As the flowers bloom and the temperature rises, springtime events are starting! If you need a reason to get out of the house, something to do on a sunny afternoon or just trying to learn more about your community, Madison and Verona events have you covered! Here are some of the events starting this May and June.
1. April - September: Madison Farmers Market
The Madison Farmers Market started April 16th and will be on the Capital square every Saturday morning from 6:15a.m. – 1:45p.m. All the booths at the market are producer-only farmers that are limited by their production and harvest yields. This means that they may sell out before the close of Market, but this also means locally grown farmers with the freshest yields! Enjoy produce, flowers, baked goods and and the fan favorite Stalzy's Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread.
2. May 7: Latino Art Fair
At the Overture Center for the Arts from 4p.m. - 6p.m. is the 8th Annual Latino Art Fair Gallery Night “amArte” in which Wisconsin Latino artists celebrate the power of love through art to foster understanding, compassion and forgiveness. The event features 15 local visual artists with art for sale along with arts activities and a face painting artist for youth. Entertainment will be provided by Latino Arts Strings Program, a youth mariachi group from Milwaukee.
3. May 12: Arboretum Tours
Enjoy the beautiful sights and smells of the Arboretum! Offered from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays are a variety of walking tours like the Lilac tour Sunday May 8th, or the “Plants and Pollinators” tour Wednesday July 13th. The 1,200-acre Arboretum is located on the near-west side of Madison, bordering the southern shore of Lake Wingra. The Arboretum’s address and main entrance is 1207 Seminole Highway.
4. May 14: Uncork Me Madison
Located at Breese Stevens Field, 917 East Mifflin St is the unlimited wine tasting festival. From 3p.m. to 6p.m. is the festival for all wine lovers across Madison! Tickets range from $10 -$45 and give access for all over the age of 21 to endless wine, food, ice cream, live music and field games like cornhole!
5. May 27-29: Brat Fest
The 40th annual Brat fest is a great way to kick off summer! From 10a.m.-10p.m. off John Nolen Drive, Brat Fest offers a little something for everyone. Not only is there an abundance of brats and other food, but a kids zone, carnival, live music, performances, fireworks and more! If you want something fun for the whole family over the holiday weekend, enjoy the 40th year of Brat Fest.
6. May 30: Madison Mallards baseball game season begins
Enjoy local collegiate baseball games on the north side of Madison at the Mallards stadium on 2920 N Sherman Ave, Madison. The Mallards games offer college level games, food and ice cream, drinks, apparel and mid game events and prizes. Bring the family out to a local game this spring and summer!
7. June - July: Concerts on the Rooftop
Located on the rooftop in the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens, Monona Terrace is Concerts on the Rooftop. Starting in June, with the first concert of the season on June 9th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., there are six different bands playing live music. From the band Super Tuesday kicking off the season to The People Brothers Band closing out the season, there will be different genres for every music lover! The tickets are free but are required for admission and can be purchased through Eventbrite or by calling 608.261.4062.
8. June 3-5: Verona Hometown Days
The weekend-long fair is located behind the Verona Ice Arena at 451 E Verona Ave across the Military Ridge State Trail and next to Verona's City Hall at 111 Lincoln St. Grounds open at 5p.m. - 1a.m. Friday, 12p.m.- 1a.m. Saturday and 12p.m.-5p.m. Sunday. Events include a 5k run walk, food, games, live music, kid zones, events and a parade! Whether you are from Verona or nearby, it is a weekend of fun for the whole family!
9. June 11-12: Waterfront Festival
Located at the Waterplace Park on the eastside of Lake Monona. The free festival is from 10:30a.m. on Saturday to 5:30p.m. Sunday with events like live local music, food, drinks, kids games and more! With a breeze from the waterfront, it's sure to be a fun filled festival for everyone!
10. June 18: Loop the Lake Bike Ride
The 10th annual Loop the Lake Bike Ride is presented by the Clean Lakes Alliance in support and awareness for clean and healthy lakes. The bike starts at Olbrich Park located at 3527 Atwood Avenue, and will travel 12 miles clockwise around Lake Monona. The bike is projected to take the riders from one to two hours and children under 11 bike free!
If you need a good way to kick off the spring season, there are many different events around the city for everyone and even more to come this summer!