Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets – or partying in the park, rowing on the lakes, or however you prefer to embrace a Madison summer. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, the team broke down what we’re most looking forward to seeing, doing, and eating this June.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Here’s some more cool stuff to do in Madison this month.
🎥 Summer Movie Season
After you’ve seen “Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and the other big summer blockbusters, enjoy some flicks closer to home with Madison’s free summer movie season. On the UW Memorial Union Terrace, the WUD Film Committee will be showing free movies outdoors Monday nights in the summer, starting with a Pride Month series that includes “But I’m A Cheerleader,” “”Booksmart,” and “The Birdcage.”
If you’re looking to escape the heat, the UW Cinematheque’s free summer movie series offers classics in Vilas Hall. This season includes a tribute to the late David Lynch, who spent a lot of time in Madison, including “The Elephant Man,” “Mulholland Drive,” and a selection of Lynch’s short films.
🎉 A Feast of Fests
June means that the communities in and around Madison get together for their annual summer neighborhood festivals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what communities around Madison have got going on, including Verona Hometown Days, which runs June 6-8, and New Glarus’ Beer, Bacon and Cheese Fest on June 15. Mmm, beer. Mmm, bacon. Mmm, cheese.
In Madison, June means the Marquette Waterfront Festival kicks off east side festival season on June 14 and 15. Two days of free music, food, and drink from local neighbors, the kid-friendly Dandelion Dash on June 14, and the aptly named River Alliance Fool’s Flotilla on Sunday.
Jazzbos will flock to the Madison Jazz Festival, a mix of free and ticketed events from June 6-15 on the Memorial Union Terrace, Arts + Lit Laboratory, and beyond. And everybody can take part in Make Music Madison, the annual citywide jam session (Part of a worldwide jam sesh) on June 21.
🚣 The Great Outdoors
Ever wanted to get out on Madison’s lakes, but aren’t sure how to get started? The Mendota Rowing Club is hosting a free “learn to row” workshop on June 7 at James Madison Park. It will include an on-land lesson and an excursion on the water in an eight-person shell with experienced rowers.
If two wheels is more your style, Madison Bike Week is June 1-8. The bike paths will be packed with dozens of events, including group rides, workshops, food giveaways, and more.
