Best events in
Monona

For events and things to do in Monona, WI, the local scene is defined by its lakeside setting and strong community spirit. Life here revolves around the parks and shores of Lake Monona, with gatherings ranging from farmers' markets to large annual festivals. The atmosphere offers a relaxed alternative to downtown Madison, with classic supper clubs and local drafthouses rounding out the social landscape.

From the sprawling lawns of Winnequah Park, home to the annual Monona Community Festival, to the social gatherings at Grand Crossing Park, outdoor events are a local staple.
The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center provides a grand, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed venue for larger conventions and public events right on the water.
Community-focused programming can be found at spaces like the Monona Community Center and Aldo Leopold Nature Center, hosting a range of activities.

autocomplete

Popular in Monona

Explore more events

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Jeopardy! Bar League is coming to Buffalo Wild Wings Monona

Wednesday • 7:00 PM + 10 more

Buffalo Wild Wings

Check ticket price on event

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA Matinee

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Porch Box Studio

Check ticket price on event

Local Consultant Meetup: Madison

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Lakeside St. Coffee House

Check ticket price on event

Fall Fest

Fri, Oct 16 • 5:30 PM

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Check ticket price on event

Women of Excellence 3rd Annual Afternoon Tea Luncheon

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

6200 Monona Dr

Check ticket price on event

IXL Live - Madison, WI (Oct. 21)

Wed, Oct 21 • 8:15 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

AASCW's 2026 Awards of Excellence: Casino Night

Thu, Dec 10 • 5:00 PM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Jeopardy! Bar League is coming to Buffalo Wild Wings Monona

Wednesday • 7:00 PM + 10 more

Buffalo Wild Wings

Check ticket price on event

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA Matinee

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Porch Box Studio

Check ticket price on event

Local Consultant Meetup: Madison

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Lakeside St. Coffee House

Check ticket price on event

Fall Fest

Fri, Oct 16 • 5:30 PM

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Check ticket price on event

Women of Excellence 3rd Annual Afternoon Tea Luncheon

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

6200 Monona Dr

Check ticket price on event

IXL Live - Madison, WI (Oct. 21)

Wed, Oct 21 • 8:15 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

AASCW's 2026 Awards of Excellence: Casino Night

Thu, Dec 10 • 5:00 PM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Business & Professional events

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Local Consultant Meetup: Madison

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Lakeside St. Coffee House

Check ticket price on event

Women of Excellence 3rd Annual Afternoon Tea Luncheon

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

6200 Monona Dr

Check ticket price on event

AASCW's 2026 Awards of Excellence: Casino Night

Thu, Dec 10 • 5:00 PM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Local Consultant Meetup: Madison

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM + 2 more

Lakeside St. Coffee House

Check ticket price on event

Women of Excellence 3rd Annual Afternoon Tea Luncheon

Sat, Oct 17 • 12:00 PM

6200 Monona Dr

Check ticket price on event

AASCW's 2026 Awards of Excellence: Casino Night

Thu, Dec 10 • 5:00 PM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

Free events

Explore more events

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA Matinee

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Porch Box Studio

Check ticket price on event

Fall Fest

Fri, Oct 16 • 5:30 PM

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Check ticket price on event

Dollars & Decisions: Our County Budget & Community Impact

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

JustDane Inc.

Check ticket price on event

Madison Diversity Job Fair

Today • 10:00 AM

Madison Marriott South

Check ticket price on event

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA Matinee

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Porch Box Studio

Check ticket price on event

Fall Fest

Fri, Oct 16 • 5:30 PM

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Check ticket price on event

Dollars & Decisions: Our County Budget & Community Impact

Fri, Oct 23 • 6:00 PM

JustDane Inc.

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Points of Interest near Monona

Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Lottes Park

Frequently asked questions about Monona

What are some popular outdoor events in Monona?

Monona's parks host many popular outdoor events. Winnequah Park is the site of the large, annual Monona Community Festival, while Grand Crossing Park holds the recurring Yahara River Night Market and regular trivia nights.

Where can I find family-friendly things to do in Monona?

Local parks are the center for most family-friendly activities. Winnequah Park and Grand Crossing Park host community festivals and markets, and the Aldo Leopold Nature Center offers nature-based programs suitable for all ages.

Are there free events to attend in Monona?

Many community gatherings in Monona are free to attend. Consider visiting the Monona Farmers Market, enjoying the annual Memorial Day Parade, or spending an evening at one of the Biergartens at the Beach events.

What’s the food and drink scene like for a night out in Monona?

The local scene balances classic supper clubs with more modern spots. Venues like Buck & Honey's offer a polished dining experience, while recurring events like Biergartens at the Beach provide a relaxed, social atmosphere by the lake.

Which venues in Monona host large-scale events?

The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is the primary venue for large events. This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed facility on Lake Monona accommodates major conventions, public gatherings, and features a reservable rooftop garden.

What kind of community events happen at local parks?

Monona's parks are hubs for community-focused events. Grand Crossing Park hosts the Yahara River Night Market and trivia nights, while Winnequah Park is known for its annual Monona Community Festival and local art fairs.

How is the nightlife in Monona?

Monona's nightlife has a relaxed feel compared to downtown Madison. Evenings often center on supper clubs or community-oriented events like the Biergartens at the Beach and trivia nights in the park.

Are there art events or fairs in Monona?

Yes, Monona hosts art-focused community events. Winnequah Park is known for holding a local art fair, and markets like the recurring Yahara River Night Market often feature artisanal goods and local crafts.