Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in Madison, WI. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.
6 hand-picked things to do in Madison, WI right now · 4 with confirmed dates
A sample plan built from this week's Madison, WI picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.
Day 1
MorningRaine Stern
Doors at 6:30 pm | Show at 7:30 pm CASHLESS VENUE - The High Noon Saloon services all credit and debit payments only. No cash accepted. Bags (max size 12" x 6" x 12") are allowed and will be searched upon entry. Exceptions will be made for
$$
AfternoonBrandi Carlile - The Human Tour
A massive outdoor summer concert performance arriving at Breese Stevens Field for an unforgettable night of live music under the open sky.
$$$
Day 2
MorningMadison's 5th Annual Ukraine Fest
Enjoy traditional foods like borshch, live folk performances by the Ukrainian Village Band and Yid Vicious, family activities, and a vibrant artisan bake sale right by the lake [1.1.1].
$
AfternoonHistoric Galena, Illinois
Just an hour and forty-five minutes south of Madison [1.4.9], explore 19th-century Italianate architecture preserved along Main Street, tour the U.S. Grant home, and sample local wines and artisan treats.
$$$
Day 3
MorningBop To The Top (18+) at Majestic Theatre
A nostalgia-fueled dance party celebrating the best throwback anthems of the 2000s on State Street.
$$
AfternoonNew Glarus Swiss Village
Drive just 40 minutes south into Wisconsin's 'Little Switzerland' for alpine-style architecture, authentic Swiss pastries, and a relaxing weekend afternoon exploring the rolling green hills of Green County.
Tue, Aug 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM · High Noon Saloon · $$ · Best for Everyone
Doors at 6:30 pm | Show at 7:30 pm CASHLESS VENUE - The High Noon Saloon services all credit and debit payments only. No cash accepted. Bags (max size 12" x 6" x 12") are allowed and will be searched upon entry. Exceptions will be made for
A weekly email with what's new in Madison, WI — free, unsubscribe anytime.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
✨ This Weekend in Madison, WI
Top picks for the upcoming weekend around town
Madison's 5th Annual Ukraine Fest
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 · 2:00 PM · Olin Park · $ · Best for Families and food lovers
Enjoy traditional foods like borshch, live folk performances by the Ukrainian Village Band and Yid Vicious, family activities, and a vibrant artisan bake sale right by the lake [1.1.1].
Easy weekend getaways within a short drive of Madison
Historic Galena, Illinois
Galena, IL (1.75 hr drive) · $$$ · Best for Couples and history buffs
Just an hour and forty-five minutes south of Madison [1.4.9], explore 19th-century Italianate architecture preserved along Main Street, tour the U.S. Grant home, and sample local wines and artisan treats.
New Glarus, WI (40 min drive) · $$ · Best for Foodies and casual explorers
Drive just 40 minutes south into Wisconsin's 'Little Switzerland' for alpine-style architecture, authentic Swiss pastries, and a relaxing weekend afternoon exploring the rolling green hills of Green County.
Current local highlights in Madison, WI include Raine Stern, Madison's 5th Annual Ukraine Fest, and Bop To The Top (18+) at Majestic Theatre. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.
What's happening in Madison, WI this week?
The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in Madison, WI, updated daily.
Where do locals eat in Madison, WI?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in Madison, WI right now.
Plan a trip to Madison, WI
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Madison, WI trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.