M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay Credit: Courtesy

Sole Mates

Sunday 24

Fleet-footed participants tackle a 26.2-mile double-loop course through Burlington’s scenic streets, parks and waterfront paths at the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay. The annual test of endurance — the state’s largest single-day sporting event — summons thousands of runners and spectators for an uplifting display of camaraderie and community spirit.

Right Down the Line

Closes Friday 29
“The Golden Key” by Robin Lloyd Credit: Courtesy

Themes of feminism, community and social reform emerge from a lifetime of work by local artist Robin Lloyd at Burlington City Hall. Comprehensive retrospective “Through Lines” showcases six decades of rarely or never-before-seen visual works by the Queen City pillar. Don’t miss Sunday’s reception, featuring a curated selection of Lloyd’s thought-provoking short films.

Pedal to the Petal

Thursday 21
Bike Bloom Credit: © Famveldman | Dreamstime

Outdoorsy activities abound at Bike Bloom, an annual harbinger of summer fun at Burlington’s Intervale Center. Cyclists of all abilities roll through their choice of five guided group excursions, then converge for the Bike Show, a competitive display of two-wheeled finery. The pedal-powered evening concludes with a community celebration complete with hot eats, cold bevvies and ice cream.

Bigger and Better

Friday 22 & Saturday 23
Saturn People’s Sound Collective Credit: Courtesy of Luke Awtry

Twenty-two-piece outfit Saturn People’s Sound Collective deliver deep grooves with back-to-back shows at the Big Picture Community Hub for the Arts in Waitsfield and Haybarn Theatre in Plainfield. The genre-busting big band launches listeners out of this world with a performance of postmodern rock, enhanced by far-out visuals in Waitsfield by Burlington design studio Vanish Works.

May the Course Be With You

Saturday 23
Adventure Dinner BTV Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt Credit: Courtesy of Heather Gallagher

Why do golfers carry extra socks? In case they get a hole in one! Dad jokes aside, Adventure Dinner BTV Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt transforms Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace into a walkable putt-putt course with 18 stops at hot spots around town. Chef-prepared box lunches of sandwich wraps and maple blondies keep players fueled for the friendly competition.

United We Stand

Saturday 23
Credit: © Cheryl Casey | Dreamstime

The poignant theme “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” sets the tone for the 39th annual Essex Memorial Day Parade, traversing the town’s main drags. An opening tribute at Veterans Memorial Park honors military sacrifices, followed by the patriotic procession of eye-catching floats, melodic marching bands and local civic groups.

To Be Blunt

Opens Sunday 24
Annelise Forbes
Credit: Courtesy

Bold new musical comedy Grow brings a cast of rising stars, inspired choreography and a whole lot of heart to Montréal’s Segal Centre for Performing Arts. Family, faith and forbidden fruit take center stage when Amish siblings Hannah and Ruth leave their sheltered upbringing for an unforgettable trip, prompting an unexpected entrepreneurial venture into cannabis growing.

Rebecca Driscoll joined Seven Days as calendar writer in 2024. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in art history and theater performance at Marymount Manhattan College and previously worked as senior coordinator for the Oscars’ library in Los Angeles.