Good morning, Burlington.

Vermont will celebrate America 250 with parades, fireworks and concerts from July 3 to 4 across the state — Burlington’s waterfront event runs Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Burlington Fire Department rescued a swimmer stranded in the swamp near North Beach on Tuesday before 10:30 a.m., using water rescue gear and a guiding drone to navigate thick cattails.

The victim, who had been in the water overnight, was taken to UVM Medical Center for treatment.

Vermont's captive insurance industry won two awards at the 2026 U.S. Captive Review Awards in Chicago — its first win for Cell Captive Domicile and third consecutive win for Captive Domicile recognition.

Judges praised the state for strong growth and modern regulation.

The James Beard Awards finals were held in Chicago on June 15, where Burlington’s Paul Trombly of Fancy’s competed in Best Chef: Northeast and Tunbridge native Ivy Mix vied in Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service (with winners coming from New Hampshire and San Francisco).

Veteran local performers who played at Nectar's will honor the iconic venue with The Nectar's Experience 1975 at Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington Sunday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m.; proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club Burlington and King Street Center.

Gov. Phil Scott signed new education laws last week that standardize immigration protocols by barring enforcement officers without proper identification from entering schools, update truancy policies for clearer attendance definitions, and let Essex County school districts pay tuition for pre-K students attending New Hampshire programs. The governor also approved a bill that extends the PCB testing deadline in schools to 2035 — aiming to manage costly testing efforts.

South Burlington High School celebrated its Class of 2026 graduation on Friday, June 12 (photos by Alison Redlich) and a gallery now lets families revisit the special day.

Burlington High School seniors celebrated their commencement Tuesday in a new building they watched being built after a 2020 toxic chemical closure forced a temporary campus.

Graduates enjoyed a walk-the-gauntlet celebration (staff lined the halls to cheer them on) as officials look forward to welcoming students next year.

Burlington city council voted 11-1 to cancel plans for a new Abenaki sculpture meant to replace a deteriorating statue in a popular downtown park, citing concerns over accurate Indigenous representation.

The decision adds to ongoing local debate on this contentious issue.

Peter Hyson, M.D. of UVM received a 150,000-dollar Emerging Leader Award from the Bay Area Lyme Foundation on May 23 for his babesiosis research, which aims to develop the first treatment for the tick-borne parasite.

His lab work continues to address rising cases of tickborne illnesses locally.

Governor Scott signed law H.577 that will let Vermonters join ArrayRx later this year.

Residents can sign up for a free pharmacy discount card offering up to 80% off generic drugs & 20% off name-brand medications while the bipartisan measure aims to lower prescription drug costs.

A Hardwick family is still searching for a home after floods destroyed theirs, and a Texas-based company is planning to develop the former nuclear power plant site (a move that could reshape future housing options), while motorists receive a temporary reprieve on annual vehicle inspections.

Burlington businesses and the Fletcher Free Library are hosting World Cup watch parties from June 11 to July 19 to build community spirit + local spots offer soccer-themed specials as Burlington builds on recent team wins.

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.

Cup Watch Party: Norway vs. France

3-5 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy competitive soccer action with friends while savoring BBQ and craft brews.

Burlington Wine and Food Festival

12:30-8:00 p.m. — Hula — $80 — Experience Vermont’s largest wine and food event featuring hundreds of wines, local spirits, chef demos, and live jazz.

Burlington's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

3-11 p.m. — Burlington Waterfront Boat Ramp — $2 round-trip for shuttle service — Experience Vermont's most spectacular fireworks display along with family-friendly activities.

Level 1 Yoga Class

5-6 p.m. — Hot Yoga Burlington Vermont — $10 fee for late cancellations — A relaxing class perfect for beginners and post-activity recovery.

Latin Dance Night

6-9 p.m. — Switchback Brewing Co. — Salsa Class $20, Dance Social $10 — Enjoy an evening of vibrant Latin dancing and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts.

YUUF Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Higher Ground — Support TBD — Experience the unique musical blend of Yuuf in their Burlington debut during summer tour.

All Levels Hot Yoga Class

9-10 a.m. — Hot Yoga Burlington Vermont — Reservation required — Engage in a continuous flow of poses suitable for all active levels.