18 great ideas for your Madison-area weekend

What's that we hear? Cranes in the air? Jingle bells and all that holiday fare?

Madison's annual Fantasy in Lights is lighting up soon — but before we get ahead of our (holiday) selves, here's some advice: This weekend, enjoy some natural beauty with Wisconsin's cranes, revel in live music, see a play or experience a film. It might help with some of that post-election stress, too.

Great Midwest Crane Fest: Pre-register and head to Baraboo to see thousands of sandhill cranes gather near the Wisconsin River before flying south for the winter. Guided crane-viewing tours, presentations, workshops and more. Pre-order tickets; $40/day, $60/weekend includes events at both the Aldo Leopold Foundation and International Crane Foundation. greatmidwestcranefest.org

LunART Chamber Music Collective: Music by women is featured in this 2024-25 LunART season opener, titled "Winds of Change," featuring guest bassoonist Eleni Katz, flutist Iva Ugrcic and pianist Alyona Waldo. 7 p.m. at the Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St., and 2 p.m. at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, 6604 Highway 23, Spring Green. $15-$30. www.lunartfestival.org/windsofchange

Friday Jazz at Tandem: Tandem Press presents the UW Jazz Composers Group and Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble as part of its free jazz series, 5 to 7 p.m. , 1743 Commercial Ave. tandempress.wisc.edu/events/jazz-series/

"In person" at Cinematheque: Hear from the filmmakers themselves in this ongoing series. Experimental filmmaker Kiera Faber presents her animated "The Garden Sees Fire" plus other work at 7 p.m. , 4070 Vilas Hall, 821 University Ave. Free. Complete series listing at cinema.wisc.edu/series/2024/fall/guests-person

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra: Guest pianist Janina Fialkowska of Canada joins the WCO for the Masterworks concert "Fialkowska on Fire," featuring Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 plus works by Stamitz and Farrenc. 7:30 p.m. in the Capitol Theater, Overture Center, 201 State St. Pre-concert talk by Fialkowska and maestro Andrew Sewell at 6:30 p.m. $19-$97. wcoconcerts.org

"Pride and Prejudice": University Theatre presents this new adaption of the Jane Austen classic by Department of Theatre and Drama faculty members Aly Renee Amidei and Ann M. Shanahan through Nov. 17 in Mitchell Theatre, Vilas Hall, 821 University Ave. 7:30 p.m. , 2 p.m. . $10-$28. theatre.wisc.edu/productions-and-tickets

Jamar Jones: The pianist Jamar Jones' resume includes working with Boyz II Men, Usher, "The Greatest Showman," and many more. He'll perform at 7:30 p.m. at the UW Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave., as part of the Mead Witter School of Music's "Changemaker" Series. $20; students free (but ticket required); livestream also available. music.wisc.edu/events/jamar-jones/

"The Blue Comet": Madison Shakespeare Company performs the U.S. premiere of Eden Phillpotts' comedy, billed as a "terribly polite comedy about the end of the world." 7:30 p.m. Friday,, Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin St., $20. bartelltheatre.org

Driftless Film Festival: Now in its 15th season, this showcase of independent films runs through Saturday at Mineral Point Opera House, 139 High St., Mineral Point. $10. Complete list of films at driftlessfilmfestival.com .

Winter Art Fair off the Square: Meet some 135 Wisconsin artists and shop their pottery, paintings, fiber, glass art, wood, photography, jewelry and more at Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Drive, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Live music; Young Collectors Corner for art lovers under age 12; silent auction Saturday. $5 admission; under 12 free. artcraftwis.org

"Murder Girl": Forward Theatre presents this comedy whodunit set in — where else? — a Wisconsin supper club. A few tickets remain for this world premiere of a play by Heidi Armbruster, performed in the Playhouse theater through Nov. 24 at Overture Center, 201 State St., and you also can purchase a digital version around Nov. 13. $15-$46. overture.org

Kissers album release: Did you see "The Greatest War" six years ago at the Barrymore ? Those revealing songs about Wisconsinites in World War I are now on the "The Foe and the Fallen: Songs from The Greatest War," celebrated with seated shows at 5 and 8 p.m. at the Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St. $25. theburoakmadison.com/shows

Fall Gospel Fest: Join the 20th annual music festival, featuring multi-Grammy Award winner Hezekiah Walker, recording artist Jermaine Dolly, comedian Willie Brown and DJ Ace. 7 p.m. , Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Road, Sun Prairie. $42 at visitsunprairie.com/event/20th-anniversary-fall-gospel-fest/

Holiday Fantasy in Lights: Can it already be that time of year? The twinkling, drive-through holiday display is proof enough, opening Saturday at Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court. Open daily through the winter holidays, dusk till dawn; free admission, but donations are appreciated. When you visit, play the complementary soundtrack at fantasyinlights.com .

Wisconsin Dog Fair: Leave your furry friends at home — there are plenty more to meet at this event from Badger Kennel Club. Vendors, demonstrations, educational talks and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. Admission $5-$10; under 5 free. wi-dog-fair.com

Madison Polish Film Festival: The UW-Madison Polish Student Association on presents "The Secret Life of Little Rose" at 3 p.m. and "The Scarborn" at 5:15 p.m. in The Marquee theater at UW Union South, second floor, 308 W. Dayton St. On Nov. 17, "Doppelgänger. Double" will be shown at 3 p.m. and "Feast of Fire" at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. gns.wisc.edu/madison-polish-film-festival

"Concert for Palestinian Relief": Area musicians will perform in this fundraiser at 4:30 p.m. for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, subtitled "Art and Action for Our Human Family." Featured bands include Alex White & the Friends, Wild Viole ts, Kevin Willmott II, BrighterDaze and Meggie Shays. Gamma Ray Bar, 121 W. Main St. Event for ages 21 and over. $10. gammaray.bar/shows/

Historic house tours: The historic Nathaniel and Harriet Dean House, 4718 Monona Drive, Monona, welcomes visitors to its Victorian home museum for tours at 2 and 3 p.m. $5 adults, children under 10 free. historicbloominggrove.org/nathaniel-w-dean-farmhouse

Southern Wisconsin homes for big families

Stunning, brand new construction awaits in the desirable Westbridge of Waunakee! Upon entry to this 5BR/3.5BA home, be delighted by the sprawling open floor plan w/ sleek LVP floors leading you through the ML w/ office, mudroom, spacious living rm w/ built-ins & cozy gas fp, powder bath & more! Cooking is a breeze in the chef's kitchen w/ high end Cafe apps, quartz breakfast bar/island, walk-in pantry, & coffee/bev bar. Upstairs find 4 beds incld. Owners suite w/ WIC, private en-suite w/ walk-in tile shower & soaking tub. Not to mention the convenient UL laundry. Exposed/walkout LL is an entertainer's dream w/ full wet bar, family/rec area w/ fp, mini office space, 5th bed & full bath! Beautiful 3 ssn porch w/ gas fp & walk-out patio! See docs for more info/features!

Showings start 10/28! Welcome to this stunning 5BR, 3.5BA home with over 3,100sqft of beautifully designed living space. The open concept layout offers seamless flow from the spacious living room to the modern kitchen, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The large kitchen features an oversized breakfast bar, ample cabinet space, and solid surface countertops. Enjoy the outdoors in the screened porch that opens seamlessly to the concrete patio, ideal for relaxation. The lower level is an entertainer's dream, featuring an exceptional space for gatherings or cozy movie nights. This home combines comfort, style, and functionality in every detail—don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Here it is! The one you've been waiting for! Oh so spacious, beautiful ranch house across from a park! Recently remodeled kitchen and new flooring! Arched doorways and soaring ceilings. Primary bedroom suite is awesome! HUGE walk-in closet, double sink vanity and walk-in, tiled shower. Very nice, maintenance free deck off of the dining area that overlooks a park-like, fenced-in backyard with a firepit. Beautiful, mature trees on the property! Move in and enjoy!

Immaculate 5BR/3.5BA 2 story home located in Sun Prairie's desirable West Prairie Village. Step inside to the dbl height entry foyer leading to office/flex rm and sitting/dining rm. The chef's kitchen boasts an upgraded oversized island, SS appliances - double oven and gas range cooktop, corner pantry, breakfast bar, and separate sun rm w/ vaulted ceilings. Living room w/ cozy gas FP, perfect for relaxing. Easy access to the oversized patio w/ pergola and firepit. 4 bedrooms up, all good size. Laundry rm up! Primary suite w/dual vanities, WIC, large soaking tub and separate shower. LL already finished w/ 3rd full bath, reading nook, large rec room entertaining space, and 5th bedroom. 2 car garage, 1/2 bath main. Flat & grassy, spacious backyard.

Discover this spacious 3,873 sq ft colonial-style home with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, located in the heart of Hawks Landing. This home offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. Features include an updated kitchen, updated mechanicals, new carpeting throughout, new LVT flooring on main level, lots of natural light, huge yard, deck built for entertaining and a first floor bedroom with its own bathroom. Located in a desirable golf course community neighborhood, enjoy the convenience of nearby schools, pools, parks, and shopping. Perfect for families or anyone seeking ample living space, this elegant property combines classic charm with modern updates - Don't miss out — schedule a showing today!

Welcome to this stunning home in the desirable Hill Farms Neighborhood! Step into a bright living rm featuring vaulted ceilings & skylights that fill the space w/ natural light. The striking floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace adds warmth & character, complemented by rich cherry panel walls. French doors from the dining rm lead to a cozy sunroom w/ an electric fireplace, perfect for relaxation. The spacious kitchen boasts a built-in desk. The primary suite includes a built-in dresser, double closets, & a convenient 3/4 bath. Three additional bdrms share a full bath. Enjoy the family rm & walk-out LL, which features a fifth bdrm/den, laundry, & a rec rm w/ outdoor access. Ample storage under the garage complete this gem. 4 total fireplaces, 3 wood, 1 electric. Located close to Hilldale!

Welcome to your dream home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in beautiful Belleville! This stunning 5-bed 3-full bath updated ranch has so much to offer and has the ideal blend of modern convenience and comfortable living. Gigantic open concept kitchen/dining features an abundance of storage, granite countertops, SS appliances. Primary suite is large with big closets, bathroom and access to back porch. Finished basement with large bedrooms, potential office space, family room, bath, ample storage. Full 3 car garage offers locker style cubbies and new 3rd stall is insulated and heated and perfect for a workshop or workout space. Outdoor space has an upper composite deck off the dining room, and also a lower patio for all your entertaining needs!

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 2-story residence features a brand new stained deck, perfect for outdoor gatherings in the amazing backyard. Inside, the beautiful kitchen boasts ample dining space, while the office/flex room comes with brand new flooring. With 5 spacious bedrooms and a finished basement, there's plenty of room for everyone. The basement includes a cozy living area with surround sound, a gym (or another flex room), and a full bar for entertaining. The heated, fully insulated garage ensures comfort year-round. Located in a fantastic neighborhood, this home offers an unbeatable location close to all amenities. Don't miss out on this exceptional property!

For the first time in decades, this beautiful 5-bed ranch home is ready to welcome new memories. Nestled on 8.52 acres on a quiet dead-end road, Langer Rd offers true tranquility. The main level features a spacious primary bedroom, three additional bedrooms, an updated kitchen, and a bright, welcoming living room. Just off the garage, you'll find a half bathroom and laundry hookups for main floor convenience. The basement boasts a full living space, perfect for a mother-in-law suite, along with plenty of storage. Imagine relaxing on the patio, overlooking the outdoor arena, round pen, beautifully maintained fenced pastures, a 4-stall horse barn, and an extra 2-car detached garage. This is your rural living dream come true, yet just 10 minutes from all the necessities.

Unique opportunity! Mid Century Modern split level home designed by Herb DeLevie, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. This home captures a serene setting in Parkwood Hills. Inside boasts multi level living with oversized windows, skylight, tons of sunlight. Amish built-ins and specialized kitchen design featuring granite countertops, built in desk area and California closets in the pantry. Cozy living areas with 2 stone surround gas fireplaces. 5 spacious bedrooms will accommodate family, guests as well as home office areas. Enclosed patio area with gas fire pit. Fenced in back yard. Within walking distance to parks, pool and schools. Dream garage reno with custom cabinets. Professionally landscaped. $113K in updates : carpet, water heater, HVAC and more.

Custom-built, one of a kind 5 bedroom 2-story home in Waunakee's new Golden Ponds subdivision. Enter to a light-filled open living space w/ expansive living room that leads into dining space & a show-stopping custom designed chef's kitchen. With all Amish built woodworking & cabinetry, it starts with a built-in breakfast nook and floating accent shelves, large 9'x4' center island w/ quartz counters & backsplash, gas cooktop with pot filler, and hidden walk-in butler's pantry w/ add'l prep sink, built-in shelving, & window to allow natural light. Upstairs you'll find a split bedroom design w/ the primary suite offering a luxurious en suite bath w/ steam shower, heated floors, and separate tub. Unfinished & exposed basement with endless potential awaits your future ideas and dreams!

Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

18 great ideas for your Madison-area weekend

Related News