Picture this: You’ve just found a perfect picnic spot near Yahara Place to enjoy some Spotted Cow by the river. | Photo by @honeyoliveblaire
Madison adores theoutdoors — this much we know. Maybe it’s the series of lakes that surround us or the fact that we’re regularly named one of the fittest cities in America. In fact, we love the outdoors so much, our city oversees 200+ parks in the Madison area.
With more than 30 unique activities + an additional 40 services offered through the Parks Division network, let’s map out how to make the most of these ~6,000 acres of parkland.
📍 Find a park
With so many parks to choose from, it can be daunting to begin planning a day out. Here are two ways to search for a local hangout.
Use the park locator to find green spaces near you.
Search by activity to find a park that offers any mix of 40+ amenities + activities.
The Parks Division is constantly updating its calendar of events. Check in regularly to stay in the loop about seasonal activities + outdoor experiences.
Live Music Friday | Fri., Sept. 30 | 6 p.m. | Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton | Free entry | Jam out with The Remedy during this 90s + 00s rock set. 🎸
Disney Junior Live | Fri., Sept. 30 | 6 p.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St. | $28+ | The Pollstar-nominated Disney Junior tour is back with a new show: “Costume Palooza.”
Saturday
Badger Bash: Wisconsin vs. Illinois | Sat., Oct. 1 | 9:30 a.m. | Union South, 1308 Dayton St. | Free | Join the best tailgate in town for live music, food, and games. Go Badgers. 🏈
Makers Market | Sat., Oct. 1 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 315 Park St., Sun Prairie | Free | Connect with local makers, artisans, and small businesses during a full day of outdoor shopping. 🎨
Sunday
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Lakehead Thunderwolves | Sun., Oct. 2 | 1 p.m. | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St. | $2.50+ | Watch the men’s hockey team drop the puck against the Thunderwolves during this exhibition game.
Sunday Afternoon Live | Sun., Oct. 2 | 12:30-2 p.m. | Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave. | Free | Meet in Gallery III for a live performance by the Pro Arte Quartet. 🎶
FOOT-Loose Dance | Tues., Oct. 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Olin Park pavilion, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct. | Free | Learn from Madison Contra during this “Barn Dance” — no experience or partners required.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Marlow’s sleep system is part of the Brooklinen family. | Photo provided by Marlow
Real talk: You’re an adult, and it’s time to saygoodbye to those sad, flat pillows and invest in bedding that supports your neck and back.
Marlow designed a pillow specifically for side sleepers with:
Three unique profiles (read: angles to support your neck)
Customizable firmness
Cooling technology
The reviews speak for themselves — according to buyers, Marlow’s pillow gave them their best night of sleep in years. Bonus: Marlow offers 365-day returns, and code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%.*
Octopi Brewing — a Waunakee-based beverage manufacturer — is doubling the size of its current facility. The $10+ million project will add a new 200,000-sqft building to Uniek Road and bring 150 jobs to the area. 🏗️ (NBC 15)
Announced
Centro Hispano of Dane County announced a $2.5 million gift from Ascendium Education Group in support of its new home on the south side. The two-story, 25,000-sqft space will provide a centralized hub for culture, education, and celebrations in the Hispanic community. (Madison.com)
Public Health Madison and Dane County’s South Madison Clinic is shifting its COVID-19 testing strategy. The new antigen testing model will help to provide test results to Madisonians more quickly. (WKOW)
Edu
The UW System launched its new Wisconsin Tuition Promise program to provide four-year tuition coverage for students + fill critical worker shortages in the state. Learn more about the campaign and who qualifies. 🎓 (Madison.com)
A new policy was passed by the Madison School Board regarding wellness + resource access in MMSD. The policy seeks to improve areas like food, physical activity, health services, and school climate. (The Cap Times)
Traffic
The Blair Street construction project is shifting focus to the East Washington Avenue intersection. All traffic will be rerouted to the inbound lanes of East Wash between Franklin Street and Blair Street. Note: There will be no street parking in this area for two to three weeks. 🚧
Seasonal
Don your cloaks + rally your party, we’re trekking to Middle Earth to join Bierock for its fifth annual themed Halloween popup. Experience the eatery + pub transform into “The Prancing Pony” — an homage to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” — from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 29. ⚔️
We’re hiring a Sales Executive to lead our advertising relationships in Madison. This exec would lead prospecting initiatives, maintain a full and active client pipeline, and prepare and deliver sales presentations — all whileearning a competitive salary with unlimited PTO. Learn more + apply.
Travel
Who’s planning on traveling out of MSN for the Thanksgiving holiday? Pro tip: It’s never too early to book those flights. Pro, pro tip:Scott’s Cheap FlightsElite Plan gets you up to 90% off premium economy,business, and first class seats. ✈️*
Learn
Bom dia, Madison.Learning a new language can feel difícil (that’s Portuguese for “difficult”), but with Babbel, it doesn’t have to be. Their bite-size, 10-minute lessons are designed to fit your lifestyle — and right now, you can get 55% off your subscription.*
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Don’t get too distracted by all the delicious vegan eats + forget to attend the plethora of speakers and other educational sessions. | Photo provided by Madison Vegan Fest
Hosted at William G. Lake Farm County Park, the free community fest with 35+ vendors kicks off at 11 a.m. with speakers, exhibitions, children’s activities, and of course, plenty of vegan eats. Here’s what to know before you go.
🚗 Transit and accessibility
Festival-goers are encouraged to carpool or ride bicycles to the event. The park’s location just off the Lower Yahara River Trail which makes for a safe, simple commute. Plus, you can work up an appetite on the way.
Note: A limited number of accessible parking spots can be found at the festival end of the park.
Editor’s pick: Last night I had dinner at a personal favorite 608 eatery, Bar Corallini. The moody Atwood hangout serves modern Italian and killer cocktails. My personal recommendation? The draft negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that pairs well with any pizza or pasta on the menu.
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