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Don’t Miss These Madison-Area Winter Festivals

A bulldog wearing a colorful pink and teal winter sweater walks through the snow on a red leash.

The Madison area is embracing the season with a lineup of winter festivals celebrating community, culture, and cold-weather fun. From Sun Prairie’s Frozen Fest and the Frozen Assets Festival on Lake Mendota to UW-Madison’s Winter Carnival and Mount Horeb’s Scandihoovian Winter Festival, there’s something for everyone — ice carving, snowshoeing, pond hockey, live music, and even turkey bowling. Cambridge’s Dip for Dozer & Lil’ D Fisheree and the Winter Carnival Family Fun event round out the season with activities for all ages. Bundle up and make the most of Wisconsin’s winter magic before spring arrives!

Looking for Fun In (and Around) Dane County? Try These Festival and Fairs

A black dog wearing a colorful rainbow feather boa sits at an outdoor event, surrounded by people and chairs, looking directly at the camera.

Dane County is bursting with summer festivals that celebrate everything from local art and agriculture to mustard, coffee, and community spirit. Highlights include Monona’s Community Festival and its quirky Wife Carrying Championship, Waunakee’s patriotic WaunaBoom and WaunaFest, the Fitchburg Festival of Speed, and Mount Horeb’s Art Fair. Don’t miss unique events like Cambridge’s Midwest Fire Fest, Middleton’s National Mustard Day, and Stoughton’s Coffee Break Festival. Whether you’re after food, music, culture, or a little small-town charm, these 16 festivals showcase the best of summer across south-central Wisconsin.

A Dozen Madison Festivals to Attend This Summer

A brown dog wearing a colorful birthday hat and polka-dot bandana sits at a table with wrapped gifts and chocolate cupcakes topped with candles in front of it.

Summer in Madison means festivals galore — from music and food to art and community pride. Highlights include Festival Foods Lights the Isthmus fireworks celebration, the renowned Art Fair on the Square, and La Fête de Marquette, the city’s largest community event. Families can enjoy the Dane County Fair, roots music at the Sugar Maple Music Festival, and the massive Great Taste of the Midwest beer fest. Other can’t-miss events include Africa Fest, Eken Park Festival, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, and the always-popular Taste of Madison on Capitol Square. Whether you’re into culture, cuisine, or concerts — Madison has a summer festival for you.

Doggie-Friendly Day Trips In and Around Dane County

A white bulldog stands proudly on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake at sunset, with trees and swans visible in the background under a bright blue sky.

Summer is the perfect season for a Wisconsin road trip — especially with your dog along for the ride. From Governor Nelson and Devil’s Lake State Parks with their pet swim areas to the Ice Age Trail segments near Lodi and Cross Plains, there are plenty of trails and parks ready for adventure. Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, and even Albany offer dog-friendly tours, cruises, and tubing trips, while restaurants like The Keg and The Brat House Grill welcome pups on patios. Extend your getaway with pet-friendly lodging such as The Ridge in Lake Geneva or Country House Resort in Sister Bay. Wherever you go, Wisconsin makes traveling with your dog easy and enjoyable.

Spring Cleaning Tips — Both Inside & Out

A brown dog standing in a white bathtub being gently washed with soap suds by a person’s hands in a blue-tiled bathroom.

Spring has sprung — and instead of booking a pricey getaway, why not refresh your home and spirit with a good spring cleaning? Indoors, tackle one room at a time by wiping baseboards, washing windows, and decluttering. Let go of what you no longer need by donating usable items and tossing the rest. For a healthier home, try natural cleaning products like baking soda and vinegar instead of harsh chemicals. Outside, inspect your roof and gutters, clean the deck and grill, and prep for outdoor fun. And don’t forget one last chore — yard “poop patrol” to clear away any winter leftovers from your furry friends!

Entering the Housing Market in 2023? Read This First

A brown and white bulldog resting its head on a couch cushion with its tongue sticking out, looking sleepy and relaxed.

After a record-breaking 2021, Wisconsin’s real estate market cooled in 2022 — home sales dropped nearly 15%, listings fell 18%, and mortgage rates more than doubled. Still, south-central Wisconsin remains active, with many homes selling slightly over asking. Expect higher interest rates to be the new normal and tight inventories to persist as homeowners cling to low-rate mortgages. But that doesn’t mean you should wait — the right strategy can still secure great deals. Whether buying or selling, partnering with an experienced real estate professional can help you navigate pricing, timing, and negotiations to make the most of today’s market.

5 WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

A woman wearing winter clothes kneels in the snow while a black dog jumps playfully beside her on a sunny winter day in the woods.

With bitter cold predicted for early 2023, it’s essential to winter-proof your home and protect your family. Start by preventing frozen pipes — drain outdoor faucets, insulate exposed plumbing, and keep your thermostat above 55°F when away. Trim overhanging branches before ice brings them down, and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly. If you’re using a fireplace, clear the flue, keep trees and decorations at a safe distance, and store ashes in a metal container outside. And when snow hits, shovel smart — pace yourself, lift with your legs, and watch for heart strain. A little prep now can keep your home safe and cozy all winter long.

FOUR FUN THINGS TO DO IN DANE COUNTY THIS FALL

A small dog runs through a forest covered in colorful autumn leaves, surrounded by trees with golden and orange foliage.

As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s still plenty of time to savor fall across Dane County before winter arrives. Start your weekend at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the nation’s largest producer-only market, running through mid-November. Lace up your boots for a fall hike through colorful trails at the UW Arboretum, Blue Mound State Park, or Pheasant Branch Conservancy. For family fun, wander through local corn mazes and pumpkin patches at Schuster’s Farm or Treinen Farm. And when the sun goes down, warm up indoors with live music from top touring acts and local favorites at venues like the Orpheum Theater and High Noon Saloon. Fall in Dane County is short — make the most of it while it lasts.

14 FAMILY-FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE MADISON AREA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

A happy German Shepherd sits in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with Santa Claus seated in the background.

’Tis the season to get out and celebrate — and Dane County has no shortage of festive fun. From dazzling lights and holiday markets to 5K runs and family performances, there’s something for everyone this winter. Cruise through the glowing Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, sip cocoa after skating at The Edgewater Icehouse, or explore the charming Christkindli Market in New Glarus. Families can visit Santa at McFarland’s Holiday Pet Photos or take in timeless classics like A Christmas Carol at the Overture Center. Whether you’re lacing up for a fun run, shopping for handmade gifts, or simply soaking in the lights, the holidays in Dane County are full of warmth, wonder, and community cheer.

5 HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

A small dog dressed as a ghost with a white sheet over its head sits on a front porch surrounded by glowing jack-o’-lanterns, lantern lights, and a bowl of Halloween candy.

Halloween fun shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. From better lighting to pet precautions, a few simple steps can help protect your home and visitors. Brighten walkways, use LED lights in pumpkins, and clear leaves or decorations that could cause trips. Keep pets secured in another room to avoid stress or escapes, and lock vehicles in well-lit areas to prevent mischief. Finally, help kids stay safe by posting reflective “Watch for Children” signs and reminding drivers to slow down. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a festive and worry-free Halloween night.