Summer Breeze
to
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53714

Focal Flame Photography
A happy participant at a past Summer Breeze event.
A happy participant at a past Summer Breeze event.
The natural beauty gathered at Olbrich Gardens is always a Madison favorite. But the usually calming environment gets a jolt of energy during the annual Summer Breeze event, which offers all sorts of activities for all ages. Visitors can play lawn games like bocce, badminton and croquet; try out some hula hoops; dance to DJ Roger Roger (Friday) and DJ Femme Noir (Saturday); or learn art techniques using natural materials. And, of course, enjoy food and drink. Tickets (available at the door; food/drink extra) help keep the gardens free for everyone. Note, the gardens close at 2 p.m. each day for set up. Find more info at olbrich.org.
media release: Grab a beverage and take a stroll in the Gardens with your sweetheart, play a game of bocce ball or cornhole with your pals, or start a dance party on the Great Lawn. From fantastic local food cart fare, to giant lawn games, to local music, there’s something for EVERYONE at Summer Breeze!
General Admission - $15 | Olbrich Members - $10 | Child (Ages 6-12) - $5 | 5 & Under - FREE. Admission at the door; no pre-sale tickets. Additional cost for food and beverages; no carry-ins. Gardens close early at 2 p.m. to prepare for Summer Breeze on June 14 & 15.
GAMES: A variety of classic lawn games including Kubb, Croquet, Giant Dice, Badminton, and Bocce are offered throughout the Gardens, along with dominos, playing cards and other tabletop games – first come, first served.
And how about hop scotch, hula hoops, and a big ol’ tub of bubbles for the littles (and the bigs) to enjoy…because deep down inside we’re all just big kids, right? Games offered until 8:30 p.m. – no charge. Availability is subject to attendance and natural game time durations.
Pop-up Workshops!!!
A variety of local artists, creators, and facilitators will host art making workshop at Summer Breeze.
FRIDAY:
Porcupine Quill Dying Demonstration by Paige Skenandore
A showcase of dyed quills with timestamps, along with demonstrations of sorting, prepping, and a quill wrapping technique.
Wearable Floral Art Tattoos by Chelsey Walker
Select fresh flowers to artfully arrange into a wearable fun fashion piece or "tattoo".
SATURDAY:
Botanical Block Printing by Laurie Hunt
Ink up a botanical themed linocut created by the artist and watch your design come to life as you run it through a mini printing press!
Tatakizome (flower pounding) by Ireri Andrea Muñiz Ortega
Take a crack at this eco-friendly textile printing technique that uses live plant material to create patterns on fabric.
GROOVE: Let your body move to the sound of the groove...summer, summer, summertime! Stay tuned for updates on the featured mix masters!
FRIDAY, June 14; DJ Roger Roger values creating fun and inclusive spaces by playing a wide range of high-energy hits. His performances cater to all types of events, from family-friendly gatherings to lively parties, ensuring everyone has a great time.
SATURDAY, June 15: DJ Femme Noir is a premiere open format DJ from the Midwest, currently residing in Wisconsin. Her sets are intertwined with an eclectic array of music styles from various genres of mainstream and underground music. From popular classics to current singles that dominate the charts, she will have you dancing the whole night away!
GRAZE: Enjoy tasty eats and cool treats from a variety of local restaurants and food trucks.
REAP Food Truck featuring Chef Yusuf Bin-Rella
Chef Yusuf, founder of Trade Roots and Farmer, collaborates with friends over at REAP Food Group to offer an Afro-diasporic inspired menu.
This spring, Yusuf is planting up a variety of collard greens at Olbrich Gardens, establishing two new collard banks in Madison's growing network. Available for community sharing, the collard banks will continue to flourish throughout the summer season in Olbrich's Children Kitchen Garden.
Milpa owners, Shannon Berry and Miroslava (Miros) Muñoz, will be serving up quesadillas with their small batch, specialty salsas! And for dessert, traditional Mexican buñuelos, a fried fritter with cinnamon and sugar.
What is a Milpa?
A pre-Hispanic farming system from Central America which cooperatively grows corn, beans, and squash together creating a perfect balance of nutrients for each plant and the soil. Our company was born out of a friendship that is a reflection of how food connects and builds community.
Back again by popular demand, Twisted Plants will blow your mind with their plant-based burgers and tasty vegan sides. Owners, Brandon & Arielle Hawthorne started Twisted Plants back in 2019 to spread their love of vegan comfort food and encourage healthy food options. Congratulation, on their recent award for Milwaukee Business Journal's "40 under 40", recognizing the best and brightest emerging leaders under 40!
Be dazzled by Pete's uniquely flavored and delicious pops and ice cream bars made with all natural ingredients! Try a cantaloupe lemongrass flavored popsicle or how about salted watermelon or maybe chocolate covered potato chip, what?!?! YUM!