Events in Madison today

Set in Madison, Wisconsin, the 18th Annual Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon treats runners to a city tour, passing Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmer’s Market, State Street, Camp Randall Stadium, and the Kohl Center, then continuing through the Arboretum, Picnic Point, and the University of Wisconsin campus. After the finish line, the 14th Mile Post-Race Party offers time to relax with live music and views of Lake Mendota. Participants age 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary beer provided by Wisconsin Distributors, with soft drinks and bottled water available as non-alcoholic options.

Start the morning with yoga on a stand up paddleboard. Move through poses while floating to stretch, build strength, and find focus. This session welcomes both newcomers and seasoned yogis.

A statewide, single day effort unites volunteers, water enthusiasts, and local groups to search Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands for aquatic invasive species. Participants select a nearby partner hosted training site, receive a brief orientation on identifying priority species and following search protocols, then head out to survey critical monitoring locations. Suspected organisms are verified and cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to guide control efforts and conservation planning. Coordinated by the UW-Madison Division of Extension, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and local partners, this free event welcomes all experience levels and does not require special equipment. The shared goal is to protect Wisconsin’s waters and the habitats, wildlife, recreation, and health they support.

Little scientists can dive into playful discovery at the Westside Community Market. A child-size pool filled with corn and toy trucks invites hands-on exploration and play, while UHP provides chalk drawing on the pavement, bubble fun, and other activities for preschoolers. It offers a simple, sensory-rich way for young children to explore, create, and have fun during a trip to the market.

Love Thy Neighbor is an ongoing community initiative that unites churches, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and neighbors to care for the community through practical compassion and meaningful connection. In collaboration with Love First Ministries and Orchard Church, this free Community Care Day brings individuals, families, and local organizations together to share resources, build relationships, and love their neighbors. Attendees can find free clothing and essential items, free coffee from Mercie's Coffee along with water and refreshments, free food, and free haircuts. Prayer and encouragement are available, and community organizations will be present with local resources. Live music and friendly conversation create space for support and connection. Everything is offered at no cost thanks to generous volunteers, community partners, churches, businesses, and donors who believe every person deserves to be seen, valued, and loved. The event will be held rain or shine, and everyone is welcome.

PokeConnect Card Show gathers Pokémon and TCG fans for a weekend-long celebration at East Towne Mall. Bring your cards to trade with other collectors, browse sealed product and unique finds from professional vendors, and hunt for rare additions to your binder. Newcomers and longtime enthusiasts alike can explore the hobby, connect with the community, and share the excitement of collecting. Admission is free.

Adoptable pets will be at PetSmart Madison East, with a small group of animals on site each month to meet potential families. Same day adoptions might not be possible, so interested adopters are encouraged to submit an application ahead of time for pets that may attend. Check the event comments for updates on which animals are expected.

This relaxed Magic: The Gathering gathering features open play and card trading. Most participants focus on Commander, and other formats are welcome. No advance registration is required. Held at Mox, which hosts sessions on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Stop by for the AUG Night Market for an afternoon of vendors and local finds at The Hub. Entry is free, and free tickets will also automatically put you into the event giveaway.

Discover the art of hand sewing and embroidery in a welcoming maker workshop where you can design and finish a custom shawl or tote. All supplies are included, such as needles, fabric, thread, and beads, so you can focus on experimenting, playing with ideas, and creating something that reflects your style. Along the way, view select reproductions from the WisHistory clothing collection, including pieces not typically on view, and preview new garments created for the Inspired! Historic Fashions and the Emerging Designers They Influenced program. A snack break with food and beverages is part of the experience. This workshop is open to ages 13 and up and welcomes beginners as well as those with more experience. Participants ages 13 to 17 must attend with a parent or guardian. The fee is $50 per person, and members of the Society receive a 10 percent discount with verified membership at checkout. Advance registration is required. All project materials are provided. You are free to head out early if you complete your piece before the session ends. The program takes place in a community-focused History Maker Space inside the US Bank Building on Madison’s Capitol Square, a hub for pop-up exhibits, author talks, and public programs. There is no onsite parking at the building, so plan to use nearby public garages or meters. Upon entry, check in with a staff member to confirm your registration.

Celebrate a decade of care at Farm Bird Sanctuary’s 10th birthday party at Commonwealth Gallery. This gathering honors ten years of offering safety and compassion to hundreds of farmed birds and helps raise funds for the future. Enjoy vegan treats and non-alcoholic beverages, get creative at a coloring station and a friendship bracelet making area, and take part in a raffle with prizes. Farm Bird Sanctuary merchandise will be available, and 100 percent of sales will benefit the sanctuary. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Free parking and elevator access are available. Farm Bird Sanctuary is a registered non-profit in south central Wisconsin that provides refuge for liberated farmed birds, with an emphasis on those with disabilities, educates about the challenges these animals face, and promotes an anti-oppression lifestyle.

Enjoy the Great Taste of the Midwest craft beer festival, now in its 40th year. From 1:00 to 6:00 PM, you can sample from 1,400+ beers poured by around 200 breweries and brewpubs across the Midwest, all with lakeside views and live music. The festival has a relaxed, capped-attendance vibe, and it’s a great chance to meet the brewers. Tickets cost $70 and must be purchased in advance.

Enjoy a lively barbershop showcase at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, uniting the Capitol Chordsmen, Yahara River Chorus, and the Come Back Chorus in rich four part a cappella harmony. The program spans beloved barbershop standards and newer selections, all sung in close harmony. Featured quartets include Thrift Store Four and All This Mess. A suggested donation of $20 is welcomed.

Train brings its Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere concert to Breese Stevens Field. The performance will proceed regardless of weather. For every ticket sold, $1 supports Family House San Francisco, helping provide free lodging and essential resources for families of seriously ill children. All on site purchases are cashless. Bring only compact clutches, purses, or fanny packs, or clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches. Advance tickets are available online or through The Sylvee box office, and if any remain, day of purchases may be offered at the venue. A Thompson Investment Management Lounge ticket adds a private lounge, access to the Gold Circle, food, three complimentary cocktails, and unlimited beer, wine, soda, and water. Event policies include no blankets, umbrellas, or chairs, no outside food, and no re entry. Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside, with a designated smoking area located outside Gate 3.

Experience the shoreline from the water with a guided stand-up paddleboarding tour, then wrap up the outing with a beverage on the Memorial Union Terrace.

Madison sets the stage for a memorable night as Train brings warm vocals and vivid storytelling to Breese Stevens Field. In the open air, the performance unfolds as a communal celebration of music, connection, and the joy of life, with voices rising beneath a starry sky and a wave of summer energy all around.

The Transplants perform at Bernell's Bar and Grill, described as Madison's newest hot spot. Bassist and vocalist Joe Iaquinto leads the band with Joey Cedron on guitar and vocals and Mike Turk on drums, plus special guest Todd Phipps on organ and vocals. The set features classic rock, R&B, blues, and a little of everything else, promising a night to remember.

Tumbledown Shack makes an appearance at Harmony Bar.

Take breakfast off shore with a paddle to a cafe set afloat on the lake. Arrive by water by renting a boat or registering your own, then choose what you would like and enjoy a stack of pancakes with coffee, juice, and plenty of toppings. Service is available only to guests who reach the cafe by boat, turning the meal into a short adventure with beautiful lake views.

This special Jumperoo session opens the park exclusively for children ages 5 and under and their parents, offering a safe space to jump, bounce, and crawl. Admission is $14.99 per jumper and includes one free parent pass, plus the cost of socks. Dates are subject to change, so check the event discussion for updates.

Enjoy a gentle yoga class at the Monroe Street Farmers Market on summer Sundays. No advance registration is required. Contributions are pay-what-you-can and can be made by Venmo or in cash. For updates and announcements, follow @backyardyoga.

Ride the Drive 2026 is a free, one-day celebration that opens about three miles of city streets to people instead of cars. Participants can begin anywhere along the route or visit activity hubs at McPike Park, the Lakefront Porch, and Capitol Square for family friendly activities, food, and fun. Organized by the City of Madison Parks Division, the event brings thousands together to enjoy parks and open streets while promoting healthy, active living, highlighting environmental and economic benefits, and encouraging social connection. No ticket or registration is required. Opportunities to get involved include volunteering in roles such as setup, intersection guidance, cleanup, and booth staffing, with a 2026 Ride the Drive t-shirt provided to volunteers. Businesses and organizations can sponsor to reach attendees in support of an environmentally positive event and healthy living. Local food carts, artists, craft vendors, and businesses along the route can participate as vendors or exhibitors.

Celebrate summer on The Grand Plaza with an outdoor brunch overlooking Lake Mendota. This returning Sundays of Summer series takes place every second Sunday of the month and features a rotating seasonal menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients and sunny, summer inspired dishes. It suits a relaxed morning with friends or a cheerful family gathering, and moves indoors if the weather is unfavorable. A prix fixe three course menu is the centerpiece, offering a flavorful way to enjoy the season.

Families can take advantage of a special offer where children 12 and under receive a complimentary children’s entrée, valued at $15, with the purchase of one adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free children’s entrée per adult entrée. It cannot be combined with other promotions, specials, or dip certificates, and it is not available on holidays.

Dan Kennedy hosts a welcoming, quieter-volume jam at Cargo Coffee on East Wash for anyone interested in easing into live, collaborative music making. New players, folks returning after a break, and recent rock camp participants are all encouraged to take part. The session runs in a circle so everyone plays together. You can suggest songs, sing, or simply play along, and there are regular chances for emerging soloists to take a brief lead. This gathering is open to every age, skill level, and instrument. Singers and instrumentalists can use the venue’s PA, and those with electric gear may bring a small amp. A microphone will be available for vocals. Any style fits the mix, from blues and country to soul, jazz, pop, and more. Original music is welcome as well; bring a chart or be ready to guide the group through your tune. The focus is a safe, supportive space to build skills while making music together.

Join Tenth Avenue North for a live show featuring Christian pop, gospel, and worship music. The performance takes place at Atwood Music Hall in Madison.

This session offers a guided blend of movement and energy flow practices with immersive sound led by Jeremy Anacker. Drawing on a lifetime of martial arts study and 37 years working with Reiki and subtle energy, he shares techniques intended to invigorate energetic pathways in the body, including meridians, chakras, and the electromagnetic system. The experience combines intentional guidance with a layered soundscape of crystal singing bowls, a set of four sacred gongs, assorted chimes, and other instruments. Participants engage on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels while meditating with the sound for a fuller benefit, with an emphasis on deep relaxation and clear presence. Jeremy, a Sound Healer and Aura Seer, supports the integration process and offers Aura Insights during the program. Cost: $20.

Enjoy a Lakeside Cinema screening of The Princess Bride at Memorial Union Terrace. This 98 minute USA film, presented on BluRay and directed by Rob Reiner, is rated PG. The story follows a young woman and her true love as they strive to reunite after a long separation, confronting dangers across the mythical kingdom of Florin. Based on the novel by William Goldman. Presented by the student led Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee as part of Summer by the Lake programming at the Wisconsin Union. Terrace seating is first come, first served, and if weather does not cooperate the Wisconsin Union team plans to relocate the screening to der Rathskeller inside Memorial Union. The on site Brat Stand offers a movie night deal with $1 hot dogs, chips, and sodas. This event is intended for UW–Madison students, faculty, staff, Wisconsin Union members, and their guests, and anyone can become a Wisconsin Union member. Information on available assistive content for WUD Film screenings is available from the organizers.

Unwind with a gentle yoga session beside the lake, using mindful movement and breath to connect with the scenery and the community. Everyone is welcome, and no sign-up is needed. Contribute what you can, with payment accepted in cash or through Venmo. Bring a mat, or borrow one at the event. Give yourself a little extra care this summer.

Designed for little ones and their caregivers, this outdoor class blends simple movement and mindful activities to encourage connection and calm. It welcomes children ages 1 to 4 and takes place in a Madison park, with make-up dates arranged if weather interferes. Enrollment must reach a minimum 48 hours before the class to proceed. Scholarships are available, and questions can be sent to Director@littleomBIGOM.com.

Settle in beneath the oak tree by the Heritage Center for a nature-themed storytime with the Dane County Library System and a visit from the Dream Bus. The program is brief, followed by a creative craft activity and time to browse and check out books from the mobile library. Readings alternate weekly between English and Spanish, rotating every other week. For the most current language schedule, please check the organizer’s website. This free event welcomes all ages. No registration is needed. Children must attend with an adult chaperone. Feel free to bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and anything else that helps you stay comfortable. If the weather is poor, the gathering will be canceled.

Celebrate Wisconsin’s harvest season with a collaboration between Team Deliciouser and Bittercube, centered on a multi-course dinner that connects local farmers, peak-season ingredients, and the craft of thoughtful flavor-building in the kitchen and at the bar. An optional pre-dinner visit to the Farmers’ Market in McPike Park includes a casual walk through the stalls, followed by a return to The Deliciouser for a menu guided by the day’s bounty from nearby growers and producers. Founded in Milwaukee in 2009 by two bartenders, Bittercube handcrafts bitters in partnership with farmers and botanical suppliers, creating distinctive flavors that bring balance and depth to cocktails and cuisine. An optional pairing is available featuring Bittercube’s bitters in both cocktails and spirit-free beverages, and select dishes will also incorporate these blends to showcase their versatility. The bar will be open for shopping before dinner. Tickets are $105. A $25 reservation deposit is credited toward the final bill, and a 3% discount is available on the balance when paying with cash.

The Statehouse sets the tone for a relaxed date night with a specials menu designed for two. A prix fixe dinner for two is $75 before tax and gratuity and comes with a house bottle of red or white wine. Start by sharing one appetizer, with choices like Burrata & Heirloom Tomato with basil balsamic glaze and a crisp of prosciutto, a Classic Caesar featuring house dressing, parmesan, buttery croutons and a crunchy frico, Strawberry & Goat Cheese Bruschetta on grilled baguette with macerated strawberries and a touch of balsamic, or an Artisan Butter Board served with warm Madison sourdough miche, local cultured butter and a rotating trio of toppings. Each guest then selects an entrée. Options include the Classic Wisconsin Fish Fry with beer battered cod, hand cut fries, coleslaw, rye bread and house tartar, Augie’s Burger layered with two patties, American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles and caramelized onion aioli on a brioche bun, Signature Roast Chicken featuring a half Amish bird with spring pea risotto, roasted mushrooms and a lemon thyme jus, or the Vegan Roasted Carrot and Lentil Red Curry with charred cabbage, miso roasted cauliflower and toasted sunflower seeds. Share a sweet finish with either Door County Cherry Crisp topped with oat brown butter streusel, vanilla bean gelato and an almond tuile, or a warm Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie crowned with caramel chaos ice cream.

The Madison Song Circle hosts a weekly singalong in Madison, Wisconsin, bringing people together to share folk and traditional tunes. Singing is guided by the Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks, which together offer a collection of about 2,400 songs from the last century. Acoustic players at any level are encouraged to take part as much or as little as they wish. Participants can bring instruments like guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, or accordion, and there are also instruments available to use on site, including a stand up bass along with some guitars and ukuleles. The songbooks include chords rather than melody lines, creating a welcoming space to harmonize and play by ear. Gatherings take place at Muso Madison.

Brain Monkeys Media brings a karaoke night to Crucible Madison powered by the Songbooks Online app using Show ID SPIKE. Singers can browse the catalog ahead of time, save favorites, send multiple song choices to the DJ, and tip directly through the app. Tracks are provided in .CDG format. Please handle all equipment with care, including microphones, monitors, tablets, and cables. Avoid juggling or slapping the mics, do not scream into them, and do not force them into or out of the holders. Microphones are sanitized after each song, and the ramp should be used to get on and off the stage. When signing up, use the exact same name every time so the system can place you back into the rotation without losing your spot while you search for more songs. Enthusiastic applause is encouraged for every performance so everyone gets a rock star moment. If a specific track is needed that is not already available, requests can be made in advance, and a $2 contribution helps cover the cost of new downloads.

Gay, Gray, and Beyond is a welcoming discussion group that invites participants to reflect on life’s challenges and joys beyond the closet. Conversations focus on personal experiences, individual strengths, and perspectives on an ever-changing world. The gathering takes place at the Madison Senior Center and is sponsored by the LGBTQ 50+ Alliance. This is not a therapy or support program. For counseling or support needs, contact OutReach’s Elder Advocate, Lynn Currie, at 608-255-8582. Accessibility features include an adjacent parking ramp with accessible parking and elevator, a step-free main entrance with an automatic door, elevator service to the meeting space, wide corridors and doorways, wheelchair accessible restrooms on each floor, and ample room in the meeting area to move comfortably.

Robin Greenfield leads a guided foraging walk in Madison at Tenney Park, sharing insights from his year of sourcing every bite of food and medicine directly from the wild. Participants learn to identify more than ten common edible and medicinal plants found locally, along with practical guidance on safe foraging, sustainable harvesting, and simple strategies to make foraging part of everyday life. The pace is gentle and welcoming to all experience levels, covering less than a half mile and staying within about a ten minute walk of the starting point. This rain or shine program fosters a deeper connection with the land and helps strengthen the local foraging community. A suggested donation of $10 to $40 supports the nonprofit Regeneration, Equity and Justice, and scholarships are available. If extreme weather requires cancellation, notice will be sent by email.

Starkweather Brewing hosts music bingo featuring two music themes. There is no cost to participate, and prizes are offered along with beer. Using a smartphone is recommended, since the game is bingo, not trivia. Music themes are provided by Dream Day Entertainment.

The Bike Night Series presented by Bowl-A-Vard brings Mighty Electric to the stage for this installment.

Open mic comedy takes over The Rigby each Thursday. Performers add their names to the list before the show begins, then the laughs start rolling. Admission is free.

Fink is performing live at High Noon Saloon in Madison. The show is scheduled for 8:00 PM, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Gangsterism screens in the Rooftop Sculpture Garden, a Canadian feature from filmmaker Isiah Medina running 84 minutes. While poring over the finances for his next movie, director and gangster Clem, portrayed by Mark Bacolcol, sends his circle of artists to pursue a former collaborator rumored to be leaking information. The film was chosen as the closing night selection at Chicago's Onion City Experimental Film Festival. Curator Saffron Maeve of the Contours Film Series in Toronto describes how the work channels collective anxieties, confronting the ways racism and genocide shape social life and constrain engagement with art and culture by design. Daniel Turner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London highlights Medina's dedication to bold cutting and transformative montage, noting a body of distinctive films that move with the velocity of thought through mathematics, ideology, and genre.