09.04.2023

Today’s Forecast

76º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 6:42 p.m.

🍂 Embrace those #FallVibes

7 festivals and fairs around Madison to visit this fall

Have your fill of food, fireworks, and fun at the Monona Community Festival. | Photo by Monona Festival

Grab a pumpkin spice latte and your favorite plaid scarf, we’re taking in all the fall vibes this season at these festivals and fairs.

Urban Harvest Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 2-8 p.m. | Farley Center, 2299 Spring Rose Rd., Verona | Free

Enjoy caramel apples, hay rides, and free wine and beer at this celebration of sustainability. Register to volunteer today.

Deerfield Apple Festival | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bittersweet Blessings Farm, 4509 State Hwy. 73, Deerfield | $5

It’s all about the apples at this fall excursion. Think: Pie, cider doughnuts, jams, and butter. Think you have the best apple pie recipe? Enter it in the festival’s Wisconsin Apple Pie Championship.

Willy Street Fair | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday Sept. 17 | All day | Willy Street, Madison | Free

Catch live music at the five stages, including kid’s and folk music stages. Don’t miss the parade at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.

The Bubbleman — The best part of the Willy parade? The Bubblemobile. | Photo via Willy Street Blog

Fall Beer Taste | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 12-4 p.m. | 300 E. Main St., Sun Prairie | $20-$35

Sample 3 oz pours of Oktoberfests, fall beer, ale, and cider. Designated drivers get a ticket discount and souvenir cup for non-alcoholic beverages.

Harvest Festival | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 12-5 p.m. | Allen Centennial Garden, 620 Babcock Dr., Madison | Free

Learn about Dejope harvest traditions, the Kitchen Garden Project, and the importance of seeds. Live music, storytelling, and cooking demonstrations will be taking place throughout the garden grounds.

The Great Midwest Hempfest | Sunday, Oct. 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Library Mall/Capitol Grounds, Madison | Free

Activities include pumpkin bowling, tarot readings, and live music. While you’re there, shop CBD and hemp products from local vendors.

Octoberfresh Vintage Market | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Robina Courtyard, 829 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free

Find your fall style along with vintage cameras, decor, and handmade home goods from local crafters. Celebrate your finds with craft beer and cocktails in the courtyard.

Asked

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A lifesaver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

Did you know you could be the winner of a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to win!

Submit your answer

Events

Monday, Sept. 4

Shifting Gears Bike Path Dance Fest | Monday, Sept. 4 | 12-6 p.m. | McPike Park, Wirth Court Park, and Brittingham Park | Free | While you’re biking on the city’s paths, stop to enjoy performances along the way.

Tuesday, Sept. 5

Adult Knitting Club | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 1 p.m. | Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison | Free | Bring your own supplies and share tips or give advice.
Learn to Play Euchre | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Co., 2439 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | Enjoy food and brews while learning the ins and outs of the classic card game.

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Jazz at Five | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 4-8 p.m. | East end of State Street, Madison | Free | The Blue Dyes, Tony Castaneda, and Victor Garcia will perform.

Thursday, Sept. 7

Free Mending | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison | Free | Found a hole in your fave fall sweater? Bring it in for a free fix.
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show | Thursday, Sept. 7 | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Wy., Madison | $10+ | Is your favorite fall sweater beyond repair? Find a quilt to keep you warm.

Friday, Sept. 8

Downtown Dog Day | Friday, Sept. 8 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Confluence, 800 State St., Madison | Free | Destress with some puppy cuddles.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Today Is

Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Take part in local celebrations like the Labor Day Dash and LaborFest.

Transit

Speaking of Labor Day, Madison Metro Transit bus routes B-S are operating on Sunday schedules today. Route A is adhering to its holiday schedule, route 80 is on a weekend recess schedule, and 81-84 are not operating.

Health

As UW-Madison students return to classes, 13 additional opioid overdose reversal boxes have been added across campus. Each box contains two doses of Narcan nasal spray, a CPR mask, and instructions. Last year, 28 Narcan boxes were removed from the kits. (Channel 3000)

Stat

Explore Madison’s housing, safety, health, and overall well-being via the recently released Neighborhood Indicators Project (NIP) data. NIP tracks 50+ data variables to identify areas needing support.

City

The west side will see flood prevention improvements by summer 2024. The Pheasant Branch Tributary Greenway Enhancement project, aided by a $6 million FEMA grant, will enhance existing greenways and ponds to mitigate flood risks.

Answered

On Friday, we asked how you prefer to spend Badger game days, and here’s what you said:

When asked what the best way to spend a Badger football game day is, 70% of survey respondents voted for “on the couch.” Same here, 608today readers, same here.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend. Today, I’ll be spending my day off desperately trying to stay cool in the 90-degree weather. Speaking of being cool, if there are any “Real Housewives” fans out there, I highly recommend checking out “Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake.” Think: “The Simple Life” meets “RHONY.”

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