Ice skating and 19 other things to do this week
Seasonal concerts, smart presentations, and ugly sweaters.
Hi there,
This is one of our longest events newsletters in a while! There's a lot going on this time of year.
If weather permits, the ice rink at the Edgewater Hotel will open for the season Wednesday. Its hours are Wednesday – Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The rinks run by the local parks department are not open yet. (You can check their status here).
— Sam
Wheel Of Fortune LIVE!
Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | Overture Center | $99+
“Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” brings the game show experience to Madison.
Your Favorite New Places and How to Find Them: The Life of a Guide Writer
Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | Lakeview Library | Free
Kevin Revolinski, author of 60 Hikes Madison and Paddling Wisconsin, will talk about how he got into writing guidebooks and the work that goes into making them.
Facebook Depression: Untangling the Evidence Around Social Media and Mental Health for Teens
Tuesday | 7 p.m. | The Discovery Building + virtual | Free
This talk will explore evidence examining the relationship between adolescent social media use and mental health and consider ways that parents can engage with their kids to promote safe and supportive social media use.
Breaking Precedent: Journalism Ethics & Covering the US Supreme Court
Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Play Circle + virtual | Free
NBC News’ Pete Williams will discuss media ethics and the challenges of covering the U.S. Supreme Court in turbulent times. Presented by the UW’s Center for Journalism Ethics.
Greater Madison Music City Music Recovery Framework Release Party 🟠
Thursday | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Café Coda | Free
The Greater Madison Music City project will release its latest report, which makes a number of recommendations for improving the economic lot of musicians, building up music-driven tourism, and leveling the playing field for marginalized audiences and artists. Read more from Tone Madison →
Tony Barba Blood Moon Quartet 🟠
Friday | 8-11 p.m. | North Street Cabaret | $15
Saxophonist Tony Barba's 2020 album Blood Moon introduced a distinct new dimension in an already unpredictable career spanning many corners of jazz and electronic music. Read more from Tone Madison →
Tokyo Godfathers (2003) screening 🟠
Friday | 9 p.m. | Union South Marquee | Free
Satoshi Kon may be best known for his animated, surrealistic, psychological thrillers, so Tokyo Godfathers (2003) may stand out in writer-director-character designer's oeuvre as a rollicking buddy adventure that just happens to be Christmas-themed. Read more from Tone Madison →
Adult Swim: Holiday Craftacular
Friday | 5:30-9 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum | $20 advance, $25 doors
Adults take over the Madison Children’s Museum for this 21+ holiday event featuring holiday card and gift-making, vintage holiday tunes, an ugly sweater contest, a beard-blinging contest, and more.
80s Rewind - Tacky Holiday Edition
Friday | 9 p.m. | Crucible | $5
Break out your favorite ugly sweater for this 80s video dance party with DJ Nick Nice.
Holiday Dane County Farmers’ Market
Saturday | 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monona Terrace | Free
The market features more than 60 vendors and will also be held Dec. 17.
Eastside Winter Market by Communication 🟠
Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) | Garver Feed Mill | Free admission
The two-day Eastside Winter Market will feature a dozen sets of music, heavy on Madison- and Wisconsin-based acts. Full vendor list here. Read more from Tone Madison →
Holiday Drag Brunch
Saturday | Show at 1 p.m. | The Bur Oak | $10 admission (food & drinks sold separately)
Hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze, with performances from Wynter Da Bratt, Dee Dee Purr, Kaprina Mirage, and Venezia Sodi. Cocktails by Stateline Distillery and brunch by Ahan.
Silver Bells: A 25th Anniversary Christmas Concert
Saturday | 7 p.m. | Asbury United Methodist Church | Prices vary
This handbell choir’s Christmas concert will feature fresh takes on beloved holiday classics from Greensleeves to the Grinch.
Steely Dane “Holidane” Show
Saturday | Show at 8 p.m. | The Majestic | $14+
Steely Dane faithfully reproduces the Steely Dan and Donald Fagen songbooks.
Kids in the Rotunda: Handphibians
Saturday | Two shows - 9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. | Overture Center | Free
The Handphibians present a taste of Brazil as Madison’s own community percussion group celebrates three different styles of Brazilian rhythms: Rio Style Samba, Samba Reggae of Salvador and Maracatu from Recife.
Madison Vegan Holiday Pop-Up Market
Sunday | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Goodman Community Center | Free
Vegan food and products. Full list of vendors here.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of the Beatles for Kids
Sunday | Show at 12 p.m. | High Noon Saloon | $15 (Children 1 and under free)
All the classic Beatles hits in a reduced-volume concert designed for children aged 10 and under.
Oakwood Chamber Players Holiday Concert
Sunday | 2 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory | $20-$25
For this seasonal concert, the Oakwood Chamber Players will pair miscellaneous holiday favorites with Maurice Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, a gorgeous work for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet.
Olbrich Holiday Concert: Michael Darling
Sunday | 2 p.m. | Olbrich Gardens | $5 Suggested Donation
Michael Darling a local artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer that blends elements of indie pop, folk rock, and jazz in his music.
📡 On our radar...
- The Moth Madison Storyslam: Anniversary theme on Dec. 12.
- Twenty Minute Collaborations Salon on Dec. 13.
- Twilight Saga Trivia at The Rigby on Dec. 13.
- Brew N View: Elf (2003) on Dec. 15.
- Lesbian Pop Up Bar at Jade Monkey on Dec. 17.
☃️ Winter fun
- Madison Area Holiday Lights & Tree Lighting Guide (Destination Madison)
- Where to See Santa in the Madison, WI Area (Madison Mom)
- Dining in Domes (Destination Madison)
- 12 holiday events in Madison you won't have to dress up for (Cap Times)
