Memorial Day Weekend Starts Live Summer Concerts, Boat Rides, Sunset Dining and Room Packages  for Locals and Resort Guests Reveling in the Season

 Madison, WI (April 17, 2007) – From boat rides to Brewgrass Fridays, The Edgewater Hotel, a waterfront urban resort situated on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, debuts its summertime event series, celebrating the culture and cuisine of Wisconsin’s Capitol City.

Just a short walk from the State Capitol and the UW campus, the hotel boasts a Grand Plaza built as a nod to the original City Plan completed by John Nolen in “Madison, A Model City” published in 1911. The Grand Plaza plays host to many of the summer events, and is a public waterfront terrace and stairway that extends to a public pier offering 40 complimentary slips to boaters, all designed to bring people to the waterfront.

The Edgewater is a bustling hub of activity with year-round events and summer is no different, kicking off Memorial Day weekend with the party of the summer featuring the popular band Madison County, at 6 pm on Saturday, May 27.

Ongoing Summer events from Memorial Day to Labor Day:

First Thursdays will kick off music every month beginning June 1, highlighting an eclectic mix of cover bands and throwback tributes. Expect to see acts like soul and folk band, Dustbowl Revival and many more.

In partnership with Door County Brewing Company, Brewgrass Fridays begins on June 2. The second annual installment of this popular summer staple features performances by some of the nation’s best bluegrass bands every Friday night of the season. Hotel guests and residents alike will enjoy Door County craft beers like Little Sister, Big Sister and Pallet Jack Cruiser IPA and bands including Lil Smokies, Dead Horses and Charlie Parr. Those taking in the show will also be first to sample exclusive brew debuts.

Perhaps no other state in the nation celebrates and appreciates local brews and bands better than Wisconsin, which prompted a partnership between The Edgewater and our favorite local beers for Live & LocALE Saturdays, a free outdoor tribute featuring all Wisconsin bands and brews every Saturday night of the summer. Starting June 3, visitors and locals can relax on The Grand Plaza and listen to beloved acts like Pat McCurdy, Natty Nation and Steely Dane while enjoying some of the most popular local brews, including Door County Brewing Company, MobCraft Beer, One Barrel Brewing Company, O’so Brewing Company, Potosi Brewing Company, Vintage Brewing Company and Wisconsin Brewing Company.

Tuesday, June 13, kicks off Movies on the Water featuring Facts and A Flick, a free movie night allowing guests and locals to participate in movie-themed trivia starting at 7 pm with an outdoor movie following. Brought to you by Lakefront Brewery, movies will span from family-friendly favorites like Finding Dory and Despicable Me to classics like Jaws and Casablanca, just to name a few.

 Guests and Madison residents can head to The Edgewater Pier—one of the only public access points to Lake Mendota—the second and fourth Tuesday of each month beginning June 13, for Skipper Bud’s Boat Ride Nights which offers complimentary boat rides on Lake Mendota. Half and full-day boating excursions will be available for private parties (booked 72 hours in advance) and walk-up rentals will be offered Friday – Sunday.

Cruise up and enjoy a casual lakeside menu and sunset dining at The Boathouse restaurant, opening May 1, with its classic, authentic Wisconsin favorites from executive Chef Joe Heppe like a Chicken BLT on Stella’s Spicy Cheese Bread or signature Clock Shadow Fried Cheese Curds (a nod to Milwaukee’s Clock Shadow Creamery). Favorite Wisconsin beers are featured and boaters coming and going can pick up from a “grab and go” cooler. Or pop up to The Statehouse Terrace for outside seating and a popular Oyster Happy Hour featuring $1 Chef’s Choice Oysters (both East and West Coast)—all with beautiful Lake Mendota as your front yard.

 For those looking to get away, seasonal overnight packages include:

Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend and the Madtown Half Marathon with a package that includes accommodations and one 60-minute Wellness Massage to recover from the run (add additional spa services to your stay for 10% off). Rates start at $279 per night, offer is for a three-night minimum.

Wednesdays on the Water, designed around the State Capitol’s Concerts on the Square, features overnight accommodations and all you need to enjoy the concert—a bottle of wine, cheese and crackers, blanket and parking.  Package available 6/28-8/2.  Rates start at $219 per night.

Celebrating the 4^th of July holiday weekend is the resort’s Fourth Fest package which offers a Terrace King or Queen room overlooking The Grand Plaza, a bucket of beer upon arrival to enjoy on your Terrace, where you can take in the sounds of People Brothers Band, Hometown Sweethearts and more on Saturday, July 1, and an appetizer in Augie’s Tavern.  Rates start at $399 per night, offer is for a two-night minimum.

Get together with the girls and relax at The Edgewater with the Spring in Your Step Girlfriend’s Getaway. Enjoy two Signature Pedicures at The Edgewater Spa and a drink in Augie’s Tavern. Stroll down State Street for some of Madison’s best shopping, and end the night chatting on The Grand Plaza. Rates start at $299.

For further information or to make a reservation call 608.535.8200 or visit www.theedgewater.com.

About The Edgewater

The Edgewater, an urban resort, offers visitors the ultimate Madison experience along the shores of Lake Mendota. The hotel first opened its doors in 1948 and quickly became recognized as a prominent part of the community and culture. The Edgewater has a rich history and throughout the years has hosted an array of celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Elton John, Bob Hope and the Dalai Lama, among many others. Privately owned and operated by a team that lives in – and loves – their city, the hotel reopened after a $100 million renovation in the fall of 2014. No effort was spared to showcase the property’s breathtaking views, offer unique amenities and focus on creating Madison’s place, a community-focused hub of activity that is free and open to the public year-round. The Edgewater is a member of Historic Hotels of America. To learn more, visit www.theedgewater.com.

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Media Contact:

Rebecca Werner, Werner Public Relations, Inc., Tel:  402-671-8822,  Email:  rebecca@nullwernerpr.com