A Spotted Cow overlooking the Capital. | Photo by @sammychews
Welcome to Spotted Cow Land.
New Glarus — the beer dubbed as “only in Wisconsin” — has quite the dedicated cult following. Some people to go extraordinary lengths to get it. The Chicago Cubs *smuggled* it across the border after a series in Milwaukee. The brew has been sold in the Badger State for the past 28 years + is in the fridge of most Wisconsin homes. But why all the hype?
Let’s take a look at the history, and why the beer is only sold in Wisconsin.
Origins
First released in 1993, Edel Pils and Wisconsin Belgian Red were the original beers of New Glarus Brewing. The brewery didn’t start to gain its iconic status until the 1997 launch of Spotted Cow. Over the years, New Glarus has received awards + accolades for its famous beers. The brewery was named one of 2018’s Top 50 US craft breweries by the Brewers Association. Its Spotted Cow was awarded Best Drink in Wisconsin in 2009 by Bon Appetit.
Crossroads Coffeehouse: Cross Plains Night Market | Thursday, April 3-Thursday, Jan. 1 | 5-7 p.m. | Crossroads Coffeehouse | Free | Grab a beverage and peruse local sellers while listening to live music at this monthly event.
FOCO 20th Anniversary Party | 5:30 p.m. | Overture Center | $100 | Organ enthusiasts, take note: this celebration of the Overture Concert Organ includes food + an open bar, and will be followed by “An Empire Brass Celebration” concert (tickets sold separately).
Friday, April 4
Mimosa After-Hours Mocktail & Mingle | 7-9 p.m. | Mimosa Books & Gifts | Free | Check out the newly renovated shop with appetizers, complimentary mocktails, crystal goodie bags, and a preview of the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.
H’Doubler Concert 2025 | 8 p.m. | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $13+ | Support the work of UW-Madison Dance Department’s student choreographers.
Saturday, April 5
Spring Craft and Vendor Fair | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | East Side Club | Free | Peruse two floors of goodies like handmade art + jewelry.
Friends of Sequoya Library Book Sale | Saturday, April 5-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sequoya Library | Free | Grab your next favorite read at this monthly sale in Market Square.
6th Annual Spring Fling | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | DoubleTree Madison East | Free | It’s a full day packed with dozens of vendors, Easter Bunny photos, a scavenger hunt, and raffle prizes — plus, the first 50 adults will go home with a swag bag.
T-Shirt Transformation Upcycle Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center | Free | Turn old T-shirts into fresh items like dog toys or superhero capes, contribute to a fabric collage, or use cutting techniques to transform that tee into a new look.
Opera For the Young: Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Stoughton Opera House | You’re never too young for a good story — in this tale, Prince Tamino engages in a whimsical search for Princess Pamina.
In case you missed it, the results are in for Madison’s 2025 Spring Election. Voters made selections on a range of local positions, including Madison Municipal Judge and three school board seats.
Community
Madison City Council adopted a new resolution that brings a “very limited” version of State Street Mall. It will still feature public art and live music, but the city is reverting to previous traffic laws in the area after installing new practices last year. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Announced
Alton Brown — famed chef and food personality — is coming to Madison. The Food Network star is taking over Overture Center for his “Last Bite” tour on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets.
Sports
Go ahead, take someone out to the ball game — it may not be too pricey here in Wisconsin. A recent ranking from Action shared that American Family Field is the No. 12 best value stadium for families, thanks to factors like the cost of tickets and parking compared to other MLB fields.
Outdoors
Dane County will receive a $250,000 grant to restore a degraded stretch of the Black Earth Creek and surrounding wetlands. This comes from a larger state effort from Gov. Tony Evers who is allocating $2 million for various flood resilience projects around Wisconsin.
Eat
Good news for brunch-goers: the price of eggs is finally declining. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down by 63% from its record high in February. But that’s just the wholesale price — we’ll believe it when we see it on the shelves. (Axios)
Pets
Get your paws moving, April is Canine Fitness Month. If your four-legged friend has felt cooped up all winter, use this as an excuse to go for a long walk and check out some dog-friendly spots in Madison.
The Word
More than 40 words from around the world have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) last month. From Ireland, the OED added “class” which is a general way of expressing approval. As in, “Today’s 608today newsletter was class — you should subscribe.”
Cause
Did you know? Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. Learn more about how Madison’s first St. Jude Dream Home® Showplace is helping those fighting pediatric cancer + how a donation can change a life.*
Travel
Rev up your family’s spring break with a road trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum. From interactive exhibits to legendary motorcycles, there’s something for every age to explore. Experience the thrill, history, and freedom Harley-Davidson embodies, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your visit.*
Number
$10,000. If you owe this much in personal debt, this company can reach out to credit card companies + potentially reduce it. See how it works.*
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City Guide
City Guide
🍻 We’ll drink to that
The best bloody marys come with a shooter of beer on the side. | Photo by @thebloodyvegetarian
On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best happy hours in Madison.
Get ready to drink up at nine places lifting spirits with their sip-worthy specials.
Beer lovers
Vintage Brewing Company | Weekdays, 4-7 p.m. | Stop in at the brewery for a dollar off select beers and rail mixers. Plus nightly specials like Tequila Tuesdays ($5 margaritas) and Whiskey Wednesdays ($3 shots and single mixers of select whiskeys).
Biggest bargains
State Street Brats | Monday-Thursday, 3-5 p.m. | We’ve got two words for you: half-off apps. Plus check out the specials.
Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace | Daily, 2-5 p.m. | With half off the prices of margaritas, tacos, draft beer, and wine, it’d be fiscally irresponsible not to stop by.
Off the vine
Tempest Oyster Bar | Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. | Make the most of this happy hour with $7 house wines and snacks like $3 shrimp cocktail.
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
Happy Thursday, Madison. I’m officially at the helm and ready to bring you all the latest news, updates, and happenings in 608 each week. As always, send me your story tips and ideas.
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