Enjoy summer nights on the Memorial Union Terrace: You don't have to be a UW alum to appreciate this ubiquitous gathering place. Round up a group of friends on a Friday or Saturday night to relax by the water and catch free concerts, movies, or simple peace of mind. Learn more →

Turn out to volunteer or cheer along the Ironman Wisconsin race route, which the city has hosted for the past 16 years. Throngs of locals gather to see the starting mass plunge into Lake Monona and the racers who run across the finish line 10 hours later. Learn more →

Cool off with a swim in Lake Monona or Lake Mendota. From paddle boarding or sailing to pontooning or waterskiing, there are countless ways to enjoy the iconic lakes of Madison at any speed. And if you aren't looking to get out on the water, paved paths around the lakes offer cyclists, walkers, and runners the lake-life experience from the shores. Learn more →

Peruse 500 artist booths at the annual Art Fair on the Square, which draws almost 200,000 visitors to the Capitol Square and is one of the largest art fairs in the country. Even if you're not buying, looking is free, and the variety of paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, and handmade clothing is worth it. Learn more →

Adventure on foot -- the area is teeming with trails for the day packer or overnighter. Try out segments of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, which like The Appalachian Trail is a National Scenic Trail, or knock on the Devil's Doorway formation at Devil's Lake State Park. Learn more →

Eighty participating restaurants, 27 beverage stands, three entertainment stages, and one very busy Capitol Square make Taste of Madison one of the city’s flagship festivals. The event raises tens of thousands of dollars for local non-profit and charitable organizations, so enjoy all the tastes, sips, and sights guilt free. Learn more →