Madison Vegan Fest Madison Vegan Fest is making its return after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. The community festival, held Oct. 1 at Lunney Lake Farm County Park, celebrates vegan lifestyle with food vendors, exhibits, speakers and live music. This family-friendly event is free to all. Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, madisonveganfest.org/

Turath Baladna: Our Country’s Heritage A Celebration of Palestine’s Olive Harvest This free, community event celebrates Palestine’s olive harvest and cultural traditions. Local vendors will offer Palestinian embroidery, spices, jewelry, food products, soaps and wood and ceramic crafts. The celebration will include dance performances, poetry readings, henna and art. Oct. 2, 12 to 3 p.m., James Madison Park, find event information here

Gary Clark Jr. Grammy-winning blues, rock and soul artist Gary Clark Jr. makes a stop at The Sylvee as a part of his national tour to feature his most recent album, “This Land.” Austin, TX rap duo Blackillac will open the show. Oct. 2, 8 p.m., The Sylvee, thesylvee.com/events/gary-clark-jr/

Leopold’s at the Movies: Nosferatu the Vampyre Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè is presenting a free showing of “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” “a stylistic remake” of the classic 1922 horror film. This showing will mark Leopold’s last outdoor movie night of the season. Oct. 2, 8 p.m., Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè, leopoldsmadison.com/events.html

World Dairy Expo The World Dairy Expo returns to its home here in Madison. This six-day event serves as a “meeting place of the global dairy industry,” and will feature trade shows, educational sessions and virtual farm tours. Daily admission tickets are $15. Oct. 2-7, Alliant Energy Center, worlddairyexpo.com/pages/WDE2022.php

An Evening with Captain Scott Kelly: The Sky Is Not The Limit Join the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series for a lecture and Q&A with Captain Scott Kelly. A former NASA astronaut and retired US Navy Captain, Kelly will discuss and share his experiences during his “Year in Space” as a lead astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Oct. 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater, event information h ere

Full Moon Yoga in the Park Yoga instructor Leanne Widen from Wishing Tree Studio will lead a guided Full Moon Flow. The class is $10, and it’s encouraged to bring your own yoga mat/props. Oct. 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lussier Family Heritage Center, lussierheritagecenter.com/Event/Detail/1313 .

Directors’ Conversation: Amy Gilman & Kacie Lucchini Butcher Join the Chazen Museum of Art Director Amy Gilman and Public History Project Director Kacie Lucchini Butcher as they discuss the Chazen’s current exhibit: “Sifting & Reckoning: UW–Madison’s History of Exclusion and Resistance.” The directors will present the work that went into their “multi-year effort to uncover and give voice to those who experienced and challenged exclusion on campus.” Oct. 6, 6 p.m., Chazen Museum of Art, event information here

Moon Over Monona Terrace All are invited to this free event presented by Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Explore the moon and other planets through the lenses of multiple telescopes provided by the Madison Astronomical Society. Kid-friendly presentations, games and activities provided. Oct. 7, 7 to 9:30 p.m., William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens at the Monona Terrace, event information here

Tempo Madison 40th Anniversary Gala Here from keynote speaker Judy Woodruff — anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour — at the Tempo Madison 40th Anniversary Gala. The journalist will share insights from a four-decades-long career covering politics and other news for NBC, CNN and PBS. This is the 40th anniversary of Tempo, a networking organization for professional and executive women. Oct. 8, 5-9 p.m., Monona Terrace, event information here

Harvest Folk Festival Hosted at UW-Madison’s Allen Centennial Garden, this free gathering will feature “live music, dancing, and storytelling alongside opportunities to learn about different harvest traditions from Dejope (Madison) and around the world.” This event celebrates the Kitchen Garden project, which highlights the harvest cultures of African American, Hmong and Indigenous community members. Oct. 8, 12 to 6 p.m., Allen Centennial Garden, today.wisc.edu/events/view/169964.

Soweto Gospel Choir The Soweto Gospel Choir, comprising over 50 artists, stops in Madison all the way from their home in South Africa. The multi-award winning choir celebrates the “unique and inspirational power of African gospel music” while blending other musical styles and performing in six South African languages. Oct. 8, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater, event information here

Resilience: A Contemporary Ballet Concert Dance Wisconsin presents “Resilience,” a contemporary ballet performance. The concert, featuring a diverse range of choreographers, celebrates “45 years of educating youth in the art of dance and providing professional level productions.” Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Oct. 9: 2 p.m., Overture Center for the Arts, event information here.

Dane County Fire Truck Parade Join the Dane County fire chiefs and Madison Fire Department for their annual celebration including a parade, a scavenger hunt, a fire themed downtown StoryWalk, food and drink specials and other family activities. Oct. 9, 12 to 3 p.m., top of State Street, visitdowntownmadison.com/events/fire-truck-parade

Welcoming Fall at the UW Arboretum As a part of its Family Nature Program, UW Arboretum is offering a “fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world.” Event will include a nature walk and other activities. Oct. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., UW Arboretum, arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/events/ .

Nimesh Patel at Comedy on State Emmy-nominated comedian Nimesh Patel, who has appeared on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and opened for comedy giants Aziz Ansari and Chris Rock, will perform two stand-up sets at Madison’s Comedy on State. Oct. 9, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Comedy on State, madisoncomedy.com/event/nimesh_patel/2022-10-09/

Wisconsin Science Festival “Celebrate curiosity” at the Wisconsin Science Festival, a week-long event packed with activities for all ages across the state. Some of the events offered in the Madison area include “Science in a Bag” pickups at local libraries, educational discussions and lectures, guided hikes at Devil’s Lake and various events at the Wisconsin Science Museum. Oct. 10 to 16, wisconsinsciencefest.org/

Jonathan Van Ness: “Imaginary Living Room Olympian” Jonathan Van Ness of “Queer Eye” fame stops in Madison for the international tour of their one-person show, “Imaginary Living Room Olympian,” celebrating “queer joy, gymnastics and side splitting comedy.” Oct. 13, 7 p.m., The Orpheum, madisonorpheum.com/event/jonathan-van-ness/ . 

The Moth: “Blessings in Disguise” Hosted by Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, this poetry GrandSLAM features the stories of ten artists, all with an emphasis on unexpected fortune and silver linings. Winners will compete for the title of GrandSLAM Champion in “the ultimate battle of wit and words.” Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., The Barrymore Theatre, event information here

Science on the Square/Madison Night Market Fusion The fifth annual Science on the Square is collaborating with the Madison Night Market for a unique night in downtown Madison. Science on the Square will offer hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities and live physics demonstrations mixed in with local vendors, while the Madison Night Market will provide local food, drinks and arts. Oct. 14, 4 to 8 p.m., The Capitol Square & State Street, event information here and here 

King Princess Brooklyn-native King Princess will take The Sylvee stage as a part of the national tour for her album released this summer, “Hold on Baby.” Opening the show will be artist/producer St. Panther. Oct. 14, 8 p.m., The Sylvee, https://www.thesylvee.com/events/king-princess/ . 

Bark & Wine: Wildlife Edition The Dane County Humane Society’s Bark & Wine event is back to celebrate its Wildlife Center’s 20th anniversary. In addition to playing with adorable animals, guests can also enjoy tasting stations featuring local beverages and bites. There will be an auction featuring over 100 items from local businesses and volunteers with all proceeds going to the shelter and animal care. Oct. 15, 6 to 9 p.m., Dane County Humane Society, giveshelter.org/events/bark-wine.

Comedy by the Fire Presented by Unreasonable Expectations LLC, Comedy by the Fire is a free event featuring local comedians around a cozy bonfire. The lineup includes Steve Horton, Matt Mandli and Olivia Witt, and s’mores kits will be provided for a small donation. Oct. 15, 6 p.m., Picnic Point fire site 6, event information here

Holiday Art & Gifts Show ArtWorks Wisconsin presents the Holiday Art & Gift show at Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses on Madison’s east side. Get your holiday shopping done early at this event featuring 28 artists showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking and other gifts. Oct. 15 to 16, during store hours, Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses, event information here 

Madison Ghost Walks: The Lost Souls of State Street American Ghost Tours brings a rendition to Madison just in time for Halloween. This two hour tour led by an expert paranormal guide highlights real ghost stories, paranormal experiences and urban legends of Madison’s State Street. Oct. 15, 20, 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., meets on King Street, event information here

UW-Madison Homecoming Events Homecoming Week is one of UW-Madison’s most treasured traditions, and it will be celebrated with events all week in the campus community. Blood drives, trivia night, scavenger hunts and the creation of a community mural are just some of the events, culminating with the Homecoming Parade on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. and the Badger football game vs. Purdue on Oct 22 at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17-22, event information here

“Pretty Woman” “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” based upon the hit 1990 romance movie, will take the stage at the Overture Center for five days as a part of its national tour. It’ll be a big night out. Big. Huge. Oct. 18-23, evening and matinee shows, Overture Center for the Arts, event information here 

Circus Spooktacular Madison Circus Space is presenting “Circus Spooktacular,” an all-ages Halloween-themed show. Each show is 75 minutes, and tickets start at $12. Oct. 21: 7 p.m., Oct. 22: 5 & 7 p.m., Madison Circus Space, event information here

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Crucible Crucible Madison is presenting its monthly showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” featuring a live performing cast. Tickets to this staple Halloween film are $8, and the doors open at 11 p.m. with the showing starting at 12 a.m. Oct. 21, 11 p.m., Crucible Madison, event information here

Glitz: Hocus Pocus Join The Sylvee for a Halloween dance and drag party, hosted by Victoria Lynn with DJ Femme Noir. Performances from drag queens and drink specials provided, costumes encouraged. Oct. 28, 9 p.m., The Sylvee, thesylvee.com/events/glitz-hocus-pocus/

Jurassic Quest Jurassic Quest, “The #1 Dinosaur experience in North America,” stops in Madison for a weekend of family fun. The exhibit will include over 80 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs, dinosaur crafts, bounce houses and face painting. Oct. 28: 2 to 8 p.m., Oct. 29: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alliant Energy Center, event information here

Photo courtesy of Kristin Moala/ Henry Vilas Zoo

Photo courtesy of Kristin Moala/Henry Vilas Zoo

BOO! At the Zoo BOO! At the Zoo is back after a three year hiatus. This free, family-friendly event will include trick-or-treat candy, animals with pumpkins and Halloween decor. Costumes encouraged! Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Henry Vilas Zoo, event information here

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