Little Eagle Arts Foundation – Daily

Throughout the festival, LEAF artists and cultural presenters share traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts, helping visitors better understand the cultural traditions that inspired Harry Whitehorse and continue to thrive today. Cultural demonstrators include:  Noodin & Ashley Shawanda, Natural Fiber Weaving; Leah Winneshiek, Birch Bark Jewelry; Kimberly Crowley, Black Ash Basketry; Molli Pauliot, Natural Fiber Weaving and Kristin Klingman, Fiber Artist.  Visit their website.

Christopher Sweet – Daily

Ho-Chunk Nation / White Earth Ojibwe

Contemporary Native artist Christopher Sweet returns to the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival after demonstrating at the 2024 festival. Based in Wisconsin, Sweet creates paintings shaped by Indigenous storytelling, song, dance, regalia, community, and spiritual connection.

Christopher Sweet Website

Erica Rosales – Daily

Otomi & Mazahua land, Temascalcingo, State of México, México

Erika Rosales is a multidisciplinary artist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work explores themes of identity, healing, spirituality, and cultural connection. A self-taught artist, Rosales returned to art through Mexican folkloric dance, which inspired a broader journey of self-expression through painting, drawing, and mixed media. Her abstract works have been exhibited in public and private collections, and she has collaborated on community murals that celebrate culture and social justice. Visit her website.

Pachamanca: An Andean Earth Oven Celebration

Saturday, June 20, 5:30 PM.

The Madison Cusco Sister City Alliance, in partnership with Mundo Esperanza, invites you to experience a traditional Andean harvest celebration known as Pachamanca. Rooted in the ancient traditions of the indigenous peoples of Peru, Pachamanca, meaning earth pot in Quechua, is both a method of cooking and a ceremonial offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth.  Join us as we honor this rich heritage through food, culture, and shared experience, bringing a piece of the Andes to Madison. This is a paid ticketed event and tickets will be available on site.

Make Music Day

Sunday, June 21, 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Join us for a full day of free live music in celebration of Make Music Day, a global phenomenon that promotes music of all genres and musicians of all abilities.Food carts will be on site, including The Roost, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Jolly Frog, Sandwich Hub, Jakarta Café, and Curd Girl. Friends of San Damiano will also host a beverage tent, selling beer and other non-alcoholic beverages, including lemonade. LINK

• 11 AM to 12:30 PM: Rich Kessler
• 1 to 2:30 PM Idledaze Duo
• 3 to 3:30 PM: Paige Kleber
• 4 to 5:30 PM: Edward Ford
• 6:30 to 8:30 PM: DeLuca Walldingd

Aldo Leopold Nature Center Activities

Saturday, June 20, 8:30 – 11 AM Aquatic Invertebrates of the Lake table
Monday, June 22, 12 – 4 PM Furs, Skulls, and Scat table

Madison Children’s Museum

Tuesday, June 23, 11 AM – 2 PM
Friday, June 26, 1 – 5 PM

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

Kindling Community Arts Activity

Wednesday, June 24, 9 PM – 3 PM

Using glue, wire, and scraps from the festival wood carvers, kids can create sculptures of their own! Maybe they will create a tree house, a fairy cottage, a wild animal, or something abstract! This project encourages imaginative play for any age. Kindling Community Arts website.

Monona Library Activity

Thursday, June 25, 10 AM – 1 PM

Join Monona Public Library for a special mashup of ArtStudio Kids & Little Scientists to learn all about sculptures. Make your own sculpture in our art space and stop by our bubble play station to stack bubbles and sculpt your own wand!

Concerts on the Shore: Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials

Thursday, June 25, 5 – 8:30 PM

Presented by WVMO, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will kick off the 2026 Concerts on the Shore series! From Chicago and proudly inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials will bring the energy and excitement when they take the stage at 7pm, with Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy set to open. Featuring food carts, beer, and other non-alcoholic beverages, and set against the backdrop of the best sunset in Dane County, this concert series will promote a festive community vibe on the shore of Lake Monona. More information.