Monroe Street Festival
2025-09-13 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Monroe Street, 1500-3500 Blocks, Madison, 53711, United States
The 47th Monroe Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 to 5:00 in the 1600 – 2600 blocks of Monroe Street. The Monroe Street Festival is a cherished annual tradition celebrating Monroe Street’s many locally owned businesses and our surrounding residential neighborhoods. The day-long event features a range of activities including street sales, food and drink specials, free outdoor performances, kids music and games, a bargain book sale at the Monroe Street Library, and so much more. Activities are held rain or shine, and take place in the businesses, on the street or sidewalks, at Monroe Commons by Trader Joe’s, and in the parking lot of Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. For more information, see https://www.monroestreetmadison.com/monroestreetfestival

Rhumba 4 Rainbow Benefit Gala
2025-09-19 19:00 - 23:30 UTC | Monona Terrace and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
The Rainbow Project is grateful to be celebrating 45 years of serving the community and 21 years of the Rhumba 4 Rainbow benefit gala in 2025! Rhumba 4 Rainbow is a family- and community-oriented event that brings joy, hope, and unity to attendees, supporters, donors, and beneficiaries alike. The night features a wide array of unique activities, including a professional Latin floorshow with world-renowned Salsa dancers; local Dancing with the Stars competition; open Salsa contest with cash prizes; a large silent auction; Extra Mile Awards; live music; fashion contests, and more!

Half-Pint Resale Fall Sale
2025-09-20 08:00 - 2025-09-21 13:00 UTC | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713
The Madison area’s largest children’s consignment sale, featuring tens of thousands of items for pregnant moms, expecting parents, and young families, featuring items of all types for ages 0 – 12, plus maternity. Register to consign your items, or volunteer to work the sale and get access to the presale held on Friday September 19. A half-price sale will be held on Sunday September 21 from 8am – 1pm. Put your clothing and money back into our community in this mom owned and 100% local sale. The sale will be held at the Alliant Energy Center’s Arena building, with FREE parking!

"Generations" by Dance Wisconsin
2025-09-26 08:00 - 19:00 UTC | MyArts Building, 1055 E Mifflin Street, Madison, WI, 53714, United States
Dance Wisconsin, south central Wisconsin’s pre-professional dance company, presents their annual New Works installation with this year’s production, Generations. Choreographers include local artists: Sarah Martin (Madison Ballet), Edward Salas (Kanopy Dance Theatre), Elise Jessup, Chelsey Bradley, and Megan Schimke. The young performers from the surrounding Madison area will present Generations at MYArts Center on Friday, September 26 at 7:00pm.
“Generations” travels through the music of the Greatest Generation, the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z while pairing each with unexpected styles of dance. From comedic to introspective to calm and cool; each piece challenges the audience’s preconceived idea of each music genre and the generation that created it. This is an experience for the audience as well as the young performers as they tackle art from several decades before their time, to choreography commenting on their own generation.
Led by Artistic Director, JoJean Retrum, Dance Wisconsin prides itself in educating high level athletes in the art of dance, as well as creating a nurturing environment for tomorrow’s leaders. Dance Wisconsin is a non-profit pre-professional dance company composed of dancers aged twelve through adult. The company has been a part of Regional Dance America’s MidStates Region for over thirty years and is Wisconsin’s only Honor Company within RDA.
Sponsored by the Lucie and Norman Arendt Foundation, RBC Wealth Foundation, North Central Utility of Wisconsin, LLC, and Kramer Madison. This project is also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Further support by Dane County Arts withadditional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of the Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. Tickets will soon go on sale at www.dancewisconsin.org priced at $30 for adults (ages 18+), $20 for seniors (ages 65+), $10 for youth (17 and under) and $2 for lap seats (ages 0-2).

Verona Fall Fest
2025-09-26 16:00 - 23:00 UTC | Hometown USA Festival Park, 111 Lincoln St, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
Verona Fall Fest – Presented by Verona Vision Care
Celebrate autumn at Verona’s Fall Fest, recently ranked the #7 Best Fall Festival in the U.S. by USA Today! Enjoy Food Truck Alley, the Fall Marketplace, Kid’s Tent activities, live music from Just Merl and a Girl, a beer tent, bonfires, and two outdoor movies—Ghostbusters at 7 PM and The Lost Boys at 9 PM. Fun for all ages with something for everyone!
📅 Friday, September 26 | 4–11 PM
📍 Hometown USA Festival Park, Verona, WI

Coffee & Creatives
2025-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Crema Cafe, 4124 Monona Drive, Monona, WI, 53716, United States
Join us at Crema Cafe for a vibrant artisan Market featuring local artists and vendors. Browse a variety of handmade goods and specialty items while enjoying your favorite beverages from our drink menu!

Fall Fest
2025-10-03 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI, 53716, United States
Join us for our spooky-ish celebration featuring Creatures of the Night!
Fall Fest returns with a fun-filled night of spooky nature activities in not-so-scary style! With activity stations indoors and out, there is plenty of FREE fall fun for everyone to enjoy.
Park your car at Ahuska Park and ride a FREE Shuttle to ALNC.
Exciting activities include:
– Conduct surprising SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
– Discover what’s hiding in the BONE YARD
– Hike the Basswood Forest trails and find CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
– Hear spooky stories by THE HAUNTED SHACK
– Solve a MURDER MYSTERY
– Participate in the COSTUME PARADE
– Take a hike through the prairie and play NIGHT TIME NATURE BINGO
– Roast marshmallows over a FALL CAMPFIRE (for a small fee) and more
If you have a flashlight or two, bring them along! Otherwise, we will have a limited quantity for use on the trails.
Hungry? We’ll also have a couple of food trucks to fill your bellies – Banzo, and Ugly Apple will be here.
This event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC! $5 suggested donation per person.
No registration required; walk-ins welcome!
A photographer may be onsite to document this event. If you would not like your photo taken, please advise the photographer. Thank you!

Moon Over Monona Terrace
2025-10-03 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53705, Select a Country:
Join the Madison Astronomical Society (MAS) as they celebrate their 90th anniversary with a return to the Monona Terrace rooftop for Moon Over Monona Terrace.
Young and old alike are invited to view the Moon and other celestial objects, such as Saturn and Neptune, through a multitude of different telescopes provided by MAS. Activities include short kid-friendly presentations about the moon and other celestial phenomena, plus a kids’ fun zone with educational games and prizes!
A FREE ticket is required for admission for all attendees, subject to venue capacity and issued on a first come first serve basis. There’s a limit of eight tickets per patron.
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-over-monona-terrace-fall-2025-registration-1645373048079?aff=oddtdtcreator
In the event of rain or diminished viewing from cloud cover, family learning activities, presentations and games will be moved inside.
You can learn more about the Madison Astronomical Society’s history and anniversary celebration plans by visiting their new website at https://www.madisonastro.org/.

Oak Bank's Pumpkin Giveaway
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Oak Bank, 5951 McKee Road, Fitchburg, WI, United States
This year, Oak Bank’s Pumpkin giveaway will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 9am to noon. Please visit our Facebook page to RSVP for the event. Families are welcome to join us behind our building in the parking lot at 5951 McKee Road in Fitchburg, to pick out pumpkins, grab a goodie bag (while supplies last) and enjoy tractor drawn carriage rides. Kids will have the opportunity to meet local mascots. All cash donations collected during the event will be donated to Meadowood Health Partnership.

Waunakee Artisan Market
2025-10-04 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Schumacher Farm Park, 5682 Highway 19, Waunakee, WI, 53597, United States
The Waunakee Artisan Market is celebrating it’s 5th year! WAM is a juried one-day art market held on the historic 40-acre Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee on the first weekend in October. This unique market blends the charm of fall on the farm with over 50 quality art exhibitors, live music, food carts and adult beverages. Entrance fee is $3 for adults.

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
2025-10-04 14:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-05 13:00 - 20:00, 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

Gilda's Run/Walk
2025-10-05 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Gilda’s Club Madison, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, 53562, United States
Be part of something powerful at the 18th Annual Gilda’s Run/Walk on Sunday, October 5 in Middleton — or join virtually from anywhere! Whether you run the 5K (untimed) course or stroll the 2-mile walk, you’ll be supporting local families facing cancer through every step. Celebrate at the finish line with a festive picnic, complete with Ruth’s Chris burgers (veggie burger option available), and fun activities for the entire family. All proceeds stay local to fund free support, education, and resources through Gilda’s Club Madison.
Register by Sunday, August 31 at midnight to lock in the early bird rate and receive an event t-shirt (Adult: $35, Child: $25). After that, regular rates apply (Adult: $45, Child: $35), and participants will receive a beanie hat.
Online registration closes September 28—don’t miss your chance to join a day that proves our community is stronger than cancer. Register today at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/gildasrunwalk2025/

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.
