Dave Matthews Band @ Kohl Center

This is one to put on your calendar now - Dave Matthews Band is coming to the Kohl Center November 4. And if you’ve ever seen Dave Matthews live, you already know that it's going to be a really good night in Madison. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 21 at 10am. And the really good news? You can win a pair of tickets before they even hit the box office if you’re part of our Circle of Friends. Not a member yet? No problem - join here so you can win, too.


Dave Matthews Band

November 4, 2026
Kohl Center
Madison, WI
On Sale Date: Friday, August 21 at 10am


Pedal Into Family Fun

Ride the Drive is one of those Madison traditions that’s fun for the whole family. On Sunday August 9 from 10am – 2pm, you can bike, walk, skate, or roll along miles of car-free streets while enjoying live music, delicious food, local vendors, and family-friendly activities all along the route. It’s free, it’s active, and it’s a great way to spend a summer day together. The ride will wind from McPike Park to the Capitol Square and back this year due to construction on John Nolen Drive.

Find the full route and event information here – and Magic 98 will see you there!


Mom Fail: Blair from Monona

Blair from Monona bought her son a mini-drone. Everything was fine until she tried to use it - and it turned into a "hairy" situation. Check out her Mom Fail.


Magic 98 Listeners' Summer Reading Guide

If your idea of a perfect summer afternoon involves a comfy chair, something cold to drink, and a book you can't put down, you're definitely among friends. We asked Magic 98 listeners what they're reading right now, and wow - you all delivered! Whether you're in the mood for a page-turning thriller, a heartfelt love story, historical fiction, or a cozy escape, here's a listener-approved guide to some of your favorite recommendations.

For the Romance Lover 💕

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
If you love a story that tugs at your heart, this one blends a modern romance with a World War II love story. Expect to laugh a little, cry a little, and stay up way too late reading "just one more chapter."

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Bring tissues. This emotional military romance is beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke
Think cozy blanket, cup of tea, and small-town charm. These sweet historical romances are perfect if you're looking for something comforting.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
Funny, hopeful, and full of heart. It's one of those books that reminds you life doesn't always go according to plan, but sometimes that's where the best stories begin.

If You Love a Good Thriller 🔍

Never Lie by Freida McFadden
A newly married couple trapped in a snowstorm. An eerie house. Secrets everywhere. If you like twisty endings, you'll probably become a Freida McFadden fan after this one.

The Divorce by Freida McFadden
Another addictive psychological thriller from one of Magic 98 listeners' favorite authors. Several readers told us they've read every one of her books!

Good Girl, Don't You Cry, and Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica
Mary Kubica has a knack for creating ordinary people in extraordinary situations. These suspense novels will have you second-guessing everyone.

Cold Zero by Brad Thor & Ward Larsen
Fast-paced espionage with plenty of action. Perfect if you enjoy international thrillers and spy novels.

Last One Out by Steph Nelson
A suspenseful mystery with plenty of twists as secrets begin to unravel.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A missing child, a summer camp, and family secrets make this literary mystery one of the year's most talked-about reads.

Historical Fiction & Stories That Stay With You 📖

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
A warm, beautifully written novel about community, kindness, and unexpected heroes. One of those books you'll keep thinking about after you finish.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
Based on a true story, this powerful novel follows a young girl who risks everything to protect books during the Holocaust. Difficult at times, but incredibly moving.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fyfe by Anna Johnston
One listener called it "the best book I've read in years." It's a touching story about loneliness, second chances, and finding family where you least expect it.

The Barn by Wright Thompson
A deeply researched look at one of the darkest chapters in American history. Not an easy read, but an important one.

Adventure, Fantasy & Epic Reads 🌄

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Imagine a video game, fantasy adventure, and laugh-out-loud comedy all rolled into one. Weird? Absolutely. Fun? Apparently yes!

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
A fascinating "what if?" story imagining what happens when Earth's rotation begins to slow. Thought-provoking and beautifully written.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
If you've somehow never read this classic western, now might be the time. Rich characters, sweeping adventure, and one unforgettable journey.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Greek mythology meets an emotional love story. Gorgeous writing and a book that's become a modern favorite.

A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Romance, fantasy, magic, and plenty of page-turning drama. Once you start, don't be surprised if you end up reading the whole series.

Shadow Stitch by Cari Thomas
Urban fantasy with witches, hidden magic, and plenty of mystery.

Wisconsin & Local Favorites 🧡

Northwoods by Amy Pease
A gripping mystery set in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Bonus points for supporting a local author!

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy
Another Wisconsin author delivers a funny and thoughtful look at family, marriage, and life after retirement.

Winter of Frozen Dreams by Karl Harter
A Wisconsin true-crime classic based on the shocking 1977 Chester Gillette murder case in rural Wisconsin. It's part courtroom drama, part psychological thriller, and one Magic 98 listener says it's worth reading again.

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon
If you've ever been fascinated by the Edmund Fitzgerald, this book brings the tragedy, and the people behind it, to life.

A Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger
An unforgettable true story of courage, nature, and survival at sea.

A Few More That Got Lots of Love ❤️

  • My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman – Warm, funny, and wonderfully quirky.
  • The Third Nero by Lindsay Davis – Ancient Rome comes alive in this historical mystery.
  • Sins of the Flesh by Fern Michaels – Romantic suspense with plenty of drama.
  • Purple State by Dana Perino – Political fiction with plenty of intrigue.
  • Any book by Kristen Hannah – Several listeners said you simply can't go wrong.
  • Any book by Randy Wayne White or the Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke – Great picks for mystery lovers.

Happy Reading!

The best part about this list? It came from people here in the Madison area who love getting lost in a great story just as much as you do. So whether you're heading to the beach, relaxing on the patio, or escaping the heat indoors, hopefully you'll find your next favorite read right here.

And if we missed your favorite? Tell us (mark@midwestfamilymadison.com)! Our "to be read" pile can always get a little taller.


Let's Party on the 4th of July

The '70s gave us disco balls, bell-bottoms, roller skates, and some of the greatest music ever recorded. From dancing to the Bee Gees and Earth, Wind & Fire to singing along with Elton John and Fleetwood Mac, it was a decade that knew how to have fun. This 4th of July, turn it up, relive the memories, and celebrate with Saturday @ the '70s - all day on Madison's Magic 98!


Mom Fail: Susan from Janesville

Mom Fail: Susan from Janesville didn't realize how quickly baking cookies with her son could turn into cookie chaos.


Make A Splash This Summer

Going to the pool or beach in the summer is a classic way to beat the heat and have fun in the sun. Whether you're diving into cool, refreshing water or relaxing on a towel with the sound of waves in the background, it's a great way to unwind. Kids splash and laugh, adults soak up the sun or enjoy a good book, and everyone gets a chance to enjoy the carefree vibe of summer.

PUBLIC POOLS: 

Bauman Aquatic Center - Middleton/2400 Park Lawn Pl.
This public pool is owned & operated by the City of Middleton, offers zero-depth entrance, several water play features, sand playground & water slides.
Blue Mound State Park, - Blue Mounds/4350 Mounds Park Rd.
This public pool is located in Blue Mound State Park (sticker required), the pool depth ranges from 3-4ft. and offers a splash pad.
Dolphins Cove at the Prairie Athletic Center - Sun Prairie/1010 N. Bird St.
This pool is called “Dolphin’s Cove” and although it is a private outdoor water park at Prairie Athletic Club, including water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth family pool, and many interactive water features, guest passes are available to the public for purchase.
Goodman Aquatic Center  - Verona/7762 County Rd. PD
This public pool offers zero-depth entrance, and shallow water kids’ play.
Goodman Pool - Madison/325 Olin Ave.
This public pool is owned & operated by the City of Madison, offers zero-depth entrance, fountains & other shallow water play; water slides, a separate diving pool, and concessions.
Monona Community Pool  - Monona/1013 Nichols Rd.
This public pool is located at Winnequah Park and the Monona Public Library, and includes a separate toddler pool.
Mount Horeb Aquatic Center - Mt. Horeb/204 Park St.
This public pool is located at Boek’s Park, includes a baby pool with zero-depth entrance and a wet sand play area.
Sun Prairie Aquatic Center - Sun Prairie/920 Linnerud Dr.
This public pool is located close to the library, offers zero-depth entrance, kids slides, water play features, a playground, and wet sand.

PUBLIC SPLASH PADS AND PARKS:

Blue Mound Splash Pad - Blue Mounds/4350 Mounds Park Rd.
Blue Mounds Splash pad is the first (themed) splashpad facility in a Wisconsin state park.
Centennial Park Playscape - Waunakee/901 South Holiday Dr.
This new space features a playground and splash pad for all kids of all ages.
Conservancy Commons Park - DeForest/6822 Yellowwood Ln.
This park features a playground with swings and slides, picnic tables, and a splash pad for all ages.
Cypress Splash Park - Madison/902 Magnolia Ln.
This privately funded spray and splash park in one of Madison’s public parks offers fun for kids of all ages. It features drinking fountains and restrooms.
Elver Park Splash Park - Madison/1250 McKenna Blvd.
This public park offers three splash parks for all kids of all ages.
Fireman’s Park Beach - Verona/600 Bruce St.
This former limestone quarry is now a swimming hole with a beach, splash pad, waterslide, picnic tables, and several shade structures.
Lakeview Park - Middleton/6300 Mendota Ave.
This free, outdoor aquatic park offers fun, brightly colored water features entertaining kids of all ages with its interactive nature. The splash pad is fully accessible and safe for any age.
McKee Farms Park - Fitchburg/2930 Chapel Valley Rd.
This wet and wonderful playground is fully accessible and safe for all ages and abilities. There are three zones: Toddler, with soft mists and gentle streams; pre-teens, with high-energy, team-building activities; and families, with dumping buckets, water tunnels and lots of good, clean fun.
Nordic Ridge Splash Park - Stoughton/1300 Hoel Ave.
This park at Nordic Ridge offers picnic tables, some handicap-accessible, restrooms and drinking water fountains.
Phoebe Bakken Memorial Splash Park - Cottage Grove/4064 Vilas Rd.
This park offers a playground, picnic shelter, splash pad, sports fields, and pump track, plus restrooms.
Reindahl (Amund) Park - Madison/1818 Portage Rd.
This kid-friendly water park offers a shelter and restrooms.
Tom & Rita Tubbs Splash Pad - Sun Prairie/550 North St.
The Tom & Rita Tubbs Splashpad & Playground was constructed in 2021 and features a garden-themed wet and dry playscape for children of all ages.  The splashpad boasts a 2,413 square foot wet deck with a total of 36 spray features, a three-stall changing structure, large butterfly shade structures, and ample seating.  The 5,414 square foot playground area includes a tot play area, a rope climbing structure and a tall 1.5 story slide!

PUBLIC BEACHES:

B.B. Clarke Beach - Madison/835 Spaight St.
This public beach is not the largest beach in the area, but it’s a good choice. It is located on Lake Monona and offers a playground and a diving float. There is no lifeguard on duty.
.Bernie’s Park Beach - Madison/901 Gilson St.
This public beach is located right off of Monona Bay. It is small but has one amazing view of the Capitol right downtown Madison. Bernie’s Beach has an accessible mat during the typical beach season as well as a restroom.
Brittingham Beach - Madison/701 W Brittingham Pl.
This public beach is found on the Monona Bay shore and offers plenty of fun with rentals for canoes and kayaks. Brittingham Park also offers fishing, a play structure, pickleball courts, and sand volleyball.
Devil’s Lake State Park Beach - Baraboo/S5975 Park Rd.
This public beach is located in Baraboo and is the largest state park in Wisconsin, offering 30 miles of hiking with beautiful views. This state park offers plenty of swimming beaches, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, and concessions.
Esther Beach - Madison/2802 Waunona Way
This public neighborhood beach found on Lake Monona offers great views of the downtown Madison skyline. It offers a playground, picnic tables and kayak and canoe storage.
.Fireman’s Park Beach
 - Verona/600 Bruce St.
This public beach is a family-friendly lake sandy beach covering nearly 18 acres of space. The beach offers plenty of fun with fishing, playground equipment, a diving board, a large water slide, and a splash pad.
Frost Wood Beach - Monona/5800 Winnequah Rd.
This public beach is  found on Lake Monona, on Squaw Bay. It is a heavily wooded park with plenty of shade. It is a favorite for picnicking and swimming.
Governor Dodge State Park Beach - Dodgeville, 4175 WI 23
This public beach is located in a huge state park covering more than 5,300 acres. This park offers two lakes and a waterfall, along with bluffs and deep valleys. This park is found in Dodgeville and provides beaches you can enjoy along the lakes. A concession stand is found at the Cox Hollow beach area, along with boat and canoe rentals.
James Madison Beach - Madison/614 E Gorham St.
This public beach offers beautiful views and plenty to do. James Madison Beach is found on Lake Mendota. The beach offers picnic tables, a playground, and a volleyball court.
Ripley Beach - Madison/1918 Norman Way
This public beach is located on the west shores of Lake Ripley. It is an 18 acre park privately owned by the Cambridge Foundation and managed by CAP. Ripley Park offers two tennis courts, a basketball court, a children’s play structure, 9-hole disc golf course, and volleyball courts.
Schluter Beach - Monona/4511 Winnequah Rd.
This public beach is located on the shore of Lake Monona. It offers a small gazebo, grills, picnic tables, a playground, and bathrooms on site, as well as a handicap-accessible pier. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Vilas Beach - Madison/1501 Vilas Park Dr.
This public beach is located near the Vilas zoo. It is found right at Lake Wingra offering a sandy beach, bathrooms, concessions and picnic tables.

PRIVATE POOLS:

Hill Farm Swim Club - Madison/1 N Eau Claire Ave.
This 8-lane, 25-meter pool with separate diving well has been the summer home to generations of Madison families. The pool is located in the heart of the University Hill Farms neighborhood. They will be this  swim meet host.
Maple Bluff Country Club Pool - Maple Bluff/500 Kensington Dr.
This outdoor heated 8-lane outdoor swimming pool is a beloved amenity for members of this country club. The pool also offers a diving well, a kids’ pool and a snack bar.
Nakoma Country Club Pool - Madison/4145 Country Club Rd.
Nakoma Golf Club features an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool, complete with an attached diving well and separate kids’ pool. The pool area includes a cafe providing a large range of food and beverage options. Swimming members can take advantage of complimentary Red Cross-certified swimming lessons for their children. Club sponsored, family-friendly, pool events are hosted several times a season and use of the pool deck and community room spaces are available for semi-private functions.
Parkcrest Pool and Tennis - Madison/1 N Yellowstone Dr.
Parkcrest Swim and Tennis is the ultimate destination for all your summer fun needs in Madison! Not only do we have pools for you to cool off in, but we also have outdoor tennis and basketball courts for you to show off your skills. We’ve got everything you need for a full day of fun in the sun. Plus, we’re all about helping people get active and healthy, so we offer lessons and activities for both kids and grown-ups. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, our facilities have something for everyone. So come on down, join the fun, and be a part of our awesome community!
Ridgewood Pool - Madison/5109 Barton Rd.
Ridgewood pool is a membership pool located on the far West side, tucked into a quiet corner of the Orchard Ridge neighborhood. It is a kid-friendly setting with 2 25-yard pools for recreational and competitive swimming. There is also a separate diving well and 2 low dives and the only outdoor high-dive in Madison. This pool also offers a zero-depth entry wading pool.
Seminole Pool and Tennis Club - Fitchburg/5948 Schumann Dr.
This neighborhood outdoor pool and tennis club is a volunteer-run, private membership organization. The pool has numerous 25-yard lanes, an attached diving well and offers concessions. It offers recreational and competitive swim and dive opportunities.
Shorewood Hills Pool - Madison/901 Swarthmore Ct.,
Shorewood Hills Village with its only in Madison 50-meter outdoor Olympic-sized pool is a family friendly, community-oriented membership pool which offers not only a great deal of open swimming time, but also numerous programs and activities available for members of all ages and abilities. It offers an attached diving well, a separate kids’ area and pool as well as concessions.


Wednesdays Are for Winning


Wake up your taste buds at Moho Jo Coffee in Mount Horeb, where every sip feels like a cozy small-town hug with an extra shot of charm. It’s neatly tucked inside Makers Market Square, a year-round indoor marketplace where you’ll discover local artisans, handmade goods, vintage finds, live music and one very cozy coffee shop.  We’ll hand out a $25 Moho Jo Coffee Gift Card to two lucky listeners every Wednesday. Sign up to win the Magic Coffee Break below!

 

 


608 Day at Vitense Golfland

Magic 98 is celebrating 608 Day with a little friendly competition and a whole lot of fun at Vitense Golfland! Grab your friends and family and enjoy everything from Toptracer golf bays and interactive mini golf courses to batting cages, FootGolf, remote control boats, and great food and drinks at Babes at Vitense Grill & Bar.

Charlotte will broadcast live from noon-2pm, but you can stop by all day to register to win tickets for Mumford & Sons at the Kohl Center on September 23. So, whether you’re sinking putts, smashing baseballs, winning concert tickets or just soaking up the summer vibes, it’s the perfect Madison way to celebrate 608 Day with Magic 98!

Junior Series of 4 - 30 minute Private Lessons - Vitense Golfland


Mom Fail: Hannah from Middleton

Hannah from Middleton was just trying to get all the kids out the door to start a day of childcare and work - but she forgot one very important thing.