16 Things to Do in Burlington VT This Week · August 20–23, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Charles Wesley Godwin

Country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin performs at Higher Ground — tickets still available for Thursday's show (Friday is sold out).

Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Higher Ground, South Burlington

Compa & Friends Summer Residency — Final Night

The last night of the Compa & Friends Summer Residency at Radio Bean, featuring Rob Compa, Chuck Chuck Jones, Cotter Eyes, and Jac Drmz.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 8:30 PM · Radio Bean, 8 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington

Angélique Kidjo

Grammy-winning African music legend Angélique Kidjo performs live at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

Friday, August 21, 2026 · Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street, Burlington

Sabou Youma Pre-Party at Foam Brewers

Foam Brewers hosts Sabou Youma, a seven-piece Afro-funk groove machine led by Ousmane Camara, as the official Vermont Reggae Fest pre-party.

Friday, August 21, 2026 9:00 PM · Foam Brewers, 112 Lake St, Burlington

Runnner at Radio Bean

Indie artist Runnner performs an intimate show at Radio Bean in Burlington.

Friday, August 28, 2026 7:00 PM · Radio Bean, Burlington

Arts & Culture

Soapbox Arts Opening Reception: The Luminous Bodies of Norton Island

Opening reception for Christina Watka's solo exhibition 'The Luminous Bodies of Norton Island' at Soapbox Arts in the South End's Soda Plant.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM · Soapbox Arts, 266 Pine St, Burlington

'Show Off!' SEABA Member Art Show

SEABA Artist Members showcase favorite or newly proud works at the SEABA Center as a warm-up to the South End Art Hop, on view through August 29.

Friday, August 21, 2026 · SEABA Center, 400 Pine Street, Burlington

Hidden Brain Live

The popular Hidden Brain podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam comes to the Flynn Center for a live show.

Sunday, August 23, 2026 · Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street, Burlington

Nataly Aukar at Vermont Comedy Club

Stand-up comedian Nataly Aukar performs multiple nights at Vermont Comedy Club starting Thursday, August 27.

Thursday, August 27, 2026 7:00 PM · Vermont Comedy Club, 101 Main St, Burlington

Free Events

Summer Concert Series: Baby Fearn

Free lunchtime outdoor concert featuring Baby Fearn in City Hall Park, part of Burlington City Arts' 14th annual Summer Concert Series.

Friday, August 21, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM · City Hall Park, Burlington

BTown Coffee Club

Casual weekly social meetup at Zero Gravity Brewery — a free, no-agenda community gathering that draws 15–30 people each Saturday morning.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 10:00 AM · Zero Gravity Brewery, 716 Pine Street, Burlington

Soda Plant Sundays Market

The Soda Plant's popular Sunday market returns with local artists, crafters, vintage finds, coffee, food, and live music — only one more market left after this.

Sunday, August 23, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM · The Soda Plant, 266 Pine St, Burlington

Festivals & Special Events

2026 Vermont Reggae Fest

Annual Vermont Reggae Fest returns to the Burlington Waterfront featuring Richie Spice, Sister Nancy, The Abyssinians, Marlon Asher with Roots Alley Collective, and Inna Higher Heights Band.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Burlington Waterfront (Main Street Landing Meadow)

Family-Friendly

Splash Dance: DJ GAYBAR

DJ-fueled dance party in City Hall Park's interactive, wheelchair-accessible splash fountain — a free summertime staple for kids and caregivers.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM · City Hall Park, Burlington

Date Night

Seven Days Singles Party

Speed dating, cocktails, mocktails, and conversation at Four Quarters Brewing — space is limited and tickets required.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM · Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski

Food & Drink

Sneakeasy Grand Opening

Sneakers Bistro opens Sneakeasy, a new upstairs cocktail lounge, with its grand opening night in Winooski.

Thursday, August 27, 2026 · Sneakers Bistro, Winooski