What's Tappening? - Summer Solstice Edition
Events Happening in Madison This Week: Jun 19 - Jun 22
It’s about to be the hottest weekend of the year so far, both temperature wise and event wise. As we approach the longest day of the year and temps reach in to the mid-90s, that leaves you plenty of time to get out and enjoy everything this fine city has to offer.
This week we’ve got lots of beer events, chances to sample a wide variety of food, opportunities for live music galore, and a slew of entertainment options that are sure to delight.
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, Jun. 19
The Sessions make their move from McPike Park to Garver Feed Mill (3241 Garver Green) this year. And instead of being spread out over multiple weekends, it’s all happening in four jam packed day full of live music. This event will be held inside/outside all weekend.
If you’re interested in new spirits and making cocktails, consider attending the Tenhead Cocktail Class at Lucille (101 King St.). Learn how to make a few different cocktails, sample exclusive spirits from Tenhead, and enjoy apps from Lucille all downstairs in their lounge that used to be a former bank vault.
Celeberate Juneteenth at Bierock (2911 N. Sherman Ave.) with their Juneteenth Fundraiser with Funkytown Brewery. Funkytown is a black-owned brewery out of Chicago and $1 from each pour of Funkytown Beers will be donated to Urban Triage. I haven’t seen Funkytown beer in the Madison area before, so this would be a great chance to get out and try some of their beer.
Friday, Jun. 20
Friday kicks off three days of fun and festivities for Oregon Summer Fest at Kiser Fireman’s Park. This is another one of those local small-town summer festivals that are always so much fun. Oregon is just a short hop away from Madison, and while you’re down there, be sure to check out Bodihow Brewing if you haven’t been yet.
Watch local comedians get a rise out of you during the Half-Baked Improv Show at Reverie Baking Co. (2021 Winnebago St.). This event features improv troupes from across the city going head to head to see who can make you laugh the hardest. It’s always cool to see events happening in non-traditional spaces, and Reverie Baking is a cute little building.
June is half over, but Pride events are going strong all month long. The next best one on the calendar is the Pride Rooftop Party at The Rigby (119 E. Main St.). You may not have known that the Rigby even had a rooftop space, but it’s a hidden gem in the downtown Madison area. I’ve been up there a few times and it’s always great. I’m sure this Pride event will be fabulous.
Leopold’s (1301 Regent St.) Half Shell raw bar popup is back on Friday’s all summer long. I went once last year and had a great time. There a variety of oysters available and you can also order food from their sister restaurant, Fabiola’s, if seafood isn’t your thing.
Saturday, Jun. 21
Every year musicians take over parks, street corners, and business all across the city for one day during Make Music Madison. When you’re out and about during the day, take some time to stop and listen to local artists spread their unique brand of joy. Both Working Draft and Giant Jones are hosting multiple artists throughout the day for those who’d prefer a cold beer to go along with their music.
Delta Beer Lab (167 E. Badger Rd.) is hosting Hops and Headshots, where you see a viewing of a sci-fi/horror movie filmed here in Madison starring local actors. A movie with time travel and a zombie apocalypse sounds right up my alley and it will likely be a fun time. Plus you can meet some of the actors at the showing and learn more about what it’s like to make a small independent film.
Sample J. Henry’s seasonal bourbon release while enjoying local food and shopping from local vendors during Craftsman and Cocktails at J. Henry & Sons (7794 Patton Rd.). I’ve still got a bottle of last year’s release and it is one of my favorites on my bar cart. The only thing that could maybe make it better would be drinking it from a glass made by locally, like Gurn Glass, who will be at the event selling their wares.
Lake Louie Brewing (1079 American Way) hosts their Summer Solstice Party this weekend, complete with four new beer releases. There’s no brewery with a better outdoor space in town than at Lake Louie. Go for the beers, stay for the live music, food carts, and all the dogs you are likely to see roaming the grounds.\
If you’re looking for a food event, consider heading just south of Madison for the Taste of Stoughton. Enjoy foods from many local restaurants and drinks from the likes of Viking Brew Pub and Mershon’s Cidery.
Each week I try to bring you something a little different that might not be on your radar normally. This week it’s Fresco Opera’s Sconnie Street Garage Opera. This show is happening at four different driveways/garages over the next two weekends. Plus it’s free to attend, although donations are encouraged. Things like this are what make living in Madison truly special.
Sunday, Jun. 22
If you’ve never been to a Mad-City Ski Team waterski show at Law Park (410 S. Blair St.) you’re missing out. The performers are spectacular and put on free shows every Sunday throughout the summer. Watch them build human pyramids, go off jumps, and everything else you’d expect from a water show. You can watch from the shore along the park or along the bike path. But for an even more unique view, consider watching from the Monona Terrace rooftop.
This year’s Summer Solstice Bonfire at Olbrich Park (3527 Atwood Ave.) is going to be bigger and better than ever. Starting early, canoes will be provided so that you can paddle Starkweather Creek. As the evening rolls on, join the drum circle and stay for the procession of species. The bonfire is lit at sunset and dancing and celebration commences. Then as the fire is dying down wishes and thoughts are offered to the fire to bring prosperity into your life.
Dexter’s Pub (301 North St.) is hosting their annual Breast Cancer Recovery fundraiser. For $40 at the door, you get access to beer, spirits, cider and more. All proceeds from the admission and the silent auction will be donated to BCRF. It’s likely that breast cancer has touched your life in some way, and this event is a great way to give back and help.
Tapping Soon
Now to highlight some upcoming events that are just over the horizon. Add some of these events and more to your calendar for a great time.
July 4th-6th: Above Ground Pool Party at Working Draft Beer Company
July 20th: Taste of Homebrew Fest by Wine & Hop Shop in Rennebohm Park
July 26th: Seltzer and Cider Fest at Breese Stevens Field
August 9th: Great Taste of the Midwest at Olin Park (I’m still looking for tickets for this event, so if you have a lead, please let me know)
August 13th-17th: Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival
August 16th: Eken Park Fest
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.