Colorful flowers
Now that spring has officially sprung, get outside and get involved throughout the month of May at one of these local events. Mark your calendar for book signings, farmers’ markets, outdoor races and more.
Madison Symphony Orchestra
Attend the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s all-Beethoven concert, conducted by John DeMain. The concert (showing two nights and a Sunday matinee) is open to all ages and explores the work of one of the West’s greatest musicians. May 6, 7, 8, Overture Center for the Arts, overture.org/events/his-greatest-hits
Gallery Night at Garver
Garver Feed Mill will be filled with art, live music and more on Friday, May 6 for Gallery Night at Garver. An artist reception will take place 5-7 p.m. and a performance by Adem Tesfaye Band will follow. May 6, 5-8 p.m., Garver Feed Mill click here for more info
Book talk and signing
The authors of “Bending Granite” — a co-edited book featuring 30-plus true stories of leading change — will be signing and discussing their work at a local bookstore event that will be in-person and livestreamed. “Bending Granite” includes personal accounts of successful and positive change within respective organizations. May 6, 6 p.m., Mystery to Me, click here for more info
Lake Monona races
Break in outdoor running season at this year’s Lake Monona 20k Run and 5k Run/Walk. May 7, 9 a.m.-noon, Winnequah Park, lakemonona20k.com
Madison’s Derby Party
Do derby right and celebrate on the Grand Plaza at The Edgewater’s fifth annual Kentucky Derby party. Pick your horse and participate in a raffle for a variety of prizes. All proceeds from the games will go to Community Around the Children’s Hospital, or CATCH. Watch live music, snap some photos and dress for the occasion. May 7, 2-7 p.m., Grand Plaza at The Edgewater, click here for more info
Hilldale Farmers’ Market
Shop local and from a variety of different vendors at Hilldale Farmers’ Market. Pick up Wisconsin cheese, cocktail kits, gourmet dog food and more every Wednesday and Saturday in the lot located behind L.L. Bean off Segoe Road. May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilldale Shopping Center, facebook.com/HilldaleFarmersMarket
Northside Farmers’ Market
Head to the north side and stop by this producer-based market that offers high quality fruits, vegetables and more. The market begins its 2022 season on Sunday, May 8 and will be held every Sunday through October. May 9-Oct. 23, Sundays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2901 N. Sherman Ave., northsidefarmersmarket.org
Dear Evan Hansen
There are eight chances to catch the Tony award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” this month in Madison. May 10-15, Overture Center for the Arts, overture.org/events/dear-evan-hansen
Wisconsin Union Class of 2022 Graduation Festivities
The Wisconsin Union will celebrate 2022 graduates with a variety festivities for graduates, family and friends. May 8-14, Memorial Union, click here for more info
- Decorate your cap: Graduates can “bedazzle, paint, and adorn” their caps at the Wheelhouse Studio’s Cappy Hour. May 8-3, noon-10 p.m., lower level of Memorial Union
- Live music: Catch The Funkee JBeez on Friday, May 13 and The Mersey Brothers featuring Sean Michael Dargan on Saturday, May 14th. 7 p.m., Memorial Union Terrace
- Graduation livestream: Watch the graduation ceremonies live at the The Sett & Sun Garden at Union South and der Rathskeller and the Memorial Union Terrace. May 14, 11:30 a.m.
- Free photos in a terrace chair: Graduates can get a free professional photo in the Big Terrace Chair. May 14, 10 a.m.-noon at Union South; 2-4 p.m. at Memorial Union Terrace
The Regrettes
The Los Angeles-based punk rock band The Regrettes will make a stop in town this month. May 14, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, majesticmadison.com/event/the-regrettes
Midwest Vintage Flea
Shop from a long lineup of vintage stores and independent sellers at the eighth Midwest Vintage Flea at Garver Feed Mill. The event draws people from all over the state and will be held over two days. May 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Garver Feed Mill, goodstyleshop.com
Essential: True Stories of Unseen Work
Hear stories about the essential work done during the pandemic from Madisonians at this story slam. May 14, 4-6 p.m., Central Library, madisonpubliclibrary.org
An Evening with Neil Gaiman
Listen to acclaimed short fiction writer Neil Gaiman in conversation at The Orpheum Theatre. The event is hosted by FPC Live, The Orpheum and the Wisconsin Book Festival. May 15, 8-11 p.m., The Orpheum Theatre, click here for more info
The Mountain Goats
Catch the California-based rock band, The Mountain Goats, on tour in Madison. According to Helen Rosner of The New Yorker, band leader John Darnielle “writes songs that are narrative, literary, and full of recurring lyrical motifs: cruel stepdads, grief, sci-fi, death metal, small southern towns, religious ephemera, delusion and ambition, the blurred lines between love and hate.” May 21, 8 p.m., The Sylvee, thesylvee.com/events/the-mountain-goats
WORTstock 22
Spend your Sunday enjoying a diverse lineup of music at this year’s WORTstock, hosted by WORT-FM. Inspired by the original Woodstoock, this music festival aims to bring the community together, and local food and craft vendors will be present. May 22, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Warner Park, click here for more info
Paw-rents Party
Get a matching outfit for you and your pup and head over to The Boneyard for a Paw-rents Party. The event will include a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County and will feature a Giant Jones Brewing Co. takeover. There will be food available and treats and dog apparel will be sold by Petphoria throughout the party. May 22, 2-6 p.m., The Boneyard, click here for more info
Flume
Catch Australian DJ Flume at one of his two shows at The Sylvee, both part of the third-leg of his world tour. May 23-24, 7:30 p.m., The Sylvee, thesylvee.com/events/flume-tuesday
Freddie Gibbs
See rapper Freddie Gibbs on The Space Rabbit Tour when he makes a stop in Madison. May 27, 8 p.m., The Sylvee, thesylvee.com/events/freddie-gibbs
Brat Fest
Don’t miss the World’s Largest Brat Fest this year and participate in the weekend-long festivities, staffed by local charities. Grab a brat and listen to live music while supporting the community. May 27-29, 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Alliant Energy Center, bratfest.com
Run Madtown
Sign up for Run Madtown to complete a half marathon or a 5K in a route that takes you through some of Madison’s most iconic spots. May 29, 7 a.m., start and finish at Capitol Square, rudmadtown.com
“Between Spaces”
Visual artist Kelly Parks Snyder explores her personal path to well-being throughout the pandemic in “Between Spaces,” an art exhibit that combines visual art and poetry. The exhibit opens at the end of the month, and a reception featuring a talk with Parks Snider will take place on June 18. May 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Arts + Literature Laboratory, kellyparkssnider.com
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