Monthly Guide
📝 Your guide to April in Madison
April 1, 2026 · — Rob Thomas
Good afternoon, Madison, and Happy April! It’s no April Fool’s Day prank – you really are getting two City Cast Madison newsletters today. This is the second installment of our monthly guide newsletter, letting you know what’s happening this month in Madison and how you can make the most of it. Let me know what you think of it! 🐝
Life Hacks to Make Your April Even Better
Who’s Up For Fish Fry? 🎧
Lent ends Thursday, but there’s no bad time for a Friday fish fry. We had Mike Seidel, who has tried and rated over 1,800 fish fries throughout Wisconsin, on the City Cast Madison podcast to talk about his favorite Madison spots.
It’s Showtime at the Wisconsin Film Festival 🎧
See a new indie film, a classic drama, or even a Wisconsin-made movie at the Wisconsin Film Festival, running April 9-16. Operations director Ben Reiser came on the podcast to talk about how to get the most out of the fest, and I picked out a few films worth the price of a ticket.
Treat Yourself to Dinner at L’Etoile 🎧
For 50 years, L’Etoile has been showing the world that high-end cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients go hand in hand. Founder Odessa Piper and current co-owner Tory Miller talked on the podcast about what makes their restaurant such a treasure.
Get a Tasty Pastry from a Local Bakery 🎧
Shawn Bolduc’s new venture on Atwood Avenue, Baked Lab, is the latest high-end bakery to open in Madison. He came on the podcast to talk about his passion for pastry, and if your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, we also rounded up our favorite locally-owned bakeries in town.
Get These Tickets Now (Before It’s Too Late)
If you’re hoping to see these shows in April, you might want to buy tickets now before it’s too late!
April 3: Dirtwire at Majestic Theatre
April 4: Audra McDonald at Capitol Theater
April 9: Justin Willman at Capitol Theater
April 17: Michelle Buteau at Orpheum Theater
April 17-19: Geoffrey Asmus at Comedy on State
April 18: Isthmus 50 Fest at Atwood Music Hall
April 26: Kathy Griffin at Barrymore Theatre
April 27: Band of Horses at The Sylvee
April 28: Puscifer at The Sylvee
That’s all for this month! Have a great time out there, stay dry, and thanks for reading and supporting City Cast Madison 💙
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