Date is to be determined. Check back soon!
Celebrate the rich culture and ancestry of the Ho-Chunk Nation with Winter Games at San Damiano. Visitors may learn things about historic hunting techniques such as atlatl spear-throwing—a pre-bow-and-arrow method used for hunting. If there is snow, visitors may experience the thrill of the Snow Snake Games, a historic winter sport where participants compete by skillfully tossing a carved wooden "snake" along icy tracks to see whose travels the farthest. Winter games will be played in three age categories: 1–9, 10–16,and 17 and up, with prizes awarded at the end of each competition. Participants will also enjoy story telling and insights into Ho-Chunk history in the Dejope (Four Lakes) area.
There is no parking on the property (except for accessible parking).
More information and details will be coming shortly.
Join us for this summer's San Damiano Biergartens! Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Monona, these popular gatherings offer breathtaking views of the Wisconsn state capitol and Madison skyline, refreshing beer, food trucks, and live music. It's the perfect setting for a fun-filled evening of community and camaraderie. Don't miss out on the festive atmosphere—come raise a glass with us!
Sponsoring the Biergartens allows businesses to connect with the community and support a cherished public space. With over 500 attendees at each event, sponsors enjoy valuable brand visibility and the opportunity to engage with a large, enthusiastic audience while contributing to the enjoyment of San Damiano.
Please partner with Friends of San Damiano.
Nearly 200 guests gathered at San Damiano for Friends of San Damiano’s 2nd Annual Celebration on the Shore. With Lake Monona as the backdrop, the evening featured cocktails, auctions, dinner at sunset, and live music. The event raised over $70,000 in net revenue to support the preservation and future enhancement of this unique 10-acre lakeside property.
Friends of San Damiano’s mission is to transform San Damiano into a public space dedicated to recreation, education, and peaceful reflection. The Celebration focused on bringing the San Damiano Master Plan to life and advancing the community’s vision for a future where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can enjoy a natural destination that respects the environment, honors history, and celebrates culture.
Friends of San Damiano extends its gratitude to presenting sponsor, Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, and to our many event sponsors, supporters, in-kind donors, and volunteers for making the event a success.
Join us for a community volunteer Clean-Up Day at San Damiano. Help us care for this treasured property while enjoying its natural beauty. Whether you’re ready to roll up your sleeves or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors, everyone is welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Get involved by assisting with light clean-up tasks such as raking, gathering sticks, picking up trash, and clearing debris.
Bring your own supplies if possible:
Questions? Please email us.
The Friends of San Damiano hope you’ll join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025 for a World Migratory Bird Day Celebration. It will be a vibrant and educational event focused on celebrating migratory birds and fostering awareness of the challenges they face. Set against the stunning backdrop of San Damiano, with its lakeside location and small arboretum, the property is an ideal setting to explore the beauty and importance of these incredible travelers.
More information will be provided this spring.
