Archive for the ‘Holidays and Events’ Category

Where to drink on Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 22nd, 2015

Thanksgiving Eve, aka Blackout Wednesday, is one of my favorite nights of the year to go out. It’s a chance to hang out with old friends in town, and you’re kicking off a four-day weekend if you have Friday off.

This year, both Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving could be big nights to go out, at least in Wisconsin. That’s because the Packers play the Bears at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. If you’ve spent enough time with your family and/or need to get out of the house, here is a running list of bars that are open on Thanksgiving where you can watch the game:

West/Middleton

  • Babes
  • Badger Tavern
  • Hody Bar
  • Legends
  • Quaker Steak

Central

  • Blue Moon
  • Buckingham’s
  • Come Back In
  • Echo Tap

East/Sun Prairie

  • Harmony Bar
  • Varsity Bar
  • Wilson’s

South/Burbs

  • 5100
  • Gray’s Tied House
  • Headquarters
  • Monte’s
  • Tully’s II

Vets eat free 2015

Wednesday, November 11th, 2015

Today is Veteran’s Day, and here is a running list of Madison-area restaurants that are offering discounts to veterans. If you know of more, please let me know.

Halloween in Madison 2015

Thursday, October 29th, 2015

So how many Caitlyn Jenner and Donald Trump costumes are we going to see this year? With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, Madison has a lot of events going on this weekend, including:

Friday, Oct. 30

  • DMBA Trick or Treat (free): If the kiddos didn’t get enough trick-or-treating at State Street businesses on Wednesday, they can head to Middleton and do it all over again from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at dozens of locations.
  • Hilldale-o-Ween (free): This is a week-long celebration. On Friday, enjoy a performance by Ken Lonquist, a laser light show and candy from participating businesses.
  • Adult Swim Monster Mashup ($12.75 advance/$15 day-of): The Madison Children’s Museum is adding a Halloween theme to its popular Adult Swim event, including a giant pinata and squash decorating.
  • A Freakin’ Halloweekend ($10): The High Noon Saloon hosts this two-day event in which local bands dress up as their favorite “mega-bands.” Examples include Beat of Burden as the Rolling Stones on Friday and the Scars as the Cars on Saturday. Shows start at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31

  • Halloween Parade (free): Starting at 2:30 p.m. at Library Mall, follow the parade to the Cardinal Bar for a party that supports Primates Incorporated.
  • Halloween Bash (free): This was previously known as the Halloween Block Party Bash. Mike Schneider will be performing at the Essen Haus and The Lower Fifth and Northern Pines Band will both perform at Come Back In.
  • Halloween Bash ($8): Badger Bowl’s party runs from 9:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. and features a performance by Cherry Pie and a costume contest.
  • 80s Halloween Party (free): If you don’t want to head downtown, you can go to Twist Bar & Grill from 6:30-9 p.m. to enjoy specials on appetizers and drinks and take part in a costume contest.
  • Freakfest ($10 advance/$15 at the gates): Madison’s official Halloween party takes place from 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on State Street. This year’s headliners are Modern Mod and Racing Pulses. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. If you want to save a few bucks, head to the bars early, before the gates on State Street are erected.
  • 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball ($5): The almost-monthly 80s vs. 90s party is always popular, but the Halloween version is always really popular. Dress up as a TV/movie character or music icon to participate in the costume contest. Doors open at 9, and I recommend arriving soon after.
    North Italia Urban Air

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