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Top 5 things to do in Madison this week Aug 5 - 11

Dance, head out, see art, boats - and vote!

By Aaron Seligman, MacaroniKID Madison publisher August 5, 2026

Every week, Macaroni KID Madison highlights free/low-cost (and NEVER sponsored, just our honestly curated favorite) ideas to do with kids in the Madison area in addition to the events and family-friendly ideas in our newsletter and on our calendar. This week check out:

  1. Dane Dances. [UPDATE 8/7 CANCLED] One of our favorite summer traditions in August. Friday evening come for the family DJ pre show, plus high energy performances and community dancing with great views and local food.
  2. National Night Out - part 2. Community nights out for public safety continue Wednesday in Middleton, Thursday in Sun Prairie, and next Tuesday in Monona and Wednesday in Fitchburg.
  3. Art on Main - Cambridge. A two-day festival with a night market, arts and hands on things for kids. Pro tip - Ripley Park nearby is a clean, fun lake with a great playground and fields!
  4. First Friday on Monroe and Wingra. The monthly fun on Monroe continues, take advantage of the summer fun with kids activities music, and games on the edge of Lake Wingra.
  5. Vote! Those "future voter" stickers are a source of pride, as they should be! The fall primary on Tuesday has several competitive races, so find your polling place and vote!

Make sure to check out, our ongoing summer fun, weekly live music around Madison and more family fun opportunities! 


What did we miss? You can add events to our calendar (it's free!) and contact us about promoting your event or organization.