Chocolate: the bitter and the sweet
Bolz Conservatory Exhibits Smell the sweet allure, and learn about one of the all-time favorite flavores, chocolate, and a unique exhibit in Olbrich's Bolz Conservatory. This exhibit highlights the cacao tree, first cultivated in South America. The seeds from this tree are commonly called cocoa beans and are surrounded by a pod. Chocolate is derived from cocoa beans. The high proportion of fat in the bean kernels (cocoa butter) is used in medications, cosmetics, and soaps. The pulverized residue, called cocoa, is used in beverages and as a flavoring. 

Bicycle Swapmeet
This annual swapmeet features hundreds of bicycles and bicycle accessories.  

University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball
The Big Ten Conference's University of Wisconsin men's basketball team hosts Purdue at the Kohl Center. 

Chris Botti
In the 1990s, he backed Paul Simon and Sting and now Chris Botti makes the Madison Symphony Orchestra all his own. He luxuriates in melody and mood," says the New York Times. A night of sonic sensuality you won't want to miss! 

Little House on the Prairie
Adopted from the award-winning TV show, Little House on the Prairie, this theatrical production of the same name features Melissa Gilbert, the actress who played Laura for 10 years on the TV show. 

University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball
The Big Ten Conference's University of Wisconsin men's basketball team hosts Michigan at the Kohl Center. 

Lake Home and Cabin Show
Featuring products, services, how-to seminars and activities related to the ownership and lifestyle of owning and living in a lake home or cabin. 

University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball
The Big Ten Conference's University of Wisconsin men's basketball team hosts Penn State at the Kohl Center. 

Winter Concert-Caribbean Steel Drums and Marimba
Olbrich's Winter concerts are every Sunday afternoon from January through March at 2 p.m. Concerts last for approximately one hour. A variety of music is highlighted such as Cajun dance music, blues and jazz, folk, honky-tonk, and much more. A $1 donation is suggested. Donations are greatly appreciated and help keep the gardens growing more beautiful. 

Rent: The Broadway Tour
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of Rent, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour! 

RENT: The Broadway Tour
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of Rent, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour! Don't miss the show that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. It's time you checked out Rent! 

The Turn of the Screw
Benjamin Britten’s haunting chamber opera The Turn of the Screw brings Madison Opera into The Playhouse, where audiences will have the opportunity to experience this masterpiece in an intimate theatrical setting. Based on the Henry James novel of the same title, The Turn of the Screw tells the mysterious tale of a young governess and the two children under her watch on a remote country estate. Caroline Worra—called “a new soprano powerhouse” by The New Yorker—stars with Madison favorites Gregory Schmidt, Julia Faulkner and Jamie Van Eyck. Director Doug Scholz Carlson (The Tender Land, 2008) will create a new production to bring this classic ghost story to life. John DeMain conducts. 

Monster Nationals
Nationally recognized trucks as Bigfoot, now celebrating 35 years, Ironman, Snakebite, Mechanical Mischief, Easy Rider and the Lucas Oil "Stabalizer" will be here to thrill and amaze you. In addition to the monster trucks something else is always there to please the crowd at a Monster Nationals event. Top stunt motorcycle team Starboyz will take you to the future, and "Porkchop" the Motorsports Clown will make you laugh and keep you entertained with his antics. Show Hours: Fri, 7:30pm, Sat, 7:30pm and Sun, 1:00pm. Pit pary and Driver Autograph Sessions are: Fri, 5:30-6:45pm, Sat, 5:30-6:45pm and Sun, 11am-12:15pm. Pit Passes are available at any Weaver Auto Parts Store, or free with the purchase of an event ticket. Admission: Advance tickets are $12.25 & $22.25, and for day of show, $15.25 and $22.25. Gold Circle tickets are $35 in advance only.  

"All That Jazz" Big Band
Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the big band music from an era gone by! For the past 18 years this band has brought big band music back to life. A night you'll savor. 381 E. Main St., Stoughton, WI 

Port Wine Celebration at Wollersheim Winery
Celebrate (and take a sip!) of the just released 2008 Port wine from Wollersheim Winery. No fee and open to the public! 7876 State Road, Hwy 188, Prairie du Sac. 

Children of the Rainforest:
Children of the Rainforest: Ton Ko-Thi African Dance and Drumming Tickets available at the door: $3 adults $2 children 12 and under Free for ages 2 and under Come out of the cold and into the tropics with the Children of the Rainforest series at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Milwaukee’s Ton Ko-Thi youth group performs traditional high-energy African dance, backed up by live African drumming. The group features two dozen dancers and a dozen drummers, all in colorful African dress. The Children of the Rainforest series offers performances for families to celebrate cultural differences in rainforest regions around the world, and is generously sponsored by William Wartmann.  

Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest
Taste Wisconsin's finest beer and cheese at this event while learning about what beers go best with what cheeses, chocolates and everyday foods from the experts! You can dance to great live music from the Cork n' Bottle String Band while mixing and mingling in the beer garden. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance for $40  

Celebrating Youth!
This 11th annual event showcases positive youth development. Featuring youth talent and performances, hands-on fun, exhibits and activities for the whole family. 

Winter Concert- Johnny Chimes New Orleans Style Piano
Olbrich's Winter concerts are every Sunday afternoon from January through March at 2 p.m. Concerts last for approximately one hour. A variety of music is highlighted such as Cajun dance music, blues and jazz, folk, honky-tonk, and much more. A $1 donation is suggested. Donations are greatly appreciated and help keep the gardens growing more beautiful. 

L'Eventail du Jeanne!
Enjoy this classic French Ballet with guest appearance by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Special appearance by Molly Barth, a Grammy-Award winning flutist.