Spring is here and so is your official guide to the month of May in Madison! May is an interesting time for residents of the isthmus because it marks the start of festival season and a massive part of the city’s population simply disappears. We’re talking about students, of course.
Congrats, Grads!
The commencement ceremonies for both UW-Madison and Edgewood College are coming up on May 11. On top of that, Madison College’s Spring Graduation will be May 10.
UW’s ceremony will draw thousands of students and their families to Camp Randall where three-time Olympic hockey medalist and Badger sports legend Meghan Duggan will deliver the keynote speech.
Overall, expect lots of traffic that weekend. And definitely don’t count on getting dinner or brunch reservations at the last second. (Though many area restaurants will still accept walk-ins.)
May is the perfect time to plant your dream garden. (Getty Images)
Got a Green Thumb?
Aside from the great student exodus, May kicks off gardening season and with that plenty of plant sales.
Check out the Arboretum Native Plant Sale on May 18. In the large tents on the lawn near the visitor center you’ll find more than 200 species of native grasses, woodland, prairie, and savanna plants to purchase. Additionally, the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society is hosting a sale featuring 100 varieties of native plugs from Agrecol Native Plant Nursery and Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries. The sale will take place at the West Agricultural Research Station (8502 Mineral Point Road) just two blocks west of Menards.
If gardening isn’t your jam but you still want to take the time to smell the flowers, check out the Arboretum garden tours. On May 4, the tour will highlight the garden’s lilacs.
Market Time
After all that gardening you’ll probably need a snack. Good thing May means farmers markets! The Northside Market kicks off May 5, the Tuesday East Side Market opened April 30, the Sunday Southside Market started April 28, and the Tuesday Southside Market will open May 21.
The Hilldale Farmers Market will start its season May 4.
Outside of Madison you can also check out the Monona Farmers Market held every Sunday May through October (rain or shine) at Ahuska Park.
Speaking of markets, May 9 will be the first Madison Night Market of the year. The market is bigger than ever this year now with vendors on the Capitol Square as well as State Street.
Additionally, the Madison Makers Market and Pub Crawl on May 18 will feature dozens of vendors, artists, and makers. Because who doesn’t love shopping with a beverage in hand?
Let’s Get Festive
Some of the festivals happening this month include Madison Irish Fest, LunART Festival, Brat Fest and its veggie competitor, Vegan Sausage Fest.
Want more from your May? Check out the City Cast Madison podcast.
