June is here! It's time to celebrate summer in Wisconsin. One of the best times of the year, when the cold is finished and before the bugs really start coming out. These are 4 of our family's favorite things to do around Madison in June:
1.) Our Number One Favorite Thing to Do in June is Strawberry Picking
Strawberry season is fairly short, and it's super weather-dependent, so you really need to put it at the top of your priority list to make sure you find a time to do it. Carandale Fruit Farm is our go-to, located in Oregon. Check their Facebook page for daily updates, including the official start to the U-Pick season - they are predicting the start of the season to be around June 9-13 and ending around July 4-10. They will also update their page daily about weather cancellations (rain wrecks the berries!). Follow them here. You can pick and pay by volume or by weight, and it's totally fine for the kids to eat while they pick. Eowyn only ate the entire time we picked last year. It's a super fun way to experience the season, being outside, and enjoying our local bounty.
2.) The Taste of Stoughton is Back!
The June party in Nordic Ridge Park runs all day Saturday, June 18, with food from local restaurants and vendors, including Cheesers, Fosdal's, Yahara Chocolate & Tea, Wendigo & more. Bands will be entertaining with a break for a kids' dance party from 4:00-4:30. If you come down, make sure you visit me - I'll be hosting an Open House at my listing on 2208 Valberg Drive that backs right up to the park, complete with a splash pad and accessible playground. Open House is 11:00-1:00. Taste of Stoughton runs from 11:00-8:00 pm.
3.) For All My Fellow Music Fans, Madison Jazz Fest is Just Around the Corner, Running Friday, June 10 - Sunday, June 19, With Events All Across Madison
Did you know that I was a jazz singer in high school and college, as was my husband, Jonathan? Jazz Fest's concerts feature a variety of styles and instruments of jazz, and there will be a free program at the Union Terrace Saturday, June 18, 2:30-11:30 pm, so after Taste of Stoughton, head on up to the Union for a pint of Spotted Cow and some great music.
4.) Mallards Baseball is Back!
For a ballgame that is about more than the game itself, the Duck Pond is just a super fun way to spend a few hours with the fam. Themed promotion nights make it especially fun - Eowyn is a fan of Fairytale Night - and Bark in the Park on June 23 is when your furry fam is welcome too! There are always games and activities for the kids, baseball for the fans, and plenty of food.
