spring events Archives - Friends of San Damiano

Momentum is Building at San Damiano Park

San Damiano — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:24:51 +0000

Spring has brought extraordinary energy to San Damiano Park, and with it, a major milestone for our shared vision. In April, the Monona City Council unanimously approved Phase I of the San Damiano Master Plan, a transformational step toward making this breathtaking 10-acre lakeside property more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant for all. With plans to add public piers, limited parking, engagement and play spaces, and the adaptive reuse of the historic Frank Allis House, including much-needed restrooms and kitchen facilities, we are building a destination on Lake Monona that people will return to again and again.

Photo credit: Greg Bleck

This exciting announcement has been met with tremendous community enthusiasm. Recent press coverage, in the Isthmus, Wisconsin State Journal, and on NBC15, has helped shine a spotlight on the possibilities ahead. Our celebration at the Muskellounge brought together supporters, partners, and neighbors to toast what this moment means for Monona and our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and look forward to sharing more as Phase I begins to take shape.

Spring has also reminded us just how alive San Damiano Park can be when filled with community. From welcoming families and bird enthusiasts during World Migratory Bird Day, to laughter and connection at our first Sunset Games gathering, to the incredible generosity shown during our Spring Lawn Games: Croquet Classic fundraiser this past weekend, each event has helped activate the park in meaningful and joyful ways. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and celebrated with us, you are helping build the future of this special place.

And there is so much more to come. June will be one of the most exciting months yet at San Damiano Park, as we are proud to welcome back the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival, where artists will once again transform wood into works of art along our shoreline. As Loop the Lake participants navigate a detour through the park, we look forward to welcoming many new visitors to experience this scenic space for the first time. On June 21, join us for Make Music Day, a free afternoon of live local music, food carts, refreshments, and lakeside celebration to welcome summer.

Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials

Then, on June 25, we proudly launch Concerts on the Shore, our free summer music series presented by WVMO 98.7, the Voice of Monona, with legendary Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials headlining an unforgettable evening on Lake Monona. With food carts, beverages, and the stunning backdrop of the Whitehorse Sculpture Festival, it promises to be a joyful gathering for the whole community. Be sure to save the date for July 16, when the series continues with Armchair Boogie.

Thank you for being part of this growing movement. Together, we are creating something truly special at San Damiano Park, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the shore this summer.

With gratitude,

Cara Erickson
Executive Director, Friends of San Damiano

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Spring Clean Up was a HUGE SUCCESS!

San Damiano — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:54:03 +0000

About 50 people showed up to spread wood chips, pick up sticks and litter, clear and line the trails, and take care of the park. In less than 3 hours, volunteers spread 45yds of wood chips… We can’t wait to put those freshly groomed paths to the test!

It’s also volunteer appreciation week, and we are so grateful for our ever-expanding, dedicated, and supportive community. Our non-profit would not function without the hardworking volunteers who give their time and energy to steward this breathtaking public space. Thank you for helping us shine.

In appreciation, we held a cookout afterwards to celebrate our volunteers.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who show up, not only on spring clean-up day, but any day of the year.

Spring Clean Up 2026

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Spring arrived at San Damiano

San Damiano — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:43:25 +0000

Spring is blooming at San Damiano Park, and, with it, a renewed sense of energy and connection presents itself through exciting events on the shores of Lake Monona. As the landscape awakens, so does our shared commitment to caring for this special place and bringing our community together in meaningful ways.

We invite you to be part of this spring renewal with these upcoming events.

Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 18, 9am – noon
It’s time to refresh and revitalize this special place! Roll up your sleeves and help with important tasks, including picking up litter, freshening plant beds, spreading mulch, clearing sticks and more.

Join us after for a volunteer appreciation cookout! EVERYONE is welcome!
Sign up here to be a part of the day’s activities!

World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 9, 8am – noon
Plan for a morning filled with birdwatching, learning, and family-friendly fun as we highlight the interconnectedness of our world and how we can create bird-friendly communities right here in our area.

Sunset Games
2nd Sunday, May through October, 4 – 8pm
May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11
Sunset from San Damiano is THE BEST in Dane County. One Sunday a month, join us for free lawn games (think bags, bocce, croquet, and giant Jenga) along with food carts and live music to enhance your sunset experience.

If you’re interested in volunteering for one of the dates, here’s the link for volunteer sign up.

Spring Lawn Games: Croquet Classic
Saturday, May 16, 10am – 2pm
Sign up for a relaxed, family-friendly Spring Lawn Games afternoon featuring a classic croquet tournament, picnic-style seating, bucket raffle, food trucks, beverages, a costume contest, and live music. This inaugural fundraiser supports park stewardship.

Additionally, the Friends of San Damiano recently proposed our conceptual recommendation for Phase I, including a decision on the future of the Frank Allis House, to the Monona City Council. City Council will vote on our recommendation on April 20th, after which we’ll be able to make exciting updates to our community. You can watch the meeting here.

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