The next ten days don't leave much room to sit still. Wine, beer, chicken, beads, and a downtown finally reopened…pick your version of summer and go!
South Burlington's summer SB Nite Out series continues tonight, July 16, at Veterans Memorial Park, with live music from 6 to 8 p.m. and a food court starting at 5:30 that includes The Skinny Pancake, El Gato, Pasta Mia, Aladdin, SamosaMan, South End Sliders, Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream, and The Vermont Maple Creemee Company. The series runs most Thursdays through the end of the month.
Also tonight, California Rhône lovers have a good excuse to stop by La Reprise between 4 and 7 p.m., when Les Doss of Terre Rouge will be pouring a lineup of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne from California's Sierra Foothills. Whether you're already a Rhône fan or simply curious, it's an easy stop for an afternoon tasting.
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John Grochau, who's been at the helm of GC Wines in Amity, Oregon, since 2002, stops into Salt & Bubbles tomorrow (July 17) for a free tasting of his own bottles, with a few also poured by the glass at the bar. You can grab a table at Resy and check them out.
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Also on Friday, Maple Wind Farm is back with its Fried Chicken & Pickin' monthly fried chicken dinners this summer. Pasture-raised chicken, cornbread, and live bluegrass on the lawn in Richmond. A dollar from every plate goes to that month's nonprofit partner, which this week is NOFA.
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There are actually at least four food- and beverage-centric festivals happening this weekend. Vermont is a small state, but you’d never know it this weekend…
The Vermont Brewers Festival returns to Waterfront Park this weekend for its 33rd year, with three sessions across Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening. More than 40 Vermont breweries are pouring upward of 200 beers, plus there's a new VIP option for Friday's session if you want an early hour on the lawn before the crowds.
If you're in the mood for a drive, Killington Uncorked takes over the mountain this weekend. The festivities include a gondola-ride wine tasting up at Peak Lodge on Friday, then a bigger Grand Tasting at K-1 with food, an artisan market, and live music on Saturday. It's a Killington Pico Area Association fundraiser, both days are 21+, and tickets are limited.
Over at the Intervale on Saturday, Summervale returns for its annual family-friendly celebration from 4 to 8 p.m., with live music, tree planting, educational exhibits, food tastings, lawn games, raffle prizes, and art projects. Food and drink come from American Flatbread, Skinny Pancake, Maharaja Spice, Taste of Abyssinia, The Pinery, and lu.lu ice cream.
And out in Stowe, the Von Trapp Lodge runs its first-ever Food & Music Festival on Saturday the 18th, with food from its own Bierhall and Kaffeehaus, plus Hook & Peel pizza and Sisters of Anarchy ice cream. The full day of live music includes five bands, and tickets are on sale here.
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Also this weekend…after months of construction, Main Street is finally open again, and downtown Burlington is celebrating with a two-day Block Party. On Friday and Saturday, you'll find live music, DJ sets, and artist talks highlighting the four new public art installations now on display throughout downtown. If you've been avoiding the area during construction, consider this your perfect excuse to rediscover some of Burlington's restaurants, bars, and shops.
Shelburne Vineyard is hosting a dog-friendly event called Whine & Bark, on Saturday afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.), including tastings, live music, a costume contest, a “Look Like Your Owner” competition, a pet boutique and tug-of-war tournament. Most importantly, it’s also an adoption event, with Franklin County Animal Rescue on site with pups in search of a new home.
Also in Shelburne on Saturday, Village Wine & Coffee runs its regular Saturday tasting with two Vermont vineyards at the table: La Garagista and Lincoln Peak. It's part of the shop's ongoing in-store series and is for those 21+ with a valid ID.
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And on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wilder Wines in downtown Burlington hosts its first Bead Bar workshop from Jeshali Designs, where you create a custom necklace from a table of loose beads, a clasp, and three charms. No experience is required, and spots are limited.
