Fall 2026
The UWPA Engagement Committee invites you to attend a variety of fall social events to enjoy the beauty of Madison in the fall and connect with the UW postdoc community. We would love to see you there!
1. First-Saturday Fall Hikes
Saturday 9/5 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Token Creek County Park | 6200 Williamsburg Way, DeForest
We will see fall wildflowers like asters and goldenrods and hopefully some wildlife on this ~3mile loop! Friends and family members are welcome. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park. Accessibility: This outing will take place on paved trails/wide grassy trails/some boardwalks; generally flat terrain.
>>> Register here <<<
Saturday 10/3 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Owen Conservation Park | 6021 Old Sauk Rd, Madison
This ~2-mile loop will explore the prairie, oak savanna, and woods. Friends and family members are welcome. Dogs are not permitted in the park.
>>> Register here <<<
Saturday 11/7 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park | North Unit, 6098 N Sherman Ave, Madison
We will see a beautiful fall prairie and hopefully some wildlife on this ~2-mile loop! Friends and family members are welcome. Dogs are not permitted in the park. Accessibility: This outing will take place on wide trails that are packed gravel or mowed grass, suitable for strollers.
>>> Register here <<<
Questions about fall hikes?
Contact Liza Loza (lloza@wisc.edu).
2. Postdoc Pickleball Party!
Sunday 9/27 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Rennebohm Park | 115 N Eau Claire Ave, Madison
Join us for a postdoc pickleball social! Make the most of the fall weather while meeting fellow postdocs, getting some gentle exercise, and having fun. Whether you’ve never picked up a paddle or you’re a regular player, all skill levels are welcome, and paddles and balls will be available to borrow if you don’t have your own.
Please wear comfortable athletic clothing, appropriate court or athletic shoes and bring plenty of water.
Friends and family are welcome. We hope to see you there!
3. Fall Bonfire & Potluck
Saturday 10/10 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Picnic Point | 2000 University Bay Dr, Madison
Join us for a Fall Bonfire & Potluck Gathering at Fire Circle 6, Picnic Point.
This will be potluck-style. Please register in the Google sheet where you can indicate the item you will bring and how many guests will join you- all are welcome!. Please note that alcohol is not permitted at Picnic Point.
Questions about the Fall bonfire and Potluck?
Contact Sri Harsha (sadusumilli4@wisc.edu)
4. Friday’s Happy Hour
Select Fridays | Starting at 5:30 pm
The Library Cafe & Bar | 320 N Randall Ave
Join us for a happy hour meet-up to unwind from the week among friends. Drinks are not provided.
Meet us inside at 5:30 pm. No need to register.
Select Fridays:
September 11th
September 25th
October 9th
October 23rd
November 13th
December 11th
Questions about Happy Hour?
Contact Gavin Rockwood (gavin.rockwood@wisc.edu)
5. LunchHubs
Select Mondays and Fridays | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Allen Centennial Gardens | 620 Babcock Drive
Bring your own lunch and meet up with us for a casual catch-up and some lunch company. Registration notrequired; drop in anytime!
In the event of rain, and when the weather turns, we will head inside to the Microbial Sciences Building, room 1205 (across the street)
Dates:
Friday September 18th
Friday October 16th
Monday October 26th
Monday November 23rd (Microbial Sciences Building, room 1205)
Friday December 18th (Microbial Sciences Building, room 1205)
Questions about LunchHubs?
Contact Lindsey Felth Tanaka (felth@wisc.edu)
6. Friendsgiving
Wednesday, November 25th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center for Dairy Research Atrium | Babcock Hall, 1605 Linden Dr
Inspired by the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event is a wonderful opportunity to come together with fellow postdocs to enjoy a warm meal and good company with friends and family. Kids are welcome.
It will be a potluck-style gathering—feel free to bring a dish, dessert, or drink of your choice to share (alcohol is not allowed). Register in the Google Sheet to indicate what item you plan to bring.
We’re also looking for a couple of volunteers to help with setup and cleanup on the day of the event.
Please reach out to Ayushi Kapoor (akapoor33@wisc.edu) to volunteer or with any questions about the event.