Events in Portage today

Begin the day with a welcoming session for all abilities that eases the body into motion, then transition into a blended yogalates practice on the barn lawn near the ranch lounge. The opening half focuses on gentle stretching and simple movements suitable for every age and fitness level, followed by a half hour of yogalates that combines yoga postures with Pilates techniques to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Instructors meet participants at the ranch entrance and guide the group to the lawn for a calm outdoor start. Guests staying at CASACAMPO lodging in the farmhouse or the bunkhouse have the morning movement portion included and will be guided to their next activity afterward. The class does not include The Ranch Pass. Tickets should be reserved in advance.

Explore the basics of basketry in a beginner-friendly workshop led by Mary Luckhardt Klemm. Participants work with reed and practice fundamental weaving techniques while crafting a practical basket that reflects personal design choices. Open to ages 16 and up, the class welcomes absolute beginners. Tuition is $140. Please bring a rubber wash tub, an old towel, five clip-style clothespins, sharp shears or basket shears, a spritz bottle, a pencil, and a tape measure. Mary is a retired high school art teacher with 31 years in the classroom and about 25 years of weaving experience. She teaches from her home studio, shows and sells her work, and has exhibited widely, including two seasons on the Fall Art Tour. Her studies include courses at Sievers and with the Prairie Weavers Guild in the Sauk Prairie area, and years of farming shaped her connection to nature and to working with natural materials.

Now in its 18th year, Black Women's Wellness Day brings together Black women and families from across Wisconsin and beyond for a day centered on healing, joy, and restorative care. Programming includes speakers, interactive workshops, wellness and fitness activities, and shopping within a wellness fair and market. The day encourages participation across generations and with family, friends, coworkers, and community. The gathering takes place at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.

Explore the Shack on a guided tour that shares stories of the pioneering restoration undertaken by Leopold and his family. See the interior of the Shack, then walk through restored prairie and woods along the Wisconsin River. Tours are led by guides. Please limit ticket purchases to groups of ten or fewer, and advance registration is appreciated. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older and for young adults ages 11 to 17, and $1.50 for children 10 and under.

MGE marks the 10th anniversary of Día de Fútbol with a family friendly celebration at Aldo Leopold Elementary School. The event features complimentary soccer clinics, interactive and cultural activities, and helpful resources for all ages. Children can be registered to participate, and no ticket is required for entry.

Karen Carpenter’s voice remains one of pop’s most recognizable and cherished, and The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration brings the brother sister duo’s beloved catalog back to the stage in a fresh production from the creative team behind The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Backed by a full band and woven with heartfelt storytelling, the concert reflects the duo’s warmth, emotion, and musical craftsmanship. It welcomes singing along, stirs memories, and helps audiences reconnect with timeless hits such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Close to You,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Presented at Overture Center for the Arts. A VIP option includes a private 20 minute acoustic performance with the lead performers featuring Carpenters songs not included in the main show, plus a meet and greet, a photo opportunity, and a limited edition collectible VIP laminate.

Boomtown Saloon has been a country-centered spot in Wisconsin Dells since 2015, pairing Nashville-inspired food with a steady country soundtrack and regular live performances. Travis John appears with roots shaped by his mother’s love of the genre and a namesake nod to Randy Travis and Travis Tritt. The Stevens Point native turned a hometown “Point Idol” karaoke win into guitar-driven gigs, making his first acoustic appearance just six months later and building experience at local venues. Years of persistence led to recording an original single in Nashville and reaching the Wisconsin finals of NashNext 2017. A singer-songwriter, fitness enthusiast, and father, he also gathered fellow musicians to form Soul Whiskey, known for country hits from the 90s, 2000s, and today. Whether solo, in a duo or trio, or with the full band, he brings the same high-energy approach that suits the Boomtown setting.

Miss Tamara leads a lively session filled with singing, rhymes, counting, and playful movement. The activities encourage teamwork and social interaction, build language and communication, and spark musical awareness and a steady sense of rhythm. They also support phonics and early literacy, reinforce counting and simple patterns, and help participants feel confident while playing together in a group. Expect plenty of energetic fun as learning happens through play. Participation is included with admission.

A community swap centered on sharing useful goods. People may bring items in good condition, including food, books, dishes, clothing, and appliances, though contributions are optional in the spirit of abundance. Attendees are free to take any items they find useful. A sign-up spreadsheet is available for those who would like to plan ahead.

Jeremy Anacker leads a cohesive Ki Flow and sound immersion that weaves movement and energy practices with a rich palette of sacred instruments. Crystal singing bowls, four gongs, chimes and other tonal tools create layered soundscapes while he offers intentional guidance focused on whole-person wellbeing. Drawing on a lifetime of martial arts study and 37 years of experience with Reiki and aura-centered energy work, he shares methods intended to enliven the body’s natural currents, including the meridians, chakras and electromagnetic system. Participants engage on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, using meditation with sound to deepen the benefits. With extensive experience in energy medicine, he emphasizes helping attendees feel deeply relaxed and fully present as the session unfolds. As a Sound Healer and Aura Seer, he supports integration afterward and offers Aura Insights. Admission is $20.

An evening conversation celebrates the launch of Bora Lee Reed’s book Song For Another Home, with a focus on its themes and the history that informs them. Set during the Korean War, the story follows a family shaped by survival and sacrifice, exploring resilience, the pull between personal aspirations and responsibility to family, and how a single choice can ripple through generations. The program includes a Q&A with the author and elements of Korean cultural expression, and books will be available for a suggested donation. A reading group is available for those who want to prepare in advance. Bora Lee Reed holds an MFA in creative writing from Warren Wilson College and an MA in theology from the Graduate Theological Union, was a 2023 Reese’s Book Club LitUp Fellow, and lives and works in Berkeley, California.

FPC Live presents Our Lady Peace at The Sylvee as part of the 30th Anniversary Tour, with The Verve Pipe. This all ages show highlights three decades of music from Our Lady Peace. Presale is available through All Access with no code needed and free membership. Tickets are available through The Sylvee or at the box office during business hours.

Discover what sets St. Ambrose Academy apart with a tour of its campus for students in grades 6 through 12. Guests can enjoy light morning refreshments, hear students talk about how their education equips them for what comes next, and see classical education at work. The visit also provides time for questions and an overview of the admissions process. RSVP by email with the number of people in your group.

A coffee meet-up for LGBTQ adults age 50 and older takes place at Java Cat Coffee House in Madison. Seating may be outdoors if the weather allows, and the group is not always easy to spot, so attendees sometimes check with others on-site to connect. Participants purchase their own beverages, snacks, or meals, or simply enjoy water and conversation. No RSVP is required. The 50+ Alliance is a collaborative project of OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and Madison Senior Center. According to online reviews, the location offers wheelchair accessibility features, wide hallways, and easy parking, and direct confirmation of these details is being gathered. For questions or to explore starting a social or support group for the LGBTQ 50+ community, contact the OutReach Elder Advocate, Lynn, at lynnc@lgbtoutreach.org.

Enjoy a two-part workout at the UW-Madison Arboretum, starting with yoga near the Visitor Center and continuing with a group trail run on the arboretum paths. The run usually spans 5.5 to 6.5 miles. Participants of most paces are supported and the group makes sure no runner is left behind. Pack a mat or towel for the yoga segment.

The first night of Spooktacular Trick Or Trivia centers on serial killer lore. Participants are encouraged to dress in character, and a mix of sharp knowledge and creative flair can earn bonus points.

The event is a free game that puts your knowledge to work and offers chances to win great prizes courtesy of The Rigby.

The Tony Award winner for Best Musical returns with an all-new tour across America, arriving straight from Broadway. This groundbreaking reimagining of The Wizard of Oz helped reshape Broadway, uniting an iconic score of soul, gospel, rock, and 1970s funk with Dorothy’s search for her place in a contemporary world. Directed by Schele Williams (The Notebook, the revival of Disney’s Aida) with choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s Single Ladies, Black Is King) and additional material by Tony- and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), the production weaves ballet, jazz, and modern pop into its movement and music for a vibrant new groove. Coverage from The Baltimore Sun and the Chicago Sun-Times has highlighted the commanding performances, striking choreography, and imaginative design that power this high-energy revival.

Cafe Coda hosts an evening of bachata that begins with an instructional class and continues with a lively social. A tango dance and social take place in the front room, and dancers can move between tango and Latin rhythms throughout. Later, the mixed social begins in the front room and the social portion is free. The class has a $10 cover, payable to the bar staff.

Enjoy a relaxed, waste reduction themed pop up play cafe hosted by Heritage Center staff with WM and Playful Acorns. Caregivers can sip coffee or tea or have a snack while children play and socialize through a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Bringing a reusable mug is encouraged. Plans call for meeting at the Oak Tree, with the Le Pine Room downstairs at the Heritage Center as the backup spot if the weather does not cooperate. Children will take part in nature based free play, storytelling, crafts, and other experiences focused on reducing waste. There will be a storytime about waste and recycling. Young participants can try a toddler friendly sorting activity. An exploration of vermicompost is included. Games and manipulatives will introduce waste concepts in a simple way. A craft project and a scavenger hunt are planned. There will also be a chance to see the WM recycling truck. This program is intended for ages 0 to 5 and requires an adult chaperone. Attendance is free because fees are covered by WM. Registration is suggested. The setting is family friendly, heated, and equipped with changing tables, step stools for small handwashing, and a Mamava lactation pod. If spending time outdoors, please dress for the weather. It is a laid back environment where you can come and go during the program window. The department is committed to providing meaningful access for all participants regardless of language or ability. Requests for language assistance or accessibility modifications should be submitted at least 10 business days in advance, and not all programs can be modified.

Reset in just 30 minutes with a welcoming session that blends a brief talk and a guided meditation. Connect with your heart, intentionally nurture inner peace, and bring your best self forward for the rest of the day. Everyone is welcome, with no prior experience needed. Walk-in registration is available. The fee is $5 per class, and KMC Madison members attend at no cost.

This weekly hands-on craft session is guided by Miss Pat, featuring creative projects that may include paint, scissors, and glue, and culminating in a finished piece to be proud of. The activity is included with admission and is subject to Miss Pat's availability.

Learn the basics of fishing at Brittingham Park with WI DNR and Madison Parks. The WI DNR Fishmobile will be on site with all the gear needed, so no equipment is required. This free workshop welcomes adults and children and is ideal for ages 7 and older. Children must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian. Advanced registration is required, and anglers ages 16 and older will need a Wisconsin fishing license. This workshop is part of the Learning Series, which offers educational events and hands-on activities made possible by the Madison Parks Foundation.

A weekly singalong gathers voices in Madison at Muso Madison for an open, acoustic-friendly session. Songs are chosen from the Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks, which together span 100 years of folk and traditional music. All experience levels are welcome, whether playing a little or a lot. Participants may bring guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles, accordions, and other acoustic instruments, and there is a stand up bass along with some guitars and ukuleles on site to play. The songbooks provide chords for accompaniment, while melodies are learned by ear.

Each $5 community 5K spotlights a local nonprofit, and this edition benefits the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Participation involves a $5 donation, completing a marked 5K at any pace alongside a Fontana associate, and wrapping up with refreshments and a little swag from the rotating brand sponsor of the month. All proceeds go directly to the featured nonprofit, offering a simple way to get moving while supporting local causes.

Put your trivia skills to the test at the Cardinal Bar as Premier Trivia hosts a weekly Wednesday competition. There is no entry fee, and the top three teams take home prizes.

Live trivia at Sconnie Bar features Shelby hosting a general knowledge game that spans movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and score sheets are supplied, and there is no charge to play. Please have a teammate arrive a little early to register your team. Music plays between questions, and the songs may hint at the answers. Prizes include Sconnie Bar gift certificates of $40 for first place, $20 for second, and $10 for third. A free answer for the game is available online.

Copeland appears at The Bur Oak in Madison, WI with special guest Jenny Dee for a seated show. The Lakeland, Florida trio continues to broaden its palette, weaving symphonic colors and electronic textures into its rock foundation. Their album Blushing, produced by Aaron at his Vanguard Room studio with Bryan and Stephen contributing their production and mixing experience, brings together 11 tracks that push each facet of their sound. Songs like On Your Worst Day, Skywriter featuring Young Summer, Night Figures, Lay Here, and Pope move from string-led elegance to moody electronics and back to guitar-driven power. The lyrics lean toward a hazy, open-ended style that encourages personal interpretation. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Amélie Farren, Lilith Max, and Rabbitology share the stage with vivid storytelling and genre-blending sounds. Amélie Farren crafts intimate alt-folk and alt-pop she began writing at twelve and continues at eighteen, drawing listeners into sharply observed moments that feel familiar yet previously unspoken. Her early track suffering has surpassed 24 million streams, and Unsweetened Lemonade (2024) has exceeded 70 million while connecting with audiences across the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and South America. Her debut album Airheaded, produced in LA by Michael Keenan, explores obsession, complicated attachment, and the mirrored roles of those who cause harm and those who receive it. Lilith Max brings fantasy-tinged folk that weaves knights, myth, and magic into richly told songs with room for imagination. Rabbitology, the creation of Nat Timmerman, opens a burrowing, offbeat realm of eclectic soundscapes and memoir-shaped, fantastical sonic short stories, traced by the footprints of a three-legged rabbit. General admission is $30 in advance and $35 on the day of show. Balcony seating is $45 in advance and $50 on the day of show.

A weekly group run explores the UW-Madison Arboretum trails. Runners gather at the Visitor Center parking lot, then head out together with the pace guided by the group and current trail conditions. On the fourth Thursday of each month, the meet-up shifts to a traveling location rather than the Arboretum. For updates, cancellations, and sign up information, check the Meetup page.

A memoir sharing circle that welcomes anyone interested in reflecting on the experiences that have shaped them, from distant memories to recent moments. The focus is on expression rather than critique, publishing, or polishing. There is no need to bring a finished piece to participate. Some weeks you may read something you have written, and other times you might simply listen, reflect, and be part of the conversation. The atmosphere is gentle and supportive so personal stories can emerge at their own pace and in their own way.

Gay, Gray and Beyond is a discussion group for people who have weathered challenges and celebrated joys, approaching life with a perspective that reaches beyond the closet. Conversations focus on self reflection, individual strengths, and the ways our world continues to change. The group is supported by the LGBTQ 50+ Alliance. This is not a therapy or support group. For counseling or support services, contact OutReach's Elder Advocate, Lynn Currie, at 608-255-8582. Accessibility features include a parking ramp next door with accessible parking and an elevator, a step free front entrance with an automatic door opener, elevator access to the meeting room, wide hallways and doorways, wheelchair accessible restrooms on each floor, and ample space to move about in the meeting area.

Community Night at 6:8 brings neighbors together for hands-on creativity and a free shared meal. The Community Meal welcomes everyone to enjoy food and conversation in the dining room. The Sewing Lab invites participants of any skill level, whether you prefer using a machine, hand stitching, quilting, embroidery, or another personal project. Sewing machines, fabric, and basic supplies are available, and you are welcome to bring your own materials. Volunteers can assist with the fundamentals, and there is time to share ideas, learn from others, and finish mending or works in progress. The Diamond Painting Community meets alongside the meal so attendees can create while connecting with others. Newcomers can get started with supplies and guidance provided, and those already working on a piece can continue their projects. Participation in the diamond painting group is free, with donations welcome.

1000 Friends of Wisconsin is celebrating 30 years of advancing healthy communities and safeguarding the state’s natural resources. The event takes place at the Goodman Community Center and brings together members and partners for conversation, connection, and a look ahead as staff share upcoming priorities. Further information will be shared as plans are finalized.

A happy hour performance featuring The Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band highlights a Wisconsin mainstay for over two decades, devoted to the classic era of Latin jazz. The group has earned 14 Isthmus Madison Favorite Jazz Band awards and has shared stages with Poncho Sanchez, John Santos, Giovanni Hidalgo, and John Benitez. This event is free.

Discover a different kind of book club that centers on shared listening and creativity. Each session features group listening to a portion of an audiobook in a relaxed setting, followed by selecting the title for the next meeting. Participants are welcome to bring a simple craft project or enjoy a cup of coffee while they listen. Between sessions, attendees can finish the audiobook on their own, then come back to discuss the story, hear the next selection, and spend more time creating together.

Karben4 Brewing hosts weekly Thursday trivia, with a themed night once each month. Enjoy thoughtful questions, prizes on offer, and attentive bartending on the east side.

A trivia night takes place in the Young Blood taproom on the North-ish side. Bring friends and put your knowledge to the test.

From Stevens Point, Bomber & Red share harmony-driven songs inspired by nature, love, and deep feeling. Their warm, intimate approach comes through in a stripped-down, cabaret-style set at Harmony Bar & Grill, a fitting soundtrack for good food and good company in Madison.

Put your knowledge to the test at Echo Tap & Grill with a general trivia night that spans movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and scoresheets are provided, and teams should have someone arrive early to register. It is free to play, and you can order food and drinks while you compete. Music plays between questions, and some songs may hint at the answers. Prizes include $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates for first, second, and third place.

Drawing on the Flint, Michigan, water crisis, The Poisoner is a neo-noir play that probes how local governance, public confidence, and community safety intersect. It explores the fallout when the systems meant to protect residents are called into question, inviting reflection on accountability, responsibility, and the fragile bond between institutions and the people they serve.