The State Street performance will kick off at Lisa Link Park. | Video by 608today
Though its official dates vary across different Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar.
2025 is the Year of the Snake, an animal representing sensitivity, adaptability, and calm + collective nature.
Here are just a few Lunar New Year events to check out.
Lunar New Year Festival | Saturday, Feb. 8 | 12 p.m. | Lisa Link Peace Park | Free | Watch as the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association lion dancers bless storefronts along State Street.
Lunar New Year Party | Sunday, Feb. 9 | 1-4 p.m. | Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association Club | Free | Enjoy another chance to see the incredible dancers along with martial arts demonstrations, special treats, family activities, and other cultural opportunities.
Year of the Snake cookie boxes | Pick-up times vary | Bloom Bake Shop | Price of purchase | Head baker Christy shares her family traditions with Madisonians through an annual Lunar New Year treat box. This year’s goodies include sugar cookies, Hup Toh Soh walnut cookies, and Nin Gau squares.
Intro to Coffee Painting | 6-8 p.m. | Carnelian Art Gallery | $45 | Have a latte fun using this tasty drink to make some stunning artwork.
A Sprinkle Of Pixie Dust: Disney Trivia Night | 6:30 p.m. | Wine & Design | $44 | Grab a glass of wine and paint while trying to win prizes by answering questions about your favorite characters.
Friday, Jan. 24
The Sh*tshow: A Chaotic Stand-Up Comedy Show | 8-9:30 p.m. | Forward Madison FC | $10+ | We bet you can already guess what you should expect at this messy sounding show — the unexpected.
Hips Don’t Lie: A Tribute to Shakira | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon | $12+ | Let’s just say... we’ll all know pretty quickly if you’re not telling the truth at this dance party.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Heartland Farm Sanctuary Public Tour | Saturday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Heartland Farm Sanctuary, Stoughton | $15 | Tour the mammal barn and meet some rescued animal residents.
Peaceful Valley Dog Park Fundraiser | 6-10 p.m. | La Grotta Wine Bar, Lodi | $40 | Sip on some guilt-free vino while you help raise funds for new fencing, vegetation, and drinking water sources at a local dog park.
Monday, Jan. 27
Celebrate Chinese New Year: Cooking Class | | 5:45 p.m. | Delectable | $99 | Lucky you — attendees will learn how to make dumplings, egg custard tarts, spring rolls, and even steam a whole fish.
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
56%. That’s the percentage of full-time employees in the US who want a new job in 2025. Of this, 27% have already started searching. What’s more, the first part of the year sees the largest uptick in job postings + submitted job applications online.
If you’re hiring this year, don’t let your job posting get lost on over-saturated job sites. We created 6AM City Job Board to help you cut through the noise and find top local talent. Share your opportunity with the most connected locals, 608today readers.
Got those reusable shopping bags ready to go? The Madison Public Market is entering its final stages of construction, making way for a potential July 2025 opening date. The next stage of the project, which is designed to support 130+ businesses, includes customizing stalls for specific vendors. (WKOW)
Award
Yes, chef. Two Madison chefs has been nominated for one of the 2025 James Beard regional awards. Jamie Brown-Soukaseume and Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume of Ahan have been nominated for Best Chef: Midwest. Semifinalists for the award will be announced in April.
Announced
Attn: book worms — author John Green is coming to town to speak at UW-Madison. Known for his YA novels like “The Fault in Our Stars” or his YouTube series “Crash Course,” the Feb. 18 event includes a 50-minute lecture from the author before a 20-minute Q+A session. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 11. (Channel 3000)
Coming Soon
A new, year-round park shelter is getting ready to open its doors at Door Creek Park. The facility is expected to be completed in about a month and will be able to be rented out for a variety of events. The space can accomodate ~100 people. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Cause
It’s cold out there — Madisonians can help keep kids warm by donating new and gently used blankets + bedding to the Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive. Drop-off locations have been designated around town this weekend for those who would like to contribute.
Job
Want to be the next Alice in Dairyland and tour the state delivering speeches about Wisconsin agriculture? Applications for the sought-after position are now open to female residents of Wisconsin who are at least 21 years old and have three years of experience or training in communications, marketing, education, or public relations. (Channel 3000)
Outdoors
Road runners beware — more coyotes have been spotted in broad daylight across the city, an unusual pattern of behavior for the animal. If you encounter one, experts advise “hazing” the animal by making a lot of loud noise and waving your arms around to scare the animal off. (Channel 3000)
Sports
It’s time to rally. League One Volleyball Madison’s next home match is happening on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Alliant Energy Center. Cheer on the team as they take on LOVB Houston — grab tickets. Can’t make it to the match? Watch it on LOVB Live at 7 p.m. CST.*
Finance
Financial grace periods are few and far between these days. Oil checks, doctor appointments, Tax Day — time speeds by between them. But these credit cards allow you nearly two years to pay them off (with zero interest), allowing you flexibility in 2025.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
City Guide
City Guide
☕️ Order up
Try a Chai Cold Fusion from Cargo Coffee | Photo by 608today
For richer or for pour over. Madison’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. The 608 has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes.
If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in the 608.
Leopold’s, 1301 Regent St. | Sip on an Italian-inspired drink made on an imported vintage Elektra espresso machine.
Wonderstate, Multiple locations | You can almost taste the sustainability in this coffee, which is roasted 100% by solar power.
Finca, 2500 Rimrock Road | This spot offers a menu featuring Salvadorian cuisine like pupusas, quesadillas, and classic cafe sips.
Lakeside Street Coffee House, 402 West Lakeside St. | With ample space, you’ll be able to find a nook of your own to hunker down with your laptop from morning to afternoon. Celebrate with a beer on the patio when you finish your work.
Do you prefer to make coffee at home or get your coffee from a local business?
A. I brew my own drinks at home. B. I stop at my local coffee shop. C. I get my order from a large coffee chain (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Panera, etc.).
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
D’awwwh — UW Veterinary Care released the list of its office’s most popular pet names. If you’ve got a Bella or a Luna, know that so do a lot of other Madisonians. These were the top dog and cat names respectively. Top dog names also included Lucy and Luna, and other top kitty names were Oliver and Leo.
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