A world-class performance hall. Multiple art galleries. Subterranean concert venues. Art is a way of life here in Randolph, and when it comes to small town Vermont dining, we serve up more than just delicious food – we bring artistic energy! Here are a few events happening during the month of August:
Chandler Center for the Arts - Where the arts and community meet
Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival - Open Rehearsal, Thu, Aug 8 at 7
Open rehearsal. Free and open to the public! The Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival invites you to a special open rehearsal, where you can witness the artistic process up close. Watch while they rehearse for their upcoming performances on August 9th and 10th.
Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival - Boyd Meets Girl, Fri, Aug 9 at 7
Boyd Meets Girl, featuring Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf. They have toured globally, sharing an eclectic mix of music from Debussy to Radiohead. Their two albums have over 4 million Spotify streams. Acclaimed soloists, Boyd is “truly evocative” (The Washington Post) and Metcalf “brilliant” (Gramophone). They’ve performed across the USA, India, Nepal, New Zealand, and Australia, including at Caramoor and Newport Classical. Get tickets.
Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival - Majors & Minors, Sat, Aug 10 at 7
Join Chandler for a very special evening with the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival, featuring the timeless works of Brahms, Mozart, and Dora Peja. Talented artists Arturo Delmoni (violin), Michael Roth (viola), Peter Sanders (cello), and Mika Sasaki (piano) will bring these masterpieces to life. Program: Johannes Brahms Cello Sonata #1 in e minor, Op. 38 - Allegro non troppo, Allegretto quasi Menuetto, Allegro; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Duo No. 1 for Violin and Viola in G Major, KV 423 - Allegro, Adagio, RondeauA llegro; INTERMISSION; Dora Peja Piano Quartet in d minor, Op. 25 - , Allegro ma non tanto, Andante con moto, Allegretto grazioso, Allegro comodo ~ Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of chamber music in an intimate setting! Get tickets.
Playhouse Movie Theater - The oldest movie theater in Vermont
Twisters
The film - a sequel - follows former storm chaser Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones) as she returns to the field to test a new tornado tracking system. Traumatized by a past encounter, Kate teams up with her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) and social media storm chaser Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) in Oklahoma. Their plan to reduce tornado intensity using sodium polyacrylate beads faces unexpected challenges. Read more here for other August films and events at the Playhouse.
Galleries and Exhibits - New Shows
ART, Etc. Opening Reception - August 2 from 5 to 7
Andrea Melville is thrilled to present the works of two exceptional artists in her gallery for the months of August and September. Chris Jones - A self-trained visual artist based in Brookfield. Chris is deeply moved by the mystery of self-expression and connection through creative acts. Her art invites viewers to explore the enigmatic and profound aspects of human experience. Joann “Rig” DiNicola - With three decades of experience teaching art in public schools, Joann is a signature member of the Vermont Watercolor Society and an active member of several prestigious art associations. Joann’s favorite subjects include portraits of people, animals, and old vehicles, and she works in various media, including transparent watercolor, pastels, acrylic paint, and photography.
People's Gallery - Member Group Exhibit "Oh Summer!"
People's Gallery is proud to be in its second year as an art cooperative in Randolph! Through August, they will showcase the work of seven of its founding members. The gallery's hours are from 4 to 7 on Fridays and 11 to 3 on the weekends and by appointment. To schedule a visit, please call 802-505-0353. Stay tuned to its Instagram for more updates.
Galleries & Exhibits - Ongoing Shows
The Gallery at Chandler - Eclipsed, A Beginning or an End
The Gallery's current exhibit expands on the concept often reflected in the arts: that we live in a dynamic, changing world. The 10 Vermont artists in this invitational exhibit use a variety of mediums to reflect on the transactional moments when a species, an idea, or a force of nature is eclipsed and shapes a new reality. Runs through September 1st. Learn more here.
Third Branch Pottery Gallery - Pandemic Art
North Main Gallery presents Pandemic Art, the story of life during COVID-19 told through abstract paintings and music. For the artist, it is an ongoing experimental journey of mental health preservation through artistic exploration.
Aaart is Aaart
AAArt is AAART Studio + Gallery, situated at 27 North Main St., is the creative hub of Rachi Farrow, a revered local artist with several decades of experience. Rachi’s artistry is an exploration of our throwaway culture, transforming waste products and everyday objects into extraordinary art pieces. Her process involves fragmenting, reconfiguring, reusing, and resurrecting these discarded items, recycling them into unique works of art. The gallery, a testament to Rachi’s commitment to sustainability and creativity, welcomes visitors whenever the lights are on, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of art.
White River Craft Center
The White River Craft Center (WRCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities in art and hand crafting. Check out their website for their programming calendar.
Live Music +
RACDC's First Friday, Friday, August 2 at 5:30
First Fridays is back on Merchant's Row! This festive gathering is designed to bring our community together, encouraging everyone to socialize, play, get to know their neighbors and support our amazing local businesses.
From June to October, between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, participate in a lively community atmosphere filled with live music, local artisans, and kid activities. Plus, many of our restaurants and shops will be open late for your convenience!
August 2nd will feature musical guest Beth Monroe. Let’s celebrate our community spirit and support local businesses together! See you there.
The Underground - Listening Room The Radiance w/ Ari and the Birds, Sat Aug 3 7:30
The Radiance is a Vermont-based band that blends indie, pop, folk, and jazz through original songs and covers. They’ve been performing across Vermont since August 2023. Ari and the Birds is a newly formed funk, soul, and rhythm and blues band led by high school students from Vermont. This ten-piece ensemble features a six-piece rhythm section, two horns, and two vocalists. They’re excited to share the stage with The Radiance! Tickets are just $14 in advance and $17 on the day of the show. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM. This is a BYOB event and open to all ages. Get tickets.
The Underground - Listening Room - Suburban Samurai - EP Release Show w/ Better Things and Adulting, Sat Aug 21 7:30
Suburban Samurai, from Burlington, formed in 2015 and quickly hit the road. They’ve been producing their tours in-house since 2016 and played over 100 shows in their first 30 months. After a record, singles, an EP, and pandemic-era YouTube tracks, they’re back with their first official release in six years: Sorry About Last Time. Better Things, an alternative punk band from Burlington, formed in 2014. Their music blends pop-punk, emo, and hard rock. After releasing their debut EP and full-length album, they toured extensively and performed with bands like Bad Religion and The Offspring. Now, they’re returning to the stage after a five-year hiatus with new surprises and heartfelt melodies. Adulting, a noodley guitar-driven emo band from Portland, Maine, formed in 2016. They’ve released two full-length albums and are currently working on their follow-up, which is set to release in the fall. Fans of Weatherbox, Braid, and Algernon Cadwallader will love their sound.
Tickets are $14 in advance or $17 at the door. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. You’re welcome to BYOB. Get tickets.
The Underground - Listening Room - Songwriter Circle feat. Karl Lucas, Brian Dade, Jack McKeon and Sarah Bell, Friday Aug 30 7:30
Join Vincent for an unforgettable evening of music featuring four unique and talented artists: Karl Lucas, Brian Dade, Jack McKeon and Sarah Bell. Tickets are $14 in advance or $17 at the door. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. You’re welcome to BYOB. Get tickets.
Wit & Grit - Trivia Night
Wit & Grit Trivia Night. Get ready to put your knowledge to the ultimate test at Wit & Grit's Trivia Night. Doors open at 5:00, and the games begin at 6:00. Stay tuned for their August date!
Restaurants
Within just a few blocks, Randolph offers a culinary journey like no other. Prepare your taste buds for a fusion of flavors, from Italian delights to tantalizing Northern Thai cuisine and everything in between. And here's the exciting part - these restaurants aren't just places to eat; most double as visual art galleries, live music venues, or sometimes both! Talk about a dining experience that feeds your soul. So, buckle up and get ready to savor the creativity at these awesome eateries:
Saap Thai - James Beard Award Winner
One Main Tap & Grill - Farm-to-table, locally inspired cuisine, and craft beer
East Garden - Chinese
Short Notice - shareable small plates
Chef’s Market - sandwiches & specialty groceries
Randolph Village Pizza - family-friendly Italian
Wee Bird Bagel Café - best bagels ever
Wit & Grit - breakfast and lunch classics with unique style
Windy Lane Bakehouse - freshly baked sweets and savories
Prince Street Cafe - classic bowling alley breakfast and lunch
So, what are you waiting for? Go have some fun!