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City Cast Madison

Rob Thomas

Jade Iseri-Ramos

The local LGBTQ+ nonprofit OutReach will hold its annual 

 at Warner Park. You can expect drag performances, rainbow swag, and tons of vendors. Plus, we’ll have a tent so come say hi and grab a sticker!

. There will be more than 25 shows across nine venues featuring local and touring comedians, and all ticket prices are $15 (plus fees) or less. It’s a great way to see all the comedy gold the city has to offer.

🍻 Pregame the Great Taste of the Midwest

I’ve never been motivated enough to snag tickets to the Great Taste of the Midwest, but it’s a big deal. Tickets for the 

event are long sold out, but don’t fret because several local spots are hosting 

. There are seriously so many parties that I’m not going to even try to list them!

Olbrich Botanical Garden will undergo a sonic transformation for 

. The installation is curated by composer JG Everest and organized by the community curation project LAB^4 at Arts + Literature Laboratory. Small speakers will be placed throughout the garden, each playing a different portion of the same song while musicians from the Free Range Orchestra roam through the garden and play along. This is a free event, though there are 

a few workshops that require registration.

When he’s not dispatching bad guys as John Wick or traveling through time as one-half of Bill & Ted, Keanu Reeves plays bass with his band Dogstar. 

Dogstar is coming to Madison to play The Sylvee

Summers in Madison are full of neighborhood festivals and the fun continues into August. This weekend is the bluegrass-centered 

 at Lake Farm County Park. The weekend of 

“Trevor: The Musical” is an LGBTQ+-themed musical about Trevor Nelson, navigating life at a suburban high school in 1981 while dreaming of a life in showbiz. 

Music Theatre of Madison is putting on the Wisconsin premiere of the play

 in the Overture Center Playhouse, MTM’s first-ever Overture show in its 20 years.

For even more events, you can always keep up with what’s going on in Madison with 

If you’re a Neighbor, you get a special events newsletter every week!

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan your perfect month today!

August 2026 in Madison: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

Each month, we run down the best new restaurants in the Madison area that have either opened or announced plans to open in the near future. If you know of any that we missed, drop us a line at 

Based on the long lines outside on opening day, Verona is starving for mac ‘n’ cheese pizza and the other unusual slices 

at this Madison favorite’s latest outpost

This Minneapolis favorite just opened its first Madison location on Frances Street, and should do well with the campus crowd with its mix of pizza, cheesesteaks, and “Frankie Tender Combos.”

One of Madison’s favorite breakfast spots, Marigold Kitchen, 

has added sit-down service to its catering kitchen space

 at 1511 Williamson St. Grab a stool at the counter and enjoy a breakfast sandwich or berry French toast sticks.

New York bagels will meet brewed Indian chai in this restaurant planned for the corner of Gorham and Henry streets. 

The owner told the Wisconsin State Journal

 that Dasta should open sometime this fall.

I’m not sure if there’s any connection to the terrific Haveli restaurant that closed recently in Fitchburg, but this new restaurant also offers classic Indian cuisine such as chicken biryani and salmon tikka.

The former Good Company restaurant at the Pioneer Pointe Golf Club is now Thirteen, offering smash burgers, pizzas, sheet pan nachos and more. And you don’t need to know your 9-iron from your 3-wood to eat there!

The former Jing Jing Cha tea and coffee shop on West Gilman Street is now this small sushi restaurant, which opens at 5 p.m. and stays open until the wee hours.

The owners of this Oshkosh Vietnamese restaurant say they’ve 

signed a lease to open another location on Farwell Street in McFarland

After you’re done grocery shopping at the Brennan’s Market on Watts Road, hang out in this new space that includes a patio, full-service bar, and fire pits. They serve sandwiches, salads, and cheese boards along with glasses of wine and classic cocktails.

This Raising Cane’s-style chicken restaurant chain is opening its third Wisconsin (and first Madison) location on Mineral Point Road, fittingly in a former KFC location.

The Arkansas-based drive-thru-only coffee shop chain 

opened its first Madison location on Lien Road

 near East Towne Mall, purporting to offer 22,000 drink combinations.

This new ice cream shop opened on Sun Prairie’s Main Street

, bringing “elevated nostalgia to the cone” with traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate and more unusual ones, like Calico Coffee made with cold brew from 

. They also serve several dirty sodas (which they call “magic sodas”).

This pop-up bakery sells sweet Mediterranean-inspired treats

 at farmers’ markets and special events around town, such as the Madison Night Market. The menu includes fruit mousse cake and homemade Dubai chocolate.

Enjoy the flavors of South Asia, including ready-to-eat meals, fresh vegetables, beverages, desserts, and more at this new spot at 6704 Watts Rd. They’re having their grand opening on June 29 with complimentary sweet tea, butter tea, and snacks.



The long-awaited taproom and brewery in DeForest

 has an official opening date – tomorrow! They’re celebrating the launch of the 6,500-square foot space on May 29, which includes a full kitchen, with some typically normal Young Blood beers – a bourbon-barrel aged espresso stout and a pineapple upside-down cake inspired pastry sour.

This coffee shop has opened inside the Hotel Indigo on East Wash, with a summer menu that includes Dubai chocolate iced lattes and bakery goodies.

, this new spot adds meat options to the vegan space. Chef James Bloodsaw prides itself on its gluten-free fried chicken wings and cheese curds, along with salads, jerk chicken, mac & cheese, and more.

Not only do we have a firm opening date for the 

 (July 23 – squee!) but two new food vendors have been announced. Little Tibet, a longtime favorite for its Himalayan and Tibetan food, will be opening a “kitchenette” in the market. Fortune Favors, the Madison candied pecan business, will also have a presence at the market.

The food hall on West Wilson Street has opened two new vendors, a coffee shop called Social Grounds and a sushi spot called Mizu. And you can enjoy both while overlooking Lake Monona on the food hall’s new outdoor space, The Promenade.

This regional coffee chain is coming in hot to the Madison area, 

announcing on Instagram that it will open two spots

 on State Street and Middleton sometime in 2026. The menu combines hot and cold coffee drinks with cakes, macaron and other sweet treats.

Mint Mark has opened its own outdoor cocktail bar on the sixth floor of the building it occupies on East Washington Avenue, where you can have a drink and enjoy the view or wait for your table downstairs.

 tucked away in the former home of Black Rose Blending has rolled out gradually, with coffee and a limited menu that includes raclette and tins of fish. But on April 29 they kicked it up a notch with a full food menu and beer, wine and spirits.

The coffee shop that serves Garver Feed Mill just opened its first standalone location 

in the former home of Calnin Design Studio

. While Ledger focuses on the quality of its coffee, it’s hoping to sell pastries from local faves like Level 5 Donuts.

The local chain whose mission is to “bring the bright, fresh flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to the heart of Wisconsin” opened its third location on Monona Drive. Like its other locations in Middleton and Madison, expect vibrant-colored build-your-own bowls.

This new business is bringing brigadeiros, coxinhas, risoles and other Brazilian pastries to the Sun Prairie Farmers Market and the Northside Farmers Market.

Just in time for summer, this new ice cream parlor is opening on Main Street in downtown Sun Prairie, serving housemade ice cream in both traditional and adventurous flavors along with other desserts and craft sodas.

The former Benvenuto’s Italian Grill location on McKee Road is now a golf simulator lounge that includes a full bar and pizza from Salvatore’s Tomato Pies.

The owners of this Monticello barbecue spot have opened a fast-casual version of its restaurant at 567 State St., including brisket sandwiches and mac ‘n’ cheese with pulled pork.

This new spot on High Point Road near Alicia Ashman Public Library sells Philly cheesesteak sandwiches as well as other sandwiches and loaded fries. Look for their food truck at various festivals and other events this summer.

An upscale Mexican restaurant is coming to the space at 313 W. Johnson St. that Estrellon used to occupy. In the liquor license application submitted to the city, the anticipated opening date is Aug. 1.

A favorite at the Sun Prairie Farmer’s Market, this bakery has opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Main Street.

This month’s list of the area’s best new restaurants includes a new outpost for a wildly popular local pizza chain, a new sushi spot near campus, and a new Indian restaurant in Verona.

Madison’s Best New Spots to Eat and Drink

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

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

City Cast Madison staff

When this election season started, the City Cast Madison team set a goal of interviewing each of the candidates in both parties running for governor in the Aug. 11 primaries. And while we’re still trying to get all of them (looking at you, Barnes and Tiffany campaigns) we’ve done pretty well so far!

Listen to host Bianca Martin’s interviews with five of the seven remaining candidates about why they’re running, where they stand on the issues, and what they love most about Wisconsin.

 so you have all the information you need before you exercise your right to vote. Don't forget, you can also find your ballot, polling, and more election information at the 

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues. 

Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

On the City Cast Madison podcast, we break down some of the biggest Madison news of the week. Find new episodes every Friday.

City Cast Madison: Madison's News Podcast

Madison News

The intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson streets in Madison has been transformed in the week since Corey Ruiz was shot and killed there by a Madison police officer. Protesters have closed down multiple blocks and turned the space into a memorial site with barricades, flowers, signs, and mutual aid stations.

While many surrounding businesses and neighbors support the goals of the protesters, others are complaining the encampment is a safety hazard and an impediment to traffic. And how long the memorial will remain is unclear. As far as the investigation into the shooting goes, MPD Chief John Patterson 

🚧 Traffic Rerouted Until Further Notice: 

City officials said the intersection would be closed until further notice

 and detour signs are rerouting traffic onto East Washington Avenue. Bus routes have also been 

: District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer, who represents the area, said 

he’s been meeting with both protest organizers and locals

 to provide municipal services and driveway access to residents. He said trash bins originally taken by protesters to build the barricades have been returned to residents and 

there will be a special trash collection on Thursday in the area

🛑 Businesses Back Protesters, Even With Fewer Customers

: Some stores in the area have closed, while others are staying open. 

Lazy Jane’s Cafe manager Alex Gaspar said he wants his restaurant

 to be a haven for protesters, especially during the heat wave. Meanwhile, Kool Things Vintage Clothing owner Joel O’Donnell said he is keeping his store closed so as not to be a distraction.

the African restaurant has definitely seen a slowdown in traffic

. Spokesman Brendon Smith at the Willy Street Co-op said 

business at the store has “been a little quieter,”

 but the store remains open and continues to back peaceful community expression. [WKOW, WMTV, Cap Times]

✊ George Floyd Fist Donated From Minneapolis

: A symbol from the 2020 Black Lives Matters protest in Minneapolis now appears at the center of the intersection. 

The statue of a raised fist that sat in Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square was donated by organizers

 who wanted to show solidarity between the two cities. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

🗳️ Encampment Becomes an Issue in Gov Race

: On Monday, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the overwhelming favorite to become the Republican nominee in the governor’s race, 

Protesters close Madison blocks for a Corey Ruiz memorial site, sparking debate over safety and traffic. Chief Patterson shares no new updates.

The Latest From the Corey Ruiz Memorial on Willy Street

Site of Corey Ruiz Shooting Becomes a Living Memorial

The fatal shooting by Madison police of Corey Ruiz last week has the city in an uproar. Here’s the latest news on what’s been happening, from the legal proceedings to a wave of high-profile event cancellations.

⚖️ Corey Ruiz Family Hires High-Profile Attorney: 

Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights attorney

, has been retained by the family of Ruiz. Crump represented the families of two other victims of police-involved shootings, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. [WMTV]

Festival organizers decided on Friday to cancel AtwoodFest

. The east side community festival was to take place Saturday and Sunday.

The cancellation joined several other summer events, including Concerts on the Square and 

Monona Terrace’s Concerts on the Rooftop

, although the Dane County Farmers Market went on, with organizers saying the market was a “

crucial distribution point for our local food system

 to make room for protests. [News 3, WMTV, 🔒WSJ, WKOW]

🏥 Medical Examiner Hasn’t Determined Cause of Death: 

The Dane County Medical Examiner’s office said that 

a determination of Ruiz’s cause and manner of death is still pending

. The examiner said additional tests will be required following last week’s forensic autopsy. [News 3]

⚖️ Independent Monitor Will Subpoena Police:

 Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass said Madison police have stonewalled attempts by her office to access records relating to the case. 

She said her office will file subpoenas for the first time against the MPD

 to get a full picture of the incident. [WKOW]

🚧 Williamson Street Intersection Remains Closed:

the City of Madison has still not reopened the intersection

 where the shooting happened at South Baldwin and Williamson streets. 

The site has become a hub for protesters, and hosted numerous protests over the last few days, 

such as a candlelight vigil last Thursday

is a large statue of a raised fist that was taken from George Floyd Square

Additionally, St. Vinny’s announced their Willy Street location near the intersection will be 

, noting both employees and customers don’t have access to the store. Bus routes

🪧Protests Continue Throughout Weekend:

 Peaceful demonstrations against the killing of Ruiz continued throughout the weekend and only seem to be growing in size. On Saturday night, 

dozens of vehicles joined a large crowd of protesters in marching down State Street

, and sit-ins were organized in front of several businesses. [WMTV]

AtwoodFest and local concerts are cancelled following the Corey Ruiz shooting. Plus, Willy Street remains closed as police records are subpoenaed.

Corey Ruiz Madison Police Shooting: Family Hires Ben Crump

Here’s the Latest on the Corey Ruiz Shooting

On July 22, protesters took to the streets of Madison 

after the fatal shooting by police of a young Black man

 at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets.

City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling was there, and took photos of the protesters who gathered to decry the shooting. She also followed as a group of over 100 protesters marched down East Washington Avenue to the Capitol Square to protest at Wednesday’s Concerts on the Square. The concert was eventually cancelled.

Here are some of the photos that Sperling took of both protests. Also, 

listen to Sperling and City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin share their immediate thoughts

 about the shooting on the City Cast Madison podcast.

Rob Thomas and Beck Henreckson contributed to this article.

On July 22, protesters took to the streets of Madison after the fatal shooting by police of a young Black man at the intersection of Williamson and South Baldwin Streets. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling was there, and took photos of the protesters who gathered to decry the shooting.


Madison Protesters Take to the Streets After Police Shooting

Photos: Madison Reacts To Deadly Police Shooting

Elizabeth Kauma

The police killing of a man on Wednesday afternoon on South Baldwin and Williamson streets have left many 

upset and frustrated with the Madison Police Department’s conduct

. In a Wednesday press conference, Madison Police Chief John Patterson said the man entered a physical altercation with four police officers and reportedly had a knife that injured an officer. The man was tasered, which Patternson said was not effective, and according to bystander videos, three seconds after he was tasered an officer shot the man three times.

Community protests were held Wednesday night as the community absorbed this news. Originally

 was set to be held on Thursday night, but it was postponed to accommodate a vigil that was scheduled at the same time. Madison Public Market also 

, which was set for Thursday evening. Another protest is 

 on the corner of Williamson and Baldwin streets. [ 🎧 City Cast Madison, News 3, Instagram]

 saying she was “angered and saddened” by the killing and that “as a city, as a community, as a society, we need to do better.”

, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said “A family is grieving an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with them, with everyone affected by this tragedy, and with the bystanders and emergency personnel who responded to an incredibly difficult situation.” She said the public deserved “a full accounting of what occurred, and everyone involved deserves a process guided by facts, evidence, and accountability.”

Common Council President Sabrina Madison 

“Like many of you, I have now seen the videos circulating on social media of today's officer involved shooting on the east side of Madison. Straight up, these videos are very difficult to watch. They are both disturbing and painful,” she said. I've received several calls from alders with questions and what I can say without a doubt is that I expect a full, comprehensive, and transparent independent investigation into today's shooting of a community member.”

A Madison police officer killed a man on July 23 sparking community protests. Here is what local Politicans' and candidates for Wisconsin Governor are saying. 

What Wisconsin's Gubernatorial Candidates Think of the Madison Police Killing

Officials and Community React To Police Killing 

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! 

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