Summer choices still abound! The Taste of Madison showcases food aplenty as vendors vie for your taste buds. Looking for something more cerebral? Bring the youngsters to the Discovery Center to Science Saturday. Something more sedate? Grab a bottle of wine for a picnic and a peek backstage at a world class theater!
The Full APT Experience
Saturday, Sept. 3, American Players Theater, Spring Green
11-1 p.m. Inside Out Walking Tour, 1 p.m. Play Talk, Plays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Theater Schedule
Picnics in the woods, hilltop performances underneath the stars…American Players Theater is a Midwestern treasure and only a stone’s throw away from Madison. King Lear, An Ideal Husband and Richard III are just a few of the plays performed this weekend. But, if you want to make a day of it, check out this Saturday’s “Inside Out Walking Tour.” Explore the secret corners of the theater, peek inside the dressing rooms, go backstage where the actors prepare, witness the craft stage scenery, visit the costume, wig and milinery shops—did you know there are about 200 costumes each season? After the walking tour, head over to the tent in the picnic area and join actor and staff for a “Play Talk” on King Lear beginning at 1pm. Or if you want to chill before the play drive to downtown Spring Green to Arcadia Books for local food, coffees, wine and a delectable book selection. Arcadia Books is a fabulous place to socialize and sip—and maybe you’ll even run into some actors while you’re there!
Saturday Science: It’s Alive!
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10-12 p.m., Discovery Building
Kiddos, slip into your lab coats and head over to the Discovery Building – it’s Science Saturday! Ever wondered why leaves change their colors in the fall? What might the world of an animal look like? Get answers to these and other questions during a morning of hands-on experiments and interactive projects that revolve around the science of living things. You and your charges will have a chance to take a closer look “at pigments, extract DNA from fruit and learn why it’s important, follow your senses, pretend to be an animal, watch the life cycles of insects and more.” This is a free event and open to explorers of all ages. Find more information on the Discovery Building website.
Taste of Madison
Saturday, Sept. 3, 2-8:30 pm, and Sunday, Sept. 4, 11 am-7 pm, Capitol Square
This weekend the Capitol Square will turn into a land of milk and honey! If you enjoy great food, music and people this is the place to be. The annual culinary festival has long been a Madison favorite – a last hurrah before the chillier days begin. The festival raises funds for non-profits and other charities, so wear your comfy clothes and dish up! With about 80 participating restaurants and food carts, there will be no shortage of mouth-watering goodies.
After Saturday’s feast, head down to the Union Terrace and dance off some of those Torpedos to the tunes of VO5!