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Hey Madison, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Olbrich Gardens expansion plan, tougher PFAS drinking water standards, and Femmestival 2026 + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Madison protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

New play spaces and art: Olbrich Gardens is drafting a decades-long expansion plan and asking Madison neighbors to weigh in, with more workshops ahead and final designs to be presented on May 20 — see what’s being proposed.

Classic roles up for grabs: Madison Shakespeare Company will hold auditions for Edward the Fourth on March 27 in Madison, giving local theater folks an early spring opportunity to step into Shakespeare on a neighborhood stage — get all the details.

Aligning with federal standards: Gov. Evers approved tougher PFAS drinking water standards, lowering limits from 70 to 4 parts per trillion as talks on $125 million continue and the Senate considers approval this month — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Mask up and dance at Moonlight Masquerade
• Hear Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s soaring harmonies
• Support our school at beach-themed dance

🫶 We got your back

Lunch, upgraded in minutes: Casetta Kitchen and Counter makes midday cravings feel deli-fresh with sliced-to-order meats, house-made fixings, and sturdy, freshly baked bread. Grab a simple side for balance, enjoy the upgrade, and keep moving. Lunch that satisfies now… and keeps your afternoon on track.

Lakefront wander vibes: Tenney Park blends breezy lake views, looping paths, and a storybook bridge, turning quick walks into mini getaways. When the season cooperates, the lagoon becomes a neighborhood hangout. Pack a thermos, meet a friend, or drift solo with headphones.

Game night upgrade: When cabin fever hits, I’m Board! Games & Family Fun offers wall-to-wall board games, card games, and puzzles, plus in-store play that turns weeknights into mini vacations. The shelves invite browsing, the tables buzz with laughter… proof that analog fun still shines.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥪 History Sandwiched In Spring 2026 @ History Maker Space | Tuesday (3/10) at 12:30 PM – If you’ve been meaning to sandwich more Wisconsin lore into your week, this spring series serves up divers, Sears kit houses, and textile treasures, right on the Square. Smart folks talk, you nod thoughtfully. It’s free, popular, and capped at 60, so register.

🎬 The Black History of Sinners – Film Screening and Discussion @ Madison Public Library – Central | Thursday (3/12) at 5:30 PM – Justified Anger is screening Sinners at Central Library, then leading a conversation about the film’s Black history, culture, and roots. See the Oscar juggernaut on a screen before the Academy pats itself on the back, then stick around for insight. Free with registration, third floor.

🍀 Currach Quadtet @ ALT Brew | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been craving some craic without the airfare, Alt Brew is hosting a free night of old-school Celtic tunes, plus the UW Sláinte Irish Dancers. Grab a pint, claim a stool, and let the fiddles handle your step count.

💃 Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company @ Overture Center for the Arts | Saturday (3/14) at 9:30 AM – Catch Kalaanjali’s Bharatanatyam, classical dance from South India, in the Rotunda, all grace, rhythm, and bells. Free, family friendly, and actually captivating, with dancers from pint-sized to poised. ASL interpretation available, so bring the grandparents, the kids, and your curiosity.

🎨 Rural Artists in Conversation with Wormfarm Institute @ Madison Museum of Contemporary Art | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – Think art and agriculture live in separate barns? Spoiler, they get along. Wormfarm Institute founders Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas will prove it with a kitchen-table chat on rural life, creativity, and the food chain, plus a fresh lens on our landscape, and free admission.

🎉 Femmestival 2026 @ Garver Feed Mill | Saturday (3/14) at 4:00 PM – Wander Garver Feed Mill with a drink, shop art, snack through Femmestival, and catch DJ Kayla Kush. It’s free, packed with women and non-binary talent, and your bar tab supports YWCA Madison and 9to5. Shop with one hand, snack with the other, feel virtuous.

☘ 2026 DCSC Flag Raising Ceremony / St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ Wisconsin State Capitol Bldg. | Sunday (3/15) at 11:45 AM – If you’ve waited for a sign to wear green without judgment, this is it. Irish flag raising in the Capitol Rotunda, free with pipes, drums, and dancers, plus a nod to Steve Goldberg. Parade laps the Square, then the faithful drift to The Post.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Madison report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 51°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 26%

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 60%

Rain likely before 7am, then a chance of rain and snow between 7am and 10am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. North wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Wisconsin but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

This 3-bed, 3.5-bath west-side retreat sits amid mature trees, lush landscaping, and peaceful green space. A two-story entry leads to an updated kitchen with island and walk-in pantry, open to a living room with wood-burning fireplace. A vaulted 4-season sunroom glows. Perks include a main-floor office, flexible lower level, large patio, private backyard, and 3-car garage.

Take a peek inside →