There is so much going on this month in Madison, what with Mother's Day, Memorial Day and the Kentucky Derby. Circle some dates and enjoy May in Madison!
Through May 7, 2017
Madison Craft Beer Week
Each year at this time we celebrate Mad City’s craft beer culture. The celebration brings beer lovers from all over the state to attend beer dinners, brewery parties, beer walks and more. Get details on all the events online at madbeerweek.com.
May 4
Fitchburg Farmers Market
You know that spring is well underway when the Fitchburg Farmers Market opens for the season. Starting today and every Thursday through October 26, you can shop for your favorite locally-grown goodies at the Agora Pavilion (5511 E. Cheryl Parkway in Fitchburg). The market is open from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
May 5, 6, 7
Madison Symphony Orchestera: Brahms’ Requiem
Symphony lovers won’t want to miss what is known as “one of the finest choral works of Western music,” Brahms’ Requiem. But do get there early (at least 30 minutes prior to the concert) to hear music experts discuss what you’ll experience. Buy tickets online, by calling (608) 258-4141, or in person at the Overture Center box office.
2017 Dairyland Games
For the second year, the Dairyland Games offer athletes with visual and physical disabilities the chance to qualify for the Adaptive Sports USA Junior Nationals. Track & field, swimming and archery events are open to athletes from all over the Midwest. Middleton plays host to the Games and you can learn more online, here.
May 5
Gallery Night
Art lovers – it’s time to converge on MMoCA for the opportunity to enjoy not only exhibitions, but receptions, demonstrations and refreshments throughout the city. opening receptions, special events, demonstrations and refreshments at venues throughout the city. Gallery Night happens from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and admission is free.
Kentucky Derby Party
Don’t miss the 2017 Run for the Roses party at Augie’s Tavern at The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Pl., Madison). Aside from watching the amazing four-legged athletes compete for the coveted title of Derby winner, you can enjoy Kentucky bluegrass-style music, mint juleps and basil bourbon lemonades, beer samples and yummy food. Do wear a striking Derby hat and get there early for a chance to win a Derby Prize Pack. Admission is free and the fun starts at 2 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association Blondes vs. Brunettes
Not only is Alzheimer’s research one of the most-worthy causes we can think of but this day is going to set the stage for an amazing summer. What fun! Two women’s flag football teams, divided by hair color, will have at it today at Keva Sports Center starting at 11 a.m. Learn more online by clicking here.
Maifest Spring Festival
Who knew Oktoberfest had a spring counterpart? Indeed it does – it’s known as Maifest and it will be celebrated today, outside, at Essen Haus (514 E Wilson St., Madison). And what a day it will be. Family-friendly, the celebration includes grilled goodies, a beer cart, live music, games, a maypole dance, kids’ zone and more. Best of all, 15 percent of all proceeds go to the Dane County Humane Society. The event runs from noon until 6 p.m.
Purplestride Madison 2017
Purplestride, the Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer, takes place today, May 6 at Warner Park. It’s billed as a 5K run and family-friendly walk and you can learn all about it, here.
Potosi Pups and Pints
Thanks to the kind folks at The Rigby Pub and Grill and Potosi Brewery for sponsoring an event to benefit Madison’s pets in need. Bring your pooch to spend the day on the patio enjoying yummy food, giveaways for both you and your pet and, since the event is part of Madison Craft Beer Week, sip craft beer. Call Rigby for details at (608) 442-1112.
May 9 through May 14
The Book of Mormon
Witness a show that the New York Times deems “The best musical of the century.” It’s The Book of Mormon and it’s happening at the Overture Center for the Arts. With an accumulated nine Tony Awards® for Best Musical, you’ll laugh and tap your feet to the antics of two missionaries who travel the globe to spread the Good Word. Learn more about the musical at bookofmormonthemusical.com and purchase tickets online at tickets.overture.org.
May 11
The Greenway Station Farmers Market
And, yet another farmers market opens this month. This time it’s the Greenway Station market, located in the parking area near Fuddruckers in Middleton (1601 Aspen Commons). The market is open on Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine, until October 5.
May 18
Zoovies: Monsters University
The kids will love watching one of their favorite movies outdoors, on a 16-foot screen. Grab them, blankets and lawn chairs and head to Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society for the special screening of Monsters University. Admission is $5 (children age 3 and under get in free) and, although the move doesn’t start until dusk, the gates open at 7 p.m.
May 20
Susan J. Komen Race for the Cure
It’s that time of year when women across the country race for a cure for breast cancer. Learn more about Fitchburg’s race online, here.
Isthmus Food Cart Fest
The place? Central Park, downtown. The time: 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Bring: your appetite. Oh, and the kids if you want because they get in free (if they’re age 10 and younger). You’ll enjoy live music, great food and craft beer. And, your ticket price will not only get you into the Isthmus Food Cart Festival, but get you sample from more than 30 carts. Take a look at this year’s participating food carts, here.
May 26 through May 29
World’s Largest Brat Fest
Admission is free, which is a good thing because it leaves you with more money to enjoy a day pigging out on brats! There will be live music (George Clinton! Everclear!) and other fun stuff as well. Starts at 10 a.m. at Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center. Get the details online at bratfest.com.
May 27
Memorial Day Weekend Summer Kickoff
Kick off summer with local favorite Madison County, rocking the plaza starting at 6 p.m. There will also be food and beer and loads of fun. It’s free and it runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
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