10 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER AROUND MADISON

Those of us who have lived in Madison for a while know that the city overflows with activities during the summer. If you’re new to the city, it might be hard to sort through everything in the calendar and find those events that will be truly memorable—that’s where we come in! Here is our list of top 10 things to do around the Madison area this summer. Enjoy!

1| BUCKY ON PARADE

Event description: Bucky on Parade is a free public art event that will bring 85 life-size Bucky Badger statues to the streets of Madison and Dane County May 7­–September 12, 2018. Local and regional artists will transform these Bucky statues into unique works of art.
Date: May 7 – September 12
More info: https://buckyonparade.com

2| BRAT FEST

Event description: Since 1983, the World’s Largest Brat Fest has sold more than 3.8 million brats to help raise almost $1.75 million to benefit 100+ local charities. Brat Fest brings the community together each Memorial Day weekend—rain or shine—for 4 days of free music, fantastic food and family-friendly fun to help kick off the start of summer in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
Date: May 25 – 28
More info: https://www.bratfest.com

3| DANE COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET

Event description: The Saturday Dane County Farmers’ Market is conveniently located on the tree-lined grounds surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol building — otherwise known as “the Square” — in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The Market encircles the Square.
Date: April 14 – November 10
More info: https://dcfm.org/markets/saturday-on-the-square

4| TERRACE AFTER DARK

Event description: When the sun sets but the night stays warm, it’s time to hit up the Terrace for free live music and movies. Terrace After Dark features the best of what our students are in to.
Date: May 11 – September 3
More info: https://bit.ly/1THYoUf

5| ISTHMUS JAZZ FESTIVAL

Event description: Our wonderful committee has been hard at work programming jazz shows and events stretching throughout and beyond the entire Isthmus area.
Date: June 1 – 10
More info: https://isthmus.com

6| CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE

Event description: The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square is an outdoor concert series held in each summer Madison on the lawn of the Wisconsin State Capitol. The series consists of six concerts on Wednesday evenings. It has been called “The Biggest Picnic of Summer.”
Date: June 27 – August 1
More info: https://bit.ly/2rhlEpx

7| TASTE OF MADISON

Event description: Held since 1983, the Taste is MFI’s flagship event, with over 80 restaurants, 3 entertainment stages and 26 beverage stands drawing over 250,000 to the Capitol Square over Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. There is no charge for admission or entertainment. Taste of Madison raises $60,000 annually for local non-profit and charitable organizations.
Date: September 1 – 2
More info: http://www.tasteofmadison.com

8| FULL MOON PARADE

Event description: Spend quality time relaxing on the water with family, friends or treat your date to a romantic paddle under the stars. A live band, light hors d’oeuvres & snacks, and the opportunity to enjoy the lake by moon light makes this our most popular event.
Date: May 27, various dates
More info: https://www.madisonboats.com

9| MADISON MALLARDS GAME

Event description: The Madison Mallards are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in the 20-team Northwoods League. The club draws over 6,000 fans per game at the “Duck Pond” at Warner Park on Madison’s north side.
Date: Various dates
More info: https://northwoodsleague.com/madison-mallards

10| DANE COUNTY FAIR

Event description: Join us at the Alliant Energy Center, July 19-22, 2018, for the Dane County Fair. With many new attractions and features, along with classic favorites, the Dane County Fair is your ticket to fun this summer.
Date: July 19 – 22
More info: http://www.danecountyfair.com

OTHERS EVENTS WORTH CHECKING OUT

What are your favorite things to do in the summer? Any we should add to the list?

Cover image: wisconsinchamberorchestra.org