May 3
Black Violin
A mix of classical music and hip-hop played on string instruments? Yes, please! And that’s just what you’ll get from the talented duo of Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus (who’ve played with everyone from Tom Petty to Kanye West), as they play jams on their viola and violin. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Overture Center, but you’ll want to book your tickets (which begin at $30) at overture.org now.
May 4
Gallery Night
Whether you’re in the mood to purchase or you just want to sample the best of Madison’s local talent, you’ll want to clear your calendar for Gallery Night when dozens of galleries leave their doors open from 5 to 9 p.m. for special exhibitions. Begin your free journey of the arts at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and check mmoca.org for more information.
May 4 to May 13
Madison Craft Beer Week
Pub crawls, fish fries, new music launches, and discounted beers to take home are all on the agenda at this year’s Madison craft beer week. Events span nine days and take place across venues at this annual event which pays homage to the thriving beer industry in the city. For a complete list of activities, visit madbeerweek.com.
Beginning May 4
The Winter’s Tale
Catch one of Shakespeare’s most beloved stories on stage throughout the month of May at the Bartell Theatre. There are performances on 4, 5, 6, 10,11, 12, 16,17,18, and 19, so you’ll be able to find a date that works for you and your friends or family. Tickets are $20 and discounts are available for students, seniors, and veterans. You can learn more about the performance and book your tickets at bartelltheatre.org.
May 5
Arch8'S Tetris
This interactive performance shows how people connect to one another using the classic Tetris game to illuminate our interpersonal relations. Not only do the performers climb walls and fit into strange spaces, but those in the audience are encouraged to join in the fun. Don’t miss this 11 a.m. performance at the Overture Theatre! Get your tickets ($22 to $32) from overture.org.
2018 Lake Monona 20k & 5K
Preparing for an upcoming marathon? This almost-half marathon is the perfect way to check your fitness levels this spring. Or, if you just want to get active in the fresh air, you might want to give the 5K walk (or run) a try. Book your spot at lakemonona20k.com.
PurpleStride Madison 2018
If you want your legs to walk for a cause this weekend, you might just want to register for the PurpleStride instead. Proceeds from this walk go towards the fight against pancreatic cancer and you can choose between a 5K run or a 2-mile walk. Register today at support.pancan.org.
2nd Annual Madtown Author Daze
If books are more your thing, you can still enjoy the city on Saturday May 5th. SunMoon Arts are once again bringing together local authors for a multi-genre event. Pick up an autographed copy of your next favorite story or win one of the terrific prizes on offer. The event takes place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and is totally free! Learn more at sunmoonarts.com.
Science Of The Night
Budding scientists and anyone that wants a closer look at the stars should head over to the Discovery Building at 10 a.m. for two hours of nighttime explorations in the middle of the day. Admission is free and activities range from the exploration of nocturnal vision to glow-in-the-dark art. Check out the full program at discovery.wisc.edu.
3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Hold onto your hats… or rather, make sure you find one to match for this year’s Kentucky Derby Party at The Edgewater. The festivities between 2 and 7 p.m. are free and open to the public, but you might just want to make the most of it with $44 VIP tickets. Get all the details at theedgewater.com.
May 6
WalkMS
It’s time to get out there and do something about multiple sclerosis (MS) and both the 1-mile and 3-mile walks are the way to do it. Participation is free, though walkers are expected to raise donations for the cause, and the day begins at 10 a.m. at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Check out nationalmssociety.org to see how you can get involved.
May 8
Dance Theatre Of Harlem
For nearly 50 years, this collection of neo-classical and contemporary ballet performances celebrating African American culture has wowed audiences - and now it’s your turn to get in on the fun. This incredible show features an Artist Q&A after the performance and there are even pre-show socials. The show itself begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Overture Center and tickets range from $10 to $60. Book your seats at overture.org.
May 11
Baby Date Night
Get out for the evening with your little one in tow! There are plenty of activities for babies, toddlers, and their parents. Children will enjoy baby races, handprint art, and exploration stations, while parents can sip on mocktails and laugh (or commiserate) with other parents and participate in games of their own. The event lasts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Madison Children's Museum. Admission is $7 for adults, while children up to three receive a free admission. Learn more at madisonchildrensmuseum.org.
May 12
Madison Mini Maker Faire
From arts and crafts to engineering and science experiments, the Madison Mini Maker Faire has something to inspire everyone. At Monona Terrace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there’s plenty to see and experience. Tickets at $15 at the door, but $10 when purchased in advance, so get yours now at mononaterrace.com.
Pride In Your Ride Car Show
Check out everything from classic cars to modified rides at this year’s event. If you’ve got a car or motorcycle that fits the bill, you can enter it for judging. Either way, checking out the cars and demonstrations is fun for all ages. Spectator admission begins at 9 a.m.and standard tickets are just $5. Learn more at the event’s Facebook page.
May 13
Mother’s Day Brunch At The Statehouse
Treat the mom in your life to an amazing four-course brunch in the loveliest of locations. Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Statehouse, adults can expect an array of pastries, salads, steak or salmon, and so much more. Adults pay $48 (excluding tax and gratuity) while children 12 and under pay $20 for a special menu of their own. Book your table soon at theedgewater.com - this event is sure to fill up fast!
May 18 to 20
Fitchburg Days
Get into the swing of spring at Fitchburg Days. Entrance to this food and music-filled three-day carnival is free and there are plenty of activities for the whole family at McKee Farms Park. Come for the weekend or just for a day; either way, it’s a whole lot of fun. Learn more at fitchburgdays.com.
May 19
Fetch WI Rescue 5K Dog Jog
Both you and your dog will have a blast at the 5K run or one-mile walk events hosted at the Wisconsin Brewing Company. In the end, human participants will be treated to a craft beer (or a root beer for younger runners and abstainers) - there will also be plenty of water for your pup. All proceeds go towards animal rescue in the area - and you’ll want to book a spot soon to guarantee a race shirt. Register now at fetchwi.org.
Race For The Cure
Or, perhaps you’re happier using your legs to support people! You can support research towards the eradication of breast cancer when you participate in the Race for the Cure in Fitchburg on May 19th. Registration begins at 6 a.m. and the race kicks off at 8:30 a.m., but you’ll want to register and pay the $30 entrance fee sooner rather than later. Do so at info-komen.org.
May 25 to 28
World's Largest Brat Fest
It’s all brats, brats, brats over this weekend at the Alliant Energy Center. And, we do mean bratwursts - not annoying children! Entrance is free, though you should bring plenty of cash to enjoy chilled beers and a variety of brats (including veggie options). But, the highlight of the weekend is the stunning musical lineup (and the activities for kids). Learn more now at bratfest.com
May 26
We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, A Concert Experience
Take a moment to remember the troops and enjoy a slice of musical history at the same time. The Edgewater presents a musical tribute to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War, sharing stories compiled in the book We Gotta Get Out of This Place. The event lasts from 5 to 9 p.m. and entrance is free. Learn more about the book and the concert at theedgewater.com.
May 26 to 27
Run Madtown
Start your Memorial Day Weekend with a little run - or kick off your summer at the accompanying good health expo. Races range from a children’s run to a full half-marathon, and entrance fees vary depending on distance. Register to run or just to volunteer at runmadtown.com.
May 29, 30
Madison Mallards Baseball Games
Get into the spirit of summer baseball games with the Madison Mallards. The season starts with two home games against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters at the Duck Pond at Warner Park. Matches on both nights begin at 6:05 p.m. and tickets start at $8. Or, why not treat yourself to a season pass? With plenty to eat, drink and experience, you should check out all your options at northwoodsleague.com.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on
Leave A Comment