Events in Madison today

A relaxed, starter friendly space to play Commander with beginners and very casual players. Attendees are welcome to participate solo or with partners, friends, and family.

Begin with a yoga session near the UW-Arboretum Visitor Center, then continue with a trail run through the arboretum for about an hour, typically covering 5.5 to 6.5 miles. Most paces are supported and no runner is left behind. Please bring a mat or towel for yoga. Updates are posted on the MTR Meetup page.

Bring your best brainpower for a free game that challenges you. Prizes are provided by The Rigby.

This event features a tango lesson presented by Madison Tango Society on the main floor at Cafe CODA, followed by a social that links up with the bachata dance crew for a lively blend of rhythms. Admission is $10, payable at the bar, and it covers one class in either tango or bachata. The social portion is free. Bachata meets in the back room.

Presented by FPC Live, Gary Clark Jr. performs at The Sylvee. This is a phone-free event, and upon arrival all phones will be secured in Yondr pouches. The show welcomes all ages. Presale access is available through All Access with no code required and free membership. Tickets can be purchased at The Sylvee box office or through the venue’s website.

Spend time trading cards and enjoying casual games with fellow players. Commander is the focus for most tables, and other formats are welcome as well. No advance registration is required.

In just 30 minutes, this class focuses on connecting with the heart and cultivating inner peace so participants can access their best selves and carry a sense of wellbeing through the day. It features a short talk followed by a guided meditation. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is required. Registration is available at the door. The cost is $5 per class, and it is free for KMC Madison members.

A casual west-side coffee meet-up brings together LGBTQ community members age 50 and older for conversation at Qamaria Coffee in Madison. Hosted by Madison’s LGBTQ 50+ Alliance, this recurring gathering takes place on second and fourth Wednesdays. Participants purchase their own beverages or snacks, or simply come for water and good conversation. The group might not be immediately visible, so asking if someone is there for the OutReach coffee meet-up is recommended. No RSVP is required. The 50+ Alliance is a collaborative project of OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and Madison Senior Center. Accessibility information is coming. For questions, or if you are interested in starting a social, support, or educational group for the LGBTQ 50+ community, contact the OutReach Elder Advocate, Lynn, at lynnc@lgbtoutreach.org.

Discover a guided Aufguss ritual rooted in German sauna culture. A trained Sauna Master places snowballs infused with essential oils or teas on the hot stones, then uses towel and fan techniques to direct the rising steam. Heat, aromatherapy, rhythmic air movement, and music blend into a choreographed, multi-round session that is both immersive and dynamic. Expect a focused, multi-sensory experience in which the Sauna Master circulates steam throughout the room with precise towel work, gradually building intensity and transforming the atmosphere. Participation is included with any Saunaday reservation, and no separate booking is required. Sessions are held in the Cedar Sauna. This ongoing program nurtures a growing home for Aufguss in the Midwest, featuring a rotating lineup of Sauna Masters and styles over time.

A welcoming weekly singalong in Madison celebrates folk and traditional music using the Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks, which together cover about 2,400 songs from the past century. Singers and acoustic players of all experience levels are invited to participate as much or as little as they like. Bring instruments like guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, or accordion, or play the on-site options that include a standup bass along with guitars and ukuleles. The songbooks provide chords to follow along, though they do not include melody lines. Gatherings are based at Muso Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.

This $5 5K series from Fontana Sports is designed for participants on foot or wheels while highlighting a different local nonprofit each week. Participation is simple. Attendees make a $5 donation, follow a designated 5K route at their own pace alongside a Fontana staff member, then enjoy refreshments and a small giveaway from the current brand sponsor. Every dollar collected goes directly to the featured organization. Weekly beneficiaries have included Focused Interruption, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Tri 4 Schools, Mundo Esperanza, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, Literacy Network, Friends of Devil's Lake, Dane County Humane Society and its Wildlife Center, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Climbers Association, Centro Hispano of Dane County, Groundswell Conservancy, Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. Brand partners rotate, including The North Face, Brooks, On Running, HOKA, and Smartwool. What may look like a casual group run is intended to strengthen community connections and spark positive impact.

Music Bingo at Baked Wings features free participation, prize opportunities, and drink specials, with wings available while you play.

Bar trivia at the Cardinal Bar features Premier Trivia. It is free to play, and prizes are awarded to the top three teams.

At I/O Arcade Bar, this monthly Stern Army IFPA pinball tournament features six rounds of match play followed by a playoff for the top four qualifiers. Prizes are provided by I/O Arcade and Stern Pinball. The environment is casual and competitive, with local players, chances to build skills, and drinks available.

Mumford & Sons perform live in concert at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

A free general knowledge trivia night hosted by Shelby at Sconnie Bar features questions spanning movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and scoresheets are supplied, and teams are asked to have one member arrive early for registration. Music plays between questions, and some songs may hint at answers. Prizes include $40, $20, and $10 gift certificates for first, second, and third place. A free answer is available for the game.

Weekly Thursday runs take place in the UW-Madison Arboretum. Participants meet in the Visitor Center parking lot and head out for roughly 60 minutes at a pace that adjusts to the group and trail conditions, typically around 9 to 10 minutes per mile. On the fourth Thursday of each month the meeting spot rotates to a traveling location rather than the Arboretum. For details, cancellations, and sign up, refer to the Meetup page. All are welcome.

A welcoming discussion circle for LGBTQ+ adults who have reached this stage of life, familiar with both the obstacles and the joys, and who live openly. Conversations focus on self reflection, personal strengths, and how to navigate an ever changing world. Supported by the LGBTQ 50+ Alliance. This is not a therapy or support group. If you need therapy or support services, contact OutReach's Elder Advocate, Lynn Currie, at 608-255-8582. The gathering takes place at the Madison Senior Center. Accessibility features include an adjacent parking ramp with accessible parking and an elevator, a level front entrance with an automatic door opener, elevator access to the second floor meeting area, spacious corridors and doorways, wheelchair accessible restrooms on every floor, and a meeting room with generous space to move around.

Troy Garden Nights is a monthly summer series on the land at Troy featuring guided activities for kids, farm walks, live music, and food that bring people together. It takes place once each month during the summer. Sponsors include Willy St. Co-op, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and LakeRidge Bank.

Enjoy a happy hour set with The Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band, widely regarded as Wisconsin’s premier Latin jazz ensemble. For over two decades, the group has kept the golden age of Latin jazz alive. The band has received 14 Isthmus Madison Favorite Jazz Band awards and has opened for Poncho Sanchez, John Santos, Giovanni Hidalgo, and John Benitez. This event is free.

Billed as one of the North-ish side's finest, this trivia night takes place in the Young Blood taproom. Gather friends and give it a try.

Discover a gentle fusion of breathwork and sound that speaks to the body. Guided breathing patterns emphasize longer exhales that signal ease, helping muscles soften, the heart rate settle, and the mind grow quieter. Resonant tones and instruments add a tactile dimension, with vibrations moving through the body and syncing with the rhythm of each breath. This synergy encourages natural regulation and restoration, creating an inner conversation that supports processing, release, and reorganization from within. The session is crafted to soothe the nervous system and restore harmony, opening space for deeper awareness while staying grounded. As the body settles, shifts may be felt not only in physical sensation but also in perception, response, and connection to inner truth. The approach supports the parasympathetic response, steadies heart rate and blood pressure through slow breathing with extended exhales, and fosters coherence among breath, heartbeat, and brainwaves. Practices such as 4-7-8 or coherent breathing, paired with resonant sound, can nurture vagal tone. Breath and vibration also help unwind tension held in muscles and fascia, while consistent cues of safety create conditions for letting go and integration. Joanne “Jo” Adducci and Krista Pfohl guide this restorative journey of self-discovery and growth.

Echo Tap & Grill hosts a free general knowledge trivia night featuring a wide range of categories, including movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and answer sheets are provided, and teams should have one member arrive a bit early to register. Enjoy food and drinks while you play. Music plays between questions, and some songs may hint at upcoming answers. Gift certificate prizes of $30, $20, and $10 are awarded to first, second, and third place.

Tango Elocuente, led by Tony DeGregoria and Jen Sutherland, offers a welcoming class for beginners and continuing dancers. Instruction starts with fundamental tango figures and techniques, then explores how to expand them into more advanced combinations. Each session simplifies complex movements into core elements before rebuilding them into varied sequences to support steady progress. A partner is optional, and dancers may rotate or stay with the person they arrived with. After the lesson, a practice period provides time to apply what was learned. The practice time is included with class tuition, or available on its own for $5. The class runs about an hour and a quarter and costs $10 per session, with payment accepted by cash, check, PayPal, or Zelle. To protect the floor and move comfortably, bring clean, smooth-soled shoes with minimal tread, or wear thick socks. Dance shoes are encouraged but not required. For questions, contact tangoelocuente@gmail.com.

Beth Hart performs at The Orpheum, presented by FPC Live, with Ty Taylor also appearing. This is an all-ages event. Presale access is available through All Access with no code required and free membership. Tickets are available via the Madison Orpheum website or at The Sylvee box office during their business hours.

FPC Live presents BERTHA: Grateful Drag at Majestic Theatre, open to all ages. In collaboration with PLUS1, one dollar from each ticket benefits local organizations dedicated to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities. Tickets are available through the venue website or at The Sylvee box office during their business hours.

Join other DMI members for “What’s Up Downtown,” a networking session where you can learn about major programs, projects, and initiatives affecting downtown Madison. Complimentary pastries, fruit, coffee, and tea will be available. Registration details will be shared as the event gets closer.

Experience anime favorites in a new light as a Listeso string quartet performs a program of beloved soundtracks by candlelight at Monona Terrace - Lecture Hall in Madison. The concert lasts 60 minutes, doors open 45 minutes before the performance, and there is no entry after the music begins. Seating within each zone is assigned on a first come, first served basis. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. The tentative set features pieces such as Gurenge from Demon Slayer, Monster from Beastars, Kaikai Kitan from Jujutsu Kaisen, the Case Closed theme from Detective Conan, One Piece selections including New Genesis and The Peak, In regards to love...Eros from Yuri!!! On Ice, Re:pray from Bleach, Lilium from Elfen Lied, Therru’s Song from Tales from Earthsea, Message of Rouge from Kiki’s Delivery Service, RAIN from Mary and the Witch’s Flower, Vapor Trail from The Wind Rises, When I Remember This Life from The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Sparkle from Your Name, and A Cruel Angel’s Thesis from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Fridays at the Market features products that change with the season. Explore a rotating selection and see what is available as the season progresses.

Wrap up the week with board gaming at Misty Mountain Games - Madison. Pick up a favorite title or explore something new as tables fill with options. A variety of games from the WiscoDice Tabletop Gaming Library will be available, and guests are welcome to bring their own favorites to play and share.

Marking its fifth year, the Bottoms Up Gala offers a festive evening centered on celebration and support at The Edgewater Madison. Sponsorships and tickets are available, along with additional information.

The Bill Roberts Combo performs at Mansion Hill Inn for an evening of jazz and cocktails. The cover charge is $20.

Experience an intimate chamber concert where a skilled string quartet performs the music of Mozart and Beethoven by candlelight. The warm glow enhances every nuance, creating a close and immersive listening experience for admirers of these two giants of classical music. Presented at Monona Terrace, the program showcases well-known works and the vivid contrast between their distinctive styles.

Presented by FPC Live, Kathleen Madigan brings the Flying Cats & Marching Armadillos Tour to Orpheum Madison. This all-ages show marks a stop on the tour and offers a chance to see Kathleen Madigan on stage. Tickets are available.

Presented by 105.5 Triple M, Thee Sacred Souls bring The Constellation Tour to The Sylvee with LA LOM and The Womack Sisters joining the lineup. This all ages show offers a presale through All Access without a code, and membership is free. Tickets can be purchased at the venue box office.

Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars perform at Coda every last Friday in a series produced by Cafe CODA. Tani features the kamale n'goni, a West African forerunner of the banjo, and pairs it with plaintive vocals for a sound rooted in the blues. Performances often include spontaneous collaborations and surprise guests, so no two shows are the same. Tickets are $15. Updates and any cancellations are shared on the Cafe CODA Facebook page.

Discover a delicious showcase of Wisconsin cheeses at Cheese Fair Off the Square. Stroll the booths, talk with cheesemakers from across the state, and get guidance on choosing the right wedges and wheels to take home. This free, all-ages event takes place alongside the Dane County Farmers Market, creating a lively spot to taste, learn, and shop. Featured producers include Alpinage Cheese Co., Babcock Dairy Store, Carr Valley Cheese Company, Chalet Cheese, The Big Moo, The Big Cheese, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Klondike Cheese Co., Marieke Gouda, Milkhaus Dairy, Nasonville Dairy, Pine River Pre Pack, Renard's Cheese, Ron's Wisconsin Cheese, Royal Guernsey Creamery, Sassy Cow Creamery, Two Guernsey Girls Creamery, White Jasmine, and Widmer's Cheese Cellars.

Weekly Saturday walking sessions with the W1N Crew take place at Penn Park and focus on building healthier habits through consistent movement. Each outing aims for either an hour on foot or a minimum distance of three miles, allowing participants to choose a pace that works for them.

Enjoy a casual Magic: The Gathering meet-up with open play and trading. Most games center on Commander, though other formats are welcome. No advance registration is needed. This recurring meet-up happens on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Mox.

The 7th Annual Regent Neighborhood Art Walk highlights local artists and makers across a walkable route. The footprint is bounded by Regent to the north, Virginia Terrace to the west, Norwood Place and Commonwealth to the south, and Prospect to the east. A rain date is planned. Information about participating artists, their locations, and a map is available.

Madison Vegan Fest 2026 celebrates compassion, community, and plant-powered living at Lunney Lake Farm County Park. This free festival welcomes committed vegans, the veg-curious, and anyone who enjoys great food. Attendees can look forward to flavorful vegan cuisine, exhibitors and nonprofits sharing their work, engaging talks from speakers, live music, and a warm, connected atmosphere.

The Madison Mallards and Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge present the second annual True North Food + Music Festival at the Warner Park Duck Pond, following a successful debut in 2025. This family friendly celebration brings together standout restaurants and emerging musical talent from Madison and beyond, set on the ballfield to blend food, live music, and community. Highlights include tasty offerings, energetic performances, and the festival’s signature ferris wheel.

Trace the layers of Wisconsin’s capital on a guided walk around Capitol Square that brings hidden stories to life. Hear how generations have shaped the city, from its earliest inhabitants to its growth into a modern hub. Stops include the former site of the American House, where early state officials once stayed, and the Argus Bar, set within one of Madison’s oldest commercial buildings that previously housed the Argus newspaper. A knowledgeable guide encourages questions and invites different perspectives on local history. This annual tour is offered from spring through early fall on select Thursdays and Saturdays and requires advance registration. Pricing is $20 for adults, teens, seniors and children ages 5 to 12, with free admission for children under 5. Society members receive a 10% discount with verified membership at checkout. Sponsored by Findorff. The experience is based out of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space in the U.S. Bank Building on Capitol Square, and the group starts and finishes in front of the U.S. Bank Plaza facing the Capitol. Please arrive a little early to check in with staff and confirm your reservation. Plan for approximately 1.3 miles of walking on paved but occasionally hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Bring water, sunglasses and a hat. The tour takes place entirely outdoors and runs rain or shine, so consider an umbrella in inclement weather. Parking note: the underground garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza is closed on Saturdays and closes in the evening on Thursdays. Nearby public garages and street parking are available within a short walk of the start and finish. Participants with questions about the tour content or with mobility concerns are encouraged to reach out in advance.

Enjoy a night of soccer at Breese Stevens Field as Forward Madison FC faces Spokane Velocity FC in a fundraiser for Glacier Edge PTO. Each ticket purchased through the designated link helps fund programs and activities for Glacier Edge students. The event is open to everyone, welcoming families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Settle in for a science fiction themed outdoor screening of The Fifth Element (1997, PG-13). Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a movie under the night sky. Creative outfits are encouraged, from futuristic fashion and alien-inspired glam to cyberpunk styles, space-age looks, and other cult-classic cosplay. Channel a cosmic adventurer, an interstellar diva, or your own vision of tomorrow to match the vibe.

Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at Overture Center for the Arts, this concert features Patrice Rushen, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading jazz pianists. An award-winning, four-time Grammy nominee, Rushen is a classically trained musician who rose to prominence in the 1970s and 80s with a distinctive mix of jazz, pop, and R&B. Her work includes the hit Forget Me Nots, which she wrote and recorded and which has been frequently covered and sampled. This one-night performance takes place in the historic Capitol Theater. A VIP Experience option includes a meet and greet, and more details will be sent closer to the event.

At The North Street Cabaret, bassist Nick Moran and percussionist Yorvanis Duran lead an Afro-Cuban jazz program with pianist Vince Fuh and saxophonist Pawan Benjamin, joined by special guest artists. The ensemble revisits and reshapes works by Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdés, and Michel Camilo, offering energetic grooves, lively improvisation, and a salute to the trailblazers of the genre. Seating is limited, and tickets are available at the door.

Atwood Music Hall hosts Granny Shot, a Madison-based cover band delivering a high-energy mix of alternative rock, hard rock, and pop punk from the 90s and 00s alongside classics from the 70s and 80s. The set spans hits from artists like Alanis Morissette, Alice in Chains, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down, Smash Mouth, Third Eye Blind, and Tool, plus timeless tracks by Queen, Boston, Kansas, Metallica, Rush, Fleetwood Mac, and Heart. General admission is $14 in advance and $18 the day of show.

Two nights on The Bigger Show Tour mark the only area appearances in 2026 for They Might Be Giants. Each evening is an ages 16 and up, no-opener performance that starts early and gets loud. The band performs as an eight-piece with a three-piece horn section and plays two sets. The first set changes nightly to spotlight a specific album, while the second set reaches across their entire catalog, from the earliest Dial-A-Song era and the platinum album Flood to brand-new 2026 releases. Favorites, deep cuts, and live improvisation make each show distinct. Recent releases include the stand-alone EP Eyeball and the album The World Is to Dig.

Badger Challenge is a yearlong effort supporting cancer research and patient care at the University of Wisconsin, highlighted by a September gathering where the community comes together to walk, run, and ride in tribute to those affected by cancer. Every mile completed helps patients and advances research at UW, with all participant fundraising directed to the brightest minds, ideas, and technologies. The event takes place at UW Health Eastpark Medical Center in Madison. Participants can choose from cycling routes of 100 miles, 100K, 50K, 25K, or 5K, along with a Half Marathon and a 5K run or walk. Fundraising connects participants with a community guided by hope, impact, and love, united by the goal of going the distance with heart.

CWI-PCA Porsches & Pastries is a relaxed meetup for Porsche owners. Enjoy complimentary pastries and coffee, bring your Porsche, and connect with fellow club members while talking about these beautiful vehicles. A group drive will follow, with the destination to be announced.

Enjoy a casual Magic: The Gathering gathering focused on play and trading. Commander is the most common format at the tables, and players are welcome to bring decks for other formats as well. No pre-registration is required.

Every Sunday, children 12 and under receive a complimentary kid's entrée, up to a $15 value, with the purchase of one adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free kids meal per qualifying adult entrée. It cannot be combined with other offers or specials, used with dip certificates, or applied on holidays.

Settle in for a relaxed afternoon of pinball at a casual triathlon-style gathering. The format features nine holes followed by finals, with trophies available for top finishers. Participation is $5, with a token drop. Open to women, non-binary, and other gender nonconforming players, and welcoming to all skill levels. Children may attend with an adult. Friends are welcome for an easygoing day of play.

Release what has been building, then settle into ease with a two-part experience designed to help you reset. It begins with a 20‑minute Quick Smash Session using glassware to physically work through stress, tension, or frustration. Afterward, unwind with herbal tea and reflective journaling to process what comes up. The journey continues with a 30‑minute crystal bowl sound bath that soothes the nervous system and supports emotional balance, helping everything soften. Guided affirmations, lavender aromatherapy, and a provided journal and pen round out this restorative time. There is also an option to attend only the sound bath, with tickets priced at $40, and guests are asked to bring a yoga mat for that option. This is a small group setting with limited spots.

Jumpstart Jam brings musicians together with Dan Kennedy at Cargo Coffee on East Wash for a welcoming, low-volume session that supports beginners, returning players, and anyone fresh from a rock camp who wants to keep the momentum going. The gathering is open to every age, skill level, and instrument, offering a friendly space to grow skills while making music in a group. Participants form a circle and play as an ensemble. Suggest a song, sing or play along from the pocket, or step forward for a brief solo when the time is right. Vocalists and all instruments are invited. Electric players can bring a small amp or use the on-site PA system, and a microphone is available for singers. The mix spans many styles, from blues and country to soul, jazz, and pop. Original music fits right in as well... bring a chart or be ready to guide everyone through your tune. The spirit is simple, try ideas, learn by doing, and enjoy collaborative music-making in a supportive setting.

Presented by FPC Live, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers bring the Indigo Park Tour to The Orpheum. This all ages concert features Bruce Hornsby performing with The Noisemakers. Tickets can be purchased through the Orpheum’s website or at The Sylvee box office during posted business hours.

Two distinct nights on The Bigger Show Tour present They Might Be Giants in an expanded eight-piece lineup featuring a three-piece horn section. These are full-length evenings with the band, presented without an opening act, with an early start and a loud, high-energy atmosphere. Each night is built around two sets. The first highlights a different album from the catalog, while the second ranges across their history, from the Dial-A-Song beginnings and the platinum-era Flood to their newest material. Expect a mix of favorites, deep cuts, and lively improvisation that makes each performance unique. Ages 16 and up. Recent releases include the stand-alone EP Eyeball and the album The World Is to Dig.