Welcome to Janesville Buzz! Your Guide for Things to Do in Janesville WI

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Which Janesville area local small business do you always recommend to out-of-towners? From favorite places to eat to can’t-miss shops and experiences, these are the spots that make our city shine. Cast your vote and show your favorite small business some local love!

Hedberg Public Library will offer a variety of free programs all month long. Visit the online calendar at HedbergPublicLibrary.org for the most up-to-date details or follow the library’s Facebook page.  Hedberg Public Library will host America 250 - Rock County, a history series acknowledging and celebrating Rock County's history as the nation marks its Semiquincentennial. The first program in the five-part series, Journey North: The shaping of Beloit’s African American Community, will be presented by Cheryl Caldwell, founder of the African American Historical Society of Beloit, on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. in HPL’s Program Room.   Interested in joining a book club, but don't have the time for a book club? Check out HPL's new Half Pint Book Club at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25 at Rock County Brewing Company (10 N. Parker Drive). Read the chosen short story and enjoy trivia and a brief (you won't even have time to finish a full pint!) discussion of the story. Pizza provided; bring your own snacks.    Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the library’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 28 from 2-4 p.m. with a traditional Lion Dance presentation by the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association of Madison. All ages are invited to learn about the traditions of this 15-day holiday celebrated around the world and try some traditional snacks.  Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. HPL Express, located inside Uptown Janesville at 2500 Milton Ave., is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Both library locations will be closed for staff training from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, February 16.  EXHIBITS: ART: Mixed Media by School District of Janesville Art Students  STORYTIMES:  MUSIC & MOVEMENT for kids & families  Mondays at 6 p.m. February 9 PROGRAM ROOM Join us for this lively, interactive program aimed at increasing language, social, problem-solving, fine/gross motor skills, and self-confidence through music-based activities. We’ll play with the parachute, beanbags, rhythm instruments, and more as we build early literacy skills and make new friends! Perfect for preschoolers and their families. No registration necessary.  BABIES IN THE LIBRARY for kids & families  Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. February 4-25 PROGRAM ROOM Start growing your reader with rhymes, songs, and simple books. Develop early literacy skills at this interactive storytime for our youngest patrons. No registration necessary.   WIGGLE AND RHYME for kids & families   Thursdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.  February 5-26 PROGRAM ROOM Join us for an interactive storytime featuring books, songs, action rhymes, puppets and more that incorporates the five practices of early literacy: READ, WRITE, TALK, SING & PLAY. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers. All ages welcome.  SENSE-ATIONAL STORYTIME for kids & families  Fridays at 9:45 a.m. February 6-27 PROGRAM ROOM Join us for a 15-minute playtime, followed by 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities. This sensory friendly storytime is specially designed for library friends with sensory processing challenges or other developmental challenges, but all are welcome. A visual schedule, fidgets, and more will be provided. No registration necessary.   COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS:  SOCIETY’S ASSETS Mondays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. February 2, 9, 23 STUDY ROOM 4 Society's Assets is a local nonprofit that provides independent living services supporting individuals of any age with any disability who live in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Rock, and Jefferson counties. No registration necessary.  COMMUNITY ACTION INC. Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. February 4 & 18 STUDY ROOM 4 Community Action, Inc. (CAI) is a not-for-profit organization offering programs to fight poverty in Rock and Walworth counties in Wisconsin. No registration necessary.  ROCK COUNTY ADRC ELDER BENEFITS SPECIALIST Thursday, February 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  STUDY ROOM 4 The Elder Benefit Specialist helps Rock County residents aged 60 years or older who are encountering problems with private or government benefit programs such as Medicare, Food Share, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SeniorCare, and Medical Assistance. Benefit Specialists are trained and guided by attorneys who specialize in elder and disability benefits law. No registration necessary.   BOOK CLUBS: WELLNESS BOOK CLUB for teens & adults Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Explore topics from science and spirituality to health and habits, and everything in between. February will be Unbook Club--discuss and recommend whatever you’re currently reading! No registration necessary.   SAVOR THE BOOK COOKBOOK CLUB for adults   Tuesday, February 10, 5 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Celebrate your inner chef! Test recipes, post pics of your success (don’t forget to tag us!), then bring your favorites to share at our meetup. Winter title: Girl Dinner: Super Simple Meals for Chill Nights In by Publications International  MONDAYS ARE MURDER  for adults Monday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m.  WOODRUFF ROOM Read and discuss The Mayfair Dagger by Ava January. No registration necessary. March 16: Bad Axe County by John Galligan  NON-FICTION KNOWS NO BOUNDS  for adults Wednesday, February 18 at 12 p.m.  BIG RADIO OFFICES Read and discuss Radio Free Afghanistan by Saad Mohseni. No registration necessary.   March 18: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston   NEW! HALF PINT BOOK CLUB   for adults Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m ROCK COUNTY BREWING COMPANY, 10 N. PARKER DRIVE Join us at Rock County Brewing Company for a new book club featuring short stories and even shorter discussions! Read and discuss Blackbirds by Lindsey Drager. Read online; a limited number of copies available at the library. Pizza provided; bring your own snacks. No registration necessary.   READING ON THE ROCK   Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m WOODRUFF ROOM Read and discuss The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. No registration necessary.  March 26: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall  OTHER RECURRING:  READING MENAGERIE: GREET THE CREATURES for ages 5-12  January 1 - April 30 CHILDREN’S ROOM Build your magical menagerie and meet the newest creatures in the mix! Register and pick up your Reading Tracker to start collecting cards. Readers earn ONE CARD for every 30 minutes tracked.   READ-IN WITH MARY for ages 5-11 Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m. February 2-23 CHILDREN’S ROOM Bring or choose your own reading material for some cozy silent reading with Mary the Comfort Dog. Take turns reading aloud if you'd like! No registration necessary.  MONDAY NIGHT MAGIC for teens & adults Mondays from 5-7 p.m.   February 2 & 16 LAB 316 We invite you to experience the captivating world of Magic: The Gathering, whether you're a skilled player or a curious newcomer. We would be delighted to teach you the fundamentals if you're unfamiliar or join in a game or two if you are an experienced player. Join us for an immersive adventure where every move shapes the outcome. No registration necessary.   TECHNOLOGY OFFICE HOURS for adults  Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. February 4 & 18 STUDY ROOM 1 Thursdays at 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. February 12 & 26 HPL EXPRESS | UPTOWN JANESVILLE, 2500 MILTON AVE. Sign up for a 45-minute tech help appointment with Tyler, HPL’s Innovation Librarian. Get help with a new device, troubleshoot tech problems, or learn a new skill! Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended. Call 608-758-5833 or email tkellman@hedbergpubliclibrary.org to make an appointment.   CHESS CLUB Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. February 7-28 WOODRUFF ROOM Play, learn, or watch with chess Life Master and former WI State Champion, Peter Webster. No registration necessary. *No Chess Club on Saturday, November 1.  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS for adults    Mondays from 5-7 p.m. February 9 & 23 WOODRUFF ROOM Calling all new and experienced adventurers (ages 18+)! The library's new Dungeon Master is ready to lead you through epic quests and thrilling campaigns. Whether you're a seasoned player or curious to try Dungeons & Dragons for the first time, all are welcome to play. Registration is required, and space is limited. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.   FEATURED PROGRAMS PAINT & SIP for adults   Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. February 3 & 10 PROGRAM ROOM Sip a mocktail as you create your own artwork on canvas! Learn creative painting tips from Nikki Bennett from Emunah Designs. Registration is required. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.  CHAIR YOGA for teens & adults   Thursday, February 5, 6 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Join us for a gentle yoga class perfect for anyone with mobility or balance challenges, or for those who work while seated. Chair provided. Please bring any other props you like to use for yoga. No registration necessary. Participate at your own risk and let the instructor know of any injuries or modifications before the program. Part of our Healthy @ Hedberg Initiative.    WOOD CARVING DEMO for all ages Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. ATRIUM Visit with members of the Rock River Valley Woodcarvers and learn the skills of their craft. No registration is necessary.  PERK UP & PUZZLE for adults   Monday, February 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. PROGRAM ROOM Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation while we work on a featured puzzle or brain game together - or to take it home to do it yourself. No registration necessary.  CARTOONIST CLUB BOOK CLUB for ages 9-12 Mondays from 4-5 pm February 9, 16, & 23 CHILDREN’S ROOM Read and discuss The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud, then learn the basics of making your own comic. Registration is required for each child attending and space is limited. Register once for all 3 sessions. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6585.  ADOPT-A-PET AT THE LIBRARY for all ages Wednesday, February 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m. ATRIUM Meet adorable adoptable pets from the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. No registration necessary.  PUZZLE WITH A PUP for adults  Wednesday, February 11, 1-2 p.m. TECH CORRIDOR in partnership with Alliance of Therapy Dogs Stop in to put a puzzle together with Therapy Dogs Gus & Jasmine. No registration necessary.  STITCH YOUR HEART OUT for teens & adults   Thursday, February 12 for teens 4:30-6 p.m. for adults 6-7:30 p.m. LAB 316 Celebrate Embroidery Month and make a custom stitched craft! No experience necessary. Registration is required. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.  BREWING ON A FARM:  DUESTERBECK'S BREWING COMPANY for all ages   Thursday, February 12, 6 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM presented by Laura (Duesterbeck) & Ben Johnson, founders of Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company Hear how Laura and Ben saved the family farm, creating a local microbrewery in Elkhorn, WI, and became a destination in the agriculture tourism industry. No registration necessary.  LEARNING THROUGH PLAY for kids & families Saturday, February 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Drop in and join your child as they explore, discover, and learn through play. Play is an avenue through which children can express their emotions, build relationships with others, and master difficult situations. Play stations are easy to duplicate at home. Families welcome. No registration necessary.  HEDBERG HARMONY: SOUTHERN WISCONSIN DULCIMER CLUB for all ages Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Enjoy relaxing dulcimer music on the 2nd Saturday of each month. No registration necessary.  HEDBERG HARMONY: ECLECTIC RED for all ages Saturday, February 14, 1 p.m.  FIREPLACE ROOM Enjoy live music in the Fireplace Room. No registration necessary.  HEDBERG HARMONY: ROCK RIVER STRING BAND  for all ages  Monday, February 16, 2 p.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Listen to live music by local musicians. No registration necessary.  CASUAL CRAFTERS for teens & adults Thursday, February 19, 5:30-7 p.m. LAB 316 Create a crafting community! Bring your current project or start a new one, browse our new Little Free Lab 316 craft supplies, and meet other crafters. No registration necessary.  FRIENDS & FAMILY IMPROV NIGHT for all ages Thursday, February 19, 6-7:30 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM presented by Sarah Shockey, Second City Join us for the silliest evening you’ll ever spend at the library! This improv comedy workshop will be led by a veteran comedy artist of Chicago’s Second City fame. No previous improv experience necessary. Registration required. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6585.  MEMORY CAFÉ: HOUSE PLANTS  for adults  Monday, February 23 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Learn about houseplants from Julie Hill, UW Extension Rock County Horticulture Outreach Specialist. A Memory Café is a social gathering for individuals who are experiencing early-stage memory loss or dementia and attend with a family member, friend, or a care partner. It is a safe and welcoming space to connect, find support, and enjoy a sense of community and purpose. Registration is required. Register by calling ADRC’s Dementia Care Specialist Karen Tennyson at 608-741-3615.  THE JOURNEY NORTH: THE SHAPING OF BELOIT’S AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY  for adults  Tuesday, February 24, 6-7:30 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Presented by Cheryl Caldwell, African American Historical Society of Beloit Discover the rich history of Beloit’s African American community. Learn about the Great Migration, the Recruitment of Fairbanks Morse & Company, and the Historic Edgewater Flats. Part of the America’s 250-Rock County program series. No registration necessary.  ROCK RIVER VALLEY BLOOD CENTER BLOOD DRIVE   for adults Tuesday, February 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Call RRVBC at 815-965-8751 or visit www.rrvbc.org to make an appointment.  TWEEN TEAM: MIC CHECK  for ages 9-12*  Monday, February 26, 3:45-5:15 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Sing your favorite karaoke jams and play musical games like Name That Tune, Finish the Lyric and Musical Chairs! Dress for mess & activities! Tween Team is designed for 9-12-year-olds who love the library, like to play games, & help with fun projects! Join our club that’s just for you. Dress for mess & activities! Registration is required for each meet-up. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6585. *Kids must be within the age range at the time of the program.   NO SCHOOL MOVIE: SUPER MARIO BROS. for kids & families Friday, February 27, 2-4 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Kick back on your day off from school with a movie on a big screen at the library! Children under 8 will need to be accompanied by a grown-up or caregiver. Come for the whole thing or pop in for your favorite part. No registration necessary.  LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION for all ages   Saturday, February 28, 2-4 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a traditional lion dance presentation by the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association of Madison. Learn about the traditions of this 15-day holiday celebrated around the world and try some traditional snacks. No registration necessary. 

The YMCA of Northern Rock County is inviting community members, families, local businesses and organizations to join its 135 Community Team, a volunteer advisory group that will help guide the next phase of the Y’s 135 & Beyond work — a community-driven effort underway for more than a year to help reshape YMCA programs and facilities in Janesville and Milton.“People come to the Y for all kinds of reasons, but what they’re really looking for is a place to belong,” said Angie Bolson, president and CEO of YMCA of Northern Rock County. “That’s why we started 135 & Beyond more than a year ago — to listen and learn about their belonging needs and where we can do more and how we can do better. Now we’re ready to take the next step and invite the community to help us pressure-test ideas and shape what comes next during our 135th anniversary year.”Who can join and what to expectThe 135 Community Team is open to individuals, families, local businesses and organizations. There is no cost to join, and YMCA membership is not required. Youth under 16 may participate with a responsible adult, and youth groups of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate for volunteer hours. The YMCA can provide reasonable accommodations to support participation upon request.“It’s such important work, but it’s also going to be fun and a chance to bring the Y’s mission to life,” said Johanna Adams, Member and Community Engagement Director. “We’ll meet the first Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m., starting in February, rotating between our Milton and Janesville locations. Each month, we’ll share one simple ‘ask’ — usually just 30- 60 minutes — that helps us test ideas and make the Y experience even better. That might look like trying a class, taking a behind-the-scenes tour, walking through a guided wellness experience with a staff member, bringing a friend to a program and sharing what you noticed, or being briefed on a future concept and giving an honest reaction for our decision makers to review.”The YMCA is also encouraging local employers and organizations to consider a team-based commitment by inviting 4-6 people from their workplace or group to participate together.135 Team kickoff meeting detailsThe YMCA will host a kickoff celebration for interested community members: Kickoff meeting: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026Time: 9-10 a.m. Location: Janesville YMCA, 221 Dodge St., Janesville Cost: Free to participate for members and non-members A brief introduction presentation, a light breakfast, team member toolkits and a calendar of “asks” will be provided. Community members can learn more and are encouraged to sign up by Friday, Jan. 30, at https://www.ymcanrc.org/135years. 135 & Beyond strategic prioritiesThe YMCA launched 135 & Beyond in early 2024 to listen to the community and begin shaping future updates. Now, as the YMCA gets closer to 135 years of impact, the organization is moving from listening to action. Board-directed project teams will help develop and advance recommendations, including building updates, while the 135 Community Team will serve as a consistent bridge to ensure community needs stay front and center as ideas are tested and refined. In 2024, the YMCA of Northern Rock County launched the 135 & Beyond project to celebrate its long history in the community and advance five strategic priorities: Facility modernization: Enhance building layouts and green spaces to support expanded programmingFinancial resilience: Diversify revenue streams to secure sustainable, affordable access for all Participation and growth: Broaden program offerings and improve accessibility for families of all ages and abilities Health and well-being: Renew focus on the physical, mental and spiritual wellness of every community member Belonging: Cultivate purpose-driven staffing, membership and leadership that reflect our community’s diversity Media Contact: Angie Bolson (608) 754.9622 ext. 1115 abolson@ymcanrc.org Everyone Belongs at the YMCA of Northern Rock County We’re part of a nonprofit organization of over 2,700 Ys located in 10,000 communities across the United States dedicated to strengthening the communities that they serve. With a focus on developing the potential of youth, improving individual health and well-being, and giving back to and supporting communities, your participation brings about meaningful change not just within yourself, but also in your community. The YMCA of Northern Rock County has 2 branches: the Janesville YMCA and the Parker YMCA. Stop in for a tour today!

Aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to fuel their next chapter at Start-Up Spark Summit: Igniting Your Entrepreneurial Journey, a full-day educational and inspirational event taking place Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at The Loft at The Gray Goose in Downtown Janesville.Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling within your first five years, the Start-Up Spark Summit is designed to equip attendees with both the practical tools and resilient mindset needed to navigate the realities of entrepreneurship. The event blends expert-led business fundamentals with powerful conversations around growth, perseverance, and abundance.The morning sessions focus on essential building blocks for business success, including banking, legal considerations, marketing strategy, and accounting fundamentals, led by experienced professionals and industry leaders. In the afternoon, the summit shifts to personal and professional growth, featuring real-world stories, resilience strategies, and mindset development to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and sustain long-term momentum.Entrepreneurship is about more than just having a great idea, it’s about building confidence, clarity, and community. The Start-Up Spark Summit was created to give founders the knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move forward with purpose.Attendees will benefit from:Launching with confidence through expert guidance on business essentialsGrowing with intention during the critical first five years of entrepreneurshipLearning from seasoned professionals and successful entrepreneursStrengthening resilience and mindset to navigate uncertaintyBuilding meaningful connections with like-minded innovators and leadersEvent Details: 📅 Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 📍 Venue: The Loft at The Gray Goose (4th Floor) 📌 Address: 207 N Academy Street, Janesville, WITickets are available for purchase. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.For tickets and additional information, visit: https://www.contourconsultinggroup.com/startupspark/

What started as a love for fishing turned into custom lures that are designed, painted, and perfected by Milton High School sophomore, Connor. 🎣 Three Brothers Fishing Co. makes durable, affordable, and fully customizable lures crafted right here in the USA.👉 Message 3 Brothers Fishing on Facebook or visit their website to design your own lure today.📍 Based in Milton, WI🔗 https://threebrothersfishingco.store/

Founded in 2020, Tavern on Rock has become Fort Atkinson’s go-to spot for comfort food, great drinks, and a welcoming place to gather. Today, Cynthia’s showing us how they make one of their fan-favorite Bloody Marys. 🥫👉 Stop in, grab a seat, and experience Tavern on Rock for yourself.📍 29 Sherman Ave W, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538🔗 https://tavernonrock.com/

✨ From a kitchen table to a full salon ✨Beauty & Braun Salon was built on ambition, independence, and the belief that beauty should never be rushed. Maddie opened her doors in 2023 with a vision of creating a space where clients feel cared for and where artists can set their own schedules.📍 2545 Milton Ave, #2545, Janesville, WI 53545🔗 https://beauty-braun-salon.square.site/

🔧🏠 More than property management, Wisconsin Property Managers solve problems.From rental management and investor support to their handyman services, Wisconsin Property Managers is here for the moments when you’re thinking, “I don’t even know who to call.” With insured, local professionals and boots on the ground in South Central Wisconsin you can count on every repair, project, and property being handled with care.📍 12 S Pontiac Dr, Janesville, WI 53545🔗 https://www.wiscopm.com/