Let’s explore social events in Madison, WI happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Madison, Wisconsin. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Madison
Shut Up & Write!® Madison South
◦ When: Monday, Feb 17th
◦ Where: Lakeside St. Coffee House
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10 am on Monday mornings.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writin(…)
IN-PERSON ” Crafting Lightning Talks”
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
Join Staff Software Engineer @ Grow Therapy and co-organizer [Annette Mechelke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-spyker-mechelke/) for an engaging workshop that will help you build upon your public speaking skills through the art of lightning talks in a supportive environment – no prior speaking experience needed!
* About
* Schedule
* Transportation
* Accessibility / Inclusion
* Code of Conduc(…)
Platicar y Pizza – English/Spanish Language Exchange
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Ian’s Pizza on State
Make new friends and practice your language skills! Join us for a chat at Ian’s Pizza on State Street– we’ll speak for approximately 45 minutes in English and 45 minutes in Spanish. All levels welcome. Please only RSVP if you can make it, as space is limited. See you there!
\*This event is free to attend, but please make a purchase to support our host!
¡Haz nuevos amigos y practica tus habilidade(…)
Come As You Are – Virtual Book Discussion Series
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: undefined
Created in God’s own image, human beings are physical and relational beings – which means we are also sexual beings. Our sexuality is an essential part of who we were created to be, yet too often, we treat this part of our human experience as something separate from our faith – and certainly not something to be discussed at church. Sex is a part of life that deserves real conversation, especially (…)
Coffee, Art, and Live Music
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Cargo Coffee
Cargo has asked me to emphasize that the musicians all play for TIPS, so if you can, or if you enjoy what you hear, please tip the musicians.
It’s a “pay-what-you-can” show, as they say, so if you can afford a few bucks, it will be a great encouragement for the musicians!
Your tips will help keep the live music coming to Cargo Coffee. 🙂
I’m starting the event at 5:15 pm going forward because m(…)
Boulders Climbing: Downtown (Late)
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Boulders Climbing Gym – Downtown
You may fill out this waiver ahead of time to save time when you arrive:
[https://www.bouldersgym.com/signinwaiver](https://www.bouldersgym.com/signinwaiver)
This week we will be attending the Downtown location!
The cost is normally $20-25 per day pass, however, due to us being Climb4Community Members, first-timers may climb for free with us and the first 2 people can get in for $10 with my gues(…)
Madison Area Software Developers Meetup Group Monthly Meetup
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Argus BarGrille
Come and share your experiences as a software developer in the Madison area! We strive to keep developers informed about the constantly changing technologies necessary to succeed and innovate. We are committed to lifelong learning, bridging the education gap between college and industry, and networking within the Madison area. Things we discuss at our meetings:
• scripting languages such as Ruby (…)
February Meeting: THE BAGHDAD CLOCK
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
For February we’ll be reading THE BAGHDAD CLOCK by Shahad Al-Rawi, translated by Luke Leafgren!
Shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2018
This number one best-selling title in Iraq, Dubai, and the UAE is a heart-rending tale of two girls growing up in war-torn Baghdad
Baghdad, 1991. The Gulf War is raging. Two girls, hiding in an air raid shelter, tell stories to keep the (…)
Open Writing Discussion
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
Come join us for a night of literary discourse as we read and discuss our peers’ writing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere! All styles & skill levels are welcome – the majority of our content comes from novels or short stories, but we regularly get everything from poetry to screenplays. You don’t need to have submitted a piece in order to attend, and we encourage both new and returning membe(…)
Trivia Meetup @ Me&Julio in Fitchburg
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Me & Julio
Do you enjoy eating delicious TexMex cuisine while a stranger asks you random questions? Great! Come on in and join us for trivia night at Me&Julio!
There’s more than just Mexican food too. With burgers, chicken, steak & fish, soups & salads, vegetarian options, appetizers & desserts there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Menu: https://www.meandjuliorestaurant.com/menu-fitchburg
Not sure y(…)
Public meditation
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Madison
Short talk and meditation. Attendees do not need to bring anything to participate. When public meditation lands on a public holiday please message to confirm whether the center will be open.
Join our **[email list](https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/3809AF13A7204938)** and learn more about Diamond Way Buddhism at **[diamondway.org/madison/about](https://diamondway.org/madison/about)**.(…)
Trivia at Schwoegler’s Park Towne Lanes
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Schwoegler’s Entertainment Center
Join Team Random Facts for biweekly west side Monday night trivia at **Schwoegler’s Park Towne Lanes**. (Alternate Monday’s at Oakstone in Cottage Grove.)
Note the 7:00 start time, but try to arrive a bit early.
https://schwoegler.com/bar-and-grill/(…)
Yarn Crafting at QDOBA
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: QDOBA Mexican Eats
Looking to stitch together some new friendships and build community in the face of \*waves around vaguely\*? Then oh boy do I have the meetup for you! We’re a chill group of yarn crafters (though we don’t judge if you want to bring a different craft) which meets once a week and just hangs out crafting and chatting and eating dinner. This week we’re meeting at Qdoba to enjoy burritos, etc.
Please (…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison Central Library
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
**Where:** Madison Central Library, Room 209
**When:** Every Saturday, 10:00 AM
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsol(…)
Discussion: Shadows in Paradise and Ariel
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Blind Shot Social Club
*IMPORTANT: Space is limited, so please keep your RSVP up to date to allow others the opportunity to join us. No-shows (non-attenders who haven’t updated their RSVP by the time of the meet-up) will result in REMOVAL FROM THE GROUP.*
Before the meetup watch Shadows in Paradise and Ariel, then join us on 2/19/25 for a discussion!
The poignant, deadpan films of Aki Kaurismäki are pitched somewhere (…)
Ice Skate Social: February Wellness and Fun
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Sub-Zero Ice Center
Lace up your skates and join us for a fun ice skating social event focused on promoting winter wellness and healthy living! Whether you’re a skating pro or a beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to have a great time while being active. Our group will gather at a local ice rink where we’ll enjoy the crisp winter air and glide around the ice together. 😊❄️
This event is not only a gre(…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison: Vilas/Monroe
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Garth’s Brew Bar
Join us for an hour of writing at Garth’s Brew Bar! Putting words on the page alongside other writers is a great way to commit to your creative hobby, or just get some work done!
I’m Jeromy, your host, and you can find me at the table with a “Shut Up & Write” sign. I will try to arrive by 5:45 but if you beat me there go ahead and take a spot at one of the large tables or booths.
Any form of wri(…)
Madison Classical Guitar Society -Marko Topchii Guitarist (Public event)
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Christ Presbyterian Church
Marko Topchii, a renowned classical guitarist born into a musical family in Ukraine in 1991, has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional talent. With over 100 awards in international classical guitar competitions, including First Prizes in prestigious events such as the International Guitar Competition Francisco Tarrega and the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Comp(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Madison, you can try out Visitmadison.com, Isthmus.com, or Cityofmadison.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Madison, Wisconsin
G-UNIT
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: The Red Zone Madison
Los Brown Boys & Juiceteam present G-Unit . The theme is Y2K, pop out in your best fit. MUST HAVE STATE ID.
Ramadan Show and Fair
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Come join us at the Ramadan Show and Fair hosted by Madinah Academy to enjoy nasheed performances, buy items for sale, and be in community!
Downtown Sun Prairie Chocolate & Cheese Walk!
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Downtown Sun Prairie
Snack your way through Downtown Sun Prairie with us! We are serving our two favorites: chocolate & cheese!
Madison Black Business Awards 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
The 7th Annual Black Business Awards shine a spotlight on the leaders and innovators who are building a legacy for generations.
Walking All Around Dane County
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum Visitor Center
Join us for our first Walking All Around Dane County program at the UW Madison Arboretum.
Using AI Tools in the Church & Hybrid Hospitality: Feb. 21 & 22, 9a-3:30p
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church in Madison, along with The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation and First Foundation, invite you!
Nick Moran and Yorvanis Duran present: Una Historia de Afro Cuban Jazz
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: The North Street Cabaret
Nick Moran, Yorvanis Duran, Richard Hildner Armacanqui, Nat McIntosh, Pawan Benjamin, Clay Lyons
Change My Mind: A Comedy Debate Show
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Madison’s
A comedy debate show where nothing makes sense and no one knows what they’re talking about.
Mastering your Speedlight
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: The Camera Company
Learn the fundamentals of using your speed light on camera that will make your photographs better.
Canon Camera Basics
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: The Camera Company
During this class we will explore the settings on your Canon camera and different controls and menu settings.
TGIF featuring DJ Terrence J
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Merchant Madison
Get ready to kick off the weekend with the ultimate party vibes at TGIF featuring DJ Terrence J – you don’t want to miss this!
Soul Food Comedy
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Forward Madison FC
Celebrating Blackness, laughter, and a damn good time at Breese Stevens Field’s flamingo-themed bar space.
Rob Clearfield’s Ashes and Diamonds with Greg Ward
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: The North Street Cabaret
BLUESTEM JAZZ PRESENTATION
Preparing Your Photos for Printing
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: The Camera Company
Identify the resolution of your photos and what that means with regard to the sizes they can be printed at.
Simple Photo Editing Techniques
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: The Camera Company
We will provide an overview of the editing functions available in many popular photo editing programs.
EARLY BIRD DANCE PARTY featuring DJ T2
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Loxley
Get ready to move your body with DJ T2 at our Early Bird Dance Party on Friday 2/21/2025!
Comedy Night at Doundrins Distilling
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Doundrins Distilling
Get ready to laugh your socks off at Comedy Night at Doundrins Distilling – it’s gonna be a hilarious evening you won’t want to miss!
Madison Job Fair – Madison Career Fair (Employer Registration)
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Madison
Discover Tomorrow’s Talent
Lightscape: Dance Showcase
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Madison Youth Arts
Breakthrough Dance Company’s 7th showcase, featuring our current dance repertory in a journey through the duality of light and dark.