July 3 to 4
Monona Community Festival
Get out to Winnequah Park for some family fun with the kids carnival at the Monona Community Festival - or, have a blast on your own with all the food, music, and art you can take in over this two-day event. At the very least, you may want to make out for the fireworks on the 4th. Learn more about the events at mononafestival.com.
July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 26, 28, 31
Madison Mallards Games
Baseball is just part of an American summer and you can catch plenty of action without spending a fortune when you head out to the Duckpond for a Mallards match. July holds a variety of daytime and evening games to match your schedule and tickets begin at just $8 for a single game. Get yours now at northwoodsleague.com.
July 4
WaunaBoom July 4th Family Celebration
Plenty of free activities are on offer at this event at Ripp Park between 2 and 10:30 p.m. - and that’s on top of the free entrance. From laser tag to an F-16 flyover, there really is something for everyone here. The fireworks begin at dusk and there is a park and ride service running throughout the day. Make it a day out with the family after learning more at waunaboom.com.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Concerts On The Square
It’s called the “biggest picnic of summer” and you’ll certainly enjoy yourself on the lawns of the State Capitol. July plays host to a wide range of talents performing with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Guests can gather from 3 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m. for each of these performances. Find the one that tempts you the most at wisconsinchamberorchestra.org.
July 5 to 8
National Women's Music Festival
Don’t let the name fool you, this event is for everyone. In addition to the concerts that you would expect, you’ll find comedy acts, films, and a market. Daily passes to attend the events at the Marriott Madison West Hotel and Conference Center begin at $75, and there is a discounted four-day pass for those that want to do it all. Get your tickets at nwmf.info.
July 7
Saturday Science
Bring the kids to the Discovery Building to entice them into some fun summer learning. This week’s STEM topic is: how things work. In addition to being a totally free event, you may just spark a new interest in science. This workshop lasts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and there’s no pre-registration necessary, but you can learn more at discovery.wisc.edu.
Fitchburg Festival Of Speed
Or, if you’re after a full day of activity, you might just want to head out to Fitchburg for cycling, running, activities for the kids, live music, food carts, and plenty more. Prizes are on offer for participants in the races, or you can just enjoy the first Festival of Speed by strolling at your own pace. Get the details before heading out at fitchburgfestivalofspeed.com.
July 7 to 14
Madison Early Music Festival
Want a little history with your music? Or perhaps you want to try your hand at learning music techniques used a few centuries ago? You can do either - or just take in the sounds of the 19th annual Madison Early Music Festival. This year’s theme, “A Cabinet of Curiosities: Journey to Lübeck” will take you back in time to the German Reformation. Interested? Check out everything on offer at memf.wisc.edu.
July 12 to 15
Fete De Marquette Festival
Get ready to rock with 20 performances across three stages. Or, eat your heart out with a sampling of dishes from 14 local restaurants. You can also enjoy a variety of beers and wines (responsibly, of course) if you like. It’s all on offer, with free entrance, at this festival. Don’t miss it! Plan your visit today at wil-mar.org.
July 14 to 15
Art Fair on the Square
It’s the 60th annual Art Fair on the Square - and you can bet it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before. Almost 500 artists will be exhibiting artworks across a range of mediums and you can mix up the day with live performances and delicious eats. Admission is free, but entrance times vary between the days. Learn more at mmoca.org.
Madison Area Home And Business Expo 2018
Looking to upgrade your home? Want to know more about the services local businesses offer the greater Madison community? That’s just the beginning of this expo. You’ll also find games for the kids and local crafts to spruce your space. Admission is $3, with discounts for kids and seniors, and you can learn more at northeventplanning.com.
July 19
Pints For Parks
Head over to the Biergarten at Olbrich Park between 4 and 10 p.m. to enjoy a couple of pints German-style while watching the sun set. Fifteen percent of all proceeds go to the Madison Parks Foundation, so you can support your community while enjoying good beers and company. Learn about this event at madisonparksfoundation.org.
July 19 to 22
Dane County Fair
You really can experience a little bit of the country in the city at this fair. It’s got everything that you would expect at such an event - food and fun, music and games. Entrance is $8 for anyone 12-years and older, with discounts for younger children and multi-day passes. Doors open daily at 9 a.m. and only close at 11 p.m. so you’ll have an opportunity to experience it all. Get the full lineup of activities at danecountyfair.com.
July 20 to 22
Maxwell Street Days Summer Sidewalk Sale
Maybe you’ll find that special item you’ve been looking for, or perhaps you’ll score the deal of a lifetime. But, you’ll only find out if you head out to the sidewalk sale on State Street and the Capital Square shopping district between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. over these few days. Find info on parking and participating shops at maxwellstreetdays.org.
Heavy Bombers Weekend
If you’re into aviation, history, or just want a thrilling helicopter ride, you’ll want to head out to the Dane County Regional Airport this weekend. Almost unbelievably, you’ll even have an opportunity to take a ride in a restored WWII plane. Sound like fun? Check out entrance prices and times at hbw2018.splashthat.com.
July 21
Opera in the Park 2018
Garner Park will be hosting this year’s Opera in the Park performances by the Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra. It’s a free event and a wonderful way to spend the evening with family and friends. The performance starts at 7 p.m., but you can rock up any time during the day to grab your seat and picnic while you wait. Get the details at madisonopera.org.
July 22 to 27
Madison Magazine Restaurant Week
Feed your inner foodie by heading out to eat at any of the numerous restaurants participating in this growing event. Three-course meals begin at $25 per person (with a discount for lunch seatings at some restaurants). Bookings are strongly encouraged and you’ll find the list of participating venues at channel3000.com.
July 24 to 29
Waitress
You can still catch a fantastic theater act during the summer months at the Overture Center for the Arts with Waitress, a musical presented by an all-female creative team. The story of a hard-working gal with big dreams will move you as much as the music in this acclaimed piece. Tickets begin at $25 and you can book yours at overture.org.
July 26
Taste Traditions Of Wisconsin: The Flavor Of Wisconsin
If you think food is just sustenance, be prepared to change your mind with a talk about the way food has shaped the local history and the people in it. You definitely don’t want to miss the dinner beforehand to sample local flavors you may not have tried before. Admission is $40 and you’ll get details at wisconsinhistory.org.
July 28
Capital City Run/Walk For Organ, Tissue And Eye Donation
Get your blood pumping for a great cause this Saturday. Whether you run or walk, you can enjoy a pool party and a good feeling, knowing you helped those in need through your efforts. Registration prices vary and you’ll want to do so soon to take full advantage of this run. Do so now at kidneywi.org.
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