• 2024 Art Fair Off the Square | Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14 | Times vary | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | Free | Explore this showcase of ~140 Wisconsin-based artists and craftspeople featuring ceramics, art glass, painting, fiber, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and more.
• Live Music: 2 For the Show | Saturday, July 13 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | Free | Enjoy live music by this duo that plays rock, country, and folk while sipping a cider.
• 38th Annual Cruis’n Wisconsin Car Show | Sunday, July 14 | 8 a.m. | McKellar Park, 405 E. Olson St., Madison | $10-$15 | This rain-or-shine event will include vintage vehicles, beer, and food — spectators can enter with a donation.
• Disney Drag Brunch | Sunday, July 14 | 1-3 p.m. | The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St., Madison | $12 | Palenque Authentic Mexican Grill Food Truck + cocktails by State Line Distillery will be available for purchase at this drag show.

• Capitol City Band Summer Concert Series | Thursday, July 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Rennebohm Park, 115 N. Eau Claire Ave., Madison | Free | Enjoy the Capitol City Band’s concert under the stars.
• Dane County Fair | Thursday, July 18-Sunday, July 21 | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison | $8-$35 | Snag discounted tickets online for this annual, family-friendly event dating back to 1851 — expect classic fair bites, carnival rides, free concerts, local youth exhibits, and more.*
• Hike and Brew with Outdoor UW | Saturday, July 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison | $20 | Walk out to Picnic Point and end your evening at the Memorial Union Terrace with a beer.

• Madison has plans to update the city’s traffic lights and signals after receiving two grants through the Carbon Reduction Program. Plans involve updating 12,500+ traffic lights to be longer-lasting and more visible. The project currently has a ~five-year timeline, with minimal anticipated traffic interruptions. (Channel 3000)

• The Madison area may be getting its first Topgolf location. The driving range and golf entertainment center proposed a $30 million project to bring a complex to Monona. Pending city approval, the center plans to begin construction next year and open in 2026. Scroll back up to answer our quiz. (Wisconsin State Journal)

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently overturned a previous ruling, saying that clerks can now place absentee ballot drop boxes in their communities. The ruling means that Madison residents could see and utilize ballot drop boxes for upcoming August and November elections. (WKOW)

• Foodies, this is your chance to shine. Madison’s Economic Development Division is seeking volunteers to review food vending candidates. Volunteers will help determine which food vendors can become part of the mall concourse vending area next season. Apply online.

• Drink Up Week — a celebration of our city’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming up quickly from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. We asked local businesses to join the fun by sharing drink deals; check out this map of promos that are poppin’ just for the occasion.

• Hilldale Shopping Center’s Amara restaurant is set to close at the end of the month. Want to keep up with all the most recent restaurants and bars that are opening or closing in our area? Read more on our website. (Wisconsin State Journal)

• At 608today, we love that we get to make the whole city of Madison our office. If you’re looking for your next dream job, check out our guide to top employers and industries, or explore more places to work.

• Haven’t found your dream home yet? Take a tour of a Victory Homes of Wisconsin model home. Their expert designers can help you personalize one of the base plans or design a truly unique home to meet your needs. Happy house building, Madison.*

• Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

• If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*

• Did you know? A mammogram may be able to detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can even be felt. Protect yourself with annual screenings and schedule your mammogram online.*

🐾 Bars and breweries

• The Boneyard, 1018 Walsh Rd. | This combined dog park and biergarten has on-leash and off-leash spaces, plus a dog grooming service by appointment.
• Doundrins Distillery, 300 Progress Dr., Cottage Grove | This distillery’s 11,000-sqft cocktail garden is open to pets on a leash. Pro tip: Bring a chair or blanket so you can sit on the grass.

🐾 Parks

• Brittingham, 326 S. Broom St. | With a basketball and tennis court at the John Nolen entry to the isthmus, this small park offers synthetic turf and a doggy drinking fountain.
• McCormick, 702 N. McCormick Ave. | This mini dog park is the perfect place to give your city-slicker pup a spot to get the zoomies out during your daily walks.