Top Events for September 2013

The arrival of September means Badger football at Camp Randall and, consequently, a sea of shoppers clad in red and white at the Saturday Dane County Farmers' Market that circles the Capitol Square.

Here are details about other big events that draw crowds, for good reason, in September.

1. Taste of Madison: Aug. 31-Sept. 1

Around 300 types of nibbles from at least 80 restaurants are sold around the Capitol Square during the 31th Taste of Madison. Look for smoked trout crostini (from BB Jacks), churro sundaes(from Caracas Empanadas) and char-grilled oysters (from The Bayou). No food item costs more than $4.

Add three stages of free music and hope for good weather. Event hours are 2-8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 1.More »

2. Quilt Expo: Sept. 5-7

A brilliant patchwork of quilt contests, exhibits, presentations and lectures are a part of this sewing extravaganza presented by Wisconsin Public Television at the Exhibition Hall of Alliant Energy Center. Beginners to longtime quilters gather to fine-tune their skills, gain inspiration for projects and shop for sewing materials. Expect almost 150 vendors and sit-and-sew sessions.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except the final day, which ends at 5 p.m. Register online or call 866-297-6575. Admission at the door is $9 for one day, $17 for a three-day pass. Expect an additional fee for lectures ($10) and workshops ($30-35, including the kit/pattern).More »

3. Fighting Bob Fest: Sept. 7

The Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center turns into hub for liberal and progressive politics and entertainment during this annual chautauqua that draws a passionate and enthusiastic crowd. Speakers tentatively include comedian Will Durst, National Voting Rights Institute founder John Bonifaz and radio commentator Jim Hightower.
Event hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The name refers to Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, the former U.S. Senator who is described as “Wisconsin's most famous hell raiser” because he bucked convention in favor of grassroots democracy and a push for equality.More »

4. Ironman Wisconsin 2012: Sept. 8

This grueling test of athletic endurance starts with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Monona, near Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, then shifts into a 112-mile, hilly bicycle ride that loops around southern Dane County. What's left? More hills, inside Madison, during a 26.2-mile run that cuts through the University of Wisconsin and Lake Mendota shoreline before ending at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Madison's contract to host this event extends to 2018. Participation reaches the cap of 2,500 way before competition begins at 7 a.m. on race day. Participants have 17 hours to finish the course, and 45,000 spectators typically cheer them on. Top finishers qualify for the 2014 Ironman World Championship.More »

5. Wisconsin Saddlebred Futurity Horse Festival: Sept. 12-15

These American Saddlebred competitions, which began in 1946 in Milwaukee, are accompanied by high payouts and the goal of educating horse owners and others about the breeding and showing of this type of horse. The Limited Breeder's Auction and Competition has been known to pay out over $70,000, and that's just one part of the show.
Daylong activities, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., occur at the Alliant Energy Center and its stables. This festival is among the nation's largest events of its kind.More »

6. REAP Food for Thought Festival: Sept. 21

Food activists and advocates of locally and sustainably produced food converge along Martin Luther King Boulevard, off of the Capitol Square, to cook, lecture, demonstrate and persuade average people to be more aware of what they eat. Make edible jewelry, sample local products, watch local chefs compete and learn about beekeeping, yogurt making and raising vegetables to chickens.

Chefs compete in the "Melted Cheese Something" contest, and they'll do it in 15 minutes because this is the event's 15th year. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and admission is free.More »

7. Willy Street Festival: Sept. 21-22

Five stages of music (three on Sept. 21), stretched along three blocks of Williamson Street, set the mood for this laid-back celebration of the bohemian side of Madison. Expect the 150 festival booths to be big on ethnic foods, political causes and gay rights. Don't overdress: Wearing a favorite, faded concert T-shirt or one-of-a-kind funky outfit is the norm.

Hours are 1:30-9 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 (which begins with a procession of Madison's favorite parade people). Veer onto the 800 to 1000 blocks for this mix of fun and enlightenment.More »

8. Festival of Food: Sept. 23-29

Food samplings, chef contests, events that combine eating with exercise or education make up this second annual party that embraces foods and beverages produced in and near Madison.

Admission, dates, times and locations vary. The event starts with Dueling Chef competition, followed by the Festival Premiere, a food tasting from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 24 at Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St. A ticket is $25.More »

9. Wisconsin Science Festival 2012: Sept. 26-29

Innovation is the theme of this multi-venue exercise in entertainment through education. Scientists to artists use their knowledge and talents to produce hands-on programs that will be of interest to children and adults. Caves, chocolate, coffee, dinosaurs, rockets, biofuels, the solar system and much more are springboards for lectures to hands-on activities.
Keynote speaker Ira Flatow, host of National Public Radio's "Science Friday" show, talks at 7 p.m. Sept. 26. Admission to most events is free, and more than 50 events will be scheduled.More »

10. Monroe Street Festival: Sept. 28

Sure, State Street is Madison's best-known thoroughfare for shopping, but don't underestimate the allure of the boutiques along Monroe Street. This 36th annual festival tempts with big bargains, a book sale at the public library at 1705 Monroe St. and free entertainment at Wingra Park.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activity involves the 1500 to 3500 blocks of Monroe Street, and it proceeds rain or shine.More »