San Damiano Monona

Events

Summer Biergartens 2025

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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!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now for 2025!

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.

Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival

Friday, June 14, 2024
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Saturday, June 22, 2024
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Saturday, June 22, 2024
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Saturday, June 22, 2024
Due to the forecasted weather for Saturday, June 22, the schedule for the last day of the Harry Whitehorse Wood Sculpture Festival has changed. The closing ceremony will be at 10:00am and the community potluck at 11:30am. Please join us to celebrate this amazing week!
The festival is in full swing Friday, June 21 with so many fun things planned for all ages. Take a look at the most up to date schedule  online (click here). See you soon!

EVENT DETAILS :
https://www.harrywhitehorse.com/festival/

VOLUNTEER AT THE FESTIVAL:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CACAD2CA0F9C70-49508256-volunteer

A Truly Immersive and Unforgettable Experience

The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival, in partnership with the Friends of San Damiano, will unite renowned artists worldwide for a week-long residency in Monona, Wisconsin, in an outdoor setting on Lake Monona. They will create captivating sculptures, showcase their previous works, and engage with the community during their stay.

This festival is significant culturally and artistically because it is the first international festival dedicated to an indigenous person, honoring the legacy of the late Monona, Wisconsin, and Ho-Chunk Nation sculptor Harry Whitehorse. Through wood sculpting, it fosters cultural exchange, promotes indigenous arts, and celebrates the natural beauty of San Damiano Monona.

What sets this festival apart is its fusion of tradition and innovation, combining contemporary and traditional wood sculpting techniques. The emphasis on international collaboration and indigenous artistry adds a rich layer of diversity and cultural exchange. The festival’s setting on the picturesque shores of Lake Monona, coupled with its interactive programming and community engagement initiatives, creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for attendees.

Event Details

Dates: The festival will take place from June 14 – 22, 2024
Opening Ceremony:
June 14 @ 5 PM
Artist Working Hours: June 15 – 21 @ 9 AM – 5 PM , June 22 @ 9 AM – 11 AM
Closing Ceremony & Reception: June 22 @ 5 PM
Location: The festival will be held at scenic San Damiano Monona on Lake Monona in Monona, Wisconsin. The address is 4123 Monona Drive, Monona, WI Map
Duration: The festival spans a week, offering attendees ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wood sculpting.
Activities: Attendees can expect a diverse range of activities, including:

  • Live wood sculpting demonstrations by renowned artists.
  • Cultural performances, food vendors, and live entertainment create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Accessibility: The festival is open to all ages and is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone interested in art and culture. Limited special needs parking.
Tickets: Free tickets are available on Event Brite.

CONVENIENT PARKING

AT MONONA GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

4400 Monona Drive, Monona, Wisconsin.
Monona Grove High School is .5 miles from San Damiano.
There are limited handicapped parking spaces at San Damiano Monona.
No parking at San Damiano Monona for the general public.

Celebration On The Shore

Saturday, September 14, 2024
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6:00 pm
11:00 pm

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.

We thank all of those who celebrated with us in 2023. View event photos

Forage Kitchen Fundraiser

Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Thank you to Forage Kitchen for hosting a fundraiser for Friends of San Damiano!

Together, with our dedicated community, we all raised $545!

We are also grateful to WMTV 15 News for their generous coverage of the fundraiser. Watch the news coverage.

Support Friends of San Damiano at Forage Kitchen

Thursday, October 17th
10:30AM - 8:00PM

Stop by Forage Kitchen for lunch or dinner and 50% of your food order will be donated to the Friends of San Damiano to support programming and the transformation of this one-of-a-kind Lake Monona and Dane County destination.

In-store: Be sure to mention San Damiano at checkout
Online: Use promo code FSD24

​​​​​​​Order online here: www.eatforage.com

Forage Kitchen, 800 W Broadway Unit 700, Monona, WI 53713

Giving Tuesday Clean Up Day

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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Giving Tuesday Clean Up Day

This Giving Tuesday, lend a hand and help keep San Damiano beautiful! Drop by any time between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to pick up trash and tidy up the grounds. No sign-up is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to make a difference.

‍‍Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

‍Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: San Damiano

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes for walking on the grass and shoreline
  • Any personal trash-picking tools
  • Disposable gloves and trash bags will be provided

We can’t wait to see you there! Thank you in advance for helping us care for this (nearly) 10-acre, 1,075-foot lakefront community treasure!

Interested in other ways to support San Damiano? Please read how to get involved here.

Any questions, please email us.

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