Fall leaves are gorgeous, but they gotta go somewhere. | Photo by 608today
They don’t call it “fall” for nothing. Here’s what to do with all those fallen leaves.
When does leaf collection begin?
Madison residents get three guaranteed curbside opportunities for leaf and yard waste collection this fall. Some neighborhoods begin Sunday, Oct. 5, while others start later — check your set-out schedule.
The rules
Separate yard waste from brush. (Yard waste is leaves, weeds, grass — anything you can rake. Brush is sticks and branches.)
Place leaves and yard waste on the lawn’s edge or terrace, not in the street.
Keep piles at least 4 ft from obstacles.
You can leave leaves loose, cover with a tarp, or bag them (paper preferred; plastic bags must be left open).
Reminder: Keeping leaves off the street helps protect local lakes. Rainwater can carry pollutants into storm drains.
From Thursday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 26, the Wisconsin Book Festival’s 24th annual Fall Celebration brings 70+ authors to Central Library and downtown Madison venues to share their latest works.
This free, public festival celebrates genres from fiction and poetry to nonfiction — with something for readers of all ages.
Budget in time for delays along this stretch. | Map via City of Madison
Traffic
Commuters, beware. The John Nolen Drive reconstruction project begins on Monday, Oct. 13, and will continue until summer 2027. Expect reduced traffic lanes and potential delays. This also means improvements are on the horizon — think: six new bridges and separate bike paths.
Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe is set to open its fourth Madison location at 3416 University Ave. You could be eating crepes and eggs Benedict in the West Side as early as January 2026. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Restaurant Roundup
Speaking of new restaurants…See our roundup of all new and coming soon restaurants — and be sure to bookmark it to stay in the know.
Number
$25 million. That’s the amount Dane County will allocate to support six affordable housing projects with a focus on senior housing. (WMTV)
Civic
Madison may soon require buyers to be 21+ for hemp-derived THC. Okay, but when? The proposed ordinance heads to two committees, then returns to the Common Council in November. (Fox47)
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
Health
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Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2027. (Read: Nearly two years of interest-free payments.)Learn more + apply.*
Stat
$461. That’s the average money saved by drivers who switch up their car insurance provider. Money has a free tool that matches you with the best options for Madison. See how much you could save.*
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
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Did you catch the Brewers’ game last night? Game 3 had a lot of highlights, but we’re still living in this homer celebration from William Contreras during Game 2.
A pair of versatile men’s pants that offer a stylish, yet relaxed fit. Whether it’s for work, on the golf course, or a date night, these straight fit pants are crafted with premium, four-way stretch fabric for a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
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.
