Fairs & Festivals
Remembering the first
The first Art Fair on the Square was held in 1959. There was no food, no entertainment, no tents. Just art. Read more
Our fair city
The Art Fair on the Square, now in its 60th year, is a thriving arts economy, benefiting a local art museum, boosting careers of working artists and infusing cash into local businesses. Read more
Makers gonna make
Isthmus checked out the Madison Mini Maker Faire and found a GarbageBot, the Lost in Space robot and a 30-foot metal dragon that spits fire. Read more
Bigger and better
The Ben Ferris Octet visited the Isthmus office on Tuesday for a special session announcing the lineup for the 31st annual Isthmus Jazz Festival. The event will bring dozens of acts to venues all over the city June 1-10. Read more
Solidarity forever
There are half as many union workers in Madison as there were a decade ago. But support for organized labor hasn’t waned among local elected officials. Read more
Finger-picking good
The 2017 Sugar Maple Music Festival brings traditional music and lots of DIY activities to the shores of Lake Waubesa. Read more
Temporary art in the park
Makeshift Festival is a new outdoor event featuring site-specific art and tasting menus from local chefs. It’s at Olbrich Park on August 20. Read more
Photos: Fools' Flotilla
See photos from the River Alliance of Wisconsin's 7th Annual Fools' Flotilla. Read more
Bridge of steel
He’s only had one monster hit, but that hardly matters to pat mAcdonald. The prolific singer/songwriter is working on his legacy, building a community of artists and songwriters in Sturgeon Bay and beyond. Read more
Photos: International Festival at Overture Center
International Festival at Overture Center on February 25, 2017. Read more
FEST BETS
Madison is rich in summer festivals, and this bounty means you get to see top national and international acts — for free— all summer long. Isthmus music critics weigh in on the summer’s don’t-miss festival shows. Read more
Chuck France, Bob Jacobson, Aaron R. Conklin, Michael Popke, Steven Potter, Catherine Capellaro, Andy Moore MUSIC