Dahlia Show @ the Goodman Center
2026-08-22 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-23 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Goodman Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison, 53704
Saturday, August 22, 11:00-4:00
Sunday, August 23, 10:00-2:00
Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa St., Madison, WI 53704
Dahlias are late summer bloomers known for their diverse forms and bright colors. Sponsored by the Badger State Dahlia Society.
On Sunday at 2 p.m., we give away all the blooms, so bring a vase or bucket to carry away some beautiful and FREE cut blooms for your table.
Please visit badgerdahlia.org/meetings-and-events/ for details.

Northside Farmers Market
2026-08-23 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-30 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-06 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-13 08:30 - 12:30 | WI
Sundays, May 3 through October 25, 8:30-12:30
In the Northside TownCenter at the intersection of N. Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. across from Warner Park.
The Northside Farmers Market is a nonprofit community enterprise. It is one of the newest and fastest growing farmers’ markets in Dane County. In keeping with the innovative spirit of Madison’s Northside, we are surpassing what defines the traditional farmers’ market. Our fundamental principles include:
–Providing an abundant selection of high quality, locally grown foods.
The market accepts Quest, WIC and Senior FMNP vouchers.

–Supporting our local agricultural entrepreneurs who are increasingly important today in ensuring that we have the best and safest food possible.

–Educating the community about traditional foods and the history of local agriculture in an attempt to preserve (and expand upon) our rich heritage.
Parking is always FREE!
For details visit www.northsidefarmersmarket.org

Scenic Stroll @ the Arboretum
2026-08-23 13:00 - 14:00 | University of Wisconsin Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
This gently paced stroll through the gardens is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about plants, animals, and fungi; phenology; and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Summer Sundays: Jazz in the Garden at Allen Centennial Garden
2026-08-23 17:00 - 18:15 | Allen Centennial Garden, 620 Babcock Dr, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
Add a little bit of musical enjoyment to your Sunday afternoons this summer with Summer Sundays: Concerts in the Garden. The concerts will be held Sunday afternoons starting June 7 and ending August 23 from 5-6:15 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Friends of Allen Centennial Garden.
June 7: Edgar Knecht Trio From our sister county, Kassel, Germany!
Edgar Knecht, piano | Rolf Denecke, bass | Tobias Schulte, drums
This critically acclaimed European trio transforms centuries-old traditional melodies into contemporary jazz, merging classical depth, lyrical improvisation, and rhythmic adventure.
June 21: Mr. Chair Madison (Jazz Festival)
Jason Kutz, piano | Ben Ferris, bass | Mike Koszewski, drums
Joyful, fearless, unpredictable. An innovative, genre-blending piano trio known for its jazz, classical, rock, and improv fusion. Classical craft meets jazz imagination.
July 12: Betsy Ezell’s Canção Project
Betsy Ezell, vocals | Richard Hildner, guitar | Chris Rottmayer, piano | Nicholas Bartell, saxophone & flute | Nick Moran, bass | Wayne Salzmann II, drums
Music in the bossa nova tradition – an intimate Brazilian style of sophisticated elegance blending samba rhythms, jazz harmony, and cool understated vocals.
July 26: Peter Mathistad Jazz Quintet
Peter Mathistad- tenor sax | Frank McKearn IV, electronic valve instrument | Dan VanZeeland, piano | Ben Ferris, bass | Jim Huwe- drums
A high energy set of mostly original music weaving tasteful melodies with complex harmonies, an original voice in a post-bop lineage..
August 9: Madison Choro Ensemble
Josh Pultorak, drums | Peter Baggenstoss, piano | Julio Flores, guitar | Chris Ptasnik, cavaquinho | Tom Ross, cavaquinho | Nick Bartell, saxophone | Grant Ziolkowski, bandolim. Celebrating Brazilian choro in dance music of melodic intricacy and lively rhythmic sophistication—rooted in tradition, unmistakably modern.
August 23: Bill Roberts Combo
Bill Roberts, guitar | Joe Wallner, keys | Ben Schult, bass | Tommy Mattioli, percussion
Master guitarist Bill Roberts leads this groove-centered jazz-blues band of seasoned club veterans blending soulful swing, blues authority, and straight-ahead jazz fire.

Dane County Farmer’s Market
2026-08-26 08:30 - 13:15, 2026-08-29 06:15 - 13:45, 2026-09-02 08:30 - 13:15, 2026-09-05 06:15 - 13:45, 2026-09-09 08:30 - 13:15, 2026-09-12 06:15 - 13:45, 2026-09-16 08:30 - 13:15 | Capitol Square, 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Saturdays, April 11 thru November 14, 6:15-1:45
On the Capitol Square
Wednesdays, April 22 thru November 4, 8:30-1:15
In the 200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For details visit www.dcfm.org

Full Moon
2026-08-27 | WI

Nature Hike @ the Arboretum
2026-08-30 13:00 - 14:30 | University of Wisconsin Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

Dragonfly Walk @ the Arboretum
2026-09-02 13:00 - 14:30 | University of Wisconsin Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society for guided walks to learn more about dragonflies and damselflies. Participants can practice identifying species and collecting data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) monitoring project. No experience required. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place monthly, June through September, but may be canceled for rainy or cool weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.
University of WI Arboretum
1207 Seminole Hwy.
Madison, WI 53711
608/263-7888 or arboretum.wisc.edu

GLEAM, Art in a New Light @ Olbrich Gardens
2026-09-02 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-03 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-04 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-05 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-09 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-10 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-11 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-12 19:30 - 22:30 and 3 more dates | Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI, 53704, United States
(Opening Viewing is Saturday, August 29, 8:00-11:00pm)
September 2 thru October 24
Wednesdays thru Saturdays in September from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. in October, rain or shine
In the gardens @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Creatures, creatures all around…imagination runs wild when you hear a sound.
From the tall and looming to the small and unassuming, creatures of every shape and size coexist, each playing a role in a global ecosystem. Typically unseen, those that prowl beneath the moonlight, colonies that tunnel deep under foot, or sea dwellers that pulse and glow in the depths of the blue emerge in the twilight. But beyond the familiar lies a realm of imagination—fantastical creatures born of legend and lore: mythical beasts, and monsters – tiny insects that present superhero feats. In this world, plants grow larger than life and communicate in symphony.
As night falls, the Gardens come alive—illuminated in vibrant color patterns, curious movements, and the calls of the wild and the weird—casting light on the rich presence of creatures all around us, whether real or make-believe. Light artists from around the world inspire this world of illuminated enchantment, expanding your imagination beyond what is known.
Ticket sales begin August 4! Advanced timed-tickets are required.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.

Labor Day
2026-09-07 | WI
Open 10:00-4:00
