Good morning, Burlington.

Local resident Caroline Bright opens The Bright Side Play Place in St. Albans on March 20; the indoor hub offers play spaces for kids, meeting areas for parents, and a pay it forward option backed by volunteer support (including a community loan).

Homeport has signed a deal to open a second location in Essex Junction — further details about the new store and its opening date are pending.

City Market laid off 12 employees after it reported a $1.2M loss for fiscal 2025, marking eight consecutive years of decline and falling downtown sales.

The co-op said rising operating costs and inflationary pressures have challenged its operations.

A trio named Thalia (Laura Markowitz, Sofia Hirsch, and Mary Jane Austin) is hosting free concerts for Women’s History Month that showcase music by female composers, with performances on March 27 at Christ Church in Montpelier, March 28 at Richmond Library Music Hall, and March 29 at Waterbury Congregational Church.

Vermont Book Awards revealed the 2025 finalists for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and children’s literature on March 12.

The winners will be announced at a cocktail and dessert reception in Montpelier on May 2.

Vermont unemployment claims dropped sharply last week — from 790 to 315 initial filings — the largest percentage decline among states, according to the U.S. Department of Labor; nationwide claims fell by 1,000 to 213,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

A new and more spacious terminal with an outdoor observation deck will open on March 31 at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport—demolition of gates 3 through 6 will start right after.

The facility features geothermal heating and amenities such as a children's play area.

Thirty-two candidates, including individuals from over 20 countries, took the oath of allegiance on Thursday at Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden, where students helped lead the ceremony alongside officials providing voter and passport information.

On March 12, sixth-seeded BFA shocked top-seeded Rice 54-48 in the state championship at Patrick Gym, winning its first title (39 years).

Michael Lavallee scored 16 points while Ryan Munger recorded a double-double to secure the win.

Four high school hockey championship games will be played at UVM's Gutterson Fieldhouse on Sunday, March 15; Division I girls start at 11 a.m. and boys play at 1 p.m., while Division II girls and boys take the ice at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively (all on NFHS Network).

Emma Cook Album Release

7-8:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Vermont musician Emma Cook unveils her long-awaited indie-folk album, 'Of the Morning'.

Burlington Irish Heritage Festival Ceili

1-3 p.m. — Contois Auditorium — Donations welcomed — Enjoy a lively celebration of Irish culture with step dancing and traditional music for all ages.

Liv Greene & Melanie MacLaren Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — Radio Bean — $10 adv | $15 dos — Enjoy an evening of folk music with Nashville-based artist Liv Greene.

Phil Hanley Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Phil Hanley, a rising star in the NYC comedy scene.

Heated Rivalry Night

7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the soulful tunes of Dwight + Nicole blending blues, soul, and R&B traditions.

Disney Around the World with VSO

6-9 p.m. — The Flynn — Admission details not specified — Experience a symphonic journey through Disney’s iconic films brought to life by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Live Performance by Paul Brill

7-9:30 p.m. — Tank Recording Studio — $20-$50 — Experience the live recording of Paul Brill's composition 'The Cost of Believing' in an intimate studio setting.

Matt Payne Concert

7-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience the melodic sounds of Matt Payne and catch his collaboration with Ollie Lloyd & Thermal Music.

Vermont Home Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Champlain Valley Exposition — Visit for a variety of home improvement ideas from local experts and innovative products.

Old 97s Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Ticket required — Experience the legendary Old 97s as they showcase their latest album, 'American Primitive'.