Terrace season might be over, but the Memorial Union isn’t ready to hibernate. There are plenty of exciting indoor activities and events at the Union in the next few weeks to keep student spirits high for the chilly remainder of the semester.
“The Wisconsin Union is a choose your own adventure… is something different to everyone, and that's part of the beauty of who the Wisconsin Union is and what it's here to do,” Wisconsin Union Directorate spokesperson Shauna Breneman said.
Outdoor UW
Even as the weather gets colder, Outdoor UW, the outdoor recreation division of the Union located on the lower level of Memorial Union, continues to offer outdoor exploration.
Their Outdoor Explorer Series provides student-led courses for participants of all skill levels. Their next event on Nov. 18 from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. will teach simple knot-tying skills for $5.
This series, alongside other Outdoor UW events, like the Dec. 4 Full Moon Hike, promise to keep students engaged and enjoying the outdoors in Madison year-round.
“We're really helping develop stronger individuals by giving them agency, by resourcing them, by showing them how to be leaders in the outdoors. And that provides a sense of pride and a sense of self-accomplishment,.” Outdoor UW Director David Elsmo told the Cardinal.
He said students should look forward to UW Outdoor’s snow shoe rentals and ice skating opening up within the month.
Wisconsin Union Theater
For students preferring to stay warm indoors this semester, the Wisconsin Union Theater offers year-round opportunities for students interested in the performing arts.
American roots band The Wood Brothers will perform on Nov. 14 from 8 to 11 p.m. in Shannon Hall. Five-time GRAMMY Award winning jazz singer Samara Joy will perform in Shannon Hall the day after from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“Live performing arts is a fantastic break for the brain and the soul,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass told the Cardinal.
Snodgrass also urged students, whether experienced in performing arts or eager beginners, to get involved in the WUD Performing Arts Committee. The committee books performers at the Wisconsin Union Theater each semester and also prepares shows featuring student performers.
Wheelhouse Studios
For art lovers or beginners simply wishing to try their hand at fun and simple crafts, Wheelhouse Studios, located on the lower level of the Memorial Union, is open seven days a week from 12 to 10 p.m.
Wheelhouse Studios Director Candie Waterloo said students can enjoy self-guided time in the studio during these hours, with student staff always available to help.
For a more guided experience, Wheelhouse Studios also hosts Free Art Fridays up to six times a semester in the Memorial Union’s Festival Room from 5 to 8 p.m., with no registration required.
Waterloo said these events are great opportunities for “fun, low-stakes artmaking with friends.”
The next Free Art Friday will be on Nov. 14. At this “mash-terpieces” event, students can make hand-carved potato stamps to decorate fabric zipper pouches.
Waterloo said events like Free Art Friday aim to provide students with a sense of belonging and opportunities to meet new people.
“Art making is something that I think can be intimidating for a lot of folks because there's this idea that you have to be creative or you have to be an artist,” Waterloo said. “And sometimes all people need is someone else to just put the ideas out for them and give them the tools and let them go.”
Waterloo encouraged students to keep an eye out on the Wheelhouse website for more from the Studios later this semester, including wreath making, ceramic ornament decorating and a holiday “Sip & Paint” event.
More at the Union
From casual dining, to art exhibitions and live music, Breneman said the Union always has plenty to offer.
For music lovers looking for a casual night of comforting pub food and music, Memorial Union’s Der Rathskeller may have the solution. The restaurant frequently hosts local bands and musicians to perform for anyone who stops by to listen, whether they purchase food or not.
On Nov. 15, Wisconsin-based songwriter Graham Hunt and indie rock band Dari Bay will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. alongside Madison band Able Baker. Their power-punk style has been described as surreal, cryptic and experimental.
Breneman said the Union hosts countless student-led events throughout the semester and urged students to check the constantly-updating Union Event Calendar to stay up to date on opportunities this semester and all year long.
As the fall semester draws to a close, it’s clear the Memorial Union has more to offer students than its admittedly iconic outdoor seating.
“If the chairs never left, we'd never get to enjoy and celebrate when they return. I think that's the beauty of Wisconsin's four seasons. We always have something to celebrate,” WUD Communications Specialist Madeline Carr told The Daily Cardinal.
