This weekend, wake up to lion roars, appreciate modern art, or celebrate one of Bavaria’s most popular annual festivals – Oktober Fest. Whatever your fancy, there is plenty going on in Mad Town!
Snooze at the Zoo!
Friday, September 23, 5:30 p.m. Henry Vilas Zoo (sleepover at the Discovery Center/Herpetarium), Ages 5 and up
Ever wondered what the zoo looks and sounds like after the visitors have left? Do the seals slumber? Bring your sleeping bag and fall asleep to the sounds of lions, elephants, and other wildlife, right here in the heart of the city! Check out the hustle and bustle of the early morning zoo – as the animals rub their eyes and start their day. This Friday Henry Vilas opens its doors for a rare peek behind the scenes, and you get to stay all night!
Pizza on Friday night and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning, plus plenty of exclusive activities included. Tickets ($55/person) are limited, but the zoo offers private sleepovers as well. Find more information here.
MMoCA Night – 2016 Wisconsin Triennial
Friday, September 23, 6:00 p.m.
Start off the weekend with a night at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) and celebrate the opening of the 2016 Wisconsin Triennial! Known as the “state’s most prestigious showcase of contemporary Wisconsin visual art”, the museum will exhibit a vast array of art – sculptures, installations, multimedia, paintings and more! Don’t miss the rooftop sculpture garden, a hidden gem shared by the Museum and restaurant Fresco – where you’ll enjoy stunning views of State Street and the Capitol. Sip a rooftop cocktail and sample Fresco’s tasty seasonal hors d’oeuvres, lounge, listen to live music and parlay with the artists. MMoCA Nights admission is free for MMoCA members and $10 for general public. For more information, visit the MMoCA website.
October Fest
Saturday, September 24, 3:00 p.m., Breese Stevens Field, 21+
Madison may not be Munich, but we know beer and Bavarian traditions – including Oktober Fest! Don your lederhosen and journey to Breese Stevens this Saturday! Sample a wide variety of specialty foods and craft brews! There will be music, silent polka and Hammerschlagen, a Bavarian game that involves penny nails, tree stumps, and – you guessed it – hammers. General admission is $46 and includes unlimited sampling from all brewers and food vendors! You can purchase tickets here.
Have a great weekend!