Vermont Public Community Calendar

This event is for Vermonters impacted by state systems - past or present. General public may attend as witnesses, to uplift the truths of individuals who have been harmed by state systems. The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission pursues community-centered healing and justice for specific marginalized communities. These include Indigenous, BIPOC, and mixed ethnic or racial heritage communities, those with disabilities or mental health conditions, and children as a vulnerable population. Each person who shares their truth receives a $25 stipend to acknowledge the time, energy and resources it may take for you to show up and speak. Help uncover harm, reclaim healing, and shape the future. Event is free to attend, and you can sign up at https://vtrc.vermont.gov/publictruth. Contact us anytime at vtrc@vermont.gov.

This fall, step into the creative world of Vermont sculptor Gerald K. Stoner at Underhill Ironworks. Wander the gallery, stroll through outdoor sculpture gardens, and discover steel works that bring landscapes to life.

🎃 In the spirit of the season, enjoy Halloween vignettes woven among the sculptures—playful, atmospheric scenes that make the gardens pop with autumn magic. Perfect for photos, inspiration, and a touch of spooky charm.

Whether your space is big or small, our sculptures transform gardens, lawns, and meadows—adding beauty that shifts with the seasons. During this special event, meet the artist, see works in progress, and explore pieces available for delivery and installation near and far.

🖤 Gallery Open Daily – but for this Open Studio, expect a creative mix of art and Halloween ambiance.

The Mad River Valley Dog Park will be hosting its first annual "Rover Roundup" -- a day of community gathering, fun, education, and lots of barks and wags!! There will be food, music, exciting contests, demonstrations of canine skill, vendors, crafts, puppies for adoption, and lots more! Bring the whole family and your well behaved, leashed dog. Raindate: October 5th. For more information and contest details, go to www.mrvdogpark.com or email mrvdogpark@gmail.com.

The 3rd Annual People’s Art Show is a non-juried and uncensored exhibition celebrating all forms of creativity, diversity, and imagination. The exhibition is open to everyone and all entries will be exhibited.

To participate, please fill out this form and drop off up to two works of original art in any medium, any subject, and any size. We ask for artists to submit new artwork(s) that have not been shown at the MCA.

The submission fee is a suggested donation of $5. All submissions must be ready-to-hang. Gallery staff will have final say on placement, lighting, and labels to accommodate time and space limitations. There is no size limit; however, if you submit 2 large pieces, we may only be able to show one piece due to space limitations.

Grief, loss, and mourning are universal experiences and part of the human condition. However, in today’s society, grief is considered a taboo – almost unmentionable – subject. Our ability to express grief and its social acceptance is a leading source of uneasiness, discomfort, and apprehension. Whether for those we loved, a lost way of life, a state of belonging, or our identity, how we grieve and mourn impacts our physical and mental well-being.

Through a variety of media, including photography, painting, video, and installation, the artists in How to Say Goodbye convey their personal experience with grief as they interrogate themes of memory, expression, transition, and endurance.

Featured artists: Peter Bruun, Jordan Douglas, Mariam Ghani, Lydia Kern, John Killacky, and Nirmal Raja.

Programmatic partner: Vermont Association of Psychoanalytic Studies (VAPS)

image: Miriam Ghani, There’s a Hole in the World Where You Used to Be, 2024, Single channel video film still

BCA Fall exhibitions are supported in part by the Maslow Family Foundation. Hospitality sponsor, Lake Champlain Chocolates. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

This year, Opera Company of Middlebury's fall production is a double bill of Bernstein's one-act opera Trouble in Tahiti and The Bernstein Songbook, a vocal retrospective. We'll kick off the evening with our stellar cast taking us on a musical journey, from the 1944 Broadway hit On the Town through his monumental Mass in 1971. We'll finish with a fully staged production of Trouble in Tahiti, the only work for which he wrote both music and lyrics. You won't want to miss the pre-show talk before the performance featuring Helen Lyons, OCM Board Member and .Music Manager at Vermont Public.

This event is part of Opera Company of Middlebury's A BERNSTEIN FESTIVAL - two weeks of films and talks leading up to our mainstage production, THE BERNSTEIN SONGBOOK + TROUBLE IN TAHITI, all in celebration of one of the great American composers, Leonard Bernstein. For more details about the festival, check out ocmvermont.org/fall2025

1:00pm pre-show talk, 2:00pm showtime

This production runs October 3-5, so check out our other show times if you can't make this one!

Tickets on sale now!

Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!

This is an excellent opportunity to watch an artist work in real time. Cynthia will be working on a painting, answering questions and explaining her process. This event is also free and open to the public, but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis, as space is limited.

Philadelphia-born artist Cynthia Rosen is fascinated with color and shape. She often works on two canvases at once, and almost always uses signature dabs of orange in her works. She foregoes a traditional brush in favor of a “spatcher”, which looks like a brush, but instead of bristles, it has a flexible blade, designed specifically for “spatching” paint onto a canvas. She paints large, complicated scenes, because, “I'm not big on simplification. I want a symphony. I want highs and lows. I want loud. I want quiet. And I want a big story. So, simplification is not my thing.”

COME FROM AWAY

music, book, and lyrics by IRENE SANKHOFF & DAVID HEIN
directed by CAROL DUNNE

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 26, 2025

When the world stood still, a small town stepped up. Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 38 planes unexpectedly grounded in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001. What begins as an overwhelming crisis quickly transforms into an extraordinary moment of human connection as the townspeople and passengers form lasting bonds. With humor, heart, and a soaring score, this critically acclaimed musical is a moving, uplifting reminder of how, even in the darkest times, we can find light in each other.

Kinhaven Music School is excited to launch its inaugural Semester Program on August 25, 2025—a four-month, residential experience for high-school musicians focused on chamber music, performance, and holistic learning in a creative, community-driven setting. Offered in partnership with Burr and Burton Academy (BBA) in Manchester, VT, the program combines academic coursework at BBA with intensive musical study at Kinhaven, allowing students to grow both artistically and academically in the heart of Vermont.

To share the spirit of the program with the broader community, Kinhaven presents its Southern Vermont Fall Concert Series, featuring free public performances by Semester Program students at the region’s most beloved venues. Each performance offers a chance to experience the artistry, growth, and joy of these exceptional young musicians in welcoming, community-oriented settings.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of artists and the collaborative spirit of Vermont’s educational and cultural institutions. For full concert details, visit kinhaven.org/concerts.

The Mammals are a Hudson Valley-based folk-rock band known for their high-energy shows imbued with deep roots in American traditions. Their performances blend fiddle-driven dance tunes with thoughtful original songs, offering a delightfully danceable blend of of abandon and substance. Join them in the barn at Knoll Farm for a lively, community-centered concert to close out the season!

The KCP Presents Performing Arts Series welcomes Chicago funny factory the Second City to St. Johnsbury Academy’s Fuller Hall, October 4th, at 7:00. The Second City will perform its trademark brand of hilarious, sly sketch comedy that has made it America’s most famous troupe.

The company opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959, and a comedy revolution began. This small cabaret theater, performing irreverent sketch comedy and energetic improv, grew to become the most influential and prolific comedy empire in the world, developing an entirely unique way of creating art, feeding Saturday Night Live and other iconic show biz productions, and fostering generation after generation of superstars.

Notable figures have shared insights on the Second City’s approach to improvisation and creativity. Early mentor Sheldon Patinkin emphasized the “willingness to fail” as essential for finding good material. David Steinberg highlighted the importance of embracing oneself and playing to the smartest audience members. Bernard Sahlins noted that the Second City’s humor stems from character and behavior, rather than just jokes. Ian Gomez mentioned the Second City teaching to make fellow performers look good, which in turn makes you look good. Steve Carell described the “freewheeling nature” of the Second City and its sophisticated, forgiving audience. Bill Murray considered the Second City a rigorous training ground where he learned collaboration.

The Second City alumni read like a Who’s Who of comedy—including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Bill Hader, Ed Asner, Alan Alda, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and many more. The Second City’s St. Johnsbury engagement is a can’t-miss opportunity to get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s biggest comedy headliners today.

Bringing big city talent to Vermont’s small towns, the KCP Presents Performing Arts Series has scheduled 11 professional touring acts through spring of 2026, including dance, circus, comedy, and music from around the world. Tickets for all KCP Presents 2025-26 shows, including early bird discounts, are on sale now. Student admission is free to St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute shows, including the Second City, on October 4th. To buy tickets or learn more, visit www.catamountarts.org or www.kcppresents.org. Alternatively, call 802-748-2600 or visit the Catamount Arts box office at 115 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury.

The KCP Presents Series is produced by Catamount Arts working in association with Kingdom County Productions and supported by generous local sponsors including The Autosaver Group, Community National Bank, Lyndon Institute, Northern Counties Healthcare, EastRise Credit Union, NVRH, Passumpsic Bank, St. Johnsbury Academy, Seven Days, The Point, NHPR, WYKR/Yankee Broadcasting, Green Mountain Broadcasters, Vermont Public, and Seven Days, with grant funding from the Vermont Arts Council.

Jefferson Starship, formed in 1974 from the remnants of Jefferson Airplane, has a legacy spanning decades, with roots in ’60s psychedelia and success through the ’70s and ’80s arena rock scene. Known for hits like Miracles, Jane, and Count on Me, the band earned three platinum and eight gold records. Their journey began with Blows Against the Empire (1970) and solidified with Dragon Fly (1974) and Red Octopus (1975). Over the years, the lineup evolved, featuring notable members like Grace Slick, Marty Balin, and Mickey Thomas. Though briefly disbanded in 1985, co-founder Paul Kantner revived the band in 1992. Today, Jefferson Starship continues to tour, blending original and new members, celebrating their enduring musical legacy.

Part civic debate, part personal reckoning, all live on stage.
Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Heidi Schreck, "What the Constitution Means to Me" isn't your typical night at the theater—it's a dynamic, high-stakes conversation that unfolds in real time. A teenage debater and her adult counterpart go head-to-head over the meaning, the failures, and the future of the U.S. Constitution. With sharp wit and raw honesty, Schreck fuses memoir, history, and courtroom-style argument into a riveting performance that is both deeply personal and powerfully reflective about the world we live in—and the one we hope to create. Audience members are not just spectators—they become part of the civic discourse. Come ready to listen, reflect, and maybe even take a stand.
ONE WEEKEND ONLY Oct 3-5, 2025. Directed by Dana Haley and produced by Renee Wymer. dorsetplayers.org for tickets

-Free Tickets For Veterans- (ID required)

Two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz join forces in this duo. Hailed “one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” by Glide Magazine, Christian McBride says, “Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time. I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him for almost 35 years. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to NYC in 1989, and it continues to be an uplifting experience every time we play together.” Named “one of our greatest living pianists” by NPR, Brad Mehldau says, “It is a dream come true to play with Christian in this duo setting. Playing with Christian, especially in this configuration, is both joyful and daunting all at once. His level of sophistication and swing, of emotional power and grace, is unsurpassed - not in the least on what he has achieved on his instrument, but also as one of our strongest voices in the music more generally, at the top of his game. I’m so honored to be on stage with him.” This longtime friendship and musical camaraderie has led to various collaborations through the years including the albums MoodSwing (1994), RoundAgain (2020), and LongGone (2023) with Joshua Redman and Brian Blade; trio tour dates with drummer Marcus Gilmore; and a recent duo performance at the Big Ears Festival that had the crowd utterly captivated.

Come From Away: Artists Talkback
Saturday, Oct 4th following the 7:30pm performance

Join us after the 7:30 PM show for a conversation with the Come From Away company.
Admission is Free to the Public.

This fall, step into the creative world of Vermont sculptor Gerald K. Stoner at Underhill Ironworks. Wander the gallery, stroll through outdoor sculpture gardens, and discover steel works that bring landscapes to life.

🎃 In the spirit of the season, enjoy Halloween vignettes woven among the sculptures—playful, atmospheric scenes that make the gardens pop with autumn magic. Perfect for photos, inspiration, and a touch of spooky charm.

Whether your space is big or small, our sculptures transform gardens, lawns, and meadows—adding beauty that shifts with the seasons. During this special event, meet the artist, see works in progress, and explore pieces available for delivery and installation near and far.

🖤 Gallery Open Daily – but for this Open Studio, expect a creative mix of art and Halloween ambiance.

Grief, loss, and mourning are universal experiences and part of the human condition. However, in today’s society, grief is considered a taboo – almost unmentionable – subject. Our ability to express grief and its social acceptance is a leading source of uneasiness, discomfort, and apprehension. Whether for those we loved, a lost way of life, a state of belonging, or our identity, how we grieve and mourn impacts our physical and mental well-being.

Through a variety of media, including photography, painting, video, and installation, the artists in How to Say Goodbye convey their personal experience with grief as they interrogate themes of memory, expression, transition, and endurance.

Featured artists: Peter Bruun, Jordan Douglas, Mariam Ghani, Lydia Kern, John Killacky, and Nirmal Raja.

Programmatic partner: Vermont Association of Psychoanalytic Studies (VAPS)

image: Miriam Ghani, There’s a Hole in the World Where You Used to Be, 2024, Single channel video film still

BCA Fall exhibitions are supported in part by the Maslow Family Foundation. Hospitality sponsor, Lake Champlain Chocolates. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

When: the First and Third Sundays in October and November, 1- 3 p.m., followed by audience discussion.

Jewish Voice for Peace VT-NH is sponsoring a series of four, feature-length documentaries about Palestine-Israel on the following dates:

October 5: “The Palestine Exception” documents U.S. college students, faculty, and staff protesting Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza and the extreme measures taken by authorities to curtail their freedom of speech and assembly. Columbia University student activist Mohsen Mahdawi will speak with the audience after the film.

October 19: “A State of Passion” focuses on the efforts of a Palestinian surgeon and other health care professionals to save lives amidst the Gaza genocide. The film’s directors will join the audience afterwards for a discussion.

November 2: “Gaza: Journalists Under Fire” exposes Israel’s targeted and unlawful attacks on Palestinian and other journalists to eliminate accurate news coverage.

November 16: “Advocate” narrates the life and work of Lea Tsemel, a Jewish-Israeli attorney who has devoted much of her career to the legal defense of Palestinians under military occupation.
The films and community discussions promise to be informative and thought provoking.

When: the First and Third Sundays in October and November, 1- 3 p.m., followed by audience discussion.

Jewish Voice for Peace VT-NH is sponsoring a series of four, feature-length documentaries about Palestine-Israel on the following dates:

October 5: “The Palestine Exception” documents U.S. college students, faculty, and staff protesting Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza and the extreme measures taken by authorities to curtail their freedom of speech and assembly. Columbia University student activist Mohsen Mahdawi will speak with the audience after the film.

October 19: “A State of Passion” focuses on the efforts of a Palestinian surgeon and other health care professionals to save lives amidst the Gaza genocide. The film’s directors will join the audience afterwards for a discussion.

November 2: “Gaza: Journalists Under Fire” exposes Israel’s targeted and unlawful attacks on Palestinian and other journalists to eliminate accurate news coverage.

November 16: “Advocate” narrates the life and work of Lea Tsemel, a Jewish-Israeli attorney who has devoted much of her career to the legal defense of Palestinians under military occupation.
The films and community discussions promise to be informative and thought provoking.

When: the First and Third Sundays in October and November, 1- 3 p.m., followed by audience discussion.

Jewish Voice for Peace VT-NH is sponsoring a series of four, feature-length documentaries about Palestine-Israel on the following dates:

October 5: “The Palestine Exception” documents U.S. college students, faculty, and staff protesting Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza and the extreme measures taken by authorities to curtail their freedom of speech and assembly. Columbia University student activist Mohsen Mahdawi will speak with the audience after the film.

October 19: “A State of Passion” focuses on the efforts of a Palestinian surgeon and other health care professionals to save lives amidst the Gaza genocide. The film’s directors will join the audience afterwards for a discussion.

November 2: “Gaza: Journalists Under Fire” exposes Israel’s targeted and unlawful attacks on Palestinian and other journalists to eliminate accurate news coverage.

November 16: “Advocate” narrates the life and work of Lea Tsemel, a Jewish-Israeli attorney who has devoted much of her career to the legal defense of Palestinians under military occupation.
The films and community discussions promise to be informative and thought provoking.