Summer books up fast. Pencil in your favorites — or better yet, set text alerts. Bring an alarm clock. Or have these dates tattooed on your arm. In the upper Midwest, we know how to pack a year’s worth of fun into three short months of good weather. But you can’t make the most of the summer without some advance planning. Here’s a wide-ranging overview.
Festivals & fairs
May
World’s Largest Brat Fest: Charity fundraiser (rain or shine), 6 am-9 pm on May 22, 10 am-9 pm on May 23, 10 am-9:30 pm on 5/24 and 10 am-6 pm on May 25, Alliant Energy Center-Willow Island, Madison, with celebrity cashiers and grillers serving brats, veggie brats and hot dogs, four entertainment stages. bratfest.com.
Wurst Times: Second Harvest Foodbank benefit brat cookout, 11 am-7 pm, May 23, Brass Ring and High Noon Saloon, Madison, with three music stages. wursttimes.com.
Festa Italia: 4:30-11 pm on May 29, 11 am-11 pm on May 30 and 11 am-7 pm, May 31, McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg. Entertainment, cultural displays, food and more. iwcmadison.com. 608-258-1880.
June
Verona Hometown Days: June 4-7, Hometown Park, Verona. Carnival, entertainment, fireworks, sports. veronahometowndays.com. 608-845-5777.
Pridefest: June 5-7, Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. Largest LGBT celebration in Wisconsin; headliners Ani DiFranco, Betty Who, Crystal Bowersox, En Vogue, David Hernandez, Ty Herndon. pridefest.com. 414-272-3378.
Cows on the Concourse: 8 am-1 pm, June 6, Capitol Square, Madison. Petting zoos, entertainment, food. cowsontheconcourse.org. 608-250-4257.
Highland Games/Scottish Fest: 9 am-10 pm, June 6, Hart Park, Wauwatosa. milwaukeescottishfest.com. 414-422-9235.
Taste of the Dells: June 6-7, downtown Wisconsin Dells. 9 am-7 pm Sat. and 9 am-3 pm Sun. tasteofthedells.com. 608-254-2992.
Free Outdoor Fun Weekend: June 6-7, statewide. Free admission to parks, forests and trails, no fishing license required, plus special activities at many locations. dnr.wi.gov. 888-936-7463.
Summer Frolic: Gates 5 pm on June 11-12 and 8:30 am on June 13-14, Grundahl Park, Mount Horeb, with carnival, beer tent, music, games, parade noon, June 14. mthorebsummerfrolic.com.
Polish Fest: Opens at noon, June 12-14, Henry W. Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. polishfest.org.
Fruit Fest: LGBTQI block party for all ages/lifestyles, June 13, 900 block of Williamson Street, Madison. Music, food, vendors, “Fruit Loop” scholarship fundraiser 5K run/walk. fruitfestmadison.org.
Old Time Cheesemaking: Milk truck arrives 9 am, June 13, National Historic Cheesemaking Center, 2108 6th Ave., Monroe. Authentic 19th-century cheesemaking demos, plus displays, cream puffs, grilled cheese sandwiches. nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org. 608-325-4636.
Taste of the Arts Fair: 9 am-4 pm, June 13, Sheehan Park, Sun Prairie. Arts and crafts, entertainment, kids’ area, wine and cheese tasting. sunprairiechamber.com. 608-837-4547.
Cottage Grove Firemen’s Festival: Annual fundraiser, June 18-21, Firemen’s Park, Cottage Grove. Sports, carnival, entertainment. cottagegrovefire.org. 608-839-4343.
Prairie Villa Rendezvous: June 18-21, St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. Buckskinner and fur trade reenactment. Period tool and weapon demos, food, basket-weaving, beadworking, medicine and plant lore. bigriverlongrifles.com.
Juneteenth: Parade 4 pm, June 19, from Brittingham Park; celebration noon-6 pm, June 20, Olin Park, Madison. Celebration of African American heritage and emancipation. juneteenthmadison.wordpress.com.
Ivan Kupala: Noon-dusk, June 20, Token Creek County Park. Russian Education Association cultural celebration, with traditional music & dance, folk games for all ages, food, bonfire. Free admission. .
Oregon Summer Fest: June 25-28, Kiser Fireman’s Park, Oregon. Entertainment, carnival, food, parade. oregonwisummerfest.com. 608-835-3697.
Heidi Festival: June 26-28, New Glarus. Arts and crafts, “Taste of New Glarus” (Sat.). swisstown.com. 608-527-2095.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival: June 27-28, Cedarburg. cedarburgfestivals.org. 888-894-4001.
Mad City Vegan Fest: 10 am-5 pm, June 27, Goodman Community Center, Madison. Local vegan food from carts and restaurants, as well as samples from national vendors. veganfest.org.
Shake the Lake: Free, all ages celebration, 5-11 pm, June 27, along John Nolen Drive, with music, food, fireworks at 10 pm. shakethelake.org. 608-246-4277.
July
Stoughton Fair: July 1-5, Mandt Park, Stoughton. Carnival, exhibits, fireworks 9:30 pm Sunday. stoughtonfair.com 608-873-4653.
La Crosse Riverfest: July 1-4, Oktoberfest Grounds, La Crosse. Music, family activities, fireworks 10 pm Saturday. riverfestlacrosse.com. 608-782-6000.
DeForest Fourth of July: July 3-4, Fireman’s Park, DeForest. Music, kids’ activities, beer tent, fireworks at dusk Sat. deforestarea.com. 608-846-2922.
Monona Community Festival: July 3-4, Winnequah Park. Music, carnival, art fair, food. mononafestival.com.
Old World Fourth of July: 10 am-5 pm, July 3-5, Old World Wisconsin, Eagle. 19th- and 20th-century games, band concert, singing. oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org. 262-594-6300.
Fire on the River: Independence Day celebration, noon-midnight, July 4, along the Riverway, Sauk City, with kids’ activities, food, art activities, music by Kris Pickar noon, Georgia Rae Family Band 1:15 & 3:15 pm, The Kells 2:15 & 4:15 pm, Stars of Sauk Prairie 5:15 pm, Beth Kille Band 7:15 pm, Genuine Drive 10 pm, fireworks 9:30 pm. fireontheriver.org.
Sauk County Fair: July 6-12, Baraboo. Parmalee, Charlie Worsham, July 11. saukcountyfair.com. 608-356-8707.
Jefferson County Fair: July 8-12, Jefferson. Colt Ford, Jon Pardi, July 11; Justin Moore, July 12. jeffersoncountyfairpark.com. 920-674-7148.
Bastille Days: July 9-12, Thurs.-Fri. 11 am-midnight, Sat. 10 am-midnight, Sun. 11 am-9 pm, East Town/Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee. bastilledaysfestival.com. 414-271-1416.
La Fete de Marquette: Bastille Day celebration, July 9-12, Central Park. French-themed food, arts and crafts, music. wil-mar.org. 608-257-4576.
Dane County Fair: July 15-19, Alliant Energy Center. Madison County, 7 pm, July 15; Flyleaf, 7 pm, July 16. danecountyfair.com. 608-223-4054.
Waukesha County Fair: July 15-19, Waukesha Fairgrounds. Rodney Atkins, July 16; REO Speedwagon, July 17; Jackyl, Quiet Riot, July 18; Three Dog Night, July 19. waukeshacountyfair.com. 262-544-5922.
Fond du Lac County Fair: July 16-20, Fond du Lac Fairgrounds. Grandstand music (8 pm): Grand Funk Railroad, July 16; Great White, Slaughter, July 17; Montgomery Gentry, July 18. 920-929-3168. fonddulaccountyfair.com.
Maxwell Street Days: State Street sidewalk sale, Madison, July 17-19. maxwellstreetdays.org. 608-512-1342.
Festa Italiana: July 17-19, Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. festaitaliana.com. 414-223-2808.
Karner Blue Butterfly Festival: July 18, Black River Falls. Arts and craft show, parade, food booths, more. Black River Falls is one of the few places to which the Karner blue butterfly migrates. blackriverfallsdowntown.com.
Port Washington Fish Day: 10 am-10 pm, July 18, Port Washington. Billed as the “World’s largest outdoor one-day fish fry,” Fish Day features deep-fried fish and chips, plus ice-cream-eating and smoked-fish-eating contests. portfishday.com. 800-719-4881
Milwaukee Armenian Fest: 11 am-6 pm, July 19, St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, Greenfield. Food, music, cultural displays. Free. armenianfest.com. 414-282-1670.
Hometown Brewdown: Beer festival with 100+ beers and 25+ breweries, noon-5 pm on June 20, Hometown Community Park, Verona. hometownbrewdown.com.
Washington County Fair: July 21-26, West Bend. Travis Tritt, July 23; Bret Michaels, July 24; Kip Moore, July 25. wcfairpark.com.
Green County Fair: July 22-26, Monroe. greencountyfair.net. 608-325-9159.
Columbia County Fair: July 22-26, Portage. columbiacofair.com. 608-697-5307.
Waunafest: July 23-26, Centennial Park, Waunakee. Music, sports, carnival, kids’ activities. waunafest.org.
German Fest: July 24-26, Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. Music, folk dancing, marketplace, food, parade, fireworks 10:30 pm Fri.-Sat. germanfest.com. 414-464-9444.
Brady Street Festival: 11 am-midnight, July 25, Brady Street, Milwaukee. Artisan cheese, local foods, wines, four entertainment stages. bradystreet.org.
Clean Lakes Festival: Annual celebration, July 25, Law Park, Madison, with food, all-ages activities, educational exhibits, water sports, music. cleanlakesfestival.com.
AtwoodFest: July 25-26, Atwood Avenue’s 2000-2100 blocks, Madison. Food, crafts and music. atwoodfest.org.
Greek Fest: July 25-26, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 7th St. & East Washington, Madison. Food and music. agocwi.org. 608-244-1019.
Rock County 4-H Fair: July 28-Aug. 2, Janesville. Cole Swindell, July 29; Montgomery Gentry, July 30; Dan & Shay, Cassadee Pope, July 31; Tyler Farr, Aug. 1. rockcounty4hfair.com. 608-755-1470.
Brat Days: July 30-Aug. 1 Kiwanis Park, Sheboygan. Everything brat. brat-days.com. 920-803-8980.
August
Wisconsin State Fair: Aug. 6-16, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis. Multiple entertainment stages, livestock judging, youth exhibits, midway, games, International Bazaar. Main stage headliners: Boston, Aug. 6; Jason Derulo, Jasmine V, Aug. 7; Chris Young, Craig Wayne Boyd, RaeLynn, Aug. 8; The Turtles with Flo and Eddie, Association, Mark Lindsay, Grass Roots, Buckinghams, Cowsills, Aug. 9; Casting Crowns, For King & Country, Aug. 10; Nik Wallenda, Aug. 11; Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, Uncle Kracker, Eve 6, Aug. 12; Justin Moore, Easton Corbin, Aug. 13; John Kay and Steppenwolf, Aug. 14; Dee Snider, Lita Ford, Kix, Lynch Mob, Aug. 15; Kenny Rogers, Aug. 16. wistatefair.com. 800-884-FAIR.
Watertown Riverfest: August 6-9, Riverside Park, with music, carnival, food, sports. watertownriverfest.com.
Pride Parade: Annual LGBT celebration, 1 pm, Aug. 9, from 500 block of State Street to Capitol Square, Madison, with entertainment and rally 3-5 pm. lgbtoutreach.org.
Milwaukee Irish Fest: Aug. 13-16, Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. Irish festival with dance, music, food, and a red hair and freckles contest. irishfest.com. 414-476-3378.
Stoughton Coffee Break Festival: Aug. 15, Mandt Park, Stoughton. Art, craft, car shows; fun run, coffee brew-off. Free coffee! stoughtonwi.com. 608-873-7912.
Africa Fest: Aug. 15, Central Park, Madison. Entertainment, vendors, food. africanassociationofmadison.org. 608-258-0261.
Dodge County Fair: Aug. 19-23, Beaver Dam. Scotty McCreery, Aug. 19; Glorianna, Aug. 20; The Guess Who, Aug. 21; Swon Brothers, Aug. 22. dodgecountyfairgrounds.com. 920-885-3586.
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival: Gates open 6 pm on Aug. 20-21 and 11:30 am on Aug. 22-23, Angell Park, Sun Prairie. Carnival, craft show, entertainment, games. Sweet corn sold noon-7 pm Saturday and Sunday. sunprairiechamber.com. 608-837-4547.
Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club Show: Aug. 21-23, show grounds north of Baraboo. Flea market. badgersteamandgas.com.
Celebrate South Madison: 11 am-7 pm, Aug. 22, Madison Labor Temple. Music kids’ activities, craft vendors, food. Free admission. southmadison.org.
Orton Park Festival: Aug. 27-30, Orton Park, Madison. marquette-neighborhood.org.
Great River Folk Festival: Aug. 28-30, Riverside Park, La Crosse. Music on outdoor stages, traditional craft sales & demonstrations, ethnic food, kids’ activities. greatriverfolkfest.org. 608-784-3033.
Middleton Good Neighbor Festival: Aug. 28-30, Firemen’s Park, Middleton, with arts and crafts, carnival, music stages. goodneighborfestival.com. 800-688-5694.
September
Walworth County Fair: Sept. 2-7, Elkhorn. Charlie Daniels Band, 9/5; Cheap Trick, 9/6. walworthcountyfair.com. 262-723-3228.
Iowa County Fair: Sept. 3-7, Mineral Point. Carnival rides, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls. iowacountyfair.com. 608-987-3490.
Wisconsin Highland Games: Sept. 4-6, Waukesha Expo Center, with sports, music, demonstrations, food. wisconsinscottish.org.
Rock River Thresheree: Sept. 4-7, Thresherman’s Park, Edgerton. Demonstrations/displays, flea market, Parade of Power at 2 pm daily thresheree.org. 920-723-1555.
Wilhelm Tell Festival: Sept. 4-6, Wilhelm Tell Grounds, New Glarus; performances of the story of Swiss Independence 1:30 pm Sat.-Sun. Also camping, art fair, yodel contest. wilhelmtell.org. 608-527-2095.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw: Sept. 4-5, Marion Park, Prairie du Sac. Cow chip throw, art fair, music stages. wiscowchip.com. 608-643-4317.
Taste of Madison: 2-8:30 pm on Sept. 5 and 11 am-7 pm on Sept. 6, Capitol Square, Madison. tasteofmadison.com. 608-276-9797.
Music
Alpine Valley Music Theater: Dave Matthews Band, July 25-26; Phish, Aug. 8-9; Jimmy Buffett, Aug. 22, East Troy. Madison tickets: livenation.com.
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society: Six different musical programs with performances June 12-13, 20 & 27 at Overture Center, Madison; June 14, 21 & 28 at Hillside Theater, Taliesin, Spring Green; and June 19 & 26 at Stoughton Opera House. bachdancinganddynamite.org. 608-255-9866.
Blues Picnic in the Park: Madison Blues Society event, noon-9 pm, June 20, Warner Park, Madison. Birddog Blues Band noon, Future of Blues 1:35 pm, The Jimmys 2:25 pm, Joel Paterson Trio with Jim Liban 4 pm, Daddy Mack Blues Band 5:35 pm, Dee Miller Band 7:30 pm. madisonbluessociety.com.
Burr Jones Field Summer Concert Series: June 21: Dolores 1 pm,The Sharrows 2:45 pm, We Are the Willos 4:30 pm. June 28: Son Contrabando, 1 pm, The Mustache 2:45 pm, Natty Nation 4:30 pm. July 5: Traveling Suitcase 1 pm, The Family Business 2:45 pm, Hugh Bob and the Hustle, 4:30 pm.
Cambridge Concerts in the Park: 6:30 pm Fridays, Veterans Park, Cambridge. The Dang-Its, June 19; New Moon Gypsies, July 10; Main Street Big Band, July 24; The Tooles, Aug. 7; TBA, Aug. 21. cambridgewiarts.org.
Capitol City Band Concerts in the Park: 7 pm Thursdays June 11-Aug. 27, Rennebohm Park, Madison. mmqccb.org. 608-835-9861.
Central Park Sessions: The Silk Road Session, July 30, at -- you got that right -- Olbrich Park, with Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble 5 pm, Dengue Fever 6:30 pm, Hanggai 8:30 pm. El Gran Sabado Session, Aug. 8, Central Park, with Grupo Candela 2 pm, Son Contrabando 3:30 pm, Madisalsa 5 pm, Flavia Coelho 8:30 pm. The Bamako/ Blues Session Aug. 15, Central Park, with Tani Diakite and Andy Ewen 1 pm, the Joel Paterson Trio with Jim Liban 2:30 pm, the Jimmys 4:15 pm, Lurrie Bell’s Chicago Blues Band 6:15 pm, Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba Band 8:30 pm. The Southern Fried Session, Sept. 3, Central Park, with Evan Murdock and the Imperfect Strangers 5 pm, Robbie Fulks 6:30 pm, An Evening with the Royal Southern Brotherhood 8:30 pm.
Catfish River Music Festival: Live roots, bluegrass, blues, folk, etc., plus food, art and other vendors. July 3-5, outside the Opera House at Rotary Park, Stoughton. catfishrivermusicfest.com.
Concert on the Green: Madison Symphony Orchesta League’s annual fundraiser picnic, 4:45 pm, June 22, Bishops Bay Country Club, Middleton, with music by MSO members and guest violinist Julian Rhee; golf tournament earlier in the day. RSVP by June 13: madisonsymphony.org.
Concerts on the Rooftop: 7-9 pm Thursdays, Monona Terrace Rooftop, Madison. Rabid Aardvarks, June 4; The Boogie Men, June 19; The Jimmys, June 26; Madison County, July 9; Start Making Sense, July 16; ABBA Salute, July 23. Call 608-261-4000 after 3 pm show day for inclement weather info.
Concerts in the Park: 7 pm, McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg. Dead Horses, June 15; Madisalsa, July 20; Miles Nielsen, Aug. 17. 608-288-8284.
Dane Dances! 5:30-9:30 pm Fridays, Monona Terrace Rooftop, Madison: Kinfolk, MadiSalsa, DJ Ace, Aug. 7; Charanga Agoza, Eddie Butts Band, DJ Ace, Aug. 14; Christopher Project, VO5, DJ Pain 1, Aug. 21; Megan Bobo & the Lux, Grupo Candela, DJ Ace, Aug. 28. Call 608-261-4000 after 2 pm for cancellation or location change information.
Dean House Back Porch Concerts: 7 pm Thursdays, 4718 Monona Dr., Monona. Yahara River Chorus, July 9; Madison Accordion Band, July 16; Perfect Fifth, July 23; New Horizons, July 30; Ice Cream & Pie Social (5:30 pm) and Old Time Fiddlers, Aug. 6. 608-249-7920
Drums on Parade: Regional competition, 7 pm, June 27, Middleton High School’s Breitenbach Stadium. 317-275-1212.
Isthmus Jazz Festival: June 19-20, UW Memorial Union, Madison. Friday: Terrace: Cliff Frederiksen Quartet 4:30 pm, High School All Stars 6:30 pm, Sweet Minute Big Band 8 pm, Joel Paterson Trio 10 pm; Rathskeller: Ben Ferris Octet 6 pm, Edi Rey y Su Salsera 8 pm, New Breed Jam 10 pm. Saturday: Terrace: Edgewood Big Band 1 pm, Clay Lyons Quartet 2:30 pm, Alison Margaret Quintet 4:30 pm, Tony Castaneda 6:30 pm, Madison Neophonic Orchestra 9:30 pm. Shannon Hall: Headliner Freddy Cole Trio with UW Jazz Orchestra 8 pm ($32-$20). uniontheater.wisc.edu.
Jazz At Five: Wednesdays, 4:15-8 pm, Aug. 5-Sept. 2, State Street’s 100 block, Madison. jazzatfive.org.
Jazz in the Park: Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association event, June 20, Wingra Park, Madison, with music, kids’ activities. dmna.org.
Live on King Street: Free outdoor concerts, June 26, July 17 & 31, Aug. 7 & 21, Sept. 18, in front of Majestic Theatre, Madison. liveonkingstreet.com.
Lunch Time Live! Noon Tuesdays, Capitol Square’s King Street corner, Madison. Universal Sound, June 16; Mark Croft Band, June 23; Mascot Theory, June 30; WheelHouse, July 7; Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo, July 14; David Hecht & Who Dat, July 21; Cash Box Kings, July 28; Lucas Cates Band, Aug. 4. downtownmadison.org.
Madison Early Music Festival: Concerts, lectures and more, July 11-18, UW Humanities Building-Mills Hall and other venues. madisonearlymusic.org. 608-265-2787.
Madison Summer Choir: “The Searching Soul: German and Late English Romanticism,” 7:30 pm, June 27, UW Humanities Building-Mills Hall, Madison. madisonsummerchoir.org.
Make Music Madison: Annual city-wide outdoor performances, June 21. makemusicmadison.org.
Marquette Waterfront Festival: June 13-14, Yahara Place Park, Madison, with music, sports, kids’ activities, food. Saturday: Dandelion Dash 5K 8:30 am. Main stage: El Clan Destino noon, Painted Caves 1:30 pm, John Jorgenson Quintet 3:15 pm, Herencia Musical 5:15 pm, Le Ven du Nord 7:15 pm; Cottonwood Stage: Winn Dixie 12:30 pm, Whitney Mann 2 pm, Hayward Williams 4 pm, Cactus Blossoms 5:30 pm. Sunday: Fat Babies 11:30 am, Canoe race noon, Maps and Atlases 1:30 pm, Jarkeus Singleton 3:30 pm, Birds of Chicago 5:15 pm, Bottle Rockets 7:15 pm. marquette-neighborhood.org.
National Women’s Music Festival: July 2-5, Marriott Madison West, Middleton. Holly Near, Cris Williamson, Melanie DeMore, Tret Fure, Laura Love with Big Bad Gina, Zoe Lewis, Sandra Valls, more. wiaonline.org. 317-395-3809.
New Glarus Music Festival: Vision Youth Committee’s annual fundraiser, May 22-24, Village Park, with kids’ activities and more. ngmusicfest.com.
Opera in the Park: Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra, 8 pm, July 25, Garner Park, Mineral Point Road, Madison. madisonopera.org.
Polka Fest: Music, dancing & food, June 12-14, downtown New Glarus; “Beer, Bacon & Cheese” fest 1-5 pm Sat. ($30). Free admission. swisstown.com. 608-527-2095.
Prairie Dog Blues Festival: July 31-Aug. 1, St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. prairiedogblues.com.
Shitty Barn Sessions: Concerts at 7 pm most Wednesdays, May 6-Oct. 7, Shitty Barn, Spring Green. shittybarnsessions.com.
Steel Bridge Songfest: Annual Michigan Street Bridge awareness outdoor concerts, June 11-14. Sturgeon Bay. $25 weekend pass; many free concerts. steelbridgesongfest.org. 920-743-5605.
Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival: Aug. 14-15, Lake Farm County Park, Madison. sugarmaplefest.org.
Summer Concerts in the Gardens: 7 pm Tuesdays, Olbrich Gardens, Madison. Chaos Revolution Theory, June 23; Trapper Schoepp & the Shades, June 30; Patchouli, July 7; Whiskey Farm, July 14; Fresco Opera Theatre, July 21; Mark Croft, July 28. olbrich.org. 608-246-4550.
Summerfest: June 24-July 5, Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee. Closed June 29. Headlining at the Marcus Amphitheater: Rolling Stones, June 23; Florida Georgia Line, June 24; Kings of Leon, June 25; Keith Urban, June 26; Stevie Wonder, June 27; Zac Brown Band, June 28; Linkin Park, A Day to Remember, June 30; Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, July 1; Ed Sheeran, July 3; Neil Young and Promise of the Real, July 5. summerfest.com. 800-273-3378.
Summer Set Music and Camping Festival: Aug. 14-16, Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, with Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Deadmau5, The Weekend, many more. summersetfestival.com.
UW-Memorial Union Terrace: May 23, Trinidad Tripoli Steel Drum Ensemble 9 pm, May 29 The Sundogs 5 pm and Edi Rey Y Su Salsera w/ Ben Ferris Octet 9 pm, May 30 Local Ladies night Featuring Tin Can Diamonds 9 pm, June 4 Cajun Strangers 5 pm and Saint Motel 9 pm, June 5 Kyle Henderson and Blues Invasion 5 pm and Super Ghost w/ Luke Mathison 9 pm, June 6 Hippo Campus w/ Straya 9 pm, June 11 Buried Valley Boys 5 pm and Whosah w/ Oh My Love 9 pm, June 12 Ben Ferris Quintet 5 pm and Cheap Girls w/ Brett Newski and the Corruption 9 pm, June 13 John Mark Nelson 9 pm, June 18 Oak Street Ramblers 5 pm and Todd Richards w/ The Great Lake Drifters and Mercy Company 9 pm, June 25 Down from the Hills 5 pm and The Suffers 9 pm, June 26 The Goodie Two Shoes 5 pm and Catch Kid 9 pm, June 27 Lazydeadpoet w/ Giant Step and Mascot Theory 9 pm, July 2 The Blackberry Bushes 5 pm and Clemency w/ RAURA 9 pm, July 3 New Breed 5 pm, TUGG 9 pm, July 4 The Terrace Fourth of July, July 9 Northern Comfort 5 pm and The Mighty Fox w/ Ivy Spokes 9 pm, July 10 Crooked Country 5 pm and Devil’s Fen 9 pm, July 11 Jacob Powell 9 pm, July 15 NO BS! Brass Band (Time TBD), July 16 Boo Bradley 5 pm and Mr. Twin Sister w/ Moon King 9 pm, July 17 The Johannes Wallmann FUNtet 5 pm and The Vespers 9 pm, July 19 Shamir 8 pm, July 23 Madpolecats 5 pm and Heaters 9 pm, July 24 Golpe Tierra 5 pm and Yoni Wolf w/ Serengeti 9 pm, July 30 Sparetime Bluegrass 5 pm and Hembree 9 pm, July 31 Alison Margaret Jazz Quintet 5 pm and Natty Nation 9 pm, Aug. 1 Pho Funk w/ Woo Park, 9 pm, Aug. 6 Sortin’ the Mail 5 pm and IshDARR/ Webster X / Noname Gypsy 9 pm, Aug. 7 Cork N Bottle 5 pm, Pat McCurdy 9 pm, Aug. 8 Ha Ha Tonka 9 pm, Aug. 13 Steel City Jug Slammers 5 pm, Aug. 14 Paul Filipowicz 7:30 and Cash Box Kings 10 pm, Aug. 15 Johnny Chimes 7:30 pm and The Jimmys 10 pm, Aug. 28 Tritonics 5 pm and Madison County 9 pm.
Warner Park Summer Concert Series: 6 pm Mondays, Warner Park shelter, Madison. Madison College Big Band, June 15; Ladies Must Swing, June 22; Midlife Crisis, June 29; Davis Family Band, July 13; Dang-Its, July 20; Natty Nation, July 27. 608-243-5252.
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Concerts on the Square: 7 pm Wednesdays, Capitol lawn, Madison: “Once Upon a Time,” with violinist Julian Rhee, June 24; “S’Wonderful,” with soprano Amanda Huddleston and tenor Andrew Clark, July 1; “Classical Top 40,” with violinist Andrew Sords, July 8; “Ole!” with cellist Karl Lavine, July 15; “Livin’ It Up,” Eagles tribute by Jeans ‘n Classics, July 22; “Victory,” with pianist Michael Mizrahi, July 29. wcoconcerts.org. 608-257-0638.
Art events
June
Dragon Art Fair: 9 am-4 pm, June 6, along Market Street, DeForest, with 100+ artists, music, kids’ activities. dragonartsgroup.org.
MHAAA Spring Art Tour: 10 am-5 pm, June 5-7, in Black Earth, Blue Mounds, Mazomanie and Mount Horeb. Map at springarttour.com.
Cambridge Pottery Festival and US Pottery Games: June 13-14, Cambridge. Juried exhibits and competition, hands-on learning area, auction. cambridgepotteryfestival.org.
Lakefront Festival of Art: June 19-21, lakeshore near Milwaukee Art Museum. One of the country’s finest juried art fairs. lfoa.mam.org. 414-224-3856.
ArtJune: 9 am-4 pm, June 20, downtown Baraboo. Fine art on the courthouse lawn. saukcountyartassociation.com.
Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair: June 27-28, Jefferson St., Spring Green. 200 artists. springgreenartfair.com.
July
Art Fair on the Square: 9 am-6 pm on July 11 and 10 am-5 pm, July 12, Capitol Square, Madison. mmoca.org. 608-257-0158.
Art Fair off the Square: 9 am-6 pm on July 11 and 10 am-5 pm, July 12, MLK Blvd./Monona Terrace, Madison. artcraftwis.org. 608-204-9129.
Mount Horeb Art Fair: July 18-19, “The Trollway,” Mount Horeb. trollway.com. 608-437-5914.
August
Tallman Arts Festival: 10-am-5 pm, Aug. 2, Lincoln-Tallman House, Janesville. Artisans, food and entertainment. rchs.us. 608-756-4509.
Agora Art Fair: 100+ artists, 10 am-5 pm, Aug. 15, 5500 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Fitchburg, with music, kids’ art yard, food/beer. agoraartfair.com. 608-277-2606.
Oconomowoc Festival of Arts: 10 am-5 pm, Aug. 15-16, Fowler Park, Oconomowoc. Juried exhibition of works by 130 artists, on the lake, with three music stages, food. oconomowocarts.org.
Sports
All summer long
Madison Radicals: Ultimate Frisbee, Breese Stevens Field. Madison vs. Minnesota, 7 pm, May 22; vs. Chicago, 6 pm, June 20; vs. Indianapolis, noon, July 12; vs. Cincinnati, 7 pm, July 17. radicalsultimate.com.
Madison Mad Dawgs: Semi-pro football, Warner Park. Madison vs. Oak Park, 3 pm, May 23; vs. Oshkosh, 3 pm, June 13; vs. Green County, 3 pm, June 20; vs. Rockton, 3 pm, July 4; vs. Brown County, 3 pm, July 11. 608-239-6885.
Mad-City Ski Team: Free water ski shows, 5:30 pm Sundays, May 25-Sept. 6, Law Park (off Lake Monona). No shows on July 19 & Aug. 9. madcityskiteam.com. 608-663-8326.
Madison Blaze: Women’s pro football, Middleton High School’s Breitenbach Stadium. Madison vs. Minnesota, 5 pm, 5/30; Wisconsin Warriors, 5 pm, June 6. madisonblazefootball.com.
May
Madison Half-Marathon: May 23-24, Capitol Square. Kids’ race 6:30 pm, 10K 8 pm May 23; half-marathon 7 am, May 24, Monona Terrace. madisonfestivals.com. 608-276-9797.
June
Race for the Cure: 8:20 am, May 30, Alliant Energy Center-Willow Island, Madison. komenmadison.org. 608-836-1083.
Free Outdoor Fun Weekend: June 6-7, statewide. Free fishing in all state lakes and streams; state park admission and trail fees also waived. dnr.wi.gov. 888-936-7463.
Ride the Drive: 10 am-3 pm, June 7, John Nolen Drive/Square/State Street area, Madison, with car-free streets downtown for riding, walking, skating. 608-266-4711.
Trek 100 Ride for Hope: 7:30 am, June 6, Trek Factory, Waterloo. 100-19-mile routes. trek100.org. 800-248-8735.
Paddle Horicon Marsh: Launch 7:30-11:30 am, June 27 Green Head Boat Landing, Horicon. Paddle the 6-mile canoe trail at the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. horiconmarsh.org. 920-387-7890.
July
Isthmus Paddle & Portage: Bib pick-up party, 5-8 pm, July 17, Olin Park, Madison, with music by Mal-O-Dua, paddleboarding clinics; competition 9 am, July 18, starting from James Madison Park, ends at Olin Park for post-race party with music by Natty Nation, paddleboarding clinics, food. paddleandportage.com. 608-251-5627.
August
Bike MS Best Dam Bike Ride: Aug. 1-2, starting from Waukesha County Tech-Pewaukee Campus, and ending at WPS, Madison. 200-50 mile options. 800-242-3358.
Silver Lake Triathlon: 8 am, Aug. 15, Portage. Beginner-friendly event. silverlaketriathlon.com.
Race the Lake: Aug. 16, Fond du Lac. 90-mile bike race around Lake Winnebago. facebook.com/gantherracethelake.
