Conservation Parks

Sports parks

Off-leash dog parks

• Wisconsin Wrights New Play Festival | Thursday, May 16-Saturday, May 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Edgewood College, The Stream, 1000 Edgewood College Dr., Madison | $15 | See new theatrical works written by Wisconsin playwrights.

• Madison Irish Fest | Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $30 | Enjoy the music of Ireland played by more than a dozen musical artists.
• Kumiko Art Expressions | Friday, May 17 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Co. Hwy. M, Middleton | Free | Come visit with artist Jorge Gonzales Lopez at an opening reception featuring his Japanese-inspired art.
• Beatmakers Brawl | Friday, May 17 | 7-11 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $10-$25 | Watch local hip-hop artists battle it out for cash and prizes.

• Badger Bonsai Society Annual Exhibit | Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | View over 50 little trees and learn about them from local enthusiasts.
• Middleton Art Walk | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Middleton | Free | Stroll through dozens of artist’s booths while listening to live music and popping into local businesses.

• Flower Power | Sunday, May 19 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison | Free | Spend some time outside with your kids and learn a thing or two about spring blooms during this guided walk.

• Metro Transit’s new “Bus Tracker,” a real-time GPS tracker of buses around town, is now live for 12 buses. Currently in its test phase, more buses will be added after the testing phase is completed.

• The City of Middleton will spray naturally occurring insecticides via helicopter this Friday, May 17 to suppress the spread of spongy moths. Pets should be kept inside during the spraying that starts at 6:00 a.m. It should last about an hour. (Channel 3000)

• Recycle your (acceptable) food scraps at the South Madison Farmers’ Market starting Tuesday, May 21 from 2-6 p.m. The 1602 S. Park St. market will collect scraps every Tuesday through Oct. 29.

• Lance Randall is the new assistant coach for the Badgers men’s basketball team. He fills the spot left by Dean Oliver who departed after seven seasons. Randall recently served as Saint Leo University’s head coach. (Channel 3000)

• Doggone it, it was close. Mercedes, a German shepherd handled by Kent Boyles of Edgerton, placed second (Reserve Best in Show) at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The four-year-old finisher is co-owned by Cynthia Wilhelmy and Sheree Moses.

• This year’s Dane County Breakfast on the Farm will take place on Saturday, June 8 at Blue Star Dairy Farms in DeForest. For over 45 years, thousands of attendees have enjoyed a large pancake breakfast while learning where the food comes from. Tickets ($5-$10) can be purchased at the farm day of.

• A family that bounces together stays together. Big Bounce America is coming to Sun Prairie’s Angell Park Speedway, Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23. The largest touring inflatable event in the world, there are family and adult-only sessions available.

• Starkweather Brewing won silver at the New York International Beer Competition for its Jamestown Jackdaw, an Irish dry stout.

• Your chance to build a fort and play capture the flag is nearly here. Camp Aldo, an adult summer camp, takes place on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Monona’s Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Attendees to the inaugural event will receive a cup to fill with beverages and a retro-style T-shirt.

• Thinking about your dream home, but aren’t sure where to start? Victory Homes can help. Their team of in-house designers can create a personalized design if you’re looking to build a custom home. Get inspired by exploring one of their model homes (available to tour every weekend, or by appointment).*

Interested in playing yourself?

• Madison Minotaurs | The organization is part of International Gay Rugby.
  
• Wisconsin Rugby Club | The club has won the USA Rugby National Championship.
  
• Wisconsin Women’s Rugby | Founded in 1975, it is one of the nation’s oldest women’s rugby teams.