Cocktails in the Conservatory
Friday, Jan. 24
Escape the Wisconsin cold inside the Bolz Conservatory with tropical plants, summer cocktails and hot beats from DJ Nick Nice. Admission is $8 (cash only) and attendees must be at least 21. The event benefits the city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens. At 3330 Atwood Ave., 7-11 pm.
ChiliOcracy
Sunday, Jan. 26
Election Day for “Supreme Commander of Chili” is upon us at this benefit for Madison’s oldest community radio station, WORT 89.9 FM. This chili cook-off is in need of campaign finance reform (just like another big election this year). Enter as a “voter” ($10) to cast one ballot for your favorite entry. Enter as a “lobbyist” ($20) to have your vote count fivefold and receive a spoon befitting the political elite. This year’s chili candidates: Beef Butter BBQ, Burrito Drive, Dashelito’s Hot Sauce, Harmony Bar & Grill, Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace, Tiny’s Tap House, The Weary Traveler and The Wisco. At 2201 Atwood Ave., 3-6 pm.
Celebrating The People Who Feed Us
Monday, Jan. 27
Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm hosts a panel discussion that celebrates successes in sourcing local food at Madison institutions. Madison College culinary students will provide the local eats. Free, but register at tinyurl.com/localfoodsuccess. Speakers include Dan Cornelius from the Indigenous Food Network, Kristen Martinek from Fifth Season Cooperative, Alfonso Morales from UW-Madison, Maggie Sanna from the Madison school district, and Paul Short from Madison College. At 1701 Wright St., reception starts at 3 pm; panel discussion at 6 pm.