This weekend in Dodgeville, WI

The morning begins with breakfast and Bloody Marys at opening. A parade for the annual fair day follows, then a performance by Drew Halverson. The night concludes with a set from DJ Pizza Cat.

Explore Phoebe Point Trail with Kitchen Gardener Abbie Gale Lehman while learning the essentials of fall foraging. The session starts at the base of the trail with an introduction to safe, responsible practices, where and why to forage, and how to recognize key plant families. It then moves onto a guided, moderate loop of about 1.1 miles to put new skills into practice by identifying common autumn wild edibles in the field. Along the way, hear about Frank Lloyd Wright’s ties to the Driftless region and how that relationship shaped a tradition at Taliesin of learning within the natural landscape. Phoebe Point Trail is part of the Driftless Area Land Conservancy’s ongoing effort to build a 100 mile Driftless Trail, so each step supports a living regional project. This experience welcomes all skill levels, and those who prefer not to hike the full loop can still participate in the initial discussion, which covers core topics and many of the plants likely to be seen on the path. Instruction and a guided hike are included. The price is $35. The class may be canceled if fewer than seven participants are registered one week in advance. Foraging on Phoebe Point Trail without express permission from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is not allowed, and participants are asked to follow guide instructions to minimize environmental impact. Abbie grew up on a small farm in the Driftless, has long been a gardener and forager, earned a Geography and Environmental Science degree from UW Platteville, worked extensively in the farm to table movement both on farms and in kitchens, and serves as the Kitchen Gardener at Taliesin Preservation.

Avoca’s 4th annual Fire and EMS fest returns as a free, family‑friendly community celebration. Expect a lively atmosphere with a food and beer stand available throughout the event, boot raffles, and a grand drawing for a 2026 Polaris Ranger and trailer. Tickets for the drawing are $40 and will be sold up until the drawing, with a limit of 1,875 tickets. Live music fills the day with performances by One More Shot, Meatplow, and Cherry Pie. A no‑fee car show invites entries across several classes, including best car, best truck, best of show, and kids choice. The vendor market features free outdoor spaces, or a $10 option under a provided tent. For vendor details, contact Sherry Krause at 608‑475‑1576. Competitive fun continues with a bags tournament offering a 100 percent payout; for information, contact Nick M. at 608‑999‑1153. Kids can take part in Kindschi Pedal Tractor Pulls, a free competition for ages 4 to 12 with prizes and trophies for first through third place. Family activities also include bounce houses, Avoca Kid’s Club crafts and games like bingo and a cake walk, face painting, kids water fights, and fire truck rides. Additional details and activities will be shared as plans are finalized. Tent and RV camping is available at Avoca Lakeside Park & Campground on the festival grounds; for reservations, contact the village at 608‑532‑6188.

Spellbound brings music, drinks, dancing, and food to Cork Down Saloon.

Experience Cave of the Mounds in a new light with a guided blacklight tour. Ultraviolet lamps reveal glowing hues across the cave’s formations, bringing out sparkling minerals and details that are usually missed. A guide explains the science behind fluorescent rocks and leads the way to the most vivid sections underground. This experience suits families and curious explorers looking for something unique. Keep in mind the tour takes place in darkness, which may not be appropriate for very young children. Tickets are nonrefundable. Specialty tours are not offered on Easter weekend, Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July weekend, or Labor Day weekend.

Celebrate the season at Cave of the Mounds with a harvest-themed celebration that blends local flavors and live performance. Enjoy a farm-to-table selection of locally sourced snacks highlighting autumn, then step into the cave to hear live music from Shekinah King as the sound carries through the natural acoustics. The experience brings together the beauty of nature, the taste of the harvest, and music in an underground setting.

SuperTuesday brings an outdoor performance to Red's Supper Club in Cuba City, set up near Red's Shed and scheduled to follow the Badger vs Penn State football game. It is a new-to-them venue.

LeAnne and Colleen from The Yoga Space guide an all-levels outdoor yoga class surrounded by sweeping views and curious baby goats. The session blends mindful breathing and flowing movement with a lighthearted atmosphere. Bring a yoga mat or towel. The class is held on the hill at Havens Petting Farm. Cost is $26 per person, and kids are welcome.