Lucky you. You just found 608today’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Madison each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Seasonal
Madison Hmong New Year | Nov. 1-2 | 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center | $5 | Celebrate Hmong heritage with performances, food, fashion, and cultural exhibits during this vibrant two-day festival. Over 15,000 people come to this event from all over the nation.
2025 Fall Tourism Conference | Nov. 6-7 | Times Vary | Madison Concourse Hotel & Governors Club | Free, registration required | Tourism and hospitality professionals gather to network, share ideas, and explore future trends shaping Wisconsin’s travel industry. You know, big boss stuff.
Festivals
Taste of Hope | Nov. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | The Sylvee | Donation required | Enjoy gourmet tastings and live entertainment while raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Don’t miss out, this is one of Madison’s signature gala events.
Active
Madison Marathon | Nov. 7-12 | Times vary | Downtown Madison | $93+ | Lace up for the full or half marathon that winds through Madison’s scenic downtown, lakes, and neighborhoods, finishing at the Capitol Square. Heads up: online registration closes on Thursday, Oct. 30.
Concerts
The English Beat | Nov. 12 | 8 p.m. | Majestic Theater | $45+ | Don’t Save It For Later. Save the date, instead. The ska and new wave icons deliver their energetic, dance-ready hits to Madison.
Big Gigantic: “Fluorescence Tour” | Nov. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Sylvee | $50+ | Bring your dancing shoes to this high-energy night of electronic music fused with live saxophone and drums.
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra: “Eroica” | Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater | $22+ | The WCO performs Beethoven’s bold and triumphant “Eroica” Symphony. Classy.
Theater
“Some Like It Hot” | Nov. 11-16 | Times vary | Overture Center for the Arts | $39+ | Based on the classic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, this Tony Award-winning musical comedy brings 1930s glitz, laughter, and jazz-era flair to the Overture stage.
Sports
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Football | Nov. 22 | All day | Camp Randall Stadium | $200+ | The Badgers close out their home schedule with a fierce Big Ten matchup sure to pack Camp Randall with red and white.