How will you spend the first long weekend of summer 2024? If you're anything like me, you'll be living it up at one of these great Memorial Day weekend events around Madison.

• Brat Fest - Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
  What's a summer weekend in Madison without some tasty brats? One of Wisconsin's iconic foods takes center stage at the World's Largest Brat Fest. This popular event pairs brats with a packed schedule of entertainment, and proceeds from the event benefit over 100 local charities. This year, Village People, Quiet Riot, and Neal McCoy headline a live music lineup of national and local performers. Other features include carnival rides, a Kids' Zone, food vendors, and a fireworks show on Sunday evening. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26. Admission is free.
  
  
• Memorial Day Concert - Veterans Memorial Park, 100 E. Main St., Cambridge, WI 53523
  Veterans Memorial Park makes an appropriate venue for a Memorial Day Concert, sponsored by the Cambridge Lions Club, honoring the fallen members of our Armed Forces. Local band the Wild Heathens will be performing their unique brand of "upcycled electric string music" as you enjoy food and beverages from onsite vendors. Oh, and there's a parade for good measure. The concert begins at noon on Monday, May 27, and admission is free, making this a great free option for Memorial Day festivities near Cambridge homes for sale.
  
  
• Great Wisconsin Birdathon
  First held in 2012, the Great Wisconsin Birdathon is a clever variation on fund-raising walk-a-thons. Participating teams earn donations by logging bird sightings at any location across the state during any time period of their choice. Proceeds help fund a number of projects focused on protecting Wisconsin's threatened and endangered birds. The Birdathon is a perfect activity for Memorial Day weekend, but if you can't make it then, the event runs through June 15. There's no fee for participation.
  
  
• Solemn Pride Memorial Day 2024 - Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705
  One of the more moving holiday ceremonies near Madison is Solemn Pride Memorial Day 2024. Forest Hill Cemetery is the resting place of many local people who served in the military. The annual event begins with a concert by the VFW Band, giving the closing performance of their 74th season, followed by a ceremony honoring our fallen heroes. Start time is 9:15 a.m. on Monday, May 27. Admission is free, and be sure to bring along chairs.
  
  
• Monona Memorial Day Parade - Monona Drive from Monona Grove High School to Sennett Middle School, Monona, WI 53716
  This annual celebration, now in its 67th year, is hosted by VFW Post 7591. It features local Monona organizations and businesses, all coming together with the community to honor the fallen. A 9:30 am kickoff starts at the flags in front of Monona Grove High School, where the national anthem will be performed along with a memorial service. The parade begins at 10 am and moves south along Monona Drive to Pflaum Road, ending at Sennett Middle School around noon. There will also be a luminary path from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27 in nearby Winnequah Park.

The Madison area is full of year-round amenities and attractions for everyone. Get in touch for help with all your real estate needs.