Pheasant Branch Conservancy is one place that you could celebrate Earth Day at. | Photo by 608today | Jonathan Shipley
Earth Day got its start right here in Wisconsin in 1970. The founder was Gov. Gaylord Nelson (go ahead and hike around the nearby state park named for him), a conservationist who was spurred to have a national environmental “teach-in” event after an oil spill in Santa Barbara and after a river caught fire.
Now, Earth Day is celebrated by 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. You don’t have to go far, however, to celebrate. Mark your calendars for next month’s multitude of events in the area.
Cave After Dark: Earth Day Celebration | Saturday, April 19 | Go enjoy some live music in a cave, coupled with drinks + appetizers, a take-home bag of native plant seeds, and a souvenir photo.
UW-Madison Earth Fest | Monday, April 21-Tuesday, April 29 | The campus-wide celebration is free, open to the public, and family-friendly. Take ecopoetry classes, learn about plants’ part in the apocalypse, volunteer, or take a guided hike.
Earth Day Challenge | Saturday, April 26 | If you want to join your friends and neighbors to clean up our local parks, the city of Madison’s Earth Day Challenge provides you that opportunity (along with gloves, garbage bags, and rakes).
Grilled Cheese & Wine Pairing Dinner | 6 p.m. | Everly | $98 | These aren’t those grilled cheeses you used to eat as kids — no, these are made with ingredients like lobster, mascarpone cheese, and black truffle.
Saturday, March 29
Saturday Gong Fu Tea Service | 11 a.m. | Yahara Chocolate, Stoughton | $10+ | Learn about the owner’s favorite everyday Sheng Puer tea while you sip on a cup.
Insect Nature Journaling: Sketch, Write, Wonder | 1-4 p.m. | Warner Park | Free | Get some practice drawing insects up close so that you can draw them in the wild when they’re moving this summer.
Change My Mind: A Comedy Debate Show | 8 p.m. | Madison’s | $5+ | Expect a lot of nonsensical arguments — and laughs — from this troupe of comedic presenters.
Monday, March 31
Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Co. | Monday, March 31-Monday, Dec. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | 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, April 1
Election Day | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Don’t forget to vote — ballots include seats for council members, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, school boards, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Wednesday, April 2
FC Tulsa vs. Forward Madison FC | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field | $24+ | The second round of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup features our local soccer club and a difficult opponent from Oklahoma.
St. Jude patient Kyla, diagnosed with medulloblastoma. | Photo courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Imagine walking through a beautifully designed home, knowing that every corner supports an important cause. Enter: the St. Jude Dream Home® Showplace.
Victory Homes of Wisconsin has partnered with St. Jude to create this dream home, blending stunning architecture with a mission to fight pediatric cancer. The home will be open to the public for viewings during the Madison Area Parade of Homes, with all proceeds from its sale going to St. Jude.
Curious to see how this dream home is making dreams come true? Donate and learn more below.
The owners of Pink Heifer Saloon & Smokehouse are opening a new version of their three-year-old restaurant in Downtown Madison. The first Pink Heifer BBQ Saloon will move in next to Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes on State Street with a projected opening date of July 21. This is intended to be the first of 25 locations of the new venture. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Announced
Hope your abs are ready for a workout — on-fire comedian Taylor Tomlinson, who has been named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, is bringing “The Save Me Tour” to Madison’s Overture Center on October 10. Tickets are already on sale.
Closing
The curtains will soon close on Madison’s MercLab theater. The makeshift performance venue’s building will soon be redeveloped to make way for new affordable housing. While the leaders of the Mercury Players are sad to see the space go, they’ll still be putting on one last show starting Friday, March 28. (The Cap Times)
Sports
There’s a friendly new face amongst the UW Badgers. Robin Pingleton has been selected to serve as the school’s new women’s basketball coach. Pingleton previously served as Missouri’s head coach for 15 years. (Channel 3000)
Featured
Former UW-Madison Art Department Chair Truman Lowe is about to have his artworks featured in a Smithsonian exhibit. Some of his works were already on display at the Washington DC museum, but “Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe” will include ~50 of his sculptures + paintings. The exhibit will open October 24 and run through January 2027. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Biz
East Side arcade NerdHaven, which once helped block a developer from turning its strip mall into apartments, is moving out. The owner said they’re looking for somewhere that is “a bit more welcoming,” but did not name the new location. However, it will remain on the East Side. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Award
ICYMI, the Wisconsin Builders Association recently announced John Stoker, the president of the Victory Companies of Wisconsin, as the 2024 Builder of the Year. Stoker is recognized as having made an outstanding contribution to the housing industry in Wisconsin. Learn more about Stoker’s accomplishments + his upcoming plans for Victory.*
Sports
LOVB Madison is on fire. With a five-match win streak, they’re heading into the season’s final stretch. Don’t miss the electrifying showdown against LOVB Austin on Saturday, March 29 at 9 p.m. on ESPN 2. Tune in — plus, time’s running out to vote for your LOVB Icons in the All-Star selection.*
Number
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Finance
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Wellness
Looking to boost hair thickness and volume in as little as 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can access personalized, clinically-backed treatment options without leaving home (if prescribed). Skip the office visits and insurance headaches — just effective solutions that work.*
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City Guide
City Guide
Take a hike
A bird’s eye view over the east side hidden gem of Governor’s Island. | Photo by @sekretempire
Lace up your hiking boots. We’ve compiled a curated hiking guide for the Madison areawith 11 trails and routes to help you plan your next adventure.
One of Dane County’s largest parks, look for the loop around Indian Lake and a plethora of other hiking opportunities. Pro tip: The Ice Age Trail runs through it, as does a hike up a hill to a historic chapel built in 1857.
A purse organizer that’s 69% off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Say goodbye to a messy handbag with this organizer featuring 13 thoughtfully designed pockets to keep everything in its place. Read: You’ll never be endlessly digging around for your keys again.
This monthlong walk-a-thon style fundraiser (April 15-June 15) benefits bird conservation, except instead of logging miles walked, you’ll be logging all of your bird sightings.
Registration is now open — just don’t forget to order your t-shirt.
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