Our seasonal Parents’ Gift Guide is in the works, and we want to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations.
🎶 The sounds of 608
Reggie Watts is known to breakout his looping machine to create catchy beats and songs. | | Photo via CleftClips/Wikicommons
It’s almost concert season in Madison, and our calendar is already warming up with must-see shows and can’t-miss concerts. Here are our top recommendations.
April
Talib Kweli | Tuesday, April 22 | Majestic Theatre | $25+ | This artist stands as one of the most important figures in hip-hop and rap, as he’s worked with everyone from Mos Def to Pharrell Williams.
Djo | Friday, April 25 | The Sylvee | $115+ | Whether you know him as Joe Keery, Steve Harrington, or Djo, this talented musician is on the rise to stardom with viral hits like “End of Beginning.”
May
Reggie Watts | Friday, May 2 | Majestic Theatre | $39+ | Spend an evening with this multi-instrumentalist, musician, comedian, beatboxer, and actor.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise | Saturday, May 17 | The Sylvee | $168+ | Don’t let the somewhat comical band name fool you — this indie group has been making serious folk hits since the mid-2010s.
Lachlan Patterson | Thursday, April 10-Friday, April 11 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Comedy on State | $5+ | This rising stand up comedian got his start on “The Late Late Show” and “The Tonight Show.”
All Ages Improv Show| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Glass Nickel Pizza Co. | $12 | Bring the family for a night of fast-paced comedy + enjoy 10% off your order at Glass Nickel.
Sunday, April 13
Wisconsin Flute Festival | 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | WYSO Center for Music | $10+| This festival brings together flutists and music lovers of all ages from the greater Midwest and across the country for a fun and educational event.
Monday, April 14
Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Co. | 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 15
Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | The Rigby | Free | Get discounts on beverages while wowing people with your brain.
The show didn’t stop with today’s lead story. Luke Bryan will perform at Klondike Farms in Brooklyn for his Farm Tour. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, April 11 at 8 a.m. (WMTV 15)
Environment
The Dane County Humane Society successfully rehabbed two bobcat kittens that were rescued in February. The two kitties were released into the wild at the Blue Mounds Wildlife Area. You can watch a two-minute recap on YouTube, which includes their time in an enclosure as well as their release.
Try This
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is capping off its Masterworks Season with John Novacek, a Grammy-nominated pianist. You can see them both light up Capitol Theater on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
Ranked
Madison was ranked the No. 23 healthiest city to live in by WalletHub. Additionally, the online credit service ranked Wisconsin as the fifth-most financially literate state in the US, proving we are all healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Arts
Overture’s slate of events for 2025-26 will be announced on Thursday, April 17. We’ll have all the top shows you need to know in next week’s newsletter, so stay tuned and forward this to your friends.
Time to bring home some hardware — LOVB Madison is headed to League One Volleyball’s inaugural Finals, happening April 10, 11 + 13. Tune in and cheer on your hometown squad as they battle for the title. Catch every match live on ESPN+ and ESPN2.*
Cause
Imagine walking through a beautifully designed home, knowing that every corner supports an important cause. Victory Homes of Wisconsin has partnered with St. Jude to create the St. Jude Dream Home® Showplace. Curious to see how this dream home is making dreams come true? Donate + learn more.*
Featured Deal
SSM Health is welcoming their new aesthetician, Edie, with a glow-up special: 20% off all her services now through Wednesday, April 30. It’s the perfect time to treat your skin and try something new. Call (608) 821-4000 to schedule your appointment.*
Number
$3,500. That’s how much dough you might have to drop if your dog eats their chew toy. Yes, pets are expensive, but they’re worth it — and this pet insurance could reimburse 90% of those expenses.*
Announced
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our 608today Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting your open jobs.
City Guide
City Guide
🍕 Locally loved pizzerias
Grab a beer or cocktail and enjoy vegan, gluten-free, or other specialty pizzas at Salvatore’s. | Photo by 608today
Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Madison’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves.
If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 20+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Italian staples
Lombardino’s, 2500 University Ave.
This classic Italian American spot has been feeding Madisonians for over 70 years. If you haven’t tried the Pizza Carbonara, this is your sign to do so.
Takeout
Molten Monkey, 912 E. Johnson St.
Thick and crispy crust, caramelized cheese on the edges, and plenty of toppings all make for a delicious Detroit-style pizza at this recently opened restaurant.
Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, Various locations
With five Madison-area locations, you’re never far from a fresh pie.
Don’t let today’s wintery mix scare you, Madison. Forecasts are looking like mid-60s by the weekend, making it the perfect time to stop by Saturday on the Square at the Dane County Farmer’s Market. It’s back on its summer schedule through November, so pick up an iced coffee and stroll through the stands of fresh produce. Psst... find a local cup with our guide.
The Buy
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
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