Monona East Side Business Alliance
Self-Discovery Weekend
February 14-16, 2025
Embark on a Journey of Self-Discovery
Escape the winter blues and join us for a transformative experience, designed to breathe new life into the slower winter months.
Find workshops hosted throughout Monona and Madison’s east side exploring new interests, paths towards self-betterment, and a chance to discover your hidden talents.
Workshops to Inspire Curiosity and Adventure
Join us February 14-16, 2025, for a weekend of engaging workshops at locations throughout Monona and Madison’s East Side. Choose from a variety of sessions designed to spark curiosity, encourage self-discovery, and build new skills—perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers! See our featured blog Frozen Festivals on Destination Madison.
In addition to the workshops, registered participants can enjoy exclusive social opportunities, including:
- Happy hour and tour at Delta Beer Lab
- Games and axe-throwing at Madison Axe
- Afternoon Tea & Tour at Nathanial & Harriet Dean Victorian House Museum
- Parents Night Out – drop off childcare with pizza and activities for your kiddos at LVLUP Martial Arts. [link to register]
Select individual workshops tailored to your interests or bundle and save with multiple sessions and social events.
- early access discount – all workshops are 5% off until January 20th
- save 20% on orders over $80 with the promo code OVER80
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot.
Stay in Monona:
Dine Local:
Discover Unique Finds:
Experience Personal Growth:
Additional Weekend Events:
Discover Skating – $5 Skate & Rental
Fri, Feb 14, 5-9p
Head to Lake Ridge Bank River Rink for a special rate on an evening of skating – skate rental included. Ice cream, hot drinks, and snacks availble at concessions. Warm up in a lounge chair by the outdoor fire pits.
Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Wisconsin
Sat, Feb 15, 12p
Get ready to dive into the frosty blue, 2025 Polar Plunge is waiting for you! Head to Lottes Park, across from Waypoint Public House to take the plunge or spectate. Register and donate in advance of the event. Photos from Sarah Godfrey Photography. See video clips from the 2023 Polar Plunge below.
Pour’n Yer Heart Out at Garver Feed Mill
Sat, Feb 15
The PYHO (Pour’n Yer Heart Out™) community iron casting event will be celebrating its 16th year on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at its NEW location, Garver Feed Mill, on Madison’s east side.
We’re hosting a “coming of age” party like we’ve never done before as we collaborate with the Garver Event’s team to create an extraordinary winter gathering. Foundry artisans from across the country travel into Madison to melt over 2,000 lbs of molten iron that is cast into sand molds prepared during public workshops throughout January and February, before the event.
FeLion’s radically spectacular and hands-on opportunities allow any person / student / youth / elder / artist & non-artist the chance of a lifetime to make a deeply unique iron casting, starting from scratch!
Behind the Scenes: Orchid Escape & Orchid House Tour
Sat, Feb 15, 4p
Take a stroll around the Bolz Conservatory to hear how orchids and artistic elements bring this year’s theme, “Secrets of the Canopy” to life. Conservatory Orchid Horticulturist Irene Padlin shares a few secrets about how staff design, build and maintain a living exhibit, highlighting favorite details while inviting lively discussion en route. The tour includes a walk through the Vera Lee Orchid House, where Olbrich’s robust collection grows behind the scenes. Register by Feb 8.
Local Adventures:
Find solace among the trees and ponds at Edna Taylor Conservation Park, originally home to the Ho-Chunk. Perhaps you’ll sneak a peek at the wild turkeys or resident deer.
Six linear mounds and one panther burial are located on a high glacial drumlin along the eastern side of the conservancy – among the few that remain in Monona.
Open daily – Lake Ridge Bank River Rink – skate rentals, ice cream, and hot drinks available. Or enjoy the outdoor fire pits with takeout from Buck & Honey’s.
Almost hidden on a small path through the trees, find Wyldhaven Park in Monona. Locals know this lovely little park is the place to enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise view of the capital from the waterfront platform deck.
A look back at some moments captured from our 2024 events:
Art-Therapy for Self Expression
Candlelit Hike at ALNC
Intro to Flying Trapeze
Ho-Chunk in Monona – The Ties That Bind Us
Ho-Chunk in Monona – The Ties That Bind Us
Ho-Chunk in Monona – The Ties That Bind Us
Intro to Self-Defense
Same Bean, Different Brew
Delta Beer Lab Brewery Tour & Happy Hour
DIY Furniture Repair
Reflecting & Journaling in Nature
Support Local
This is the official visitor site for Monona, Wisconsin. Learn about the town's history, find places to stay, things to do, restaurants, shops, and more.
Photos by Bruce Fritz
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Contact
Monona East Side Business Alliance: PO Box 6264, Monona, WI 53716
(608) 416-1610
