By Lily Mihelich | Photography by Paul Gero
SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair
May 4, Warner Park Community Recreation Center
With over 80 vendors, the City of Madison’s 19th annual SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair is the perfect destination for browsing and buying. View jewelry, woodwork, paintings, knitwear, décor, pottery and more. Entry fee is $1.
cityofmadison.com/parks/events/2024-05-04/springfest-arts-crafts-fair
Madison Night Market
May 9, downtown Madison (State Street)
This popular evening market kicks off in May with over 100 vendors specializing in food, art and gifts. Stroll while you listen to music by Latin dance band Mideast Salsa, Colombian singer-songwriter Angela Puerta and fiddler Wend O’Lynn.
bravamagazine.com/event/madison-night-market
Madison Irish Fest 2024
May 17-19 at Awildan Distilling, Karben4 Brewing and Garver Feed Mill
This fun fest features regional and international acts, celebrating Irish culture. Come and see the world champion Trinity Irish Dancers and their touring ensemble, hang out at a pre-party event at Awildan Distilling and hear fiddlers and Celtic folk songs at this three-day event.
bravamagazine.com/event/madison-irish-fest-2024
Felicia’s Donation Closet 4th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser
May 18, Palestrina Events Center
Felicia’s Donation Closet has helped over 346 domestic violence survivors from the Madison area and beyond find solace in a safe space. The nonprofit locates and delivers much-needed home furnishings for families who are moving from a shelter into their own home. This fundraiser will have casino games, a happy hour, dinner, awards ceremony and raffle.
eventbrite.com/e/felicias-donation-closet-4th-annual-casino-night-fundraiser-tickets-798995997537
Picnic in the Park
May 18, Rennebohm Park
Sport your best 1960s-era fashion, sip special cocktails, play fun lawn games and support the initiatives of the Madison Parks Foundation. This throwback-themed picnic supports the Foundation’s park system and programs. Make sure to buy tickets by May 5, and check out its first online silent auction this year.
madisonparksfoundation.org/picnic-in-the-park
Brat Fest
May 24-26, Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center
Spend your Memorial Day weekend with a brat, carnival, kid-friendly activities and free tunes. This three-day fest has raised over $2 million dollars and benefitted over 100 local charities. Run entirely by volunteers, this year’s featured bands include The Village People, Lanco and Neal Mccoy.
