Featured Events in Madison in April, 2025 (June Updated)

Morgenstern Books is excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Cory Doctorow! Join us at The Mill on Friday, April 4th at 6:00 pm for a very special in-person event in celebration of his newest release, Picks and Shovels! Get ready to hear about the latest book, ask questions, and have your copy signed! Don't miss this opportunity to meet a science fiction powerhouse. See you there! Information Source: Morgenstern Books | eventbrite

Experience the enchanting world of My Neighbor Totoro at the upcoming Paint and Sip event hosted at Twist Lounge Greensboro. Immerse yourself in a creative evening filled with inspiration from the beloved animated film. The event will take place on April 12, 2025, at Twist Lounge located on Dolley Madison Road in Greensboro, NC 27410. Unleash your artistic talents while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere and socializing with fellow Totoro fans. Don't miss this unique opportunity to sip on your favorite beverage, paint, and unwind in the company of like-minded individuals. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of creativity and fun at Twist Lounge!

Please join us to celebrate the launch of Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless, by Tamara Dean, at the UW-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Hywy. Madison, WI 53711, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The author will give a presentation, then be joined in conversation by Jane Elder, environmental strategist and former executive director of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. A book signing and light refreshments will follow. Books will be available for purchase on-site courtesy of The Arboretum Bookstore. Refreshments provided by Tricky Foods catering. In the midst of the environmental crises of the early twenty-first century, Tamara Dean sought a way to live lightly on the planet. Her quest drew her to a landscape unlike any other: the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, a region untouched by glaciers, marked by steep hills and deeply carved valleys, capped with forests and laced with cold, spring-fed streams. There, she confronted, in ways large and small, the challenges of meeting basic needs while facing the ravages of climate change—an experience at once soul-stirring and practical that she recounts in Shelter and Storm. Dean’s boundless curiosity and gift for storytelling imbue these essays with urgency and a sense of adventure. She invites readers to share in her discoveries while hunting for water, learning that a persistent weed could be food, or burning a hayfield to recreate a prairie. Contending with the fallout of fires, floods, and tornadoes, she offers responses to natural disasters that reflect the importance of community, now and for generations to come. Whether tracking down a rare, blue-glowing firefly, engineering a beaver-friendly waterway to appease a dying neighbor, or building a house of earthen blocks, Dean unites personal experience with science and history, presenting a perspective as informative as it is compelling. Keenly attentive to the stakes for our planet’s future—and the implications of extreme weather, shifting agricultural practices, and political divides—Shelter and Storm illuminates a thoughtful way forward for anyone concerned about climate change and its far-reaching consequences or for anyone searching, as Dean has, for a more sustainable way to live. Tamara Dean has been camping, fishing, hiking, and gathering wild foods from an early age, led and inspired by her parents. Her essays and stories have been published in The American Scholar, The Georgia Review, the Guardian, One Story, Orion, and The Progressive, and she is author of The Human-Powered Home: Choosing Muscles over Motors. She teaches writing independently and through writing centers across the nation. Jane Elder is an advocate for Great Lakes protection, author of the memoir and policy critique, Wilderness, Water & Rust, and a consultant on nonprofit leadership and strategic communications. More details: The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.Doors open at 6:30 pm.We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Heather Skinner at presspr@umn.edu. Information Source: University of Minnesota Press | eventbrite

Clarinet Events is proud to present Abeer Nehme in the USA, with a special performance in Detroit at the Music Hall Center on April 25, 2025. Abeer Nehme, a highly acclaimed Lebanese singer known for her exceptional vocal range and captivating stage presence, promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The Music Hall Center, located at 350 Madison, MI, 48226, provides the perfect setting for this exclusive event. Don't miss the chance to experience Abeer Nehme live in concert at this prestigious venue in Detroit.

Welcome to Pop Icon Drag Burnch & Bingo! Come join us for a morning of fun at Graduate by Hilton Madison . Enjoy dazzling performances, delicious brunch, ten (10) rounds of Bingo and amazing prizes. 11:00am - Doors 12:00pm - Performances Tickets - $40 per person Refunds are available 7 days before event, Eventbrite fee's are nonrefundable. Information Source: Graduate by Hilton Madison | eventbrite

$40 admission | Cash Bar Guests will enjoy a buffet selection of heavy appetizers, games, fundraising activities, & Dolly-themed entertainment! Proceeds directly support the Lake County Imagination Library! $55 admission & Sponsor a Child for 1 Year | Cash Bar Guests will enjoy a buffet selection of heavy appetizers, games, fundraising activities, & Dolly-themed entertainment! In addition, you will sponsor a child in the Lake County Imagination LIbrary Program for one year. Donation in Lieu of Attendance If you cannot attend but would like to support this amazing program, we invite you to sponsor a Lake County child for a year with $15+fees or choose your own custom donation amount. **Please include your shipping address during checkout to receive a tax deduction letter** THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Launched in 2020, Lifeline’s Lake County Imagination Library is an affiliate of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. To improve Kindergarten readiness, instill a love of learning, and bolster literacy rates, the program mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they turn five, no matter their family’s income. Research has shown that children with 25 books in their homes complete an average of two additional years of schooling compared to their peers without books in their homes. Our goal is that every kindergartener begins school with 60 books in their home. As of April 2025, books are mailed to nearly 7,000 Lake County children. We kindly ask for your support in continuing to offer this program to Lake County's littlest learners. Information Source: Lifeline for the Lake County Imagination Library | eventbrite

Information Source: Midwest Mix-Up | eventbrite

Have you started delving into the world of using film cameras but are unsure of how to operate your camera to get exciting results from your photographs? Then this class is for you! We will discuss the various types of film cameras, different film stocks, and the basics of capturing images with consistent success. Your instructor has decades of experience using a variety of film cameras with both color and black and white films, and we will demystify how make sure you are getting the most out of your camera and film. You will learn: * How to operate whatever camera you own * The advantages and disadvantages of each type of film camera and how to maximize your camera’s strengths * The basics of loading and unloading your camera to preserve your pictures * How to properly expose your negatives to create quality results * How to choose different films to suit your needs This class is designed for beginners in film photography as well as those who are dissatisfied with the results you’ve been getting from your photographs. Bring your camera and your questions. Whether you are looking for the unique look of film or are interested in pursuing film photography as an art, this is the first step to truly enjoying taking photographs on film. Information Source: The Camera Company | eventbrite

Land of Linkin - Linkin Park Just Like You - Three Days Grace Are You In? - Incubus Bombtrax - Rage Against The Machine Information Source: Midwest Mix-Up | eventbrite

Think Medieval Times is the closest you'll get to seeing real knight battles? Think again. Inside a gritty indoor soccer field-turned-battle arena beneath the Manhattan Bridge, armored warriors donning authentic medieval armor will clash in adrenaline-pumping duels straight out of the 1500s. Ready for an unforgettable experience featuring swords, steels, and glory? Join New York Adventure Club x The Armored League x Gladiators NYC for an electrifying pop-up sporting event featuring New York City's fiercest armored fighters as they battle in a single-elimination tournament to crown the ultimate champion. Featuring eight elite fighters from The Armored League, this high-octane combat experience will include: An introduction to the sport of armored combat, including its rules, scoring system, and strategiesUp to 8 full-contact battles, including one-on-one duels and melee matches between professional combatants wielding real steel weaponsA dramatic championship finale to determine the ultimate victorAn exclusive opportunity after the tournament to meet the knights and hold authentic medieval armor and swordsWine and beer available for purchase from the venue's barWhether you choose to sit behind Plexiglass from a distance or right in the middle of the action, get ready to watch The Armored League's top players duke it out for Gotham glory! Check out a teaser video to see what armored combat is all about! *Must be 21 or older to enter the venue. ID will be checked at bar. **All guests will be required to sign an electronic waiver before purchasing tickets. ***The event will be filmed, recorded, and potentially live-streamed. By purchasing this ticket, you consent to being on camera and on live stream. ****A portion of your ticket will be donated to Santa's Knights, whose mission is to bring free martial arts, fitness, events, and activities to everyone, equitably, transcending socioeconomic, racial, and location boundaries, positively changing children's and adults' lives through exposure and lifestyle enhancement. Tournament Schedule: Doors Open: 12:00PMFirst Round of Fights: 12:15-1:15PMIntermission: 1:15-1:30PMChampionship Fights: 1:30-2:00PM*Actual times may vary Seating Arrangement: General Admission: Arena (Reserved Seating) — These seats are located inside the dueling area and offer the best available views of the fights at a close, but safe, distance. General Admission: Arena (Standing) — This standing-room section is located inside the dueling area behind reserved seating. General Admission: Bar & Mezzanine — These seats are located on the first floor (bar area) and second floor (mezzanine viewing area) overlooking the arena behind Plexiglass. Testimonials Everything was great! The knights were incredible, the mc was fun...overall 10/10 great time! I loved every bit of it! -Myhanh I liked the fighters and thought they tried their best to put on a show and deal damage to their opponent. -Kevin Disclaimer By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service. Photo Credit: Main - Henry Hustava, Top/Middle/Bottom Right - @legionsportsfest and @armoredcombatsports via Instagram Categories: In-Person, Entertainment Information Source: New York Adventure Club | eventbrite

Information Source: Midwest Mix-Up | eventbrite

Welcome to the Who Did I Marry Book Signing Launch! Come join us for a fun and exciting event where you can meet the author, get your book signed, and maybe even uncover some secrets from the story! This **book signing** is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the author and other fans in person. Whether you've read the book already or are just curious, this event is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Don't miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the world of Who Did I Marry. See you there! Information Source: Tajuania Lawson | eventbrite

SELS March Madness Extravaganza Welcome to the ultimate celebration of March Madness with SELS! Join us for a day filled with exciting games, tasty food, and great company. Whether you're a basketball fan or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. Get ready to experience the thrill of the tournament in person. Don't miss out on this incredible extravaganza! Mark your calendars and come ready to have a blast! Information Source: eventbrite

Welcome to In Our Bodies Women's Body Image Empowerment Group and Book Club ! Join us at GHP Studio for an empowering and uplifting experience. This in-person event is a safe space for women to come together, share their stories, and support each other on our journey to self-acceptance. Through insightful discussions and book club meetings, we aim to cultivate self-love and acceptance. Let's celebrate our bodies and minds in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Come as you are and let's grow together! At this meeting we will be discussing the book Body Talk by Katie Sturino, our wins of the month and next steps toward more self-acceptance. Information Source: eventbrite

Composition is a tool of storytelling, of intention, and of expression. We place objects in the frame through our choice of viewpoint, lens, camera angle, and depth of field, and to do it well, we should understand what we’re trying to say and the feelings we’re trying to communicate. This course will help develop your ability to use the frame of a camera to create images that rise above snapshots and tell your stories with emotion, impact, and intention. We will discuss the basic rules of composition, why they exist, and what they communicate. Through discussion and examples, we will help you see the world in a way that will enhance your creativity and your photographs. Instructor - Steve Daubs Steve’s passion for photography was born in the streets of Chicago followed by late nights in the darkroom in his college years at Northwestern University. Since then, he’s worked as a photojournalist, travel photographer, and, for the past 10 years, as a wedding and portrait photographer in Florida and Wisconsin. With more than a decade of experience teaching, he loves demystifying photographic concepts and helping people understand not only how to do something but why it matters. Information Source: The Camera Company | eventbrite

The 2nd Madison Arts Crawl is April 10, 4 - 8 p.m. at multiple locations around Madison Station Blvd including FiftyForward, Harken Hall, Amqui Station, Madison Library, June, Pinky Ring Pizza, and Madtown Coffee. Walkable and fun for all ages! This event will feature Original Local Artwork Handmade Crafts Live Entertainment Refreshments, and more! Come on out! Sponsored by the Madison-Rivergate Chamber of Commerce with a big thanks to our Title Sponsor, Artesia Real Estate! Parking is available behind Fifty Forward and at Amqui Station. Go North on Gallatin Pike from Briley Parkway. Turn left on Neelys Bend, go around the roundabout, and Fifty Forward is the first turn to your left. Information Source: Amqui Station | eventbrite

Start your weekend with Art Bingo! Mark your card and win prizes as we play rounds of traditional bingo and Chazen art bingo featuring works that are on view in the museum. This event is free and open to the public. Food and drink are available for purchase at the Chazen Café. Space is limited, RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Generous support for this event is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Information Source: Chazen Museum of Art | eventbrite

This year, SoundWaves is exploring how ideas, trends, plans, viewpoints, projects, materials, and sounds develop. Join us for a new four-part series as we dive into how we got to where we are now and where we might be headed in the future. SoundWaves combines scientific lectures about the world with live classical music performances. Each event revolves around a theme, exploring it first from many scientific angles and then through the lens of music. The program concludes with a live performance of music related to the evening’s theme. This event will take place in Mead Witter Hall inside the Hamel Music Center. This is a free event, however registration is requested. We value inclusion and access for all participants. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations to enhance your participation experience, please email https://mailto: idhub@wid.wisc.edu no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. This event is wheelchair accessible. Information Source: Illuminating Discovery Hub | eventbrite

Trash Pandas Game - Client Appreciation Event Welcome to our Client Appreciation Event at the Trash Pandas game! We're excited to celebrate our amazing clients with a fun-filled evening at the ballpark. Join us for baseball, food, drinks and fireworks at the end of the game. This in-person event is our way of saying thank you for your continued support. Let's cheer on the Trash Pandas together and enjoy a memorable evening. We can't wait to see you there! Information Source: InTown Partners Real Estate Group | eventbrite

Souper Bowl XXIX will be held at Madison West High School on Saturday, April 12 from 12 - 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance! This community soup feast has become a Madison tradition since 1995 and is the largest fundraiser of the UW-Madison student chapter of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. Last year’s event served more than 1,000 attendees over 200 gallons of soup! Attendees begin by choosing a handmade ceramic bowl from hundreds of handmade bowls displayed. After choosing a bowl, attendees receive the soup of their choice, salad and bread. Next, attendees enjoy a wide variety of entertainment including celebrity soup servers, an acapella singing group, the UW marching band and Bucky Badger, to name a few. The cost is $25 for a meal and bowl (including soup, salad, bread & dessert); or $50 for a family of four (four meals and two bowls included). Purchase tickets at the door or in advance. The event also includes a silent auction of artistic bowls created by local artists and a raffle. This 29th annual event originally started in 1995 with 50 attendees and has grown over the years to help build affordable housing throughout Dane County. A heartfelt thank you to event sponsor, State Farm Insurance, for their generous support as the Souper Bowl matching sponsor! State Farm will match all Souper Bowl donations up to $20,000. Their commitment amplifies the impact of every contribution, so each bowl of soup and donation will go twice as far in forwarding Habitat’s mission. Information Source: Habitat for Humanity of Dane County | eventbrite

3 games for the price of 1! Join Salem's Cherry City Roller Derby in an action-packed triple-header featuring our junior and adult teams as they face off against teams from Pullman, Washingtion: Coyote Country Roller Derby! Family friendly, food and beverages available. Pre-sales end 4/12 at 11 am. 1:00 - Doors Open2:00 - Game 1: Cherry Blossoms vs. Wheat Whackers4:30 - Game 2: Cherry City 8-Wheel Assassins vs. Palouse River Rollers7:00 - Game 3: Cherry City Renegades vs. Rolling Hills Derby Dames$12 presale | $15 at the door ($16 credit card) $30 family pass (2 tickets + all kids in household under 13) Children 5 & under free Event volunteers always needed; if you're interested in being part of the action, email events@cherrycityrollerderby.com. Free admission for volunteers! All spectators, volunteers, skaters, and officials are expected to abide by the CCRD Code of Conduct; failure to do so will result in being asked to leave without refund. Information Source: Cherry City Roller Derby | eventbrite

Welcome to the Return of the Kings: LotR Drag Brunch! Join us for a fabulous brunch theater event filled with drag/burleusque performances following the Lord of the Rings series! Indulge in delicious hobbit themed brunch from Second Breakfast Pies, enjoy a mimosa from 255 Madison all while being entertained by our talented local performers. Get ready for a magical experience that combines the best of brunch and fantasy! Tickets include admission, brunch, and one drink Tolkien. Please specify V/VG/GF/ALGY within a week of the show so we may make accommodation. COME IN COSTUME and receive a complimentary velvet coin purse to hold your gold! Email any questions or request food needs (after ticket purchase): nearly.normal.events@gmail.com Date: Saturday, April 12 Time: Doors @10:30AM Show @11:00AM Location: 255 Madison Grab your tickets now! Pre-Sale allows for food preferences and ample preparation. If purchasing tickets at the door it is first come first serve on pies- tickets will be discounted if no pies remain. These pies are delicious- I highly recommend you sign up. This is a community collaboration event where multiple local buisness have come together to deliver an unforgettable experience: Nearly Normal Events/Second Breakfast Pies/ God of Lore Games/255 Madison/Unseelie Chocolates as well as our beautiful performers are excited to welcome you to Lord of the Rings; Return in the Kings! Information Source: Nearly Normal Events | eventbrite

The 2025 Wisconsin Flute Festival is for flute players and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The Festival will feature a wide variety of sessions and recitals. Details about offerings can be found at www.wisconsinflutefestival.org . A preliminary schedule of events will be available in late February. Information Source: Madison Flute Club | eventbrite

The In Business Madison Real Estate & Construction Symposium brings together industry professionals to discuss trends in commercial real estate, development, and construction as well as offer insight into the challenges and opportunities specific to Wisconsin's Capital Region. For a full schedule, visit https://www.ibmadison.com/events/real-estate-construction-symposium/ Information Source: In Business Madison | eventbrite

During this class we will explore the settings on your Sony camera and explore different controls and menu settings. This class is perfect if you just bought a Sony or have had one for a while and want to know how to use it better. * this class and the Exposure Triangle class will give you a solid foundation on photography. Key items covered. Automatic and scene modes Focusing modes Metering modes White balance Digital file types and resolution Camera accessories This class is limited to 10 people. Cost $50.00 plus Eventbrite online processing fee Information Source: The Camera Company | eventbrite

Welcome to the 6th Annual ACEs & Trauma Awareness Symposium, Substance Use Disorders and Suicide: Unraveling the Underpinnings of Traumatic Experiences ! Join us for a day of learning and networking at the beautiful Reunion Golf & Country Club . This event is your opportunity to connect with experts in the field, gain valuable insights, and discover new strategies to address adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and make a difference in your community. Register now to secure your spot! This year’s theme, “Substance Use Disorders and Suicide: Unraveling the Underpinnings of Traumatic Experiences,” underscores the critical need to explore the intersection of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their long-term effects on mental health and well-being. By focusing on the connections among traumatic experiences and two of most pressing mental and behavioral health challenges—substance use disorders and suicide—the symposium seeks to foster a deeper understanding and inspire innovative strategies for prevention and intervention. Traumatic experiences, especially during critical developmental periods, can alter neurological pathways, disrupt emotional regulation, and contribute to feelings of despair, isolation, and substance dependency. By unraveling the layers of trauma that underpin these conditions, we can better identify risk factors, support resilience-building efforts, and design trauma-informed approaches that address root causes rather than symptoms. Symposium Goals and Objectives: Illuminate the connections between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), substance use disorders, and suicide by presenting cutting-edge research and real-world case studiess. Empower attendees with trauma-informed strategies and tools to address root causes of substance use and suicidal behaviors in their professional and community settings. Foster collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and advocates to build comprehensive support systems for individuals and families impacted by trauma. Promote resilience and recovery by highlighting evidence-based interventions and success stories that inspire hope and healing. Availability is limited, so register today! Continuing Medical Education credits (CMEs) and Continuing Education credits (CEs) have been applied for the following professions: · Social Workers (6.75 CE Hours) 4.75 general CEs 2.0 Cultural Diversity CEs · Nurses (6.75 CE Hours) · Mental Health Professionals (6.75 CE Hours) · Licensed Professional Counselors (6.75 CE Hours) · Physicians (6.75 CME Hours) Book Hotel Reservations Special Group Rate Marriott Courtyard Jackson-Madison is USD 139.00 per night! Adverse Childhood Experience Trauma Awareness Symposium Last Day to Book Hotel with discount: Wednesday, March 26, 2025! Click Link Below to Register for Hotel: Book your group rate for the ACEs and Trauma Awareness Symposium For more information on Symposium highlights, visit: www.acesawarenessfoundationms.org or www.glennfamilyfoundationms.org Follow us for Symposium updates: Facebook Instagram Twitter NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER March 1, 2025. IMPORTANT NOTE: Registering for the 6th Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Trauma Awareness Symposium allows us to include your name and image in photographs and videos online. Information Source: ACEs Awareness Foundation in partnership with the Glenn Family Foundation | eventbrite

We welcome the Ben Ferris Trio back to the Mansion Hill Inn on Thursday, April 17th. Doors 5:30, Show 6:30-9:00 pm. Ben Ferris - bass Jason Kutz - keyboard Wayne Salzmann II - drums Information Source: Mansion Hill Inn | eventbrite

FREE live movie showing featuring commentary from comics Cody Lemke, Sasha Rosser, and David Fisher. We make jokes during bad movies. That's the show! ------- This April, Schlock returns with noted Russian Special Representative Steven Seagal in Contract to Kill. As if the movie's tagline ( They didn't just cross the border; they crossed the line ) wasn't enough of a red flag, this movie throws in nonsensical exposition, derpy dialogue, and Seagal's signature wooden performance into the melting pot of stank for good measure. It's really quite alarmingly bad. ------- Thursday, April 17, 2025 8:30PM doors • 9PM show Crucible 3116 Commercial Avenue Madison, WI 53713 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/462458033527037 ------- Seating is first come, first served. Free parking and full bar service available at venue. Information Source: Cheshire Cat Comedy | eventbrite

Please join us on Thursday April 17th for Symbols of Change — Designing for Unity in a Polarized World-a lecture by Greg Durrell. Greg Durrell, born in 1983 in Toronto, Ontario, is the owner of Tomorrow — a Canadian design and branding studio dedicated to creating impactful brands, products, and films for purpose-driven organizations. Durrell’s design career began at the age of 16, and by 2001, he was a designer and art director at War Child Canada, where he discovered his passion for using design to drive positive change. He played a pivotal role in the design team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and later co-led the award-winning rebrand of the Canadian Olympic Team with Ben Hulse. Durrell’s expertise extends to a deep understanding of Canada’s design history, which he showcased in his 2018 documentary, “Design Canada.” The film, which explores the influence of European-immigrant designers on Canada’s identity in the 1960s, received international acclaim and debuted at #1 on iTunes in the documentary category. Durrell’s work continues to define iconic institutions, with recent branding projects including the International Olympic Committee (2021), Mountain Equipment Company (2022), and the Green Party of Canada (2025). The Matthias Kemeny Design Lecture Series is coordinated and managed by the Portland State Graphic Design program. This series brings internationally celebrated design professionals annually to Portland to give a lecture for the benefit of the students and faculty in the Graphic Design program and the broader design community. This series is free and open to the public, highlights a wide range of design practices, and facilitates a community-wide dialogue about design and related fields. The series has been made possible by the Matthias D. Kemeny Charitable Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation. Information Source: Portland State Graphic Design! | eventbrite