What is the City of Madison missing? 🔎

Asked: What is the City of Madison missing?

One thing we can’t really ask for is a better view of the state Capitol. | Photo by 608today team

We love the city of Madison, it’s kind of our thing.

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you just subscribed today (welcome, btw), you could probably sense our affinity for the city as we’re regularly answering questions like:

👤 Who is John Nolen anyway?
🏖️ What is the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge?
🍸 When is the best time to grab a drink in the 608?
❤️ Where can I help a neighbor + volunteer around town?
🥯 Why is it so hard to get a decent bagel here?
🧺 How do I shop local at Madison co-ops?

When we’re not busy exploring Madison’s greatest secrets + mapping out 608 business developments, we’re aggregating local news to make sure you’re in the know about important headlines. (Think: A UW faculty member named as a MacArthur Fellow, or Hilldale’s new Italian restaurant opening later this month.)

Even in light of all the good news we share, no city is perfect — though Madison has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the US for multiple years running.

Our question for you: What is the City of Madison missing?
Think big, or small works too — let us know.

Does the Beltline need more flex lanes? Or should WisDOT build a whole new freeway?
Is the 608 missing your favorite niche food + drink scene?
Could the Capitol property benefit from a dog park?
Should the City install an outdoor ice rink for Badgers hockey on Lake Mendota?

While we can’t promise immediate civic amendments based on all of our reader feedback, we can assure you we’ll be sharing our findings in a future newsletter.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Pretty Woman - The Musical | Tue., Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | $25+ | See the show based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories come to life on stage. 🍿
Madison Tango Society Dance Lessons | Tue., Oct. 18 | 7-8 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free+ | No partners or experience are required for this open dance hall experience.

Wednesday

Crucible Karaoke | Wed., Oct. 19 | 6:30 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave., Madison | Free | Take this opportunity to sing your heart out with neighborhood friends during an open mic night. 🎤
Dead Poet Society | Wed., Oct. 19 | 7-11:30 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $20 | Hear a set from the four-piece rock, alternative, and indie band. 🎸

Thursday

Barleypop Live Comedy Open Mic | Thu., Oct. 20 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | BarleyPop Live, 121 W. Main St., Madison | Free | Watch local favorites do feature sets to start + then it’s a standup comedy open mic.
El Mercadito | Thu., Oct. 20 | 4-7 p.m. | Centro Hispano, 810 W. Badger Rd., Madison | Free | Join the Centro community for tasty bites, live music, and community festivities. 🎉

Friday

Adult Swim: Halloweird | Fri., Oct. 21 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison | $20+ | It’s an adult takeover during this 21+ night of crawling, sliding, and playing at the children’s museum.
Demetri Martin | Fri., Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | The Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave., Madison | $42.75 | Enjoy a knee-slapping performance from the American comedian known for his standup + work on “The Daily Show.” 🎭

We have a monthly 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

46º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain ⛅

Civic

Tomorrow, Wed., Oct. 19 is the last day to register online to vote in the fall election. Learn more about local resources + register here. Note: You can also register at your polling place on Election Day.

Biz

Meet Big Sur Cantina, Madison’s new Cali-Mex eatery located at 7436 Mineral Point Rd. Before you drop in for margaritas and street corn, get to know the owners. 🌯 (Cap Times)

Open

This week, Eno Vino opened its new location at 2800 Sarah Ln., Waunakee. Owners say other new projects like a Verona Eno Vino + their downtown Spanish tavern are currently on hold. 🍽️ (Madison.com)

Number

$3 million. That’s how much the 2023 Dane County budget proposes for upgrades to the county’s emergency siren network. Updated technology will be able to connect Dane County directly to the National Weather Service. (NBC 15)

Edu

Join the University of Wisconsin for its 112th homecoming celebration taking place now through Sat., Oct. 22. Alumni + community members are welcome for scavenger hunts, trivia nights, and community projects.

Seasonal

Snow in October got you feeling a bit scared? Lean into spooky season with these 15 Halloween-inspired events all over the Madison area. 🎃 (Madison Magazine)

Drink

Local brewery Delta Beer Lab is releasing its Count Chocula Porter this weekend. Dress up + drop by the Madison Makers Market on Sat., Oct. 22 from 3-8 p.m. to get a taste. 🍺

Read

Looking for a new seasonal read? Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè has got you covered with a new roundup of reads. You can also check out our listicle of books by local authors.

DYK

Did you know we want to see your artwork on our products? We’re looking for freelance graphic designers in Madison to work with us through our online retail store, and yes, you’d be getting paid for it. First, let’s get to know each other.

Beauty

Fresh, dewy skin is all the rage right now. One way to get it? Responsible luxury beauty brand MERIT’s Great Skin™ Instant Glow Serum: a lightweight, bi-phase serum with hyaluronic acid + niacinamide that instantly hydrates and plumps skin for a healthy glow. Bonus: Free Signature Makeup Bag with first purchase.*

The Buy

Want a straighter smile? SmileDirectClub can make it happen, with 22-hour-wear aligners and Nighttime Aligners™ that straighten teeth as little as 4-6 months — and results are guaranteed for life. Get started. 🦷 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

A tasty, local tidbit with Guy Raz 🎙️

Craig Culver on “How I Built This” podcast

The City of Madison has five Culver’s franchises alone, can you name this location? | Photo by 608today team

We recently got into the meat of Culver’s local history and must-try bites + shared about the limited-time curdburger. It’s safe to say we love this Wisconsin eatery, but we’re not the only ones.

This week, Craig Culver — founder of the Culver’s brand, surely you could’ve guessed — was featured on “How I Built This.” The web-based podcast, launched by NPR + now owned by Wonderly, features host Guy Raz interviewing global business leaders to learn about how they built their iconic brands.

Listen to the 75-minute-long episode to learn about the early years of slinging frozen custard and ButterBurgers + how Culver’s became one of the most profitable fast-food restaurants in the country.

Reminder: The curdburger is a must-try + available through the end of October — don’t just take our curd for it.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ryan.

Editor’s pick: Looking for a cost-effective night out? My recommendation: Table Wine in Atwood. $15 got me a full flight of wines to taste + some Nutkrack to snack on.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We tapped into the history of State Street Brats.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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