Today’s Forecast

81º | Sunny | 3% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:21 a.m. | Sunset 7:36 p.m.

Important Message

We want to hear from you. We’re working to ensure the content we deliver is relevant to you and that you come back every day. That’s why we’re inviting our readers to take our brief product survey. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll automatically be entered to win $500 cash. Take the survey.

☀️ Chairish the moment

The Terrace chairs are back

Grab a seat (and a pitcher). | Photo by Jenny Shults

They’re baaack. Today marks the unofficial official start of the spring/summer season — the sunburst chairs are back. Stop by the Memorial Union Terrace, grab a seat, and check out what else Madison’s favorite lakeside spot has to offer.

Before you go, be sure to review the terrace rules and check out the parking options.

While you’re there

Grab a bite to eat:

Brat Stand | Brats, burgers, grilled chicken, and corn on the cob
BBQ Stand | Smokehouse sandwiches and sides
Strada | Customize your own wood-fired personal pizza
Daily Scoop | Scooping up Madison’s very own Babcock ice cream
Der Rathskeller | Classic bar food in a German bier hall setting
Carte | Sandwiches and made-to-order salads
Badger Market | UW-Madison’s convenience store
Peet’s Coffee | Bakery, sandwiches, and cafe sips
Der Stiftskeller | Craft beer and wine by the glass
Lakeview Lounge | Family-style pizzas, apps, and a variety of local beer and wine

Catch a show: Keep tabs on the Wisconsin Union Theater’s event page to catch a show at one of its three performance stages.

Get a job: UW students can apply today for dining hall, arts, custodial, and administrative positions.

Membership

The Memorial Union is a membership organization, but anyone is welcome to purchase a one-day membership for $1 — this will allow you to purchase alcohol.

Membership benefits include:

Discounts on tickets, recreational rentals, classes, and Union hotel stays.
Access to private tailgates, members-only classes, and free meeting rooms.

FAQs

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, but dogs are only allowed on the path area between the terrace and the lake.

Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: Yes, feel free to bring enough for one person — no alcohol.

Q: Can I reserve a spot on the terrace?
A: No, the 2,000 sunburst chairs are first come, first serve.

Q: Is it accessible?
A: Yes, the Memorial Union is equipped with ramps, elevators, bathrooms, pathways, and direct entrances all geared toward making it wheelchair accessible.

Events

Wednesday, April 12

Paint and Sip: Van Gogh’s Starry Night | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Wine & Design, 167 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Madison | $40 | Create a Van Gogh-inspired masterpiece.
Q-Cinema | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 7-9 p.m. | OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center, 2701 International Lane, Madison | Free | Catch a screening of “Three Months,” starring Troye Sivan.

Thursday, April 13

A Good Bowl of Red - Texas Style Chili cooking class | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5:30-9 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $75 | Learn how to prepare slowly braised Texas-style chili with all the fixings.
Brews and Q’s Taproom Trivia | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Karben4 Brewing, 3698 Kinsman Blvd., Madison | Free | Compete for prizes and sip on delicious beer during these 50+ questions of original trivia.

Friday, April 14

Backyard Fundraiser with the Mannish Boys | Friday, Apr. 14 | 8 p.m. | Red Rooster Madison, 2513 Seiferth Rd., Madison | $10 | All proceeds from this backyard show will go towards funding the Red Rooster’s backyard and parking lot.

Saturday, April 15

House Plant Propagation Swap | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Goodman South Library, 2222 S. Park St., Madison | Free | Bring labeled cuttings in a damp paper towel or small jar of water to swap with local plant lovers.
Forward Madison vs. Greenville Triumph SC | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 6 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin St., Madison | $19-$43 | Celebrate the club’s fifth anniversary with Guaranteed Win Night: If the team loses, fans receive a free ticket to a future FMFC match.*
Kaipimi Kanchik | We Are Here: Celebrating the Kichwa Community | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 4-9 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison | Free | Learn more about the migrant and indigenous Kichwa community in Madison at this event featuring live music, panel discussions, traditional dance, and a craft market showcasing indigenous vendors.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Madison 🤝 Ranch Rita, the margarita-style drink of the summer

With just 150 calories, five grams of sugar, and 5.8% ABV, Ranch Rita is light and drinkable. | Photo by Cesar Gomez via Instagram

If you love a good margarita, then listen up. Ranch Rita, a drink inspired by the high deserts of West TX and cantinas found there, is a full-flavored, margarita-style beverage that will make you want to say “Yee-haw, partner.”

Every can has:

Real lime juice
Organic agave nectar
Just 5 grams of sugar

Want to try it for yourself? Grab a variety pack (which contains classic, blood orange, mango, and spicy flavors) and save $7 now through Sunday, April 30.*

Everything's tastier in Texas (and Wisconsin)

News Notes

Development

Madison has spoken. Sasaki, a Boston design firm, is the winning submission for the Lake Monona waterfront redesign challenge. The design includes plans for a boathouse, outdoor amphitheater, elevated nature walk, and a new nature-oriented community center near Olin Park. (Cap Times)

Plan Ahead

The Dane County Farmers’ Market returns this weekend for Saturdays on the Square. The largest producer-only market in the US includes 130 vendors and accepts FoodShare through an EBT machine at the information booth. Can’t make it? We got you covered with more Madison markets. (Madison.com)
Calling all horse lovers. Stop by the Alliant Energy Center this weekend for the Midwest Horse Fair. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 14 with events including a PRCA rodeo, World Championship Blacksmith Competition, and educational sessions. (NBC 15)

Outdoors

The National Park Service and Wisconsin DNR plan to expand the Ice Age Trail in Rock County from Clover Valley State Wildlife Area to Magnolia County Park. Landowners can voluntarily allow the trail to pass through their land. This plan is open to public comment, give your two cents. (Channel 3000)

Closing

Poke Poke, in Willy Street’s Gateway Mall, will close on Saturday, April 15 due to its lease ending. The owners plan to offer their poke menu at their other restaurant, FEAST Artisan Dumpling and Tea House, until they find a new location. (Madison.com)

Pets

Dane County is helping the Wisconsin Humane Society by accepting dogs from southern US shelters affected by tornados.. DCHS will also take in 20 at-risk dogs from Texas. Learn how you can help by checking out DCHS’s volunteer opportunities. (Channel 3000)

Shop

There’s still time to celebrate National Pet Day with our brand partner, Hannah Chloe Co. From bandanas to bows, your furry friend will appreciate these gifts. Shop now.

City

✏️ Schooling in the 608

22 elementary, middle, and high schools in Madison

Madison East is known for its castle-like appearance. | Picasa

Madison Metropolitan School District has 52 schools and 25,000+ students. We’re giving you the 411 on enrollment, student-teacher ratio, tuition, and more (thanks to data from U.S. News & World Report) for the area’s major public + private schools. And don’t worry, there won’t be any homework.

Shorewood Hills, 1105 Shorewood Blvd.

Grades PK-5
Total enrollment: 405
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Tuition-free
No. 12 in WI elementary schools

O’Keeffe, 510 S. Thornton Ave.

Grades 6-8
Total enrollment: 453
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Tuition-free
No. 231 in WI middle schools

La Follette, 702 Pflaum Rd., Madison

Grades 9-12
Total enrollment: 1,575
Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Tuition-free
No. 220 in WI high schools

West, 30 Ash St., Madison

Grades 9-12
Total enrollment: 2,164
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Tuition-free
No. 22 in WI high schools

We know you’re world class. We want to hear your thoughts on 608’s school options. Take this survey to share what your experience has been like.

18 more 608 schools

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

As a card-carrying Wisconsin Union member, I am beyond stoked about the return of the terrace chairs. Catch me lakeside today, tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. While reviewing the terrace rules, I was reminded of a time I broke maybe the most important one... I fed the ducks. What started as a singular dropped French fry turned into a swarm of hungry ducks. I quickly retreated — mostly out of embarrassment, but also a bit of fear.

Missed our last newsletter?
We learned about geocaching in the 608.

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY