Festival of Fools
Burlington City Arts has proudly produced the Festival of Fools since 2002. The festival is a curated celebration of street performance devoted to community engagement through the celebration of circus arts, music, and comedy for family audiences. We bring all of this to life with the support from our presenting sponsor, Community Bank, N.A; pitch sponsors, Leunig’s Bistro & Café, AARP Vermont, Hendrick’s Gin, Queen City Brewery, and Pet Food Warehouse; supporting sponsors Ben & Jerry's, Eyes of The World, and Rose Computer Technology Services; and media sponsors, Seven Days, NBC 5, and the Point.
Highlight New Year's Eve Celebration
BCA and Signal Kitchen partnered in 2018 to produce a new New Year’s Eve celebration for the City of Burlington following 35 successful years for First Night. Each December 31, hundreds of Vermont artists perform in unique events across the City for thousands of celebrating community members. Each year we are pleased to support Vermont artists by celebrating our community while welcoming in the new year.
Splash Dance
Soak up some summer fun with Splash Dance, BCA’s weekly DJ-fueled dance party in City Hall Park. Kids and parents are invited to suit up and boogie along in the interactive splash pad to some of Vermont’s best DJs. After a super successful summer in 20201, this program will run on Fridays AND Saturdays, doubling the good vibes and fountains of fun. Visit the BCA events calendar to see the weekly DJ lineup for each Splash Dance, which runs from May 27-September 10.
2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation
Summer Concert Series
The BCA Summer Concert Series is an annual celebration of Vermont's incredible roster of local talent. Every Wednesday and Friday throughout the summer, the Summer Concert Series provides a lunchtime concert in City Hall Park, energizing the downtown district with vibrancy while supporting local musicians. Visit the calendar to see the weekly lineup for each Summer Concert.
The Summer Concert Series is presented by VSECU and MVP Health Care with support from City Market, Onion River Co-op, Dubois & King, and Shrubbly. 2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation.
Community Spotlight
City Hall Park was created for the community. With that focus in mind, Community Spotlight features a re-occurring lineup of local arts groups every Tuesday evening. In 2022 we are proud to be supporting Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater, Burlington Taiko, Swing Dance Jam, and Soulshine Yoga. Welcoming these groups to the park, supporting them with event production and marketing, and giving them the chance to connect with new audiences is what Community Spotlight is all about.
Community Spotlight has support from City Market, Onion River Co-op. 2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation.
Twilight Series
Catch a concert on the lawn as the sun sets on City Hall Park, every alternating Friday and Saturday. The lineup includes regional luminaries spanning the full spectrum of genres. Visit the calendar to see the bi-weekly lineup for each Twilight Series Concert.
Twilight Series is presented by Soundtoys with support from Aqua ViTea. 2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation.
Listen Up
Last year, Listen Up brought community connections to City Hall Park as hosts Gina Stevensen and Quinn Rol, interviewed local luminaries in this TED talk style series. This year Gina and Quinn are back with an amazing lineup of Vermont art and music world legends, ready to share the amazing stories behind their creative practices. Running every Thursday in July & August, Listen Up will give audiences a new way to connect with the talented creatives that power the spectacular Burlington arts scene.
2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation.
Flicks in the Park
Catch great flicks under the stars, with family-friendly fare and contemporary classics, every Thursday at dusk. See our calendar for the full lineup.
Flicks in the Park has support from American Flatbread Burlington Hearth, Monarch & the Milkweed, and Point 2. 2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation.
BTV Market
Expanding on our beloved Artist Market, this outdoor market experience in the heart of downtown Burlington, is new for 2022. Presented by Burlington City Arts and Love Burlington, the BTV Market runs every Saturday from June 4-October 1 in City Hall Park. Come cross paths with an eclectic collection of local artists and makers. Live music, games, and kids activities make for festive fun while you stroll amongst vendors and neighbors. With wares, artwork, and food representing all of Burlington's many communities, this new market brings the best of BTV together all summer long!
2022 City Hall Park programming is underwritten by the Pomerleau Family Foundation. BTV Market has support from Burlington Telecom, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and Kiss the Cook, with media sponsor, Seven Days.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
The 2022 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival—produced by the Flynn in association with Burlington City Arts, and presented by New England Federal Credit Union—takes place June 3-12, with events all over Downtown Burlington and beyond. The Flynn is thrilled to welcome Michael Mwenso, leader of the captivating band Mwenso & The Shakes and co-founder of Electric Root, and his creative partner Jono Gasparro as the curators for this year’s festival. Collaborating with the Flynn and many community partners, Michael and Jono have created an exciting lineup with a clear thematic vision.
Browse the full Jazz Fest schedule here and BCA's Jazz Lab programming here.