Archive for the ‘Holidays and Events’ Category

Ignite Madison hosts food event

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

This post was submitted by Giovanna Couey and edited by EatDrinkMadison.com.

Photo courtesy of Ignite Madison

Ignite Madison hosted an All Things Food event that took place May 21 at High Noon Saloon. If you’re not familiar with Ignite, it’s a global movement connecting people in cities and exposing new ideas and people.

Ignite features five minute presentations by people who have an idea–and the guts–to get onstage and share it with fellow creative folks. Each presentation is composed of 20 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds.

At All Things Food, the audience heard stories from people from all different walks of life but connected by what we eat and why. Whether it was learning about living off the grid, being a “huntress,” connecting with family or focusing on sustainability, the 10 speakers all had engaging and inspiring stories.

All Things Food even featured a local celebrity chef, as Dan Bonanno from Pig and a Fur Coat was on hand to talk about how he translates his Italian past and Madison present into his delicious cooking.

With more than 200 guest in attendance, All Things Food also raised over $1,500 for the Community Action Coalition of Southern Wisconsin, providing food for families in the Madison area and beyond.

The next Ignite Madison will take place in September.

Madison-area community festivals

Sunday, May 11th, 2014

I love how much we pack into our summers here in Madison. In addition to events like the Dane County Farmers’ Market and Concerts on the Square, I always look forward to the community festivals in the area. I’ve rounded them up in a grid and included some notes for each. And yes, I will be watching Cherry Pie perform at least four times this summer, twice during these festivals.

Events Dates Of note
Syttende Mai (Stoughton) May 16-18 Is a marathon just a bit too long for you? Try the annual 20-mile run from downtown Madison to Stoughton. New this year is a strongman competition called the “Viking Games.”
Fitchburg Days May 16-18 On the same weekend we’re celebrating our Norwegian heritage in Stoughton, we can celebrate our Irish heritage in Fitchburg. That means annual performances by both Pat McCurdy and The Kissers.
Verona Hometown Days June 12-15 Hometown Days always books great bands, and this year in no exception with local favorites Charm School Rejects, Madison County and Cherry Pie. The big parade takes place on Sunday.
Fireman’s Festival (Cottage Grove) June 12-15 This festival has a little bit of everything, from a rodeo to craft beer tasting to the Smokin’ Hot BBQ contest to a rugby tournament. Doesn’t have the music lineup of Hometown Days, though.
Oregon Summer Fest June 26-29 See cars from all decades in the annual car show, and enjoy ribs, ribs and more ribs at the Oregon-Brooklyn Lions Club “Thrilla on the Grilla.”
Monona Community Festival July 3-4 I’ve always enjoyed the hole-in-one challenge, which seems to be won with some frequency. And believe it or not, the festival hosts the annual Wisconsin Wife Carry Championship.
DeForest Area 4th of July Celebration July 3-4 Not one, but two, parades to watch (the second is in Token Creek). Lots of free events, including a Super Tuesday concert and pony rides.
Waunafest July 24-27 Waunakee has such strong community spirit, which is why this event has the largest attendance … and also the largest beer tent. Be warned that parking can be difficult.
Sweet Corn Festival (Sun Prairie) Aug. 14-17 As the name implies, you can’t attend this event without eating some of the 75 tons of sweet corn. Since the event is at Angell Park, there will be midget car racing and a tractor pull.
Middleton Good Neighbor Festival Aug. 22-24 Here we are at the end of the summer festival schedule. Check out the huge craft fair and the kiddie parade. Hopefully event organizers add a lot more porta-potties by the beer tent.

Note: I didn’t include the McFarland Family Festival, since it takes place in the fall.

Madison Craft Beer Week

Saturday, April 19th, 2014

We’re already on the fourth anniversary of Madison Craft Beer Week. I’ve always enjoyed the celebration because it’s so easy to participate–from May 2-11, many bars in the Madison area will be running some kind of free or low-cost event, and all you have to do is show up.

“We’ve seen an increase in not only attendance but enthusiasm each year,” Co-Founder Robyn Klinge said a statement. “Beer lovers have every reason to be excited for a huge gathering this May.”

Last year, Madison Craft Beer Week featured 377 events and 82 participating venues, and I’m sure we could see even more this year. Here are some events that have piqued my interest:

  • May 2, IPA release party: Karben4’s new seasonal IPA will make its debut at this day-long celebration.
  • May 2 & 9, Honeyweiss Fish Fry: Quaker Steak & Lube in Middleton is serving up Leinie’s Honeyweiss beer-batter cod for $9.99.
  • May 2, 2nd Annual Leinie’s Fest: You can meet the Leinenkugel family and enter the meatball eating contest to win free Leinenkugels beer for a year at Buck & Badger.
  • May 3, Official Kick-Off: Sample dozens of special releases and cask ales at the East Side Club. Tickets are $30/advance, $40/door.
  • May 5, Behind the Brew Documentary: This documentary takes a behind-the-scenes look at Wisconsin’s Craft Beer industry. Free; shown at The Sett at Union South.
  • May 6, Chef’s Beer Dinner: Craftsman Table & Tap is offering a three-course meal with three craft favorites for $30.
  • May 8, Vintage Video Night: Dress up in any pre-90s outfit to win prizes, watch vintage music videos and enjoy beer from Vintage Brewing Company, all at the Come Back In.
  • May 10, Golf Scramble: Breakfast, beer samples, a hop farm tour, prizes and a shotgun start at The Oaks. Cost is $69/person.
  • May 11, Kill the Keg: I like the description of this event, held at The Coopers Tavern: “Treat your nine-day hangover the only way you know how, with more craft beer!” Most of the beers will be discounted.
    Madison Symphony Orchestra Urban Air

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