Speaking Volumes
7 Marble Ave., instagram.com/speakingvolumesrecords
When Rough Francis guitarist Julian Hackney took over the reins of Speaking Volumes’ record shop earlier this year, his goal was to elevate what was already a fixture in the Queen City’s vinyl scene. The punk rocker and Young at Heart ginger beer founder has been busy revitalizing a store that is packed full of used and new vinyl, plus stereo and audio equipment. No matter the genre, no matter how obscure, Speaking Volumes carries it — the shop is a true record-lover’s oasis. Swing by for occasional performances, or catch staff showing off the store’s immense vinyl collection while deejaying at other South End spots, like Doma Bar.
Doma Bar
388 Pine St., Unit 2, doma.bar
Combining top-shelf Puerto Rican-inspired cocktails and a luxurious sound system pumping out a deep collection of vinyl, Doma Bar opened in the South End last fall. Between the casually cool vibe, the tasty snack menu, delicious alcoholic (and NA) concoctions, and a rotating cast of sound selectors, Doma is a must-stop destination for Art Hop — and the rest of the year, too.
SEABA Center
400 Pine St., seaba.com
For many years, ArtsRiot was the epicenter of Art Hop. When the venue changed hands and then closed, it left a void for live music in the neighborhood. Fortunately, in addition to organizing Art Hop, the fine folks at the South End Arts + Business Association took over the space in 2025 and are working hard to return it to its former glory (see page xx). Look for plenty of music during Art Hop, both on the porch and inside the club, as well as the STRUT! fashion show.
South End Get Down • The Pinery
The South End Get Down (Fridays from May 15 to September 11, 5-9 p.m., getdownvt.com) and the Pinery (Thursdays and Fridays, 5-9 p.m., and Saturdays, noon-9 p.m., weather permitting, thepineryvt.com) are both at 377 Pine St.
Once warm weather hits in Vermont, a Friday-night block party in the South End kicks off with a bang. Known as the South End Get Down, it features 18-plus food vendors, full access to the Pinery beer garden, the scene’s best DJs, and fashion and art for sale. Best of all? This family- and dog-friendly event is completely free.
Switchback Brewing
160 Flynn Ave., switchbackvt.com
Switchback has long been a fixture of both the South End scene and Art Hop, but it became even more vital when it opened its beer garden and smokehouse in 2025. Alongside its award-winning beer, the brewery now serves up house-smoked Southern-style barbecue and frequent live performances from local acts.
Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge
266 Pine St., venetiansodalounge.com
There’s an air of the good old days of speakeasies and gin joints at the Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge. Started in 2022 by the great-great-grandson of the founder of Burlington’s Venetian Beverages, the club — appropriately housed in the Soda Plant — carries on a legacy over a century old. Whether it’s a solo blues piano performance, a hot-house jazz singer, a murder mystery dinner or standup comedy, the spot offers impeccable vibes.
Zero Gravity Beer Hall
716 Pine St,, zerogravitybeer.com
Zero Gravity has come a long way since it first opened in the downtown American Flatbread in 2004. Now with a production facility and taproom on Pine Street, the brewery is a South End hot spot. It plays host to bands and DJs throughout Art Hop, all while serving up a full menu of craft brews, burgers, bratwursts and more.
This article appears in Art Hop Guide • 2026.
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