Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

🎲 Roll the dice on these local game groups

Roll the dice and raise a glass. | Photo by Brett Myers via Board Games and Beers

We’ve been spending a lot of time covering outdoor activities in the 608 recently. So, this one’s for those of you who prefer air conditioning and table games over summer heat and organized sports.

Select difficulty:
Casual — No experience, no problem
Intermediate — It’s best to have a general understanding
Advanced — For those who really know their way around the board

Board games

Board Games and Beer | Casual
Join weekly gatherings at local watering holes to play board games, drink beer, and meet new people.

Pegasus Games | Casual-Intermediate
Stop by for open play nights or check the monthly schedule to find a night specifically catered to one of your favorite games.

Roll Play | Casual
This board game cafe is kicking off its Summer Board Game League next Thursday, May 25.

Dungeons and Dragons/Strategy games

Madison Traditional Gaming | Casual-Intermediate
This is a group for people interested in a wide variety of role-playing games (Think: Classic Traveller, Pendragon, Labyrinth Lord, Torchbearer).

Noble Knight | Intermediate-Advanced
This castle-themed gaming hall is sure to have something for everyone from special events and contests to demos and unboxings.

Madison DnD Adventurers League | Advanced
Create a character and bring that character to games anywhere D&D Adventurers League is played. Note: This league uses 5th edition DnD rules + the Forgotten Realms setting.

Card games

Euchre Night | Intermediate
Stop by Starkweather Brewing Co. on the second Tuesday of every month for some friendly competition.

Who’s New in Madison | Casual
Local ladies are welcome to join this social group to participate in card game groups, Mah Jongg, and more.

Table games not your thing? Find a crew that’s right for you.

Events

Friday, May 19

Dane County’s Kids Consignment Sale | Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Plumbers 75 Madison Union Office, 2102 E. Springs Dr., Madison | Free | Shop clothes, toys, books, and more in over 30,000 sqft of shopping space.
Irish Fest Pre-Party | Friday, May 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Karben4, 3698 Kinsman Blvd., Madison | Free | Stop by for live music and delicious brews.

Saturday, May 20

Schwinn Bike Donation | Saturday, May 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Pacific Cycle/Schwinn Headquarters, 4902 Hammersley Rd., Madison | Free | Clean out your garage and roll over to Schwinn Headquarters to donate new and gently used kids’ bikes.
Distill America 2023 | Saturday, May 20 | 1-6 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field, 917 E Mifflin St, Madison | $70 | Taste everything from the international giants to the boutique microdistillers at Distill America.

Sunday, May 21

Learn to Play Cornhole | Sunday, May 21 | 10-11:30 a.m. | James Madison Park, 614 East Gorham St., Madison | Free | Learn the game from members of the Mad City Cornhole League.
#SundayFunday | Sunday, May 21 | 12-2 p.m. | The Lone Girl Brewing Company, 14 E. Main St., Waunakee | | Bingo, bloodys, beer, and brunch.

Monday, May 22

Wisconsin Waters | Monday, May 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St., Verona | Free | Author Scott Spoolman will detail the natural forces that created habitats for the state’s flora, fauna, and early peoples.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

Beginning Monday, May 22, S. Broom Street will close between W. Wilson and W. Doty Streets, and W. Wilson Street will close between S. Broom and S. Henry Streets. Broom is projected to reopen in August while the others will reopen closer to November when underground work wraps up.

Sports

The Wisconsin Badgers are bringing back the 100 Days to Kickoff Scavenger Hunt for the second year. 100 mini Badger helmets will be hidden across the state. Those who find them can win prizes including Badger gear + home game tickets. (Channel 3000)

Community

Madison Parks and MSCR are hosting an Open House at their new offices on Wednesday, May 24. The event includes speeches by Mayor Rhodes-Conway and other community leaders, yard games, and food carts.
A second food scraps drop-off location opens on Tuesday, May 23 at the South Madison Farmers’ Market. Locals can drop off food scraps for composting at the designated booth during market hours.

Plan Ahead

On Tuesday, May 23, the Overture Center will host “Intergenerational Women of Color Speak Out about Democracy”. This free panel discussion aims to engage young artists and leaders in discussing historical perspectives and the future of our democratic society. (Madison 365)

Eat

Madison Burger Week starts today. Now through Friday, May 26, 29 restaurants will showcase their best burgers for the public to vote on. The Cap Times will crown the winner the first week of June. Last year, Tipsy Cow took the crown. (Cap Times)

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Unlock your home equity.*

Health

Fact: Mammograms save lives. Learn more about breast cancer risks, when you should begin regular screening, and other important preventative steps by scheduling an appointment.*

History

🌭 Goodbye Wienermobile, hello Frankmobile

It’s safe to say it’ll take Madisonians a while to adjust to the name change. | Photo by Chris Malchow

The artist formerly known as the Wienermobile is taking on a new title — Frankmobile.

While there are niche groups of Bubblemobile, Ghostbuster Van, and Bookmobile fans, the Wiener-ahem-Frankmobile is seemingly the most universally beloved + iconic Madison vehicle.

It all began when Oscar F. Mayer opened his first meat packing market in 1883 down in Chicago, after gaining experience in the city’s stockyards.

After gaining traction in the wiener biz, Oscar F.'s son clued his dad in on a meat packing plant in Madison. Being in Wisconsin meant big savings when it came to livestock transportation costs. So in 1919, the Mayers moved to Madison.

In 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Oscar Mayer debuted the Wienermobile as a way to boost morale while advertising. By 1988, a fleet of six Wienermobiles was traversing across the country.

Scared of change? Fret not. The name is the only change being made to the iconic vehicle to reflect/promote a new wiener recipe coming soon.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

I’ve had the Oscar Mayer Wiener song stuck in my head all day, and now I’m passing the curse along to you.

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