BRAVA Magazine

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
2025-10-11 14:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | The Playhouse at Overture Center, 201 State St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Back by popular demand! Based on Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents or a tyrannical headmistress hold her back. Armed with a sharp mind, a vivid imagination, and a bit of magic, Matilda dares to take a stand and rewrite her destiny. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs, MATILDA is a joyous triumph of one girl’s fight for what’s right.
Recommended for ages 9+
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 4, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT

Noogiefest Halloween Social
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Gilda’s Club Madison, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, 53562, United States
This year’s Noogiefest Halloween social is all about the Northwoods!
Come dressed in your favorite costume: costumes welcome, but not required. We’ll provide you a fun night for all ages in our backyard and inside the clubhouse! Play a few games, eat some treats, and assemble crafts.
Please email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@gildasclubmadison.org with any questions.

Wisconsin Science Festival
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-26 | Statewide in Wisconsin, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math with activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more.
Founded in 2011 on the premise that art and science go hand-in-hand, the festival has grown from a few days of events in Madison to a full week of activities spanning over a hundred cities. The Wisconsin Science Festival continues to grow, welcoming new event hosts and attendees every year. Join us October 16-26, 2025 to unleash your curiosity! The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people. Check out our festival feature page to see all the topics celebrated in past festivals!
In 2025, we are highlighting Rock & Roll! This special, 15th anniversary feature is really three features in one: music, motion, and the geology that shapes Wisconsin. This festival feature aims to engage audiences of all ages by blending earth science, physics, and music, creating a dynamic, interactive, and appealing way for kids, families, and lifelong learners to explore science!

Nature Explorers: Join the Wisconsin BioBlitz!
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-26 | Statewide in Wisconsin, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
Nature Explorers: Join the annual WiSciFest BioBlitz!
Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more!
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz activity tries to measure as much life as possible within a defined space and time. Interested in bugs? Spend an afternoon counting all the insects at a local park. Teaching a unit on plants? Take your class to count all the flowering species you can find in a nearby meadow. Feeling ambitious? Organize your community to count every species you can find during the Wisconsin Science Festival. A BioBlitz can take place in a park, a school, an urban lot or your backyard. The possibilities are endless! BioBlitzes are a way to bring the community together to celebrate biodiversity while experiencing the wonder of nature in all of its fabulous niches.
Your Mission
During the Wisconsin Science Festival Bioblitz, join with people from all across the state from sunrise on the first day of the Festival until sunset on the last day. Download the iNaturalist app on your device (optional but encouraged), find at least 10 species in the environment around you and add your observations to the Wisconsin Science Festival Bioblitz project on iNaturalist.

Science on the Square
2025-10-16 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Madison, 452 State Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us in downtown Madison on October 16th, 2025 from 5-9pm to kick-off the 15th Wisconsin Science Festival!
Science on the Square – One fantastic night blending science with downtown Madison businesses!
Back for its 8th year, Science on the Square will once again be fusing with the Madison Night Market to create a unique way to explore hands-on science activities while supporting local businesses and vendors. This year, Science on the Square will kick off an extended, 10 day, festival in celebration of the 15th Wisconsin Science Festival!
At Science on the Square, outdoor STEM-themed activities will mix with Madison Night Market vendor tents throughout State Street. Indoor locations will showcase interesting exhibits, talks, or menu/product specials for you to check out as well. Learn more about the science that surrounds us every day while exploring downtown Madison. Be sure to stop by the top of State Street (near the capitol) to see live physics demonstrations, create a fun glowing design on a giant Science Brite, and more. Then make your way down to Lisa Link Peace Park (400 block) for live music, stopping at hands-on science stations along the way!
The Wisconsin Science Festival and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are proud to bring you an event you won’t want to miss. Join us in downtown Madison between 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th, for fun for all ages!

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-18 14:00 - 21:00 UTC | The Playhouse at Overture Center, 201 State St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Back by popular demand! Based on Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents or a tyrannical headmistress hold her back. Armed with a sharp mind, a vivid imagination, and a bit of magic, Matilda dares to take a stand and rewrite her destiny. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs, MATILDA is a joyous triumph of one girl’s fight for what’s right.
Recommended for ages 9+
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 4, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT

Coffee & Canvas
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Crema Cafe, 4124 Monona Drive, Monona, WI, 53716, United States
Over the Garden Wall – Coffee and Canvas
Join us for our very first Over the Garden Wall-themed art event on Sunday, October 19th from 10am – 12:30pm! Spend a cozy, creative afternoon painting, sipping coffee, and enjoying autumnal vibes.
Ticket includes:
✨ One cafe beverage (additional drinks available for purchase)
✨ An assortment of baked goods and sandwiches to snack on
✨ A screening of Over the Garden Wall on our projector
Bring your creativity and a love for all things fall—this is an afternoon you won’t want to miss!
📍Reserve your spot now—spaces are limited!

UW-Madison Campus Open House
2025-10-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Discovery Building – UW, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, 53715, United States
Explore UW-Madison’s bustling campus with a special, festival open house! Check out the following locations on Saturday, October 25th for self-guided tours and more:
Wisconsin Book Festival Talks at the Discovery Building (10:30am – 3pm)
Story of Water: A Wisconsin Science Festival Mini-Expo (10am – 2:30pm)
2nd Annual Wisconsin Weather Festival (10am – 1pm)
Allen Centennial Garden (Sunrise – Sunset)
John D. Wiley Gallery for Art in Science (10am – 4pm)
Wisconsin Primate Center (10am – 2pm)
L.R. Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum (10am – 1pm)
UW-Madison Art Department 2025 Fall Open House (12pm – 5pm)
Morgridge Hall – School of Computer, Data, & Information Sciences Self-Guided Tours (12pm – 7pm)

Pieowa: A Piece of America Film Screening; Q&A with Beth Howard; $5 pie slices
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:30 UTC | WI
Film Showing: PIEOWA: A PIECE OF AMERICA by Director/Videographer/Author Beth Howard celebrates the myriad ways pie is woven into Iowa’s culture, the lengths people will go to for a slice, and how this humble pastry can bake the world a better place. Q&A with Beth following the film. Pie slices will be available for sale.
Tickets online here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pieowa-a-piece-of-america
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/748932287946040

SoundWaves: Atomic Scale
2025-10-25 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Discovery Building – UW, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, 53715, United States
Gaze into the world of the unimaginably small with an evening exploring the atomic scale. What is quantum computing and how does it work? How do atoms in metals organize themselves into hierarchies? As part of Klez Fest Midwest, this special SoundWaves event will feature more live music than ever, with the duo of Krakauer & Tagg, featuring brilliant klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer and pianist Kathleen Tagg, performing and explaining what gives klezmer music its characteristic style and sound (it’s all in the scales!).

Indigenous Heritage Celebration
2025-11-06 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N Hamilton, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us for a FREE celebration with our Indigenous community, featuring food, music, art, and dance representing Indigenous traditions across the world.
Featured Guests:
EVAN “BLUE SKY” LOGAN & Group:
A tribal Bear/Thunder (Warrior) clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Through his lifetime he was raised and taught by some of the most key influential people not only within the Ho-Chunk Nation, but throughout Native America. Logan grew up hands on learning the Native way of life. Evan is the 3rd generation out of his family who continues to share and spread awareness of the Native American World and their cultures, along with his family. Today, he continues to be a performer, artist, craftsman, teacher, speaker, activist, entertainer, and singer.
SHAYA SCHREIBER:
A member of the Marten Falls Band of Ojibwe, a First Nation community in Ontario, Canada. She was raised and currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin. At the age of 8 years old, Shaya learned her skills from a family friend and began making regalia, beadwork and moccasins. Today, Shaya has over 16 years of practice and considers her art to be both traditional and contemporary. Growing up, she didn’t get the opportunity to be surrounded by her Ojibwe culture however, as Shaya learned more about her heritage and traditional Art over time, it helped her create connections with other native Artists which gave her the opportunity to pass her knowledge down to the next generation. As a Social worker at an Elementary school, Shaya is able to share Native American art, culture and experiences with her students.
Parking Address:- 218 E Mifflin St Madison, WI 53703

Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop With Chef Michelle Mau
2025-11-22 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St. Suite 7, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join Pastry Chef Michelle Mau at The Deliciouser for an afternoon of learning to bake and decorate your own sugar cookies! You will learn how to make a Deliciouser, yet simple, sugar cookie dough complete with pro tips for successful baking. You will also have your very own station set up with cookies to decorate, complete with icing and lots of added flair in sprinkles and other treats with which to make your one of a kind treats! Includes a cup of mulled wine or spirit free mulled cider and charcuterie.
Bar & Shopping @ 12:00 p.m.
Workshop @ 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: $70
Your $25 reservation deposit will be subtracted from your final bill
We offer a 3% discount on final payment with cash

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop with Allen Centennial Garden
2025-11-22 13:30 - 15:30 UTC | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
The wreath making workshop is back again this year by popular demand!
Join us Saturday, 11/22 or Thursday, December 11th, as the fine folks from Allen Centennial Garden come in to Working Draft to make holiday wreaths with us.
A $55 ticket includes all supplies to make one wreath, help making the wreath, and a free drink! And if multiple people want to work on one wreath together, you just need one ticket. It’s one ticket per wreath, not participant.
This workshop (or the wreath you create) is a perfect gift idea, date night, or just something fun to do with your family (or solo!).
We have 20 slots available per ticket, so snag your tickets today!

Holiday Glow on Monroe
2025-12-05 08:00 - 2025-12-06 17:00 UTC | WI
We will celebrate the official launch of the season with Holiday Glow on Monroe starting with First Friday on Monroe Street and continuing all day Saturday. There will be special offers and activities up and down the street Friday evening and on Saturday.
Santa will arrive at Monroe Commons (in the 1800 block by Trader Joe’s) at 4:00 on Friday afternoon. He will then visit with children – and the young at heart – in the 1700-1900 blocks of Monroe Street.
The Madison Savoyards will sing songs of the season from 4:00-6:00, starting at Monroe Commons with Santa.
On Saturday will feature carolers from Capital City Theatre from noon to 2:00 in the 1700-1900 blocks.

Elf Door Scavenger Hunt
2025-12-05 08:00 - 2025-12-21 17:00 UTC | WI
Kids are invited to take part in our annual elf scavenger hunt game. About 25 elf doors will be hidden on Monroe Street starting on December 5. Ages 2-8 need to find at least 6 doors; ages 9-18 need to find at least 10. Entry forms will be available at the Monroe Street Library, 1705 Monroe Street, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, 2531 Monroe Street.

Madison's Fair Trade Holiday Festival
2025-12-06 08:00 - 15:00 UTC | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Looking for unique, socially responsible, handmade gifts this year? Join us for a fun and festive atmosphere at the 29th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 6th at Monona Terrace in Madison. From 8am to 3pm, there will be hundreds of fairly-traded, international products for you to choose from–the handiwork of weavers, knitters, metal-workers, wood-carvers, and creative artists from around the world. Over 40 vendors will offer Fair Trade clothing, foods, jewelry, ornaments, baskets and so much more.
Make sure to bring the kids! We have a kids corner with a scavenger hunt and a hands on weaving project for them to take home.
Celebrating its 29th year, as your worker-friendly alternative, the Fair Trade Holiday Festival will take place at Monona Terrace on Saturday, December 6th from 8am to 3pm. Right next door to the Farmers Market! For more information visit: www.fairtrademadison.org or Fair Trade Holiday Festival on Instagram and Facebook

Winter Holiday Concert with Oakwood Chamber Players
2025-12-09 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Oakwood Prairie Ridge Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI, 53718, United States
Get festive with The Oakwood Chamber Players on Tuesday, December 9, as they crack open their treasure trove of beloved holiday tunes, with performances at 3 p.m at Oakwood Villages Prairie Ridge (5565 Tancho Drive), and 7 p.m. at University Woods (6205 Mineral Point Road).
This season, whether you seek peaceful reflection or nostalgic merriment, Oakwood’s annual mix of pops and sacred world music will leave your spirit feeling brighter and lighter. Accessible for audiences of all ages, the lively ensemble of winds and strings will charm kids from “one to ninety-two” with classics such as Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmastime is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Frank Bridge’s “Sir Roger de Coverley” from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Oakwood Chamber Players serve as the professional resident ensemble for the Oakwood Village senior living community. Artistic Directors Valree Casey (oboe/English horn), Nancy Mackenzie (clarinet), Amanda Szczys (bassoon), Marie Pauls (viola), and Maggie Townsend (cello) will be joined by guest violinists Sahada Buckley and Holly Wagner.
Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 seniors, and $5 for students. Run time, 60 minutes, no intermission. For more information and advance ticket sales, visit oakwoodchamberplayers.com.

Winter Holiday Concert with Oakwood Chamber Players
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, United States

Holiday Open House in Support of Habitat for Humanity with Grace Weber
2025-12-11 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Spark Building within DreamBank: 821 E Washington Ave. Madison, WI 53703, 821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Enjoy a festive evening filled with seasonal fun, local treats and a holiday house craft for a cause – plus a special musical performance!
Join us at DreamBank in Madison, WI for this in-person special event and performance!
‘Tis the season to be merry, spread community cheer and make an impact! You and your family are invited to attend a joyous holiday celebration with the American Family Insurance DreamBank in support of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. This open house will bring the community together for a festive evening filled with seasonal fun, delicious local treats and a holiday house craft for a cause. To add to the merriment, we’re thrilled to welcome back Grammy award-winning artist, Grace Weber, for a very special fireside performance from 6-6:30 PM.
​And did you know? Your participation will help provide for families in need by supporting affordable housing. For every holiday house that’s created during the event, American Family will donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, up to $5,000. Everyone deserves to feel protected under a roof of their own. Let’s celebrate the season and make a difference together!

Santa Cycle Rampage Saturday
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | WI
The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Santas on bicycles will come down Monroe Street to Woodrow Street (by Edgewood College) at about 11:15 on Saturday, December 13. Spectators are welcome, and the Orange Tree Imports will be handing out 100 jingle bells to those who want to cheer on this festive parade. To quote the Bike Fed, “Join hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, the Grinch, dreidels, and more for a slow-rolling holiday parade on wheels. It’s part bike ride, part costume party, and all-out seasonal joy!”

Fiestas Decembrinas – December 13, 2025
2025-12-13 13:00 - 18:00 UTC | Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street, Madison, 53713, United States
Fiestas Decembrinas is our annual family-friendly celebration of flavor, culture, and community.
This year’s event will take place on:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Catholic Multicultural Center
1862 Beld St., Madison, WI 53713
The day begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Hying, followed by live entertainment, cultural performances, delicious food, and a lively Christmas Market with local vendors. The event is free and open to the public, and it brings together hundreds of families from across the Madison community. We would love the whole community to be aware of the event.
Thank you for considering this request and for supporting community events that bring people together.

In the Christmas Mood: Madison Brass Band Holiday Concert
2025-12-21 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Monona Grove High School, 4400 Monona Drive, Monona, WI, 53716, United States
Join your Madison Brass Band for our 2025 holiday concert, In the Christmas Mood. Celebrate the holiday season with MBB as we perform a variety of Christmas classics with a British Brass Band flare!
📅: December 21st at 1pm
📍: Monona Grove High School Auditorium, Monona, WI
🎟️: Admission is by donation, $10-$20 suggested. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Program includes:
Christmas is Coming by Paul Lovatt-Cooper
What Child Is This? by Douglas Court (featuring Dave Braun, baritone)
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano, arr. by Dorothy Gates
My Shepherd by Brenton Broadstock
Gaudete arr. by Geoff Colmer
A Christmas Fantasia by Andrew Wainwright
In the Christmas Mood arr. by Nigel Hall
Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber, arr. by Ray Steadman-Allen
Wassail! arr. by David Morgan
The Little Drummer Boy arr. by Philip Sparke
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by arr. by John Golland
City of David by Philip Rayment

The Hobbit
2026-02-07 14:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-08 13:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-14 14:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-15 13:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Starlight Theater at MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
When homebody Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by a band of dwarves and a very mysterious wizard, he finds himself facing trolls, goblins, and a fire-breathing dragon—with only his courage and a bit of luck to guide him! J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved tale comes to life in this adventurous stage adaptation, filled with heart, humor, and heroism.
Recommended for ages 7+
Happens on the following Dates:
Feb 7, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Feb 7, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Feb 8, 2026, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Feb 8, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Feb 14, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Feb 14, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Feb 15, 2026, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Feb 15, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Feb 20, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Feb 21, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Feb 21, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Feb 22, 2026, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Feb 22, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
