Hanif Abdurraqib will dicsuss his latest book, “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension,” Sept. 5.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
Lessons from basketball
Award-winning essayist and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib comes to town Thursday to talk about his latest book, “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension.” The book, which NPR called “a piercing look at how we consider others, as well as ourselves,” zooms in on basketball, Ohio and LeBron James. The free, unticketed talk is at 6 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center, 206 Waubesa St.
Madison Public Library will host a stuffed animal mending clinic Sept. 7.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Tend to your teddy
As part of its ongoing series on repairing everyday items, the Madison Public Library will host a stuffed animal mending clinic this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Hawthorne Library, 2707 E. Washington Ave. The free event is designed for adults, but young sewing enthusiasts are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Bring your own stuffy to fix. Spare parts, stuffing, patches and more will be provided. Space is limited; register online.
Beth Kille will host “Respect: A Celebration of Women in Music” Sept. 7.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Show some respect
Head to the Majestic Theatre, 115 King St., on Saturday evening for “Respect: A Celebration of Women in Music.” Hosted by Beth Kille (pictured), this year’s show will feature the nine-piece band The Big Payback backing up Raquel Aleman, Molly Fish, Cassidy Lund, Shawndell Marks and many more. They’ll cover songs made famous by Beyoncé, Tina Turner, Gwen Stefani, Etta James and Patsy Cline, among others. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and the venue doesn’t take cash. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8.p.m.
The 2024 Northside Festival will be at Warner Park Sept. 7.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
North side nosh
The north side of Madison is home to food cart hub FEED Kitchens, and it’s no surprise the carts at the 2024 Northside Festival are bringing a wide variety of cuisines. Try vegan dishes from The Walking Jerk, tacos and quesadillas from Jolly Frog, fried chicken from The Roost and momos (dumplings) from the Little Tibet cart. The event at Warner Park, 2920 N. Sherman Ave., runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and is free, with music and lots more activities for families.
The Good Neighbor Gathering, organized by Neighborhood House Community Center, will be held Sept. 8.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Like a good neighbor
From a bouncy house and a climbing wall to local food carts and aerial dance, the annual Good Neighbor Gathering wants to get families out and active this coming Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Organized by Neighborhood House Community Center, the event at Brittingham Park, 829 W. Washington Ave., will be kid-friendly and alcohol-free, with local nonprofits set up to offer info and resources going into the new school year.
