This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Tuesday, May 15
Eat street, as we like to say -- Willy Street, that is. The 11th annual Taste of Willy Street, a fundraiser for Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., $15 adults and $8 kids or $13 and $7 advance. Call 516-4046 for more info.
Friday, May 18
Syttende Mai, sometimes known as Norwegian Independence Day (a celebration of the Norwegian Constitution's signing, to be more precise), causes all matter of celebration in Stoughton, with a parade and a sailing regatta and, you know, rosemaling. Food is on the front burner too at this three-day festival. Look for lefse wraps, burgers, brats, Norwegian cookies, fresh cream puffs and strawberry shortcake, all listed in the fest's feast menu. And don't forget Norwegian meatballs, sandbakkels, and herring. Insert obligatory Uff Da here. , Friday-Sunday. See FacebookSaturday, May 19
Muscoda is a humble hamlet on the Wisconsin River. It's a lovely drive no matter what the season, but this is morel season, and Muscoda has staked its claim as more or less the morel clearinghouse of southwestern Wisconsin. The Morel Mushroom Festival seals the deal. Morels can be hard to find on your own, but instead of spending hours poking under dead leaves for the elusive morsels, head to the 30 annual three-day festival. They will be served fried at "Mushroom Headquarters," the centerpiece of action that also includes a pig roast, steak feed, pancake breakfast, provisions from the locally-based , Friday-Sunday. See Facebook, and call 608-739-3182 for more info.
Sunday, May 20
, but the city chapter is ramping up its activity of late. If you want to get involved, the group's annual meeting welcomes both members and anyone interested. Expect local and global Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., 11 a.m. Call 239-2608 for more info.
Summer festival season revs up around Wisconsin this weekend, with the WORT Block Party offering the first big outdoor party within Madison itself. It's the 15th annual celebration and fundraiser for Kitchen Chemist, a session for kids to make ice cream and learn about the science of freezing and melting. Madison Children's Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., noon, free with $8 admission. Call 256-6445 for more info.
Spring Picnic, an annual benefit for the endowment fund at Hawthorne Elementary School, featuring a hot dog picnic, a silent auction, the dedication of a neighborhood kiosk, and children's activities. Hawthorne Elementary School, 2344 Concord Ave., noon-7 p.m., free admission. Call 204-2500 for more info.
Wednesday, May 16
Rooftop Farmers, a weekly session for kids to explore gardening, raising animals, harvesting, and cooking. Madison Children's Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., 3:30 p.m., free with $8 admission. Call 256-6445 for more info.
Packers Tailgate Tour, a benefit in support of the Alliant Energy Center-Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, 6 p.m., $30 party tickets and $5 general admission. Call 866-777-8932 for more info.
Screening of Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St., Verona, 6:30 p.m., free. Call 845-7180 for more info.
Thursday, May 17
Agora Center Open House at the Agora Center, 5550 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Fitchburg, 4-7 p.m. Call 277-2606 for more info.
Circle of Hope, the fifth annual awards celebration for Bonfyre American Grille, casino games, and a silent auction. Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., 5-9:30 p.m., $30 door and $25 advance. Call 250-6634 for more info.
OutReach Garden Party, the fourth annual fundraiser for the Risotto class, with instructor Jennifer Jones preparing her family recipe for this rice dish. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Six Spices with Neeta Saluja class, with the chef preparing a menu of chicken curry, saffron rice, and tomato salad with roasted peanuts. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Vom Fass preparing a menu of penne with walnuts and ricotta, cafatelli col cavolofiore (pasta with cauliflowers, golden raisins, and pine nuts), and butternut squash ravioli with sage and truffle oil. Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 6:30-9 p.m., $30. Call 204-0300 for more info.
Friday, May 18
Rally 'Round the Flag, the second annual three-day history festival commemorating the Civil War sesquicentennial, organized by the Lake Leota Park, Leonard Park Dr., Evansville, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, free with $7.50 supper tickets. Call 608-882-5528 for more info.
Fitchburg Days, an annual three-day community McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 663-5703 for more info.
Snack Food for Teens class, with instructor Jennifer Jones preparing a menu of chili cheese fries, loaded nachos, cheeseburgers, and milkshakes. Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-7:30 p.m., $10 owners and $20 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
Saturday, May 19
Lowell School Carnival, a celebration at Lowell Elementary School, featuring an international food festival, bake sale, cake walk, raffle, and children's activities. Lowell Elementary School, 401 Maple St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $5 food tickets. Call 242-9573 for more info.
Hay Day, an open house at Sassy Cow Creamery, W4192 Bristol Rd., Columbus, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free. Call 837-7766 for more info.
Free community meal prepared by volunteers. Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., 11:15 a.m., free. Call 257-4576 for more info.
Sunday, May 20
Savory Sunday, with volunteers need to prepare and serve a fresh, hot meal for the hungry. Lutheran Campus Center, 325 N. Mills St., 11 a.m. Call 233-6967 for more info.
Vegan Cheesecakes class, with instructor Cara Moseley, pastry chef at Green Owl Cafe, covering how to prepare vegan crusts, fillings, and toppings for a variety of cheesecakes. Willy Street Co-op East, 1221 Williamson St., 4-6 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 251-6776 for more info.
Northside Sunday Supper, a community gathering hosted by the , featuring a free meal and open gym. Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Dr., 5 p.m., donations accepted. Call 661-0060 for more info.
Monday, May 21
Whole Foods Market, 3313 University Ave., 5:30-8:30 p.m., $45. Call 233-9566 for more info.
Savory Summer Eats class, with instructor Hallie Klecker of the blog Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave., 6-8 p.m., $15 owners and $25 all others. Call 284-7800 for more info.
