NOTE: I am currently working on a BIG site update, so am a little behind replying to emails regarding new business listings, etc. Look for updates soon!

This page is for special events in the Madison area...I post them here and not just on the calendar because they require ticket purchases or advanced registration, occur over multiple dates, or I think it is good to know about them in advance! Look to the right for new upcoming classes with registration deadlines!

Special Events | Ongoing Events/Multiple Dates| Upcoming Events...Keep an Eye Out!

DANCE PARTY FOR ALL AGES TO BENEFIT BERNIE’S PLACE
Memorial Union, Sunday, March 7
2-4PM
Tickets are $5 per person or $15 for families of three or more

'The Beatles & The Beetles' promises to deliver a live concert dance party and creepy crawly fun for people of all ages (this is a family friendly event). This event is a benefit for Bernie's Place Child Care Center, a non-profit early childhood learning center located on the south side of the UW-Madison campus. This event will bring together many campus players who value quality child care options on the UW campus: the UW’s Office of Childcare and Family Services, UW Entomology Department, Memorial Union, and UW undergraduate students. The Gomers, a local band, will perform live Beatles tunes and the UW Entomology Department Insect Ambassadors will bring a large insect display for terrific hands on learning. Additionally, undergraduate student volunteers will offer festive face painting for children.

The event will take place Sunday March 7th from 2-4 pm in the Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street on the UW-Madison campus. People of all ages are encouraged to come out for some terrific live music, insects, festive face painting, and a big raffle!

Doors open at 1:30pm, tickets are $5 per person or $15 for families of three or more, all proceeds to benefit Bernie’s Place. Cash or checks accepted, sorry no credit cards. Please call Suzanne Rubinstein at 698-8691 for more information.

The raffle grand prize is an organic vegetable CSA share from the bountiful Simply Wisconsin LLC, other prizes include art supplies basket, locally roasted coffee, Bernie’s Place gear and more.

About Bernie's Place
Bernie's Place was established in 1972 and offers its pre-school age children the tools to grow up healthy and confident. In a fast-paced world, Bernie's Place is one spot where a kid can be a kid. Day in and day out, the staff consistently make decisions about what is in the best interests of the children. The local Rainbow Project recently awarded Bernie's Place staff for being a cut above the rest.

Baby Shower at Satara
Sunday, March 21st
11am - 1pm

Expectant parents, and grandparents too, join us for a baby shower at Satara. Learn about organic, safe and healthy options to help you create a natural nursery. Refreshments, prizes and a gift bag for each family. Visit www.satara-inc.com for more information. Please RSVP to 608.251.4905 or info@satara-inc.com.

Annual Lunch with the Easter Bunny and Raffle
sponsored by Small World Childcare
March 27th
New Glarus High School Commons
11AM-1:30PM

Admission is $3 and that includes lunch, activities for the kids and a picture with the Easter Bunny. Raffle prizes include $500 cash from Bank of New Glarus, an Romantic Overnight Stay Package at The Chalet Landhaus from the Chalet Landhaus and New Glarus Hotel, a Wii gaming system from General Communications, and much, much more! Raffle tickets are available at Small World and are also available from Small World parents!

Good Old fashioned fun!
Sunday, March 21st @ 2:00 (matinee) and 6 P.M Shows
Where; The historic Al Ringling Theatre; 136 Fourth Ave, Downtown Barbaboo Wi

1920's revisited event with the Silent movie "The Strong Man," live organ music accompaniment, early animation shorts, and a taste of vaudeville/ with live music. For for all ages.
~All for ONLY 5.00- Free Parking!~ Proceeds to benefit the Al Ringling Theatre restoration fund.

For Further info, please call 608-356-8080, or visit alringling.com

Half-Pint Resale, a two-day children’s consignment sale which gives area families a fun, easy, and affordable way to purchase quality clothes sizes 0-7, toys, maternity accessories, and baby gear, is having it’s fifth and largest sale at the Goodman Community Center on Madison’s near east side. The sale is scheduled for Friday, April 9th (2pm-8pm) and Saturday, April 10th (8am-Noon), with a half-price sale on Saturday afternoon (1pm-5pm). The sale features spring/summer clothing and gear (no need to sort through reindeer sweaters and fleece pajamas!) and is a expected to have fabulous new and used items from well-over 250 consignors, all selling their high-quality children’s items to area families looking for treasures on a budget.

The Madison Waldorf School presents THE FROG PRINCE
Barnes & Noble, West Towne
Saturday, April 24, 11AM

Mark your calendar! Grades 1-4 of The Madison Waldorf School present THE FROG PRINCE on Saturday, April 24th at 11 am at Barnes and Noble, West Towne. Beautifully handcrafted puppets will enchant you and your children. Free of charge, but please use the coupon available at the store to support our school when making purchases that day at Barnes and Noble. The Madison Waldorf School offers parent/child classes, Wondergarten, two Kindergartens, and grades 1-4. We are located at 6510 Schroeder Road between Whitney Way and Gammon Road. Come see a magical puppet performance.

Questions:
Call The Madison Waldorf School 270-9005

Storytime at ANIMART Pet Store
Tuesdays, 10:30 am – 11:00 am (From 1/5/10 - 5/25/10)

Join ANIMART to listen to fun animal themed stories. In addition, your child will have the opportunity to meet, pet and maybe even hold the ANIMART Pet of the Week! Each week will focus on a different pet. This program is geared towards children ages 2-4, however, all ages are welcome. No charge. Monthly drawing for the adults, sponsored by Indulge Spa. For more info email Kara at: karas@animart.com or call 608.242.2140. ANIMART Pet Store, 4303 East Towne Way , Madison .

Artsy Mama/Artsy Papa Exhibits

Happy Bambino will celebrate the creativity and talent of local artists who are also parents. Each month (usually on the first Friday) we will debut a new artist's exhibit of artwork. This is a family events so bring the kids! FREE!

For current and upcoming exhibit information, visit www.happybambino.com

UW ARBORETUM FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS:

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, public events are free and tours begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org
Arboretum Visitor Center Hours: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Weekends 12:30 - 4 p.m.

March 14 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk: "Mud." Mud isn't just for pies, it is a great place to see animal tracks. What is mud anyway, and why is there so much of it in the spring?

March 28 - Sunday, 12:30-4 p.m.
Arboretum Family Day: "Living with Wild Things, Learning from Aldo Leopold" At this drop-in event, learn about Aldo Leopold's love of wild things and efforts to restore the land. Create models of what the land was like at different times in history. A naturalist-led walk takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

April 10 - Saturday, 11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: "The Man Who Planted Trees." Come to the Overture Center in Madison where the Arboretum will present a workshop on trees between performances. At this free event, Arboretum naturalists will lead an activity called "making a woodland habitat."

April 11 - Sunday, 12:30-4 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: "Life Cycle of a Tree." In collaboration with the Overture Center, the Arboretum offers a drop-in event where families will explore trees during their different stages of growth: from seed to seedling to maturity to death to decomposition and then all over again. Participants can pot a tree seedling to take home and dissect a decaying log. The Arboretum book store will offer a 15 percent discount for anyone who attends with ticket stubs from the April 10 Overture performances.

April 11 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk: "Frogs." Frogs make wonderful sounds in the spring and on summer nights -- and they have fascinating life cycles. This will be an introduction to the frogs of the Arboretum.

April 25 - Sunday, 12:30-4 p.m.
Arboretum Family Day: "Life cycle of a tree." At this drop-in event, explore trees during their different stages of growth -- from seed to seedling to maturity to death to decomposition and then all over again. Pot a tree seedling to take home and dissect a decaying log. A naturalist-led walk takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

May 2 - Sunday, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.

May 9 - Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: "Mother's Day Brunch at the Arboretum." Treat Mom to a delicious selection of organic and/or sustainable foods at one of the most beautiful locations in Madison. Fee. Reservations required. Call the Arboretum at 608-263-7888 for information or go to uwarboretum.org

May 9 - Sunday, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.

May 9 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk. "Spring Is Here." This naturalist-led walk is tailored to families with young children and explores the prairies, woodlands or wetlands near the Visitor Center.

May 16 - Sunday 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.

May 23 - Sunday, 12:30-4 p.m.
Arboretum Family Day: "Plants and Animals with Wet Feet." At this drop-in event, learn about wetlands and the plants and animals that depend on them. Use a microscope for a close up view of water critters. Try a mapping activity marking the pathways of migrating waterfowl. A naturalist-led walk from 1:30-2:30 p.m. goes to a pond for dipping into the water for hands-on discovery.

Nature Net:
The Environmental Learning Network
300 Femrite Drive, Monona
(608) 221-9095
www.naturenet.com
Nature Net is a consortium of not-for-profit nature centers, parks and museums dedicated to encouraging and fostering in Wisconsin school children a love and understanding of the natural world. Sustaining environmental education through family programs, class field trips and hands-on learning experiences, Nature Net offers free and low-cost outdoor resources — online at www.naturenet.com or on-site at locations throughout the Dane County area.

Cooking classes held by Whole Foods Market new chef (and local mom!) Tara Verma. To sign up parents can call Whole Foods Market at 233-9566, or stop by the store.

Monday, March 22nd
First Tastes: Adventures in Baby Food Making
6:00 – 7:30 pm $15
A whole “new” way to nourish and provide for your baby - make your own baby food! Travel back to your grandma’s days by preparing your baby’s meals in the safety of your own kitchen. Not only can you save money but you can also give your baby fresh, wholesome food made by you. Join Tara Verma, local mommy and baby food maker, as she demonstrates the basics of how to make, store and serve your little ones their first foods. Information on the best fruits and vegetables for your little ones and sample recipes will be provided. Parents or parents-to-be will have time to share tips, ask questions and taste test some yummy creations as well.

Tuesday, March 30th
Bento Box Lunches: Pack the Fun in Lunch
6:00 – 7:30 pm $15
Pack your child a fun, healthy and creative lunch by learning the art of making Bento Box lunches for your children. The Japanese style lunch art is a way to express yourself while making lunchtime exciting. Whether your child/children are at home or school this class is for you. Attendees will have a chance to put their skills to practice and make a treat to take home.

Cultured Kids of Madison is excited to announce our "Learn Together" Chinese and Spanish Classes for parents and children.
Try it out for free during the first two sessions.
Chinese - March 5th & 12th - Friday 10:00am - ages 5 and under
3:30pm - School-agers 6+
Spanish - March 17th - Wednesday 10am - Ages 5 and under
School agers TBA

Come and enjoy our cultural music, games, and stories!
We are located on Madison's west side by the mall and Beltline just off Odana Rd.
Register today.
Call for details at 833-5437(KIDS) or visit our website at www.culturedkids. com. Give your child the gift of friendship!

Infant Massage Class, West Madison

You're never too young to start enjoying the benefits of a good massage - and who better to give you one than mommy or daddy! Lighthouse Healing teaches parents how to care for their babies with infant massage. It's a wonderful way to take an active role in the well being of your children, helping them lead happy healthy lives.

New class beginning this Sunday, March 7th at 3PM. $80 per family for 4 classes (approximately 75 minutes each). 1 bottle of baby-safe oil and instruction manual are included. Contact Kara @
608-216-6761 or kara@lighthouseheal ing.com for more info and to register. Or visit: www.lighthouseheali ng.com/infantmassage.