Will Zoo Be Mine?
Friday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11
Nothing says romance like a trip to the zoo. This fundraiser (to keep the Henry Vilas Zoo forever free) promises wine, local cheeses and other valentine-themed festivities. The zookeepers will also be dishing on the mating behaviors of the residents. Register at vilaszoo.org/willzoobemine ($50, $40/member, $100/VIP); must be 21 or older. At the zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave., 6 pm on Feb. 10, 9 pm on Feb. 11.
Return of the Mac
Sunday, Feb. 12
Do you make a mean macaroni and cheese? See how your creation stacks up against the competition at this cook-off at the Willy Street Pub and Grill (aka the Wisco). $5 lets you taste and judge the contest. No cover for competitors. Prizes for the top three. At 852 Williamson St.; entries must be in by 3 pm.
Introduction to Hop Production
Thursday, Feb. 23
Home brewers, take notice. If you want to grow your own hops this year, now is the time to learn how. James Altwris of Gorst Valley Hops in Mazomanie is teaching the basics: plantation infrastructure, trellis designs, plant nutrition as well as harvesting, drying and processing hops. You’ll even hear about Wisconsin’s storied hop history. Must register by Feb. 16 at tinyurl.com/hops101 ($15, $12 members). At Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., 6:30-8:30 pm.
