Good morning, Burlington.

South Burlington residents Elsie and Raymond Whitney donated a nearly 40-year-old tree from their front yard for Burlington’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Crews will cut and haul the tree downtown on November 21—where it will be decorated with over 100,000 lights before the live ceremony starts at 4 p.m. on November 28.

Vermont food assistance providers have seen a sharp rise in new and returning clients since federal SNAP (food benefit) payments paused on November 1.

The state will deliver benefits today on EBT cards (covering half the month) to help meet urgent needs.

Pet Connection reported that several animals were seeking forever homes this week; Pippa—the sweet six-month-old puppy once neglected—bounced back at the shelter, Bjorn, a lively nine-month-old mix, needed an active family, and three bonded guinea pig sisters, Snap, Crackle, and Pop, awaited adoption while an older kitty named Fred had already found a home.

Folino’s Pizza will open its fifth Vermont location on Market Street in March 2026 while The Scale poke bar will launch its third Chittenden County shop on Dec.

10. Both restaurants will add menu options such as extra delivery and breakfast smoothies — meeting local demand in downtown South Burlington.

The Vermont Comedy Club in downtown Burlington is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Nov.

18 and has launched a new nonprofit, Vermont Comedy Arts, Inc.—which will expand its education and community programs for local comedians. Anniversary events include a reunion show, a competition starting Nov. 6, and free meals at the club’s Happy Place Cafe available Wednesday–Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gasoline prices in Vermont held at $3.09 per gallon today, down 7 cents from last month and 3 cents lower than a year ago — in Burlington, prices fell by 2.3 cents in the past week to average $3.13 per gallon, a drop of 7.6 cents from last month and 6.3 cents from last year.

Seven Vermont fifth graders have made it onto the ballot for kid governor in 2026—each developed a campaign platform with a three-point plan and created a campaign video.

Fifth graders statewide will watch the videos and vote for their preferred candidate with the winner set to be announced on Nov 19 and sworn in at the State House in January.

The Leahy Institute celebrated two years by awarding $4 million in grants, partnering with over 2,300 local groups and launching projects on school support and rural coworking research.

Upcoming events include the November E-Forum, Reimagining Rural Capacity Summit and Destination BTV Summit — all designed to boost local rural growth.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation urged bicyclists, pedestrians—and drivers to take extra safety measures as darker evenings follow the end of Daylight Savings Time.

Officials recommend wearing bright reflective clothing and using proper lights to stay safe when commuting after dark.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department said it is planning a new recreation license that will require everyone using state lands to help fund conservation — the department will start rulemaking in early winter and aims to have it live by January.

Rising costs and fewer annual license buyers have made its old system hard to support.

Carbon Leaf Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience Carbon Leaf's nostalgic indie rock as they celebrate their new album.

Hannah Frances Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Check for ticket prices — Experience the monumental and mythic music of stunning vocalist and songwriter Hannah Frances.

Nick Shoulders Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the captivating sounds of Nick Shoulders' latest album, All Bad.

Comedy Night with Casey Balsham

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with Casey Balsham, reminiscent of Sarah Silverman and Beth Stelling.

The Arcadian Wild Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the enchanting indie folk sounds of Nashville's The Arcadian Wild.

Beach Fossils Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the soothing sounds of one of NYC's definitive underground bands from the 2010s.

Vermont Craft Brewers Conference

Nov 17-18 — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Check online for ticket details — A gathering for craft beverage enthusiasts to connect and learn.

The New Mastersounds Live

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the infectious funk and soul-jazz of The New Mastersounds with a stellar lineup.

Disco Biscuits Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Two day pass available — Experience an electrifying evening of live music with The Disco Biscuits.

Bakuretsu Con 2025

Friday-Sunday — Hampton Inn Colchester — $65+ — Explore the vibrant world of anime and gaming while connecting with fellow fans in a welcoming atmosphere.