The 4th of July weekend is here and there are celebrations galore going on all around Madison and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a parade, you’ll have to go to one of the smaller towns as Madison doesn’t have an Independence Day parade. But one thing we do have is plenty of places to enjoy fireworks. Check out this article from the CapTimes for where to see explosions light up the night sky all weekend long.
And in other news, Hop Garden Brewery, based in Paoli, is opening their third location today with a new taproom in downtown Belleville. This location has a large seating area inside as well as a beer garden out back. They plan to serve a menu mainly filled with your classic barbecue favorites. So hop on down and grab a drink and bite, I know I’ll be there this weekend and will report back on it soon.
Because it’s the 4th weekend, there are sure to be events whichever way you look. I’m keeping the list short this week. If none of these catch your fancy, I’m sure you can still have a grand time wherever you are.
But first, as a friendly reminder, if you’re hosting an event and want to be included in this newsletter, reach out to me here, on Instagram @drinkswithdarin, or by e-mail. Let’s work together!
Thursday, Jul. 3
Last year was supposed to be the last year of the Monona Community Festival, but volunteers were able to resurrect it and keep the tradition going. Highlights from this two-day festival include the Wisconsin Wife Carry Championships where the winner receives their partner’s weight in beer. And the festival ends with one of the largest fireworks displays in the area.
The Capitol City Band continues their Concerts in the Park series at Rennebohm Park. This week they will be performing an Independence Day tribute with classic marches, military tributes and more.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Quivey’s Grove host the World’s Wurst Tiki Party. They describe it as a wildly fun mashup of tropical flair and bratwurst bliss. Enjoy tiki cocktails outside while eating brats and other sausage fair.
Friday, Jul. 4
The 4th of July is for grilling with your friends and throwing back a few brews. Working Draft is hosting their annual Above Ground Pool Party for the release of the American light lager. This party starts on Friday and goes all weekend. Check out the link above for more details about everything that is included.
Saturday, Jul. 5
The newest release from State Line Distillery is their Navy Strength Gin. They are having a special lineup of drinks featuring this spirit for one day only. Their cocktail program is one of the best in the city, and with the quality of their distilled spirits, you don’t want to miss out. While you’re there imbibing, you can also purchase a bottle of this gin to add to your collection.
Sunday, Jul. 6
Sundays are for meat raffles, and there are a bunch of different ones to choose from this week. As I’ve mentioned here before, my go to is Baldwin Street Grille (it’s one of the most fun ones I’ve been to). But this week there are raffles at Lone Girl Brewing in Waunakee and at The Boneyard as well. And not to be left out, Working Draft is having one as part of their Above Ground Pool Party.
Tapping Soon
Jul. 17th-20th: Dane County Fair
Jul. 20th-25th: Summer Restaurant Week
Jul. 26th-27th: Atwood Fest
Aug. 7th: Picnic in White at Table Wine
Aug. 10th: Strip Mall Carnival at Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge
Aug. 16th: Agora Art Fair
Aug. 30th-31st: Taste of Madison
That’s it for this week’s highlights. As always, leave a comment and let me know what you’re looking forward to this weekend or about any events I may have missed.