Plus, new music festival announced for this fall.
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City Guide

🎤 Live on stage

The Barrymore Theatre marquee on a sunny day. Below it is the Barrymore sign which has a pink background and thick white retro lettering
The Barrymore Theatre will host some of the festival’s film screenings. | 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.

Bars

The Rigby, Downtown Madison | 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.

Concert halls

Hamel Music Center, Historic District | 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.

Variety venues

Barrymore, Marquette | Capacity: 970
Since 1929 this theater has been entertaining the SASY neighborhood with live music, comedy, films, plays, and community events.
17 more live venues

Asked

How would you rate our city’s music scene, on a scale of 1-10?

A. Between 9 and 10
B. Between 6 and 8
C. Between 3 and 5
D. Between 1 and 2
Share your thoughts
Harley Davidson Museum

Events

Thursday, Aug. 21

Summer Fun Concert Series | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Stone Horse Green, Middleton | Free | Bring a picnic and find a spot on the lawn to listen to a performance by Ced, a fingerstyle guitarist.

Devon Walker | Thursday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Comedy on State | $8+ | See a current “Saturday Night Live” cast member take the stage in a new form during his three-night stand-up run.

Friday, Aug. 22

Dill Dinkers Madison Ribbon Cutting | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dill Dinkers | Free | Stick around after the ribbon cutting for free snacks, pickleball lessons, and paddle rentals at Madison’s newest indoor pickleball facility.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Wisconsin Pottery Association Art Pottery Show & Sale | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center | $5 | Shop 50+ local vendors selling vintage and modern pottery, stonewear, dinnerwear, tiles, and figurines.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Rescue Dog Adoption Event | 12-2 p.m. | The Bruce Company Garden Center | Free | No pre-registration is required for this canine meet and greet where you can start the adoption process if you fall in love with a four-legged friend.

Monday, Aug. 25

Native Plants for Wisconsin Gardens | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension | Free | Learn about different species of native plants and how to sustainably grow them at home so you can support our local ecosystem.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Lunch Time Live | 12-1 p.m. | Capitol Square | Free | Level up your lunch break by joining a friend on the Capitol lawn for a free concert.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Texoma FC vs. Forward Madison FC | 6-10 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field | $25+ | Kick back and watch our local soccer squad net a win over this Texas-based team.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.
The Wisconsin Union

Travel

A long weekend of rides, deals, and live music

Presented by Harley-Davidson Museum
a gif featuring different Harley-Davidson riders and bikes
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or looking for fun ways to spend the long weekend, this is a great way to get out and enjoy the Harley-Davidson community. | Photos courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum
From scenic rides to sizzling BBQ, the Harley-Davidson Museum has Labor Day weekend covered.

Bike Night kicks things off Thursday with live bands and women riders from The Litas Milwaukee. Gear up and shop deep discounts at The H-D® Factory Outlet Sale running Thursday through Sunday, and unwind with smoked meats + lawn games at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant all weekend long.

Don’t miss out on Sunday’s Big Unit Poker Run, supporting military families at Fisher House Wisconsin — register early for a chance to win a signed guitar.
Plan your visit

News Notes

Opening

Taj Indian Restaurant is rising from the ashes and reopening as Taj Cuisine and Bar on Sunday, Sept. 14. The popular restaurant is moving to the former The Borough Beer Co. & Kitchen location on South Park Street. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Festival

There’s always room for one more festival in Madison. This time, it’s from the owners of Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge who are hosting True North Music + Food Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Warner Park. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Closing

A Pig in a Fur Coat will permanently close on Friday, Sept. 26 after 13+ years of business at its Williamson Street location. The owners assured fans they aren’t going anywhere, though. Instead, this will become the second location of their Italian deli Alimentari. (Channel 3000)

Real Estate

A local developer is proposing a 10-story apartment building with 70,000 sqft of retail and office space. If approved, the project would cost $230 million and bring “true mixed-use” features like a giant gym and spa, coffee shops, and restaurants. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Arts

We love public art and today is a chance to get a peek behind the paint brush. Stop by Fire Station 12 Community Room to meet the artists behind Madison’s next big public art project from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Edu

First impressions last a lifetime, and that couldn’t be more true for the first day of school. Keep your kids looking fresh without dipping into your wallet at JP Hair Design’s free cuts event on Sunday, Aug. 24. (WMTV15)

Try This

Last call, 608ers: Catch a free screening of “Pitch Perfect,” the final outdoor film of the summer at Memorial Union Terrace, on Monday, Aug. 25. Pro tip: Filmgoers can enjoy $1 hot dogs, chips, and sodas starting at 8 p.m. It’s gonna be aca-awesome.*

Job

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Older Adults

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Listen

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Victory Homes

Wellness

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The Serum, powered by clinically proven Mitopure. | Photo by Timeline
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The Buy

A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

The Wrap

Happy Thursday, Madison. The start of football season is in the air and I’m more than ready. The Badgers have a few warm up games before the real test comes in week three — are you ready?
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