Autumn is officially underway and there are lots of ways to get out and enjoy it in Madison.
Through October 31
Wisconsin Scaryland
It’s the month of scariness and it kicks off in Madison at Wisconsin Scaryland, billed as the state’s only “professional haunted house.” There are, in fact, three “houses” to this one: Hotel Fuego, Mineshaft and Carnival of the Damned. One ticket gets you into all three and the creators have created a seamless transition from one to the other so you won’t have to wait in line three times. Get the details online, at wisconsinscaryland.com.
October 1
Badger Childhood Cancer Superhero Run
Keva Sports Center (8312 Forsythia St.) in Middleton plays host to this benefit run to raise funds for the Badger Center to continue its important work in supporting families of children with cancer. You don’t have to run to help – they accept donations as well. If you do plan on participating, there are several fun ways to do so, including 10K and 5K runs, a 2-mile Awareness Walk, Kids’ Superhero Dash, Heroes vs. Villains dodgeball, volleyball and a costume contest. Get to Middleton by 9 a.m. so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. Click here for details.
Bark & Wine
For 14 years now the Dane County Humane Society has invited Madisonites to their Bark & Wine event. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music. Bid on auction items or try the wine pull. Whatever you do, attend this event, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., to help support the Dane County Humane Society and the homeless animals in our area. Get details online at giveshelter.org.
October 4 – 9
Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella"
If you love musical theatre you know you just can’t go wrong when a show has both a Tony Award and features the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein. “Cinderella” is the show and you can catch it at the Overture Center for the Arts. Get ticket details and more information at overture.org.
October 7
Harvest Moon Festival
For the past 12 years, Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area have held the Harvest Moon Festival and this year’s is on October 7. Enjoy the food (hili, pies, hot dogs and more), a silent auction and an amazing interpretive presentation on Wisconsin wildlife. Oh – there will be live music and stargazing as well. Learn more online by clicking here.
October 8
Human Foosball Tournament
What a great idea and it’s sure to be a hoot to watch. It’s the first annual Human Foosball Tournament, a benefit for the Mad City Ski Team. It’s being held at Keva Sports Center in Middleton from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Learn all about it at madcityskiteam.com.
16th Annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway
No pumpkin yet? Get to Oak Bank’s greenspace at 5951 McKee Rd in Fitchburg, make a donation to the Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs and you’ll get a FREE pumpkin! Plus, there will be all kinds of family-fun activities such as an inflation bounce house, horse and carriage rides, refreshments and more. Catch up with the latest on this event on Facebook.
October 14
Madison Ballet
It’s the ballet season opener and Madison Ballet kicks it off with “Black/White.” Including a selection from "The Four Temperaments,” Balanchine’s black and white ballet, you’ll also enjoy other music -- from classical to hip-hop – and choreography that ranges from neoclassical ballet to avant garde. Visit Madisonballet.org for details.
October 26
Downtown Madison Family Halloween
The best part of Halloween falling on a weekday? The celebrations start a couple of days before hand so the kids get a chance to have Halloween a couple of times. Get them downtown for all the fun for kids 12 and under from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Learn more here.
October 30
Halloween at the Zoo
Another free and fun Halloween event happens at the zoo from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on October 30. Admission is free and events include trick-or-treating and other activities. Learn more online, here.
Pie Palooza
Now that is an appropriate name for a pie buffet, don’t you think? More than 25 local chefs will be handcrafting yummy pies, using seasonal ingredients and you’ll have your pick of two slices and salad and beverages to accompany them. View the menu and request your slices online by clicking here.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on