After a chilly winter, the arrival of Spring brought more than a few smiles to our faces. Even as the weather is still a bit on the cooler side, the first blooms are starting to make their way out of the ground and we are dreaming of summertime in Mount Horeb.

As the temperatures continue to rise, you’ll want to get out and enjoy these upcoming events in and around Mount Horeb.

English Country Dance and Music Weekend: For those of your craving a road trip, our friends up in Dodgeville have a great festival coming up the weekend of May 13th-15th. The event will feature a weekend of country dance and music with members of Bare Necessities and led by dance caller Kalia Kliban. This fun weekend will include music and dance workshops, delicious cultured meals, nightly dances, and more. Register by visiting the festival’s website.

Mining The Story-Writing Retreat: Do you have a story that’s been burning around in the back of your mind? Maybe it’s something that you keep saying that you’ll get started writing but never do? This retreat is for you. Taking place over the weekend of May 20th-22nd, our friends at The Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts are back with this event for writers of all ages and levels. Events at the workshop will include craft talks and panel discussions, faculty and local author readings, and participant open mics. A manuscript consultation will also be available for a small additional fee. The rates for this event will vary based on the workshop selected. Please visit the website for a complete schedule as well as registration information.

Annual Bring Your Pop to Pop’s Knoll Father’s Day Picnic: On June 19th, we’ll be taking time to celebrate the Father figures in your life. The event is FREE and will take place at Donald Park. There will be live bluegrass music to enjoy and tasty rootbeer floats and hot dogs available for purchase. For the kids, there will be a scavenger hunt. We invite everyone to pack a picnic basket and join us for this fun-filled day!

Annual Woodlanders Gathering: The Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts will be back with another fantastic retreat from July 7th-10th. With the help of some incredibly talented instructors, attendees will have the opportunity to create nature-based artwork pieces. From a Twig Mosaic Table to Gourd Birdhouses to Necktie painted scarves, there’s a project for every artist’s fancy. Please note that registration for this event is limited and is anticipated to book quickly. Please visit the website for more information and to reserve a spot.

These are just a few highlights of what is on the calendar for the upcoming months in Mount Horeb and the surrounding communities. We didn’t even mention all of the regular weekly and monthly events that take place at our local eateries – live music at Brix Cider or The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, anyone? There are so many events coming – what’s on your bucket list?