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City Cast Madison

Rob Thomas

Movie lovers who went to the Barrymore Theatre to see films at the Wisconsin Film Festival earlier this month discovered what a lot of longtime Barrymore fans already knew. In addition to being a great place to see live music or comedy, the historic theater on Atwood Avenue is also a great place to see a movie.

In addition to serving popcorn with real butter in the lobby, the Barrymore has become home to touring short film festivals that showcase snowboarding, trail running, hiking and even some, uh, indoor physical activities. Here’s some of the short film showcases that come back to the Barrymore year after year:

What started in 1976 as a one-day local event in the Albertan mountain town has become a nine-day festival and world tour showcasing “peak performance” across the globe. This year’s festival plays two nights at the Barrymore on April 24 and 25, featuring stories of cave climbers, slopestyle mountain bikers, and ultramarathoners.

 sponsors this short film fest on April 30, with most of the documentaries being centered on Black or Indigenous communities. The anthology includes a “deep dive” into the impact of AI and data centers on waterways, a profile of youth climate change activists protesting uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, and a National Geographic photojournalist training children of color to become the next generation of wildlife photographers.

, this festival usually rolls through the Barrymore Theatre in the fall. Last year’s films followed youth cyclists in La Crosse’s three-day Omnium ride, and a migrant worker in rural China recycling styrofoam boxes by bike.

The annual tour, now in its 20th year, screened at the Barrymore last month, showcasing anglers from Colorado rivers to the deep blue sea.

This popular festival also ran through the Barrymore in March, but you can watch some of the films online through October. The films follow routes that include a quirky marathon in Seattle, an Ecuadorean para-athlete making sure trails are welcoming to all runners, and a “race” between a mountain runner and a BASE jumper.

It’s no surprise that a long-running film festival devoted to winter sports would have such a following in a cold-weather climate like Wisconsin. Look for the follow-up to last year’s “SNO-CIETY” at the Barrymore this fall.

It’s a bit of a homecoming when the indie erotic film festival curated by sex advice columnist and 

In addition to being a favorite spot for live music and comedy, the Barrymore Theatre on Madison's east side hosts one-night-only film festivals all year. Here are some of the favorites, from the Hump! Film Festival to the Wild & Scenic Film Fest.

Short Films to See at Madison's Barrymore Theatre

Your Guide to the Barrymore Theatre’s Fit Film Fests 

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

Jade Iseri-Ramos

What Madison bars hold this city together? That’s the question City Cast Madison asked you and you all had opinions. On 

, host Bianca Martin chats with long-time bartender and bar-goer Colleen Hayes about the iconic bars in your neighborhoods. Lots of your emails made it into the show, so be sure to listen!

Here are some of your favorite neighborhood bars. Thanks to everyone who shared their faves!

“The greatest mix of customers you can find – drunks, day drinkers, locals from the neighborhood, folks looking for a great burger. A true dive bar; it has its regulars and they may look at you funny.

 reigns. Rumor back in the day was that this was the safest dive bar in town because it was owned by an ex-cop and cops coming off their shifts would drink here.” 

“Best bar burger in town; regulars abound but visitors are welcomed; neighborhood-y without being clique-y; friendly bartenders but don't waste their time (the best kind); bumper stickers galore on the beer fridge (mostly pro-labor / anti-Walker).

“This place knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything different or more. Last time I was there with my wife, she looked around and said: ‘There are our people.’ Yep.”. 

(Editor’s note: Phil sent in a list of 13 bars, but for sake of space, I’m just plugging two of his favorites. If you see Phil at your local bar, ask him for his other 11 bar recs!)

“It's closest to my house, but also has such a vibe and so many cool rooms. The first time I walked in was shortly after we moved to Madison, and shortly after COVID. With red lights and weird music, my wife and I were like, ‘Whoa, this feels like Twin Peaks.’ While sitting at the bar, eventually we heard one of the bartenders say that they were literally playing the Twin Peaks soundtrack! 

“Anyway, many great nights there. Beers on the patio, negronis and pool, trudging through snowstorms, etc. AND my bluegrass band, 

, has written a tune about it! Called ‘My Old Bar.’ It's an ode to all great neighborhood bars.” 

“Delta Beer Lab, from its opening, has been a gathering place and is adjacent to many neighborhoods. Everyone is welcome! For me, it is placed close to my sister who lives off Rimrock, brother near Nob Hill Road, my daughter in Fitchburg, and my daughter in Monona. I'm on the east side, but this is on the way to everywhere. When I stop in, it's always friendly, and the beer is amazing. My name isn't necessarily known, but my face is.” – 

“Everyone knows my name there! Comfortable, Bob's a great host, as are his staff tending bar. Good food, good drinks, reasonable prices, lots of fun people! Oh yeah, and it's a gay bar. :)”

“It's hard to find a real Wisconsin bar so close to downtown, and the Laurel has everything I expect from an authentic Wisconsin tavern. Really good beer, decent food, and just an overall great environment.” – 

“It's a lovely throwback to simpler, more rustic (bar) times. My favorite things about it:

They have a "cheese plate" that is literally a few different brick cheeses cut into thick slices arranged on a regular ass plate.

“The burgers taste like the griddle has never been cleaned (not really, but you get my point). The tables all have inset trinkets below the glass table tops, infusing some fun into the visit. You can smell how delicious it is from the whole neighborhood. 😋”

“I live within walking distance and I love going there for Wednesday night trivia, labor organizing happy hour, or weekend dance parties. Cardinal is now the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Wisconsin, and they've kept some great midcentury character intact.

“In February, I had a great time at T4T, a monthly queer and trans dance party. It was denim night and everyone wore 

 from vintage jackets to custom made costumes. So many people came through that I was not expecting and I made some new friends.” – 

“It has a casual Wisconsin vibe, with a tasteful lake and fishing theme, and TV screens displaying sports and nature shows. The patios are our family’s favorite feature; they are cozy, beautiful, again — understated, and (no pun intended) ‘down to earth’.

“People come at first for the great beer selection, then discover their great cocktails and mocktails, and return again because their service is just great. Burgers, patty melts, and fish fries are some of their classics, yet the menu has something for everyone, including for vegetarians and “selective” or picky eaters. When our family comes to visit from the Green Bay area they often ask to go there :)” 

There's not a better neighborhood bar. The owner has quite a history and it’s been at several locations in the neighborhood here. It's now situated on Parmenter Circle. Everybody knows that bar on Parmenter Circle.” –

Looking for more suggestions? Bianca did a 

 and the comment section is full of great suggestions.

Madison has its share of high-end cocktail bars, but there's nothing like a neighborhood bar where it feels like everybody knows your name. We asked City Cast Madison readers for their favorites, including The Laurel Tavern, Delta Beer Lab and The Village Bar.

The Neighborhood Bars in Madison That Feel Like Home

Madison’s Favorite Neighborhood Bars

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Madison. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Madison Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Madison has changed a lot since the first issue of Isthmus hit the streets on April 9, 1976. From the city’s exploding growth to turmoil in the streets to game-changing new developments, Madison’s beloved alt-weekly has covered it all.

To celebrate its 50-year milestone, the newspaper is throwing a 

“Isthmus 50 Fest” show this Saturday at Atwood Music Hall

 featuring Madison favorites like Ben Sidran, Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, and more.

, host Bianca Martin talks to Isthmus publisher Jason Joyce and editor/president Judith Davidoff about a half-century of Isthmus in Madison and how the newspaper is celebrating.

For their April anniversary issue, Isthmus editors dug deep into the newspaper archives to find “

,” headlines that captured key moments in Madison’s history. Here are a few of our favorites that they found.

Isthmus’ countercultural bent was evident in this snarky dispatch about the day that State Street was transformed into a pedestrian mall. The debate over 

what to do about State Street still rages today.

On the far side of the Capitol Square, another transformation was taking place. The notorious Main King Tap, a hallmark of King Street’s 

reputation as “Madison’s Red Light District,”

 closes, paving the way for the classier First Settlement District to come decades later.

The long-standing issue of two Madisons – one for white people and one for Black people – was highlighted in this poll, which found that more than half of Black Madisonians strongly disagreed with the idea that they have the same opportunities as their white neighbors. Less than one-fifth of white neighbors strongly disagreed with that statement.

L’Etoile is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year

 and is a nationally-known pioneer in the farm-to-table movement. This profile of founder Odessa Piper captures the moment that she was emerging as a culinary force to be reckoned with.

After decades of public contention, Monona Terrace Convention Center opens on the shore of Lake Monona. This cover story says designer Frank Lloyd Wright would have “loved and hated” the result.

Epic Systems’ decision to move out of Madison and build a sprawling new campus in Verona has “profound and troubling implications” for the region, Marc Eisen writes in this story, including its environmental and economic impact.

Isthmus went big when Overture Center opened its doors downtown, and publisher Vince O’Hern presciently declares “the state of the arts in the city will never be the same.”

‘The Sky’s The Limit,’ Feb. 20, 2009

Construction cranes are a familiar site now on the isthmus, but this story looks at how the downtown skyline is 

beginning to change with ever-taller developments

Wisconsin’s Capitol Protests: A 13-Day Timeline

When public employees took to the streets to protest Gov. Scott Walker’s attempt to repeal Act 10, Isthmus reporters chronicled the twists and turns of the labor fight that drew national attention to Madison.

When an unarmed 19-year-old Tony Robinson was killed in the stairwell of a Williamson Street apartment by a Madison police officer, peaceful but passionate protests erupted about 

police violence and the city’s racial disparities.

Madison alt-weekly Isthmus is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The editors dug through the archives to look to see how the newspaper covered some momentous moments in local history, from the transformation of State Street to the construction of Epic Systems' Verona campus.

How Isthmus Covered 50 Years of Madison History

The History of Madison in 10 Isthmus Headlines

People, places, and scenes from Madison's past.

Madison History

One single act by itself won’t save the world. One single person on their own won’t save the world. But the message of Earth Day on April 22 is that a lot of people all doing little things to preserve and beautify the planet can achieve big results.

Earth Day has its roots in Wisconsin – U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson founded it in 1970 as a national day to promote environmentalism, and it went global in 1990. 

, host Bianca Martin talks to Curt Meine, a senior fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation, about Wisconsin's conservationist tradition.

There are all kinds of family-friendly, thoughtful, and fun ways to celebrate Earth Day and support environmental causes in Madison this week.

Given Earth Day’s Wisconsin roots, UW-Madison goes big for Earth Day with this weeklong series of events. This year’s festivities includes a 

 crafting activity on April 19, a two-day 

symposium by the Center for Ecology and the Environment

 on April 21, featuring a keynote address by Isaias Hernandez, an environmentalist and educator best known online by the moniker 

For the first time, Overture Center is sponsoring a massive clothing swap on April 18. Bring your gently used clothing to the Rotunda lobby to donate this week, then come back Saturday to find new fashions to enjoy.

At the April 18 event, DaneNET will also be accepting donations of electronics that they can refurbish and donate to nonprofits and low-income households.

Get rid of your computers, peripherals and other tech safely at this event sponsored by Hilldale and Goodwill on April 18.

Sign up to volunteer to help clean up Dunn’s Marsh, Swan Creek, and other open spaces in Fitchburg on April 18.

Arts and science meet in this special concert on April 20, where meteorologists and musicians join forces to use climate data to create musical pieces.

Madison Parks is looking for 900 volunteers to clean up over 60 of its parks on April 25. 

Register online and see where volunteers are needed most

, then head out with your neighbors to help keep Madison beautiful.

Earth Day is personal for Wisconsin, because it was U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson who made it a national day to celebrate and promote environmentalism. So there's a lot going on in Madison, including the weeklong Earth Fest at UW-Madison, a clothing swap at Overture Center, and multiple volunteer opportunities.

Your Guide to Earth Day in Madison

How to Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Madison

Madison might not be a city known for its bagels the way 

. But when it comes to the round breakfast delights, we’ve got plenty of delicious options, whether you want a full morning sammie or just a bagel and schmear.

Here are some of the best places in Madison to get a bagel:

If you’re planning to bring bagels into the office, Bagels Forever is the place you have to go to. Since 1973, the retail bakery on University Avenue has been making New York-style bagels in Madison. You can also ship a box of bagels to your favorite out-of-towner.

Mermaid doesn’t have a physical store, so I feel a little like a secret agent when I preorder my bagels days in advance and then pick them up, made-to-order, at Mermaid’s commercial kitchen on South Baldwin Street. They also sell challah bread and chocolate babka.

As the name suggests, this is the Madison spot that former New Yorkers say comes the closest to their hometown bagels. I’m a big fan of their bagel sandwiches, whether it’s the simple egg and cheddar or the chicken breast sandwich known as the Massapequa.

This bakery on East Main Street makes its bagels using small-batch sourdough breads milled with local, organic ingredients. Don’t expect any wild flavors — they keep it simple with plain, sesame, and everything bagel options, keeping the focus on the quality of the bagels.

Those on a plant-based diet or otherwise looking for grain-free bagels know to go to Paleo Mama Bakery, which offers their “Pagels” to take home. Check out the new bakery and retail space that just opened up on Park Street.

Folks line up for these hand-rolled bagels at the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market, and the owner is planning to open 

his own brick-and-mortar location on Speedway Road this fall

Madison has plenty of great bagel options, from Mermaid Kitchen to Gotham Bagels to Bagels Forever. 

The Best Bagels You Can Find in Madison

Where To Find the Best Bagels in Madison

Derek Kolstad is getting back to Normal. Normal, Illinois, that is. The Madison-born screenwriter behind the first three “John Wick” movies (named after his Wisconsin grandfather) was calling from the road on the way to Normal, where he was screening his new action movie, also called “Normal.”

In “Normal,” a small-town sheriff (Bob Odenkirk) who’s new to a sleepy Minnesota town of Normal discovers that the entire population, from the glad-handing mayor (Henry Winkler) to the local barkeep (Lena Headey), are all in on a terrible secret. And they’ll go to murderous lengths to stop their new sheriff from uncovering it.

Kolstad is coming back to Madison to screen “Normal” and talk 

about it April 11 at the Barrymore Theatre

 as part of the Wisconsin Film Festival. Tickets are rush-only at the door for that screening, but “Normal” will officially open in theaters on April 17.

Do you think the people of Normal, and of Wisconsin, will embrace your film as a representation of the Midwest?

I grew up in Madison, and most of my family still live throughout the state, as well as Michigan and northern Minnesota. These are the kinds of towns I grew up in. I don't mock anything. I embrace it, and everything is kind of a love letter to them. I think they'll pick up on what I'm cooking here.

Was Wisconsin a place of excitement and danger for you growing up here?

I always lived in my head, man. I grew up on the west side, and every weekend I was at the Marcus Theatres, and then there was a 99-cent theater in Middleton. I loved Madison, and the idea of moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in movies, which was a dream that I had had since I was 11, it felt easier going to Mars.

But as far as (the idea for) “Normal,” a lot of my family is still out in Mazomanie. And I would drive through the downtown section and there’s always that one store that’s open where you’re like “How the hell is that store open? Is there really enough business here for a yarn store?”

So “Nobody 2” was inspired by the Wisconsin Dells, and “Normal” was inspired by Mazomanie. If you were adding a third movie to the Wisconsin action trilogy, where would it be set?

There’d have to be a quintet. You have to have one up in Green Bay, because not only am I a Packers fan, I’m a shareholder. My parents lived in Junction, just outside of Wausau. And then I have a lot of family up in Superior. Those are the core-memory locations that I got.

Do you have any other favorite Madison memories?

A lot of memories I have of downtown Madison are going to the Orpheum. My favorite experience was one time going to the Orpheum, and not knowing what movie we were going to watch. And it was “The Hunt For Red October,” which was awesome.

I love Madison. I go back there a couple of times a year. The thing about “Normal” is that it’s a thank you to the people and the places where I grew up.

Derek Kolstad may be best known for writing the first three "John Wick" movies. His latest action film, "Normal" starring Bob Odenkirk and Henry Winkler, is a love letter to Wisconsin.

Madison-Born Derek Kolstad Goes From 'John Wick' To 'Normal'

After ‘John Wick,’ Madison-Born Writer Wants Something ‘Normal’

Easter is Sunday, and you might think that with the holiday being just three days away, your chances of taking the fam out for brunch are close to nil.

But a quick survey of local restaurants offering Easter Brunch this year found that all of the below spots had at least a couple of reservation times open. Here’s where you can get your brunch on. Most offer discounts for kids.

The historic hotel on Lake Mendota offers a $72-per-person brunch in the Grand Ballroom, including a midwest spin on eggs benedict and challa breakfast strata. They still have reservations available in the 9 o’clock hour and at 1 p.m.

The home page for this downtown hotel says its Easter Brunch is sold out, but I did find a 

. Its $59 buffet is popular for a reason, with carving stations, breakfast faves like vanilla bean French toast, and fresh-baked pastries for dessert.

There are plenty of spots left for brunch 

at the downtown Art Deco surf ‘n’ turf spot

, which will feature a prime rib and ham carving station, an omelet station, and a “French toast station.” So many stations!

The brewpub is serving an all-you-can-eat buffet for $35 at its Fitchburg location and is adding special pot roast glazed ham dinners to the regular brunch menus at its downtown and eastside locations.

This restaurant inside the Best Western Premier Park Hotel on the Capitol Square 

 with beef tenderloin and ham, four cheese hash brown cake, and a “flambe strawberry shortcake” station.

Most Easter buffets have a kids’ discount, but how many have their own dedicated kids’ buffet? Madison Club has one with chocolate chip pancakes and chicken tenders, while the grownups enjoy sausage and bacon, chicken tinga loaded hash browns, and a Belgian waffle station.

Brunch is sold out at Little Cloud, the restaurant at the microdairy and boutique hotel in Paoli. But come later after your afternoon nap for an Easter egg hunt on the grounds, followed by Easter dinner in the evening.

What brings a family closer together than gathering around a pot of fondue? The Melting Pot is offering a family-friendly Easter event where kids can help prepare the fondue, decorate their own chef’s hat, and even meet the Easter Bunny.

And to those celebrating Passover this week, chag Pesach sameach!

Don't have plans for the family on Easter morning? Don't worry. Most spots in Madison have openings still for their brunch events, including the Great Dane, Madison Concourse Hotel and The Post.

The Best Spots For Easter Brunch in Madison

Where to Go For Easter Brunch in Madison

It’s spring in Wisconsin, which means the weather is a rollercoaster and your coat closet is full of both heavy winter parkas and light spring jackets, just in case. You decide what to wear, and I’ll tell you about some of the great things in Madison this month to go out and experience! Deal?

🍅 The Farmers’ Market Goes Back Outside

Along with the nicer weather comes the return of the 

 to the Capitol Square on April 11. The market will be there every Saturday through November 14, except for July 11, where it will move to Breese Stevens Field to make room for 

On April 18, Madison record stores will be packed for Record Store Day, with exclusive limited-edition vinyl releases and used records for sale. A week later, on April 25, a dozen Madison indie bookstores are getting together to celebrate 

, with in-store parties and readings and special giveaways, 

including a free print by Madison artist Megan Stout featuring all 12 bookstores

It just isn’t spring in Madison until the 

, which for 44 years has brought thousands of Madisonians together to celebrate UW-Madison. This year’s race is on April 25, and includes an 8K run, an 8K wheelchair race, and a 2-mile walk through downtown and the campus.

Forward Theater closes out its 2025-26 season with a biggie, 

 running in the Overture Center Playhouse April 9-26. Lauren Gunderson’s comedy is an update on “Much Ado About Nothing” set in the world of romantasy audiobook narrators.

 is coming to the Orpheum Theater on April 16, as hosts Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark take an amusing deep dive into a surprise topic. They’ve recorded 2,000 episodes, but there’s always something new to learn!

 returns to the Alliant Energy Center from April 17-19. It’s the largest three-day horse fair in America, with 300 clinics, seminars and educational events, over 500 vendors, and of course hundreds of horses.

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison

We're trying something new at Madison Minutes! See if you can solve this crossword puzzle about people, places and things (especially lakes) you ought to know in Madison! 

Try The Madison Minutes Crossword Puzzle! 

Play the Madison Minutes Crossword!

What Madisonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Madison are the way they are and how they work.

Madison, Explained

It’s been over a month since the United States and Israel launched a war with Iran, and drivers are feeling it at the gas pump. According to AAA, the 

average price of a regular gallon of gas in Dane County is $3.87 a gallon

. That’s 60 cents higher than it was a year ago and almost a dollar higher than a month ago.

 on how you can beat sticker shock at the pump and we asked our readers to share some suggestions of their own for beating high gas prices. Here’s what we heard back and thanks to everyone who contributed!

“Kwik Trip has a rewards program and you can choose 5 cents off a gallon as your reward for every 15 visits. You can stack them. And if you have the app on your phone, you can earn at least one extra visit per day for watching a dumb commercial video (which I watch on the bus, of course).” – 

, a public program here in Dane County that helps people swap solo car trips for other options. The program actually dates back to the 1970s, when it started during the oil crisis to encourage ridesharing — so it’s especially relevant right now. Thought it might be helpful to flag us as a local resource your audience could check out.” 

“Not really a fuel-saving tip per se, but if you have the means to sell your gas car and replace it with a used EV, your fuel cost will go way down immediately! Electricity rates are much cheaper (even per-mile) than gas and also much more stable.

EVs also require less maintenance, can be ‘fueled’ nightly at home avoiding gas station stops, are quieter, more fun to drive, and reduce carbon emissions. Plus, by going with a used EV, you don't have to deal with the steep depreciation of a new car. Modern EV batteries are exceeding longevity expectations, too, so you don't have to worry about it being like an old cell phone whose battery is worn out after a few years.” –

Reader Tips On How To Beat High Gas Prices

 as a result of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, and they seem to go higher every day. The average price of regular gas in Dane County is $3.67 per gallon. That’s about in line with the state’s overall average, and up nearly 60 cents from a year ago, 

The average price of a gallon of regular gas is 60 cents higher in Dane County than it was a year ago.

Madison, Explained

Play the Madison Minutes Crossword!

Rob Thomas

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Madison, Explained

Reader Tips On How To Beat High Gas Prices

How To Beat High Gas Prices in Madison

Your Guide to the April Election in Dane County

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Where To Find the Best Bagels in Madison

After ‘John Wick,’ Madison-Born Writer Wants Something ‘Normal’

Where to Go For Easter Brunch in Madison

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison