By Lenah Helmke | Photo: Art Market at MmoCA. Photography by Ben Zastrow
The Moth Madison StorySLAM
October 6, High Noon Saloon
’Tis the season for spooky stories and creative costumes. This open-mic storytelling event invites attendees to share a true and personal five-minute story based on the evening’s theme, which is “disguises and their consequences.” Not in a sharing mood? Head over to the High Noon Saloon to simply listen and relax for this night of spilling secrets. tinyurl.com/bddrf6ms
Madison Ballet: “Re:Imagine: Rock the Ballet”
October 10-12, Starlight Theater
Madison Ballet is pushing the boundaries of ballet in their 44th season. “Re:Imagine: Rock the Ballet” challenges the traditional thinking that ballet is elitist by employing contemporary music and choreography with classical technique. The program includes choreography by Meredith Rainey and Yury Yanowsky, a version of Richard Walters’ “Parallax” and “Rhapsody in Blue” by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik. madisonballet.org/rock-the-ballet
Puppy Yoga at Hidden Cave Cidery
October 11, Hidden Cave Cidery
Time to lay down your mat, take a couple deep breaths and flow through your vinyasa alongside some adorable puppies from Puppers to Love Rescue. Time to learn how to downward dog and puppy pose from some “real” experts! visitmiddleton.com/event/puppy-yoga-at-hidden-cave-cidery/2025-10-11
Art Market at MMoCA
October 11-12, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping and purchase works by artists, jewelry makers, potters and chocolatiers at MMoCA’s Art Market. Set up in the museum’s main galleries and lobby, attendees can shop and view the museum’s works for an immersive experience. mmoca.org/event/artmarket
Madison Night Market
October 16, State Street
Celebrate the last Night Market of 2025 with delicious food, artisanal crafts and live music. During the market, the Wisconsin Science Festival is also hosting Science on the Square, which provides family-friendly opportunities and interactive demos for all ages with hands-on science experiments. visitdowntownmadison.com/events/madison-night-market
Wisconsin Book Festival
October 23-26
The Madison Public Library Foundation presents the 24th annual Wisconsin Book Festival. This weekend is filled with inspiring conversations and events with authors including Katherine Stewart, David Wroblewski, Karida L. Brown and Laura Poppick. All events are free and take place at various venues in downtown Madison. wisconsinbookfestival.org
Boo at the Zoo
October 26, Henry Vilas Zoo
Jump-start your Halloween festivities with trick or treat around the Henry Vilas Zoo. Also enjoy free carousel rides! henryvilaszoo.gov/event/boo-at-the-zoo-4
UW-Madison Homecoming Parade
October 25, State Street
Listen to the UW Marching Band and watch floats parade down State Street in celebration of Badger pride. Whether you’re a UW alumnus or not, everyone will enjoy this family-friendly event. union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/homecomingparade2025
Downtown Madison Family Halloween
October 29, State Street & Capitol Square
Time to trick-or-treat in downtown Madison! This family-friendly event has 20 activity stops, hayrides, face painting, a Halloween photo opp with Bucky Badger, a candy stash with the Madison Police Department and more. Adults and kids are encouraged to wear costumes. visitdowntownmadison.com/events/downtown-madison-family-halloween
