Expect fresh produce, farm-raised meat, and other goodies at Saturdays on the Square. | Photo by 608today
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits, veggies, and spicy cheese bread, Madisonians.
In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets in the 608 where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and local vendors.
2025 National Women’s Music Festival | Thursday, July 3-Sunday, July 6 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Madison Marriott West Hotel and Conference Center, Middleton | $50+ | Women from far and wide will come together for a slew of live music performances during this 49th annual fest.
Friday, July 4
Fourth Fest 2025 | 2-8 p.m. | The Edgewater | Free | Celebrate the Fourth of July with performances from The People Brothers Band and Natty Nation + a water show on Lake Mendota from the Mad City Water Ski Team.
Saturday, July 5
Comedians of the World Telling Jokes | 8-9:30 p.m. | Hotel Indigo | $15+ | Get ready to giggle when comedian and Cards Against Humanity writer Eunji Kim takes the stage.
Sunday, July 6
Pints & Puzzles | 1:30 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Company | Free | See if you have what it takes to complete a 300-piece puzzle before any of the other teams.
Monday, July 7
Rooftop Yoga | 5-6 p.m. | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center | Free with RSVP | Move your body and relax your mind as you flow through a yoga class + listen to a sound bath in the rooftop garden.
Tuesday, July 8
Vinyl Night | 6-8 p.m. | Delta Beer Lab | Free | BYOR — aka bring your own record — and the DJ will add it to the queue at this musical hangout.
Lakeshore Chinooks vs. Madison Mallards | 6:05 p.m. | Warner Park | $17+ | It’s Bark in the Park night, so be sure to bring your four-legged friend along for the fun.
Tomorrow is Independence Day. America has been celebrating this day since the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776. Round up the kids, friends, or just yourself and head to a nearby fireworks show. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Community
Construction is underway on Madison’s Imagination Center, a $18.6 million indoor-outdoor library and community space at Reindahl Park. Expected to open in summer 2026, the center will offer free internet, a computer lab, literacy resources, and an enclosed park pavilion. (The Cap Times)
Number
$245. That’s how much University of Wisconsin students will have to shell out for season football tickets in 2025. Up $25.50 from last year, Badgers student tickets are the third-most expensive in the Big Ten, behind Ohio State and Penn State. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Legacy
Madison wouldn’t look the same without Kenton Peters. The architect and developer passed away on Sunday at 93, but his bold designs live on. Take a look at some of his most prominent local builds, including the University of Wisconsin Foundation Building and the Robert M. Kastenmeier U.S. Courthouse. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Feel Good
The Henry Vilas Zoo’s flamingo flock is finally getting names. All 20 birds — including a 54-year-old flamingo — will trade color-coded leg bands for names chosen by zookeepers. Staff say it helps visitors connect with the birds, support conservation, and remember these feathered icons are individuals. (The Cap Times)
Real Estate
Victory Homes of Wisconsin is redefining your weekend plans. Imagine strolling through beautifully-crafted model homes, open for your exploration every Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom build or seeking inspiration, these homes offer a glimpse into endless possibilities. Take a tour.*
Try This
There’s something about summer at the Memorial Union Terrace that just makes sense. With free and low-cost events almost every day, this is Madison’s go-to spot for summer fun. See what’s happening all season long.*
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
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Mood’s rapid onset THC gummies deliver gentle body relaxation with a strong but balanced, clear-headed euphoria — all in as little as five minutes. Get 20% off.†*
The Madison Pickleball Open returns Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13, welcoming players of all skill levels for round-robin action, a four-game guarantee, tasty new food vendors, and plenty of perks.
Registration closes on Sunday, July 6, so don’t miss your shot to compete, connect, and score some swag.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Before you swipe away, here’s a sizzling question for your Fourth of July weekend: Is a hot dog a sandwich?Weigh in on the debate + see how others answered.
For the record, my answer is no, but that wouldn’t be my first hot take about hot dogs. I also think they’re better with ketchup.
