April kicks off the downtown event season, with the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square opening Saturday April 18, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s “Hair Affair: The Art of Hair” April 23, the Crazylegs Classic Run/Walk April 25, MMoCA Gallery Night May 1, the Syttende Mai Run/Walk, May 16, the Madison Marathon (Twilight 10K & Half Marathon), May 23-24, and a Madison Parks Moonlight Movie (“Battleship”) in Peace Park on May 29. For more events see visitdowntownmadison.com.
In another welcome sign of spring, watch for BID-funded pansies and other spring greenery to appear in downtown planters by late April, and summer annuals in select garden beds in late May, in partnership with City of Madison Parks and Mall Maintenance.
Madison Parks Moonlight Movie – Peace Park, May 29, Photo: Mary Carbine
Coming soon to 119 State Street is the Red Elephant Chocolate Café, offering the experience of enjoying chocolate in many forms, from traditional handcrafted chocolates to distinctive desserts and ice creams, unique drinks, dips and toppings. Red Elephant Chocolate’s first cafe is in a former produce merchant’s building in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. In their first Madison location, they will offer everything from truffles and “tumbled chocolates” to bakery, hot chocolate, cocoa bean tea, and elephant and chocolate-themed gifts, both for retail and to enjoy at the café. Red Elephant
Chocolate will join Vom Fass (featuring quality oils, vinegars, wines and spirits) in the new Block 100 Foundation development.
For shopping and dining suggestions and event information, stop by the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State St. or see visitdowntownmadison.com. Staffed by BID Information Ambassadors, the Visitor Center is open Monday to Wednesday 11:00am-2:00pm and Thursday to Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm through May 1.
Beginning May 2, the Visitor Center will be open summer hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-5pm; Fri: 11am-6pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; and Sun: 12pm-5pm. The Capitol Square Info Booth will also open May 2 with hours (weather permitting) Mon-Tue: 11am-2pm; Wed-Thur: 11am-5pm; Fri: 11am-6pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; and Sun: 12pm-5pm.
Have an upcoming event, conference or guests coming into town? Order the free Downtown Madison Map & Guide (any quantity) at visitdowntownmadison.com. The new 2015-16 edition will be available in early May.