Happy new year, Madison! 2025 is officially here and we’re ready to start the year off right by bringing you a hot and fresh guide on how to make the most of January in our city. From getting outside and taking in all that nature has to offer to checking out some quirky local festivals (juggling, anyone?) and of course honoring MLK Day, there’s a lot to get excited about this month. 

If you’re new around here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Madison community.  

🥾 Outdoor recs 

Ice Age Trail 

Rent snowshoes at the Wisconsin Union 

City of Madison rents out snowshoes

skiing and tubing at Tyrol Basin

The cross-country trails 

Blackhawk Ski Club and CXC Outdoor Center

Madison Public Library check out birding backpacks

🥳 Indoor events

Freezing Man Festival

Wisconsin Drag Awards

Grown Up Book Fair

MadFest Juggling Extravaganza

Wisconsin Funk Fest

Wisconsin Punk Fest

🤎 MLK Celebrations

40th Annual Madison and Dane County Martin Luther King Day Observance 

I Am A Man exhibit at Goodman South Madison Library  

2025 MLK Symposium

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• Joey's Song