Discover Monona, Wisconsin

06/06/2026

Join us at San Damiano Park on Saturday, June 21, for Make Music Day — a FREE, day-long celebration of live music, community, and summer fun! From talented local performers to delicious food carts, refreshing beverages, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

🎤 Live music from 11 AM–8:30 PM
🍔 Local food carts & treats
☕ Coffee, lemonade, beer & more
🌳 Beautiful lakeside park setting
🎵 Part of the worldwide Make Music Day celebration

Bring your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family, and spend the day soaking up great music and good vibes in Monona!

06/05/2026

Summer evenings are better outdoors. ☀️🌿

Camp Aldo Evenings are bringing all the best parts of summer camp—without the sleeping bags! Gather your friends, family, or someone special and enjoy live music, local food trucks, lawn games, sunset prairie walks, hands-on activities, and more at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

📅 June 21 • July 19 • August 16
⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona

Each evening features a unique experience:
🎨 Tie-Dye at Sunset (June 21)
🌱 Foraging in Nature (July 19)
🚀 Rocket Launch Fun (August 16)

Whether you're looking for a family outing, a relaxed date night, or a chance to connect with nature and community, Camp Aldo Evenings offer a memorable way to spend a summer night in Monona.

Learn more and reserve your spot for featured activities at https://aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/camp-aldo-evenings/

06/04/2026

Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer evening in Monona? The Nathaniel & Harriet Dean House is bringing back its beloved Back Porch Concert Series! Join friends and neighbors on select Thursdays at 7 PM in June and July for live music on the historic Dean House grounds.

4718 Monona Drive

June 25 – All That Jazz
July 9 – Sorry Mountain Band
July 16 – New Horizons Band
July 23 – The Ragged Blade Band
July 30 – Ice Cream Social at 5:30 PM & Vets on Frets at 7 PM

Bring a lawn chair, relax outdoors, and enjoy an evening of local music and community. See you on the back porch!

The Dean House

06/03/2026

Tonight! Who couldn't use a few more beach parties in their lives?

☀️ Soak up the sunshine, enjoy great live music, and grab an ice-cold beer at the beach!

Join us tonight from **5:00–8:30 PM** for beachside refreshments, with live music from **6:00–8:00 PM** featuring Frank Martin Busch and the Names

Bring your friends, kick back by the water, and enjoy a perfect summer evening with us! 🍻🎶🏖️

06/01/2026

Welcome to This Month in Monona!

Your new monthly guide to everything happening in Monona! From community celebrations and live entertainment to family-friendly activities, outdoor fun, and local events, This Month in Monona highlights all the exciting ways to experience our vibrant lakeside community throughout the month.

📅 June is packed with opportunities to get out, explore, and make memories in Monona. Whether you're a local looking for your next adventure or a visitor planning a day by the lake, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

✨ Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and discover what makes Monona such a special place to visit all summer long.

🔗 Want the full event details? Visit discovermonona.com to learn more about all the events happening in Monona this June and start planning your next outing.



Monona Farmers Market
Monona Parks & Recreation
San Damiano Monona
Monona Public Library
Below Deck at Grand Crossing Park
Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival
Clean Lakes Alliance

05/29/2026

Looking for your new favorite sunset spot?

Whether you're stopping by on a Lake Loop ride, taking an evening walk along the shore, enjoying a peaceful lakeside view, or spending the day at a community event, San Damiano is a place for everyone.

Set along the shores of Lake Monona, San Damiano offers some of the best sunset views in Dane County and serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors all summer long.

Here's just a taste of what's happening this season:

Sunset Games
June 14 | 4-8p
Spend a relaxing Sunday evening by the lake with live music, lawn games, food carts, and unbeatable sunset views.

Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival
June 19 - 27
Watch world-class artists transform massive logs into stunning works of art during this unique week-long festival celebrating creativity and culture.

Make Music Day
June 21 | 11a-8:30p
Celebrate the first day of summer with a full day of free live music featuring performers of all genres and skill levels from across the community.

Concerts on the Shore
June 25 | 5-9p
Enjoy free lakeside concerts featuring incredible regional and national artists, food carts, beverages, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

And that's only the beginning.

Whether you're here for an event, a walk along the lake, a bike ride, a picnic, or simply to catch a sunset, there's always something waiting for you at San Damiano.

📍 What's your favorite thing to do at San Damiano?

San Damiano Monona

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

🌟 Be Part of an Incredible International Event! 🌟

The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival is returning to San Damiano Park in Monona, June 19–27, 2026, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help bring this one-of-a-kind event to life.

Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to experience:
🪵 World-class artists transforming massive logs into stunning sculptures
🎶 Live music and cultural performances
💃 Dancers and art demonstrations
🚚 Food trucks and local vendors
🌎 Visitors and artists from around the world

Whether you can help for a few hours or take on a larger coordination role, your support will help make this internationally recognized event a success.

Learn more:
🌐 https://harrywhitehorse.com

Volunteer sign-up:
👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AA4A62FAAF9C52-64099552-2026 #/

Join us in celebrating art, culture, and community on the shores of Lake Monona!

Photo Credit: Bruce Fritz

05/21/2026

Summer looks good on Monona ☀️🌊🚲🍔

Lake days, local favorites, scenic views, and so much more — there’s always something to discover in Monona this summer.

Follow along with Discover Monona to stay tuned for everything Monona has to offer ✨

Featured:
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park
Monona Community Festival
Madison BCycle
Monona bait and ice cream
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Madison, WI
Pa Pa's BBQ
Monona's Chili Cook-Off

05/18/2026

Schluter Beach is made for the unhurried part of the day: Adirondack-chair views, soft ripples at the shoreline, and a little room for wading or play before the sun drops. 🌅 Pack a towel, take it slow, and let Lake Monona set the pace.

Photos by