protest, blues, and country 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 gets jerborned with the Jerband in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Special awards for reading his t-shirt out loud. 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.
SOUTH HERO--Singer-songwriter Giovanina Bucci returns to the Two Heroes Brewery stage on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Jamie Lee Thurston returns to the Old Post for a special, up-close and personal acoustic show on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook 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.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
NW Access TV dove into Books We Hated? In the August episode of Books & Beyond, writer Becky Rupp and Swanton Free Public Library librarian Abbey Gaudette discuss books they did not enjoy. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab made onto Ms. Gaufette's list. The library show features news, discussions about books and new book arrivals, and info about upcoming events.. It's on YouTube.
ORCA broadcast the Montpelier Parks 2025 Parkapalooza on August 23, 2025. The music starts with D. Davis and Marc Gwinn about 39 minutes in. It's on YouTube.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library Summer Reading Program Finale has Fizzical Fairytales at the Fairfax Town Office on Wednesday at 1 p.m. 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.
SHELDON--The Sheldon Municipal Library hosts a Huge Yard Sale to benefit the library at the library on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club takes on the classic A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The 1889 historical novel finds a Yankee engineer who uses his future knowledge to become a rival of Merlin as he tries to modernize the past. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. The science fiction novel finds that astrophage breeds by absorbing energy from the Sun and carbon dioxide from Venus. The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. 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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Dick Harper, Chair
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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