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Words with Nerds | 7-8:30 p.m. | Crucible | $5+ | Imagine if TED talks were given by comedians — learn some new strange tidbits of information while you belly laugh.
Madison Symphony Orchestra: “Star Wars: A New Hope”| Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Various times | Overture Center | $20+ | That theme song is going to give you extra goosebumps when its played by a live orchestra — enjoy the full movie while they play.
Sunday, Feb. 23
HQ Mario Kart Tournament | 12-6 p.m. | Headquarters Bar & Restaurant, Oregon | $20 | You’ve been training your whole life for this — if you manage to survive the blue shells, you’ll win prizes.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
February Sustainable Breakfast Series: Our Leap Forward in Transit | 8-10 a.m. | Spark Building, Starting Block Café | $0+ | Learn all about Metro Transit’s new all-electric Bus Rapid Transit system, fare payment program, and bus tracking software over the most important meal of the day.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
“The Office” vs. “Parks and Rec” Trivia | 5-7 p.m. | Doundrins Distilling | Free | You’ll need to know both a-dork-able sitcoms in order to win these sick prizes.
Snag tickets to an upcoming LOVB Madison volleyball match
Presented by League One Volleyball
Get ready for a night filled with excitement and volleyball action. | Photos courtesy of League One Volleyball
Madison is making history with its first professional women’s volleyball team, LOVB Madison.
Cheer on Olympians Lauren Carlini and Annie Drews Schumacher, Badger legends Sarah Franklin and Temi Thomas-Ailara, and local star Claire Chaussee as they take the court.
Don’t miss this groundbreaking moment in women’s sports — get your tickets for the matches happening on Friday, Feb. 28 + Sunday, March 1 at the Alliant Energy Center.
Epic System’s is planning to expand its Deep Space conference center in Verona with new facilities for its annual conference. Site plans show a new 750-seat auditorium and dining room — all underground. The project would potentially be completed for its User Group Meeting in August 2026. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Coming Soon
Another Peruvian restaurant is coming to town. Mishqui Cocina Peruana’s Cynthia Garcia will be adding a third restaurant to her collection with Mishqui Peruvian Bistro. The downtown bistro will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. A soft opening is set for Monday, March 17. (Cap Times)
Civic
In case you missed it, results are in for Tuesday’s local primary election. On the ballot was several city council positions, Wisconsin’s Superintendant of Public Education, and Monona Grove School Board seats. See who’s advancing to the next election on April 1.
Community
Wee-woo, wee-woo — Madison’s very first electric fire truck has hit the streets. In fact, the City of Madison Fire Department is the very first in North America to test out the Pierce Volterra model. The truck is stationed with Fire Station 8 on Lien Road, so keep an eye out for it. (Channel 3000)
Madisonian
Meet Josette Jaucian — or “Bucky Badger’s mom.” She’s been the leading force behind UW-Madison’s biggest celebrity for 25 years. While she’s responsible for green-lighting all of his stunts over the years, she also makes sure to protect him by red-lighting some of his more dangerous ideas. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Drink
Spirits sales are down by 1.1% — with one exception. Tequila sales are up by 2.9%. As good an excuse as any for National Margarita Day today (and our favorite happy hour spots). (Sherwood)
Fact or Fiction
At the Madison Public Library opening (known as the Madison Free Library in 1875), citizens were invited to contribute valuable books, adding 200 volumes to the collection. Discover the answer — and explore historical facts, event details, and more in Check it Out as the library celebrates its 150th year.*
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. Tickets start at just $28. Catch the action on Friday, Feb. 28 + Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. — grab tickets.*
Finance
2025 is your year to put a dent in your credit card debt. Check out these top balance transfer cards offering 0% APR on transfers into 2026. (That’s nearly two years of no interest, plus some sweet rewards.) Learn more + apply.*
Health
The clarity is insane: That’s what people are saying about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even amid background noise. Join 540,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
Finance
Owe more than $10,000 in debt? You’re not alone — personal debt is on the rise. Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce your amount owed (with one low monthly payment + no upfront fees). Get started.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Madison.
City Guide
City Guide
🎵 Don’t miss a beat
You might even catch Lil Wayne at the Sylvee. | Photo by 608today
Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Madison’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from bluegrass to jazz, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things: Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
The Rigby | Capacity: 250
If you’re looking for local music acts, you’ll find them here. Stop by on karaoke night to make the stage your own.
Red Rooster | Capacity: 99
The food is great, and the music is even better. Inspired by the Knuckle Down Saloon which closed during the pandemic, Red Rooster is Madison’s blues hub.
Hamel Music Center | Capacity: 660
Built in 2019, this architecturally impressive building boasts a curtain-like exterior concrete wall, as well as windows that mimic music notes along North Lake Street.
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