Good morning, Burlington.

Burlington will host its 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Church Street and City Hall Park—this event honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black culture.

Vermont will host several fireworks displays this summer with events like Burlington’s Independence Day Celebration at Waterfront Park on July 3 + post-game shows by the Vermont Lake Monsters on June 21 and July 18, while local authorities warn that permits are needed because most fireworks are illegal without one. Violations of the permit rules can lead to fines and jail time.

This week the Young Writers Project published an entry titled The Girl and the Sky by Fiona Bock, 15, from Glover—accompanied by artwork Starry Skies by Miles Witters, 15, from Richmond.

The Burlington-based online community started in 2006 and today lets Vermont teens aged 13 to 19 share creative writing and art.

Rik Palieri is a folk singer in Hinesburg who writes songs that support workers and tell of today's issues.

He runs monthly jam sessions at a local library & recently released his album Hands of Time, recorded in an old studio to keep music traditions alive.

Vermont-NEA will launch its Educator Candidate School in the fall to train union members on organizing, fundraising, and messaging for running for local and state office—union leaders say more trained educators are needed to help shape public education policy.

Gov. Phil Scott signed a law that will let Vermont Medicaid cover up to $2,100 for doula services — helping pregnant people receive care before, during and after birth.

State agencies must certify doulas and seek federal approval by July 1, 2026 — although officials remain concerned about funding and meeting program requirements.

Three Vermonters — from Thetford, Essex and Hartford — won at the New England high school track and field championships held at Willow Brook Park in Connecticut on June 14.

Uly Junker set a state record in the 200 while Sanjin Hadzic won the 110 hurdles and Bennett Moreno claimed the 800.

The top-seeded Champlain Valley Union girls lacrosse team won the Division I state championship yesterday at Virtue Field—beating Burr and Burton 10—8 to secure their first title since 2005.

Champlain Valley won the Vermont Division I boys lacrosse championship on Sunday by beating Mount Mansfield 15-7 at Virtue Field.

The fourth-seeded team overcame a 2-4 start to claim its 11th title in 12 seasons—eight different players scored in the final game.

Vermont Lake Monsters Senior Night

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball — $6 for seniors — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with complimentary drinks and reserved seating for seniors.

Vermont Lake Monsters vs. New Britain Bees

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball — Permission slip and fee required — Teens enjoy a ball game outing with food included.

4x4x48 Challenge

4 p.m. Jun 20th — Burlington Union Station — Entry fee TBA — Participate in a unique running challenge to celebrate the summer solstice.

Intentional Peer Support Core Training

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily — Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center — $100 for materials — Engage in an interactive training to explore transformative relationships through peer support.

Golden Hour at HULA - Vermont Tech Meetup

4:30-6:00 p.m. — HULA — Free entry — Network with tech professionals over drinks, pizza, and scenic views of Lake Champlain.

Latin Dance Night

5-9 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — $20 for the class, $10 for the social — Enjoy a vibrant evening of Latin dance with beginner-friendly lessons and a lively dance social.

BTV Independence Day Celebration

5-11 p.m. — Waterfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate with food, music, and a stunning fireworks display over Lake Champlain.

Father John Misty Concert

6:45-8:15 p.m. — Shelburne Museum — Presale from Feb 25 — Enjoy an evening with Father John Misty and Lucinda Williams at the Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on The Green.