We can’t thank our readers enough for contributing to our fundraiser. We’re ~$400 away from our goal of $1,000 — and our fundraising campaign ends tomorrow. Help us by giving today and supporting our free, unbiased approach to local storytelling.
🌎 See the world
The festival also has activities for kids. | Photo by Anya Kubilus
Ready to do some traveling? The International Festival is returning to Overture Center on Sat., March 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendees will be able to sing, dance, and explore more than 25 events celebrating the cultures and diversity of 30+ countries that make up the Madison community.
The best part? All programs and performances during the festival are free of charge.
Below are just a few events highlighting the 30+ artists and 15 vendors all over the Overture Center, but check out the full schedule to celebrate the festival in your own way.
Männerchor | 11:15-11:45 a.m. | Rotunda Stage | Wisconsin’s oldest German men’s choir will sing in both German + English.
Zaibas Lithuanian Dancers | 12-12:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater | These folk dancers’ routines will illustrate traditions + full national costuming.
Orchid Escape: Secrets of the Canopy | Thursday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 2 | 10 a.m. | Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Free | It’s the last weekend to see this exhibition on tropical flora, which features almost 1,000 orchids on display.
LunART: “In Her Voice” featuring Sarah Brailey | 7 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory | $15+ | Grammy Award-winning soprano Sarah Brailey will perform alongside a string quartet for this concert highlighting works by women composers.
Friday, Feb. 28
Black History Month Festival | 1-4 p.m. | Madison Senior Center | Free | Older adults are invited to join the event celebrating Black history with food, bingo, and other entertainment.
Saturday, March 1
WDBC Celebrates Mardi Gras w/ Rue Bourre | 1-6 p.m. | Working Draft Beer Company | Free | Start the Mardi Gras celebration early with bites, brews, live music, and drink specials.
Sunday, March 2
Tutu Tea | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hilldale | Free | Storybook Ballet will celebrate its 25-year anniversary with an open house featuring food, crafts, tea — current, previous, and potential students are welcome.
Monday, March 3
Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Co. | Monday, March 3-Monday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | Working Draft Beer Company | Free | Adults and kids are invited to participate in three rounds of Lego building competitions — winners will receive a gift certificate.
Tuesday, March 4
Drew & Ellie Holcomb: Memory Bank Tour | 8 p.m. | The Barrymore Theatre | $33+ | The singer-songwriter duo have more than ~1 billion streams combined and have toured with names like Willie Nelson and Lauren Daigle.
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
Local job boards are a total game-changer — for both job seekers and businesses. Instead of sifting through endless listings, they focus on quality over quantity, connecting employers with candidates who actually want to work in the area. That means fewer relocation headaches and better retention.
For big and small businesses, it’s a smart way to connect with candidates who understand the local community and culture. Plus, hiring locally usually means a faster, smoother hiring process. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to fill one, 608today Job Board keeps things simple, practical, and close to home.
New name, who’s this? Madison’s Southside Elementary School is now officially Lori Mann Carey Elementary School. The new moniker honors a well-known local education supporter who created a nonprofit school + co-funded the Mann Educational Opportunity Fund. Her name was one of four being considered for the school. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Civic
City Council passed new legislation that eliminates the city Plan Commission’s ability to provide an opinion about the demolition of buildings deemed to not have any historic value. This change is meant to assist approvals for new housing developments. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Closing
National craft store Joann Fabrics announced that it will be expanding the number of stores it plans to close from some stores to all of them. Previously, the Joann’s on the West Side was expected to remain open, but will now also shutter. The company is running sales through its physical business locations + mobile app. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Pets
Got an itch to add another furball to your pack? The Dane County Humane Society and Angel Wish Pet Adoption in Verona recently accepted a combined 40 animals from overcrowded shelters in Alabama and Georgia. Check in with either shelter to learn more about Madison’s newest fuzzballs. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Health
As the lake ice starts to melt, the Madison Fire Department’s Lake Rescue Team starts to get busy. In 2024, this team made 64 ice and open water rescues. But this year, large ice heaves formed by an early + fast freeze this winter created lots of open pockets of water. Locals are encouraged to show caution. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Community
The Wisconsin DMV is warning folks about a recent increase in car sales scams. The scammers generally set up fake websites and accounts for real dealerships that mislead people to make online car purchases. The best way to prevent losing money to a scam is stay vigilant and ask questions. (Channel 3000)
Sports
Madison, we’ve missed you:LOVB Madison returns to the Alliant Energy Center, ready to defend home court against LOVB Omaha + LOVB Austin. Two nights, two matchups, one goal: victory. Catch the action on Friday, Feb. 28 + Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. — grab tickets.*
Number
$2,101. That’s the record-breaking price that car insurance premiums are projected to reach in 2025. Read: It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. Review Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save (maybe up to $1,300 a year).*
Shop
Mood’s Rapid Onset THC Gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Finance
Top firms like SoftBank already invested in Pacaso, the startup disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership. By handing keys to 1,500+ homeowners, Pacaso earned over $100 million in gross profits. Now, they’re going global. Invest for $2.70 per share by Thursday, Feb. 27.‡*
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com.
City Guide
Business
🛍️ Let’s get down to (small) business
Aerial view of the Madison Capital + Skyline looking down MLK Jr. Blvd. | Photo by @sekretempire
Here at 608today, you may already know we’re big on celebrating local, especially our city’s small businesses. Which is why a week dedicated to highlighting the heart of our communities is right up our alley.
Enter: Small Business Week — a national initiative that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of small businesses — that we’ll be celebrating from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10.
We want to join in on the celebrations by highlighting some of the best small businesses in our city.
This is where we need your help.
If you own a local small business or know someone who does, celebrate Small Business Week with us by filling out a form about your business. We’ll be selecting businesses to feature in our newsletter throughout the week.
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Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio.
The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
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