austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Madison

Rob Thomas

There’s no shortage of ice cream in Madison – we are in the Dairy State, after all. But with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

, the team did the hard work of trying 10 different flavors of locally-made ice cream (and custard!) and ranking them by taste, texture, and originality. No need to thank us.

We also put out the call to our readers and listeners to tell us your favorite ice cream. And, boy, did you deliver. Think of this as our cone-clave.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company was founded in 1962. After more than 60 years in business, the company now has 

Based on reader reaction, Chocolate Shoppe is clearly the people’s choice.

 (a fave of Instagram user @stringsandthings83, 

 (which one of our Instagram followers, @latlong.shop, said they were “feeling seen” by),

 (it’s vegan!). Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett also backed the Blue Moon.

 is “very seasonal and just the best.” Susan S. loves 

 meant to raise money for Madison organizations fighting for social and racial equity. The page exploded in popularity, often selling out quickly. The brand opened a brick-and-mortar location in March 2022 on University Ave.

 Cherry Styles, Movie Theatre Trash Can, Chocolate Buttermilk. 

 You can get a flight of flavors for the days when you just can’t decide.

Readers Jeff M. and Gretchen N. praised Ice Cream Social for its interesting and delicious flavors. And Jacque M. noted that a great ice cream experience is about more than just the ice cream. “Their homemade gluten-free waffle cones are 

—crispy, flavorful, and the perfect match for their rich, creamy scoops.”

The combination ice cream shop and cafe is a fairly recent addition to downtown’s food scene. Aside from ice cream and other sweet treats, the shop also offers breakfast and lunch items.

Fig & Honey, Blueberry Honey Lavender, Chocolate Hazelnut. The team loved their Thai Tea flavor.

Calliope Ice Cream was born in the basement of the Weary Traveler Freehouse in 2011. In 2019, the brand opened its first shop at Garver Feed Mill where it serves its seven original flavors and a rotating batch of flavors.

Mexican Hot Chocolate, Brandy Old Fashioned, Hot Peanut Butter.

Babcock Dairy is the official ice cream producer for UW-Madison and its standard recipe hasn’t changed since 1951.

 is a particular favorite of reader Karen S.

UW-Madison grads James and Robert Baerwolf source 100% of the milk they use from the two farms they own side-by-side in Columbia County. They say one of the reasons their ice cream tastes so good is they treat their cows like literal dairy queens.

Instagram follower @jss_m is a fan of Cherry Amaretto. We tried Dark Chocolate Cherry, and be sure to seek out Salty Cow, which is salted caramel ice cream containing Oreos.

We can’t talk about ice cream without also mentioning its creamy cousin, custard. For those wondering, the difference between the two comes down to one ingredient: egg yolks. Ice cream is made with milk, cream, and sweetener. While frozen custard contains the same ingredients, plus egg yolks. You can find the sweet treat at 

There are plenty of spots to indulge in a cold scoop (or several) of ice cream in Madison. Here are some of the best local spots in town. 

Where To Find the Best Ice Cream in Madison

The Best Ice Cream 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

The five Democratic hopefuls vying for the Assembly seat that 

covers much of the Isthmus and the city’s east side

 participated in a forum Wednesday night answering questions on subjects ranging from data centers and housing affordability to funding Wisconsin’s education system.

The Democratic candidates in the running are Democratic legislative aide Isaia Ben-Ami; former Madison alder and legislative chief of staff Juliana Bennett; social worker and WORT show host Tony Castañeda; Madison Ald. Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford; and journalist Zoe Sullivan.

Whichever Democratic candidate wins in the Aug. 11 primary will face Republican challenger Nina Chat. Though,

 according to the Wisconsin State Journal

, Assembly District 76 has never been represented by a Republican, meaning this race will be more or less decided in the primary.

The 76th Assembly District is a safely liberal seat currently held by gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, who all five candidates endorsed during the forum.

Overall, the Democratic candidates largely agree on policy issues but diverge slightly when it comes to achieving their mission.

City Cast Madison recorded the forum in full. You can listen and read the entire transcript here.

There are five Democratic candidates running to succeed Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin State Assembly. 

Who's Running For Assembly District 76?

Democratic Candidates Sound Off in Assembly District 76 Forum

What's being decided in Madison City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Madison City Council. 

Madison Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is June 19, a chance for all Americans to celebrate the end of slavery. Here’s the origins of what some call “America’s second Independence Day,” and what’s going on in Madison to celebrate the occasion.

host Bianca Martin talks about Juneteenth in Madison

 with executive producer Hayley Sperling, and local marketer Liz Boyd as part of our weekly “Good On Ya!” segment. Also, City Cast Madison is going to be off on June 19 for the holiday, so there will be no new podcast in your feed or newsletter in your inbox that day.

Regent Street Redesign, Tourism Boom, and Juneteenth Events in Madison

A combination of “June” and “19th,” 

Juneteenth commemorates a very specific event

 during the Civil War. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, about 250,000 slaves in Texas were not freed. It took two years, until June 19, 1865, for Texas slaves to be freed after Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the proclamation.

The first Juneteenth celebrations took place the following year in Texas. As Black Texans moved across the country, they brought Juneteenth with them, and it became one of the oldest African American holidays.

During the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, organizers pushed to have Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed legislation making it a holiday the following year.

The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will celebrate in the Capitol Rotunda at lunchtime, with a keynote address from Menomonie Ald. Camden Hargrove, the first openly trans Black man elected to public office in Wisconsin.

Fitchburg Senior Center and the Wright Place are joining together to celebrate the day with a mix of musical and spoken word performances, with a keynote address from Dr. Charles Taylor, author of 

“Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom.”

 The event will culminate with a Juneteenth flag raising at Fitchburg City Hall.

Over the lunch hour, enjoy barbecue, lawn games, live music, and more at this celebration hosted by the Madison Senior Center.

Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination

 are joining together to present this TED talk-style event at the Black Business Hub, featuring a variety of storytellers, creatives and community leaders.

On the holiday itself, the Majestic Theatre is hosting this free late night dance party featuring Flame the Ruler, No Love Monday, Uchi Kinte, DJ Pain 1, and DJ Iron Mike.

 can play all sorts of genres, from Latin to funk to R&B, and they’ll play them all at this special Juneteenth Celebration at the High Noon Saloon. 

The city’s oldest and biggest Juneteenth celebration is hosted each year by the Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination. It starts with a parade at 11 a.m. at the Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St., which will head to Penn Park for an afternoon of music, food and dance to celebrate Black liberation.

The ‘Mingos’ home game at Breese Stevens Field against the New York Cosmos will also be a celebration of Black history and excellence. Last year, the team released a special pre-match top honoring Juneteenth.

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the holiday, including a parade on Saturday, concerts on Friday night, and an event at the Wisconsin Capitol.


Your Guide To Juneteenth in Madison

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison 

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

Hundreds of people lined up on the street on May 6

, the $32 million building at 671 W. Badger Rd.

But the celebration continues long after that grand opening, as the center establishes itself as a Black-led space for gathering, learning, and creating together, with performance spaces, art galleries, and makerspaces.

The center was the brainchild of Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, pastor at Fountain of Life Covenant Church next door, and his sister Lilada Gee. Alex Gee sees the space as sort of the opposite of a Black history museum — while the center would honor the past, it would focus on the future.

The architectural design of the building 

 to create a welcoming and aspirational feeling, and the collaborations and creative sparks that would result from creating spaces for Black Madisonians to come together.

The City Cast Madison team went last week to the center (which has an excellent podcast recording studio, by the way), where 

 about seeing his vision for the space become a reality, and what comes next.

The center will start hosting walking tours following its official opening July 1. Here’s a peek inside the center and all it has to offer Madison and the greater Wisconsin community.

The center features two theaters that can also be used as multipurpose spaces. The larger theater has room for between 191 and 361 people, depending on seating arrangements, perfect for live performances, film festival screenings, cultural celebrations, and more.

A smaller theater can hold between 113 and 239 people, and is ideal for wedding receptions, banquets and corporate events. The building also contains art gallery spaces to showcase Black art.

Membership is required to enter these meeting rooms and co-working spaces, where Black talent and business community members can come together to collaborate and support each other.

This intimate Black-designed lounge is designed for weddings, concerts, and other special events, with access to the center’s Black Porch Deck overlooking Madison.

The center is full of small classroom-style rooms that can be rented for meetings and seminars, as well as maker spaces (also rentable) full of art supplies for people to work together on painting, textile, photography, and sculpture and digital arts projects.

This dedicated space is for seniors to gather for wellness and health events and social activities, including access to a large games library to play together.

This colorful space was created by and for Black women as a place to connect and recharge together.

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened its doors last month to much fanfare. The $32 million facility is envisioned as a hub of Black creativity and entrepreneurship. Take a look at everything it has to offer, from theaters to art galleries to wellness spaces.

What's Inside Madison's Center for Black Excellence and Culture

Take a Look Inside the Center for Black Excellence and Culture

Everything to know about Madison neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Madison Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

, with 48 teams from around the world competing across the United States, Mexico and Canada until July 19. Your local sports bar might be carrying the games. On the other hand, between baseball and other sports, they might not have the match you want to see on the 100-inch screen.

But Madison soccer fans are excited, and a lot of places are hosting watch parties through the 39-day tournament. Here are a few places to catch the games that are offering drink specials and other goodies:

Where else to watch a soccer game than in a soccer stadium? The historic stadium on East Washington Avenue is hosting watch parties in its Forward Club, as well as on-the-field watch parties for when Team USA plays, such as 

Billing itself as “Madison’s World Cup Headquarters,” this spot on the Capitol Square will have wall-to-wall watch parties in both the main bar area and the upstairs Watch Hall. The Watch Hall will have a 120-inch screen, full bar and a special menu.

The former church turned beer hall and sports bar is known as a home for Arsenal fans in Madison to watch matches. They’re adjusting their hours to be open for every match during the tournament.

With the State Street bar pausing its DJ sets 

, they’ll be hosting World Cup watch parties, such as 

today’s 2 p.m. match between Mexico and South Africa

, with drink specials. Just make sure to not cheer too loudly, ok?

This Middleton brewpub held a tie dye party with customers dyeing T-shirts in the colors of their favorite team. Through the tournament, they can wear the T-shirts to get food and drink specials.

Madison’s new IV vitamin therapy clinic

, where families can take part in a guided soccer workout together. Then relax and recover and watch the game! (Only those 14 and older can receive IV therapy treatment.)

seven watch parties in its Sidecar Lounge

, with DJs, buckets of beer and hard seltzer, and a new World Cup signature cocktail.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off today, and Madison soccer fans are ready. Here's where to watch the matches, including bars like Coopers Tavern and the Free House, and even at Breese Stevens Field.

Madison's Best World Cup Watch Parties

Where to Watch the World Cup in Madison

June is Pride Month, and Madison is a place 

that has celebrated LGBTQ+ culture since the early ‘70s

. The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, 

, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this month in Madison.

But how queer-friendly is Madison, really? 

, host Bianca Martin tackles this question with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Sanders Weinberg, program coordinator with the Gender and Sexuality Center at UW–Madison.


Hot Takes on Madison's Queer Scene


Here are 11 ways to celebrate Pride Month in Madison.

The theme of June’s Night Market on State Street and the Capitol Square is “Celebrating Madison’s LGBTQ+ Culture.” In addition to downtown retailers and food vendors, the market will feature performances by Wisconsin drag icons and Marvelous Michelle, the Bubble Lady of Madison.

The Power Here is You: Lessons From Milwaukee’s Grassroots Response to AIDS

Historian and educator Vince Tripi will lead this free workshop at Pinney Library, looking at how Milwaukee activists responded to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and identifying strategies that can be applied to today’s community resistance efforts.

Madison’s LGBTQ+ theater company, StageQ, takes over the Bartell Theatre for a weekend of new play readings, one-act plays, and short scenes from new queer playwrights from across the country.

This family-friendly event in Stone Horse Green returns with a day of live music, food and drink, family activities, and queer-affirming businesses.

Atwood Music Hall will host this queer warm-weather event series, featuring live local DJs, drag kings, and more.

The three-day event returns to the Alliant Energy Center with queer artisans, a youth fair, a clothing swap, drag shows, and more. The Friday night event is 18+, while masks are required on Sunday.

Every month is Pride Month when you’re Damsel Trash, the Madison/Brooklyn queer punk duo. They’re celebrating their new album, “Battle Hymn of the Queerpublic,” at the Bur Oak in a joint album release show with fellow punkers Hey Ghost.

Bring your appetite and your dollar bills to the Bur Oak for this all-star lineup that includes host Bianca Lynn Breeze. Anya K Thunderkat, Bambii Banx$, Taaysty C Infiniti, and Aryiah J StKlare will be serving looks while Bur Oak serves pancakes and mimosas.

On the last Wednesday of every month, A Room of One’s Own hosts an open mic in its Reading Room. There are only 15 slots to perform, so get there early if you want a turn at the mic!

The Orpheum Theater transforms into a celebration of Madison’s LGBTQ+ community for this annual event. Get there early for “The Queen’s Court” in the lobby, featuring face painting, magic, and a pre-show soundtrack by DJ Femme Noir.

Then enjoy a high-energy drag show curated by Bianca Lynn Breeze, grab a themed cocktail at the bar, or browse for your next queer-forward read in The Smut Room pop-up bookstore. It’s a free event, although a limited number of VIP tickets are available that include access to the Pride Pit.

Come to Sun Prairie West High School for an afternoon of fun events, including face painting, drag story time and a parade, with the aim of surrounding all kids with love and support.

The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this month in Madison.

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison, WI

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

Frank Lloyd Wright may be the most famous architect who ever lived. He called Madison home and his influence and artistic eye 

, from our most iconic buildings to hidden gems in residential neighborhoods.

, host Bianca Martin talks to March Sweitzer about Wright’s Unitarian Meeting House, which is celebrating its 

 with an array of events starting this week.

Experience One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Influential Buildings

Here’s your guide to some of his architectural feats in and around Madison, from iconic public buildings to private homes.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Wright transformed downtown Madison with his vision for Monona Terrace, with panoramic views of Lake Monona and a terrace that leads directly to the Capitol Square. He drafted the plans in 1938, but wasn’t finished until 1997, nearly 40 years after his death. Check out “Inspired by Wright,” a fourth-floor exhibit detailing Wright’s vision for Monona Terrace and for Madison.

 is this gorgeous structure Wright built for his congregation in 1946, whose triangular design is meant to evoke both a farm plow and a pair of praying hands.

Any Wright fans will plan a trip out to the Driftless Region to see Wright’s home and studio on a beautiful 800-acre piece of land near Spring Green.

One of Wright’s visions was to build affordable housing that had an uniquely American aesthetic. His first attempt (made for just $5,000) at “Usonian” (United States of North America) architecture was at 441 Toepfer St. for Herbert Jacobs, featuring natural materials in harmony with the environment and an open-plan interior. Wright would go on to build 140 “Usonian” homes, and his designs influenced ranch home architecture of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Wright won a competition in 1893, when he was only 26, to design this boathouse, featuring two towers connected by an arch. He also designed a boathouse for Lake Monona that was never built, but 

in recent years there’s been a groundswell of interest

This 1903 residence at 22 N. Butler Street was once known as the Rocky Roost, and features an asymmetrical design and a third story roof garden. Its mix of styles lead some to speculate that one of Wright’s employees, Walter Burley Griffin, actually oversaw the design while Wright was immersed in other projects.

In contrast to Wright’s sprawling Prairie homes, this private residence near Camp Randall sits on a hill and is a two-story monolith. Because it’s built across two axes converging on a central fireplace, it’s earned the nickname “The Airplane House.”

It can be hard to find this modest private home at 3650 Lake Mendota Drive, nestled on the shore of Lake Mendota in the Shorewood Hills neighborhood. The design and natural materials blend in perfectly with its natural surroundings, and features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the lake.

Wright’s passion for affordable Usonian housing for the middle class led to his interest in “prefab” housing packages. This one at 110 Marinette Place was built for a pair of married UW-Madison mathematicians.

Legendary designer Frank Lloyd Wright called Madison home and he left his mark on the city. Here's some of his most famous buildings, from the Unitarian Meeting House to some private homes worth seeing.

Visit Some of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Iconic Madison Buildings

Your Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Madison

Just as the thawing of the lakes is proof that spring is here, the return of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s free outdoor concert series is a sign that summer is back. 

The series kicks off June 24 with a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John

🎸 This Music Festival Goes ‘TILT’!

At the other end of the musical spectrum is the two-night 

Mad With Power Fest on June 5 and 6 at the Sylvee

. Sponsored by local metal titans Lords of the Trident, it features two days of heavy metal bands and dozens of pinball machines throughout the Sylvee set to free play.

If you’re looking for a page-turner to take to the beach this summer, UW-Madison graduate Joseph Eckert is coming back to town to Lake City Books on June 11 

to talk about his new book, “The Traveler.”

 A father starts jumping forward in time, and his son tries to save him.

🎸 The World’s Skinniest Music Festival

Summer means the return of Madison’s east side neighborhood festivals, starting with the 

Marquette Waterfront Festival on the slender Yahara Place Park on June 13 and 14

. National headliners like Ratboys share the bill with local favorites like Lost Lakes, and there’s plenty of food and drink and activities for the kids.

Author Sara Gruen relied on the archives at Circus World in Baraboo when she was writing her hit novel “Water For Elephants.” So it’s fitting that 

Overture Hall is hosting the Wisconsin premiere of the new musical

June is Pride Month, and now more than ever we need inclusive and joyful spaces to be whoever we are. 

“Live on Queen” is a free event on June 26 at the Orpheum Theater

 that mixes a drag show, live music, and a little bit of magic to create a night to remember.

Does comedian Jay Leno own a pair of white jeans? He’ll need it as the headliner at the 

Your Guide to June 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! 

Madison, Explained

Play the Madison Minutes Crossword!

Rob Thomas

Share article

Madison, Explained

How Smart Studios Put Madison on the Musical Map

Quiz: Are you a True Madisonian?

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

Take the City Cast Madison Quiz!

How Many City Council Members Do We Need?

Test Your Madison News Knowledge!

The latest in Madison