Good morning, Burlington.

Douglas Sweets (a woman-owned shortbread bakery in Shelburne) has been named the 2026 Vermont SBA Microbusiness of the Year and will receive its award on June 11 at Hula in Burlington; the business, led by Debra and Hannah, now uses commercial kitchen and high-tech machine to produce cookies nationwide.

Neil Shah, a Hinesburg resident, invented a woodstove monitor device after learning about woodstoves since moving in 2023; his innovation may enhance home heating safety locally.

Nearly 1,000 Vermont students will bring live jazz to downtown Burlington from June 3–7 during the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival.

Organized by The Flynn, 44 school ensembles will perform free outdoor concerts on Church Street.

Burlington and nearby towns host eight arts events through May 31, including Josh Blue's comedy show at Vermont Comedy Club today, local concerts at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, and Bread and Puppet Theater’s museum launch on Sunday.

Pride Month celebrations are underway in Vermont with Essex Pride Festival starting today (6 p.m.) and Montpelier hosting a flag raising (9 a.m.); events in Barre, St. Albans, Rutland County, the Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille will follow in early June, offering parades and family-friendly activities.

University of Vermont will receive $12 million in state funding approved May 28 to build the largest indoor sports and entertainment venue, a center seating 5000 that will replace Patrick Gym and renovate Gutterson Fieldhouse — the project aims to reverse enrollment declines and boost regional competition.

Vermont banned paraquat, an herbicide linked with Parkinson’s disease, giving apple & berry farmers until the end of 2030 to adopt safer alternatives.

The state will work with UVM to test replacement products as a few growers adjust their practices.

Health officials warn Burlington residents as summer heats up following more than two dozen Vermont rabies cases.

If a bat is found indoors, leave the room and call 1-800-4-BATS (do not try to release the animal) and ensure pet vaccinations are current.

Local health experts warn that spring has brought ticks and mosquitoes, so pet owners and livestock owners should check animals for pests and use veterinarian-recommended preventatives.

They advise removing leaf litter and standing water from yards plus mowing regularly to lower risks.

Silvie, a playful black cat with a protective cone, is ready for adoption at the North Country SPCA.

Meanwhile, ferrets Stock, Bond, and Trade need a home from the Humane Society of Chittenden County + Koozie recently found her forever family from Massachusetts.

Ryan Smith (a Bates College runner) set a new course record at the Vermont City Marathon on May 28 with a time of 2:15:52 and qualified for the 2028 Olympic Trials in Los Angeles.

He plans to take time off before training for his next race.

Wyatt Moss did not win the Vermont City Marathon on May 28 but impressed the crowd with his determination to run marathons in all 50 states this year.

The runner (who completed 53 marathons) also had fun hauling a bucket of Ben & Jerry’s during the race.

UVM women's javelin thrower Emma Wapshare broke a school record with a 50.83m toss at the NCAA East preliminaries at the University of Kentucky on May 28 and advanced to the championships.

She will compete in Eugene, Oregon on Thursday, June 11.

Outfielder Lily Roy hit three doubles as Blue Mountain softball extended its winning streak to 11 games today, fueling excitement among local fans.

The performance marks a strong milestone for the team in Burlington.

Los Sóngoros Concert with Dance Class

7:30-10:45 p.m. — SEABA Center — $15 General / $10 Students — Experience an exciting blend of Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with an optional pre-show dance class.

Otto and Astrid Live

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $96 — Experience an unforgettable evening of laughter with Otto and Astrid.

All the Rivers Festival

4:30-8:30 p.m. — The Flynn — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night filled with global music featuring performances by All the Rivers, Eddie Palmieri, Mavis Staples, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

The Hip Abduction Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — Tickets from $64 — Experience a can't-miss live performance by The Hip Abduction in South Burlington.

Melissa Villaseñor Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — $35 — Experience the unique humor of the first Latina SNL cast member in a night of impressions and laughter.

Good Clean Fun - Family Comedy Show

5-8 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Ticket prices may vary — Experience wholesome humor perfect for the entire family at this engaging comedy event.

Kaonashi Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience an evening of eclectic tunes with Kaonashi and COOKED.

Volunteer Classroom Helper at Vermont Quilt Show

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Volunteer position — Assist in the classroom and receive materials for your own projects.

Sam Salem Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $100 — Experience an unforgettable evening with comedian Sam Salem in Burlington.

World Cup Watch Party at Switchback Brewing Co.

3-8 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — $12 special — Experience thrilling soccer matches with a delicious burger and local craft beer.