What types of vendors are you hoping to see at the market? | Rendering by Madison Public Market
The Madison Public Market (MPM) is slated to open in early 2025 at the corner of North First and East Johnson Streets — where the city’s Fleet Services building currently stands. The market will have 30 permanent booth spaces along with multiple temporary vending options.
Vending spaces include everything from outdoor food cart stalls to pop-ups and collaborations between businesses. MPM asks that those interested in vending with them fill out a vendor interest form.
This is a perfect opportunity for:
Food cart owners looking for commercial kitchen space
Farmers’ market vendors seeking a permanent storefront
At-home crafters ready to expand production
The Fleet Services building will soon be home to MPM’s 100+ vendors. | Photo by Madison Public Market
MarketReady Program
One of MPM’s main goals is to foster the launch of small businesses, especially those founded by locals that are part of groups that have historically faced entrepreneurial barriers.
MarketReady is an ongoing program that provides resources, coaching, and mentor connections to entrepreneurs who have an existing small business or a vision for a potential business.
The program is designed to prepare business owners for an opportunity to launch in the Public Market. You may recognize some of the small businesses that participated in the first phase of the program.
Events
Wednesday, May 17
Madison West Coast Swing | Wednesday, May 17 | 6:30-9 p.m. | East Madison Community Center, 8 Straubel Ct., Madison | $5-$10 | Admission includes a 45-minute drop-in lesson prior to the dance, open to anyone with at least some basic West Coast Swing experience.
Thursday, May 18
“Riding Waves” Mural Opening | Thursday, May 18 | 4-6 p.m. | Country Inn + Suite, 400 River Pl., Madison | Free | Stop by for the mural dedication, artist reception, and community mental health discussion led by NAMI Dane County.
Wright Design Series: Taliesin Then and Now | Thursday, May 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn about the history of the buildings on the Taliesin property that served as Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural laboratory.
Friday, May 19
Tell Us! | Friday, May 19 | 10 a.m. | Monroe Street Library, 1705 Monroe St., Madison | Free | Join this community conversation where locals can provide feedback and share ideas for the improvement of Madison’s south and west side libraries.
Pete Holmes: WHERE WERE WE | Friday, May 19-Saturday, May 20 | Comedy on State, 202 State St., Madison | $35 | Catch a set by the comedian known for his CollegeHumor days.
Saturday, May 20
Badger Bonsai Society Annual Show | Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | View miniature trees and talk with the bonsai artists who grew and cultivated them.
Smirnoff Red, White & Berry Samplings | Saturday, May 20 | 4-6 p.m. | Woodman’s East, 3817 Milwaukee St, Madison | Free | Stop by Woodman’s East for free samples of Smirnoff ICE Red, White & Berry Zero Sugar, and discover your new go-to summer drink, just in time for Memorial Day.*
More than just motorcycles: A trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum
Try This: A trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee
Presented by a 608today Partner
608today Sales Executive Ana, and 6AM City Sales Director Julie, on a CVO™ Tri Glide® Model motorcycle in the Experience Gallery. | Photo by the 608today team
“Get your motor runnin’, Head out on the highway.” How many times do you think we listened to “Born to be Wild” on our recent ~1h, 20 min. trip from Madison to Milwaukee to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum?
The artistry of the Tank Wall and bikes that span from 1906 to the present are a must-see for both HOG fans (and their friends and family) on your next trip to Brew City.
Pro tip: There’s plenty of free parking on campus (for 500 cars or 1,000 motorcycles), so planning your visit just got that much easier.
What we tried:
Fun fact: The very first Harley-Davidson “factory” was a 10x15-ft shed in the Davidson family’s backyard in Milwaukee. On the 20-acre, park-like campus Museum campus, you’ll find a replica of this shed, a motorcycle that survived a tsunami, and a lot of other wheelie cool Harley history.
Wanna kick it with us? Here’s how you can Try This.*
The Wisconsin State Patrol will enhance traffic surveillance in Dane County this week. Aerial enforcement is planned for Friday, May 19 on I-39/90. Patrol pilots will monitor traffic violations from above and relay them to troopers on the ground. (Channel 3000)
Sports
A professional women’s soccer team is coming to the 608. Forward Madison has secured rights for a pro women’s team which is projected to start playing in 2025 as part of the USL Super League. (Channel 3000)
The Madison Mallards are partnering with Camp Createability to create a sensory-friendly space at the Duck Pond. The space will debut on Monday, May 29 during the opening day game and aims to make Mallards games fun + inclusive for the whole community. (NBC 15)
Edu
Latinos United for College Education Scholarships is currently accepting scholarship applications for 2023 and aims to award $2,000 to eligible students in the area. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 16. (Madison 365)
Biz
The local business formerly known as Nutkrack is now operating as Fortune Favors Nuts. The candied pecan company has been operating in Madison for five years, and the rebrand only affects the brand’s look + name. (Cap Times)
Plan Ahead
Who let the cows out? Celebrate National Dairy Month at this year’s Cows on the Concourse event on Saturday, June 3. Madisonians are invited to meet dairy cows + farmers, enjoy live entertainment, and learn about local agriculture. (Isthmus)
Register today for Centro Hispano’s Secure Cycling Workshop on Wednesday, June 7. This three-hour workshop is geared towards local adults interested in gaining confidence when biking downtown.
Health
What if researchers could fully understand why Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are predisposed to certain diseases? 608today readers can help make that possible by joining the All of Us Research Program and help change the future of health research during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.*
Today Is
Today Is World Baking Day. To celebrate, shop our online store (Six & Main), which features Sourhouse, a company that creates simple tools for sourdough bakers to care for their starters. You might just knead it. Start shopping now.
Food
🥪 Skip the grocery store
Grab-and-go options for your next picnic in Madison
The Capital grounds have plenty of lawn and bench seating. | Photo by 608today
Save time on grocery shopping for your next outing or picnic — we’re mapping out some grab-and-go options near your favorite outdoor spots.
BB Clarke Beach Alimentari | This upscale Italian deli has sandwiches, wine, and snacks for a picnic date.
Olbrich Park Michael’s Frozen Custard | Eat your custard before it melts, and grab a burger to go.
Capital grounds Teddywedgers | This eatery is to-go only and keeps it simple with a menu consisting solely of handheld pasties.
Between the Mint Mark moving to East Wash and the Madison Public Market going up right around the corner, the First Street area is shaping up to be an unexpected favorite spot of mine. Although, when I worked at the Come Back In during high school, the Subway that used to live on that corner was vital in my post-shift revival routine. While the Subway is dearly missed, I have a hunch that the Public Market may offer some tastier options.
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