Inside Innovator Summit

Did you know that every 3rd Thursday of the month, The Sandwich Bar transforms into a global culinary adventure with their “World Food Night?" Each month, they spotlight a different country, offering a taste of international cuisine right here at home. Past menus have taken diners to India, Korea, Greece, Spain, and Morocco. This month, it was Germany’s turn to shine!Their World Food Night features a menu designed a-la-carte style, so you can mix and match entrees, sides, and desserts, tasting as much (or as little) as you’d like. On October 16th, from 4 PM to 8 PM, the restaurant was filled with the aromas of traditional German cooking, from hearty meats to sweet, indulgent desserts.The German menu was a true feast:Rinderrouladen with Mashed Potatoes – thin slices of beef wrapped around a savory filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, slow-braised in rich gravyChicken Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy – golden, crispy breaded chicken topped with creamy mushroom sauceHot German Potato Salad – tender potatoes tossed in a tangy, warm bacon-and-onion vinaigrette, bursting with savory goodnessBacon Spätzle – soft, pillowy egg noodles fried with crispy bacon and butter for a comforting, indulgent sideBeer-Braised Cabbage – tender cabbage slow-cooked in a flavorful beer-based broth with a hint of sweetnessBlack Forest Cake – rich chocolate cake with layers of cherries and whipped creamRhine Wine & Authentic German BeerWith my husband and his family having deep German roots, there was no question about it. We had to make World Food Night our special date night for the week!I went straight for the Chicken Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy. Each bite was perfection: the breading had a satisfying crunch, the chicken was tender and flavorful, and the mushroom gravy was rich and savory without overpowering the dish.My husband opted for the Rinderrouladen with Mashed Potatoes, and from the very first bite, he was transported back to family dinners from his childhood. This was the kind of meal his grandmother would make for the whole family, and The Sandwich Bar didn’t miss a beat. He declared it an absolute winner.And of course, no date night is complete without dessert! The Black Forest Cake stole the show. Moist chocolate cake layered with sweet cherries and whipped cream, all coming together in a mouthwatering bite that I'm still dreaming about days later.Whether you’re looking for a fun date night, an opportunity to explore new flavors, or just a unique twist on a Thursday evening... The Sandwich Bar’s World Food Night is an experience not to be missed. It’s a chance to travel the world one bite at a time, all without leaving town.So mark your calendar for their next World Food Night because you never know which country your taste buds will visit next!📍 54 S. Main St., Janesville, WI🔗 https://www.sandwichbarjanesville.com/

When the temperatures drop, the community spirit in Janesville stays warm thanks to the Winter Farmers Market, held inside Uptown Janesville (the Janesville Mall). From November 2025 through April 2026, you can shop indoors from 9 AM to 2 PM and enjoy all the local favorites you know and love, no matter the weather outside!Each market day is packed with local flavor and creativity. Discover fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans and farmers. Whether you’re picking up weekly essentials or just browsing, every purchase helps support small businesses and strengthens the Janesville community.Market Dates: November 15, 22 December 13, 20 January 10 February 7 March 7 April 4So grab a coffee, bring a friend, and head to Uptown Janesville for a cozy shopping experience that celebrates local talent and craftsmanship. 🧺 Support your farmers, makers, and neighbors this winter!📍 2500 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545Please note, it's not too late to become a JFM Winter Market Vendor! 🔗 https://janesvillefarmersmarket.com/vendor-application/

It's football season and you know what that means... wing season! Where's your favorite place to enjoy chicken wings from?Did we miss your favorite place? Tag them in the comments and we'll add them to the poll!

If you ever find yourself in north of Janesville in Fort Atkinson, Tavern on Rock is a must-eat place! The staff there are friendly, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is fantastic.Last time I was there I ordered their Gyro Wrap Lunch Combo. A generous gyro stuffed with gyro slices, shredded lettuce, diced onions and tomatoes, black olives, cucumber and shaved feta, wrapped in a garlic-herb flour tortilla and served with a side of tzatziki. The combo comes with your choice of side (they offer french or waffle fries, tater tots, garlic mashed potatoes & gravy, creamy coleslaw, or cottage cheese) and a soda. Please note, their lunch combos are only available for dine in from 11 am to 3 pm.My Gyro Wrap was everything you want from good tavern fare. Flavorful, hot, and delicious! The seasoned meat was the perfect amount and well-spiced, tucked into a warm garlic-herb wrap with all the fresh fixings (though I did modify mine to exclude onions). The tzatziki added that perfect cool, garlicky bite that balances out the savory gyro meat. It’s the kind of meal that feels hearty but not heavy, and it’s clear the kitchen puts care into every plate.The fries that came with it were crisp and golden, just the right amount of salt, and served piping hot. A simple detail, but one that makes all the difference. I went with the classic french fries this time, though I’ve heard the waffle fries are a local favorite and I already love their tater tots. And of course, no lunch combo is complete without an ice-cold Coke to wash it all down. It hit the spot being perfectly fizzy and refreshing, the ideal companion to a warm lunch on a busy day.If gyros aren't your thing, don't worry! They also feature classic tavern comfort foods like burgers, tacos, and other hearty bar favorites. Whether you’re craving something familiar or want to try a local twist on pub food, you’re covered. The lunch combos are a particularly good deal and are served daily (dine in only) from 11 AM to 3 PM, so plan your lunch stop accordingly.What I love most about Tavern on Rock is that it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy a good meal, and feel right at home. Whether you’re a regular or just passing through Fort Atkinson for the afternoon, Tavern on Rock will hit the spot every time.📍 29 Sherman Ave W, Fort Atkinson, WI🔗 https://tavernonrock.com/

The Janesville Hedberg Public Library, 316 Main St., is looking for local musicians to perform holiday music during the month of December as part of our Hedberg Harmony program. Hedberg Harmony is an ongoing, unpaid program that offers local musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents while providing library visitors free musical entertainment.   Hedberg Harmony performances take place in the Fireplace Room at the library and are often a delightful surprise for visitors. Performances can be done by individuals or groups.    If you or your group are interested in performing at the library for 30-90 minutes in December and can offer a variety of vocal and/or instrumental holiday songs, please contact René Bue by November 14 at 608-758-5803 or rbue@hedbergpubliclibrary.org.   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. A full calendar of programs and events can be found at hedbergpubliclibrary.org. 

Janesville - 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.  Sharpen your writing skills in community with other writers at the library during National Novel Writing Month. Saturdays November 1, 8, and 15 will feature craft-focused workshops led by other writers. Space is limited and registration is suggested.   November 13 is National Philanthropy Day, marking the impact of the philanthropic community and the perfect time to learn more about a free library resource for nonprofit grantseekers—Foundation Directory. HPL Public Services Librarian Kasey Weiland is offering personalized demos of this powerful research tool. Visit the library website to learn more and register for an in-person meeting.   The Friends of Hedberg Public Library will a host fundraiser at GR’s Sandwich Shoppe (2100 E. Milwaukee St.) on Wednesday, November 19 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. A portion of all sales during that time will be donated to help support library programs and services. Additionally, the Friends of HPL Used Book Sale will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 in the HPL Program Room. Saturday will feature a $6 bag sale. All proceeds benefit library programs and services.  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 open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 to accommodate employee training. Both will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.   EXHIBITS: ART: Pencil Drawing & Acrylic Paint by Lily Jacob, Graphite & Charcoal Drawings by Rio Andras Ramirez CASE: Native American Sacred Places Photography by Kim Hoholek  STORYTIMES:  BABIES IN THE LIBRARY for kids & families  Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. November 5-19 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 & RHYME for kids & families  Thursdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. November 6-20 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. No registration necessary.   SENSE-ATIONAL STORYTIME for kids & families Fridays at 9:45 a.m. November 7-14 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 9 a.m.-12 p.m. November 3-24 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.  PROJECT 16:49 Tuesdays from 2-5 p.m. November 4 & 18 STUDY ROOM 5 Project 16:49 is a local non-profit serving Rock County’s unaccompanied homeless youth, ages 14-21. Project 16:49 ensures every young person has access to the services and support they need to remain in school, graduate, and become self-sufficient adults. Services include emergency food and shelter, Foodshare enrollment, safe housing, hygiene and school supplies, clothing, assistance in obtaining birth certificates and social security cards, physical and mental health care, and more. No registration necessary.  COMMUNITY ACTION INC. Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. November 5 & 19 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.   BOOK CLUBS:  WELLNESS BOOK CLUB for teens & adults Thursday, November 6, 6:30 p.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Explore topics from science and spirituality to health and habits, and everything in between. November's book is Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover. No registration necessary.   NON-FICTION KNOWS NO BOUNDS for adults Wednesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Read and discuss Not Quite States of America by Doug Mack. No registration necessary.  MONDAYS ARE MURDER for adults Monday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m.  WOODRUFF ROOM  Read and discuss Breathless by Amy McCulloch. No registration necessary.  READING ON THE ROCK for adults Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.  WOODRUFF ROOM Read and discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. No registration necessary.  OTHER RECURRING:   READING MENAGERIE: GREET THE CREATURES for ages 5-12  November 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.   TECHNOLOGY OFFICE HOURS for adults  Thursdays at 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. November 6 & 20 HPL EXPRESS | UPTOWN JANESVILLE, 2500 MILTON AVE. Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. November 12 & 26 STUDY ROOM 1 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. November 8-29 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.  READ-IN WITH MARY for ages 5-11 Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m. November 3-24 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. November 3 & 17 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.  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS for adults    Mondays from 5-7 p.m. November 10 & 24 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  CHESS TOURNAMENT for all ages Saturday, November 1 From 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  PROGRAM ROOM  Four rounds (each player plays four games). Rounds: 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, and 3:00. Open to everyone residing in Rock County. No entry fee. Young entrants (elementary school age or younger) should be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will play four games. Players will have 30 minutes to complete the game. Players will be matched against others with similar scores in each round. Registration is required. Register by Thursday, October 30th by emailing Mark Lencho at marklencho@gmail.com. For questions, call or text Mark at 608-718-8171.  WOOD CARVING DEMO for all ages Saturday, November 1  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.  WRITING WORKSHOPS for adults   Saturdays at 11 a.m. WOODRUFF ROOM Sharpen your skills and meet other writers during our series of workshops. Registration is required for each session. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.  November 1: Novel Plotting and Structuring 101 Presented by Sally Collins Examine the arc of scenes and stories, the importance of getting to know your characters, and various methods and templates to (loosely) plan and plot. Take a peek at how famous authors outlined their novels to remind ourselves not many (if any) can sit and write a brilliant novel from start to finish.  November 8: Independent Publishing Basics for Beginners Presented by Noelle Powers and Jill Kiesow  Gain a clear understanding of self-publishing, small presses, ISBNs, copyrights, editing strategies, and more in this workshop designed to help you prepare, polish, and publish your work.  November 15: Presenting Your Piece with Panache - The Art of Public Reading Presented by PJA Fullerton Learn how to confidently present your work to an audience - from festival panels to agent meetings. Discover practical techniques to engage listeners, read with emotion, and bring your writing to life without needing theatrical flair.  CODING CAMP for ages 9-12  Mondays at 4 p.m. November 3, 10, & 17 PROGRAM ROOM Join us for 3 weeks of coding skills development and guided play using a variety of robot toys and games. Kids will learn and/or review some basics of coding, then practice their skills each week with time for sharing and feedback. 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.   FAMILY BOOK SWAP TASTY BINGO for kids & families  Tuesday, November 4, 6 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Play bingo for the library's favorite prize: books! Participate by bringing in 1-2 lightly used books (the tastier the better!*) per person for our prize table. Bingo winners will pick out a book prize to take home and leftover books will be donated to the Friends of the Library. Intended for families with elementary-aged children and their caregivers. *Don’t have any tasty tales? No problem! Any book will do. Registration recommended but not required. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6585.  CHAIR YOGA for teens & adults   Wednesday, November 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.    HEDBERG HARMONY: SOUTHERN WISCONSIN DULCIMER CLUB for all ages Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Enjoy relaxing dulcimer music on the 2nd Saturday of each month. No registration necessary.  PORTABLE PLANETARIUM:  SKY TONIGHT for kids & families Saturday, November 8, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. HPL EXPRESS Explore the wonders of the universe, where children and their families will witness the transformation from day to night while learning about the constellations and planets visible in their neighborhoods. This program is for children in kindergarten and older, accompanied by their caregivers. Please register each member of your family attending the program. Registration is required and seating is limited. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6585.  PERK UP & PUZZLE for adults    Monday, November 10, 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.  ASK A LIBRARIAN: GRANT SEARCHING for adults   Monday, November 10, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 4-5 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 10-11 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2-3 p.m. STUDY ROOM 7 Celebrate National Philanthropy Week this year by learning about Foundation Directory! Meet one-on-one with Kasey Weiland, Public Services Librarian, to get a personalized demo of the most extensive, up-to-date resource available for finding funders. Save time and let Foundation Directory do the hard work for you! Registration is required and is restricted to three people per appointment (you plus two). Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600.  SAVOR THE BOOK COOKBOOK CLUB for adults   Tuesday, November 11, 6 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. Fall title: PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking by Carleigh Bodrug  ADOPT-A-PET AT THE LIBRARY for all ages Wednesday, November 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. ATRIUM Meet adorable adoptable pets from the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. No registration necessary.  EVENING YOGA for teens & adults  Wednesday, November 12, 6 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Join us for a beginner-friendly gentle Vinyasa Yoga class. Bring your own yoga mat or towel and any props you may prefer (blocks or strap) and water. No registration necessary.  CASUAL CRAFTERS for teens & adults Thursday, November 13, 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.  BOOK TALK: KARYN SAEMANN for adults  Thursday, November 13, 6 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a book talk from the Wisconsin author of Electa Quinney: Stockbridge Teacher. Hear stories of the research Karyn gathered and learn what she discovered during her journey that did not make it into the book. This book is part of the Badger Biographies Series and has received the Moonbean Children's Book Awards. No registration necessary.  HOMEBUYERS WORKSHOP for adults   Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM presented by NeighborWorks - Blackhawk Region sponsored by City of Janesville, Associated Bank, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Johnson Bank, First Mid Bank and Trust, First National Bank and Old National Bank Join us for a full-day workshop that will walk you through the steps in the home buying process. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. To register, please contact by phone 608.362.9051 ext. 20, email homebuying@nwbr.org, or text 608.313.7809.   MEMORY CAFÉ: THANKSGIVING for adults  Monday, November 17, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Celebrate the history of Thanksgiving and the gift of gratitude. 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.  HEDBERG HARMONY: ROCK RIVER STRING BAND  for all ages  Monday, November 17, 2 p.m. FIREPLACE ROOM Listen to live music by local musicians. No registration necessary.  BREASTFEEDING VILLAGE: EDUCATION & COMMUNITY FOR NEW MOMS  for adults Tuesday, November 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM presented by Rock County Nutrition Health Associates (WIC) Learn the ‘How Tos’ of nursing and pumping! Find comradery with other moms, explore common questions and concerns, and overcome those obstacles as a breastfeeding community. Registration required. Call Nutrition and Health Associates at 608-893-7014 or email annikard@nhawic.org.  GR’S SANDWICH SHOPPE FUNDRAISER  Wednesday, November 19, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. GR’S SANDWICH SHOPPE, 2100 E MILWAUKEE ST Support the Friends of HPL in a most delicious way! Stop by to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a portion of the proceeds will benefit library programs and services.  BOOKS AND BREWS: TRIVIA NIGHT for adults   Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. ROCK COUNTY BREWING COMPANY, 10 North Parker Drive Enjoy three rounds of trivia, puzzles, and games. Play along for prizes or watch for fun. Bring a non-perishable item and get a drink discount and help us restock the Echo Foodbank shelves! No registration necessary.  USED BOOK SALE for all ages   Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  November 21 & 22 PROGRAM ROOM Stock up and support your library. $6 bag sale all day Saturday. All proceeds benefit library programs and services. No registration necessary.   TWEEN TEAM: FRIENDSGIVING for ages 9-12    Monday, November 24, 3:30-5 p.m. PROGRAM ROOM Play games & help with fun projects. Dress for mess & activities! Registration is required. Register online, at the library, or call 608-758-6600. Geared for tweens aged 9-12. Younger and older siblings, friends/family are not invited to attend. 

It’s officially spooky season in Janesville! Whether you’re planning family fun, haunted thrills, or a night out in costume, there’s something happening for everyone this October. From trunk-or-treats and pumpkin walks to haunted houses and Halloween parties, here’s your guide to all the best ways to celebrate Halloween 2025 in Janesville, Wisconsin.🕸️ Janesville's Official Trick-or-Treat on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 🕸️🌲 Enchanted Forest & Hollywood Hayride at Palmer Park from October 8-11A beloved Janesville tradition! Enjoy themed scenes and a hayride through the woods that’s perfect for families.Weekdays: 5:30–8:00 p.m.Weekends: 5:30–8:30 p.m.💀 Forest of Freaks on October 17–18, 24–25, and November 1Wisconsin’s largest outdoor haunted attraction! Experience haunted trails, creepy actors, and a night full of scares.Ticket Sales: 7:30–10:30 p.m.🚗 Riverside Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat on October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Stay in your car and enjoy a safe, family-friendly drive-thru trunk-or-treat at Riverside Park.🔥 Campfire Ghost Stories on October 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilltop Pavilion Bonfire Pit in Palmer Park.Gather around the fire for chilling tales told under the stars! Perfect for families who love a good spooky story.🌼 Halloween Walk at Rotary Botanical Gardens from October 23-26Enjoy a guided walk through the illuminated gardens with live storytelling, candy stations, and local vendors.October 23–24: 4:00–7:30 p.m. & October 25–26: 1:00–4:30 p.m.🐴 Halloween Horse Camps at Triple H Ranch & Therapeutic Horsemanship on October 24th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages 7-11. Enjoy learning about horses, Halloween games on horseback, wearing your halloween costume, and more. (Registration required. Click HERE for more information.)🎃 Downtown Janesville Halloweekend on October 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Celebrate Halloween downtown with trick-or-treating, family-friendly activities, and a dance party!🍔 Bogey’s Burgers & Beer Halloween Party on October 25 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.Adults, this one’s for you! Enjoy drink specials, a DJ, and a costume contest at Bogey’s Burgers & Beer.🚘 Trunk or Treat at Fast Eddy’s Bar & Grill on October 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Bring the kids (or your car!) for an afternoon of treats and decorated trunks!🎭 Monster Mash Bash at The Venue on October 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.A family-friendly celebration with costumes, crafts, and games at The Venue on South Water Street.🐴 Halloween Horse Camps at Triple H Ranch & Therapeutic Horsemanship on October 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages 7-11. Enjoy learning about horses, Halloween games on horseback, wearing your halloween costume, and more. (Registration required. Click HERE for more information.)🏚️ Rock County Historical Society’s “Ghostly Events” (Throughout October)Dive into local history with ghost tours, cemetery walks, and haunted experiences at the Lincoln-Tallman House and surrounding properties. Visit their website for the full schedule.From hayrides and haunted trails to costume contests and candy galore, Janesville is the place to be for Halloween 2025. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with the kids, braving a haunted forest, or dancing the night away, there’s something for every age and thrill level.

Janesville - In its continuing mission to support the needs of the community, Hedberg Public Library (HPL) will be a host site and community partner for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program beginning in February 2026. The VITA program is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and many individual states, including Wisconsin, under which volunteers trained by the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) assist eligible individuals with preparing basic income tax returns for free.   “Public libraries have always been a resource for the community, and the VITA program is another layer of service we can facilitate for the Janesville community,” says Amy Christian, Programming Librarian at HPL. “We are excited to partner with the IRS to provide this program for the upcoming tax season to help individuals file their taxes accurately and efficiently.”  VITA income tax assistance is available for:  • Low-to-moderate income individuals • Individuals with disabilities • Non-English-speaking taxpayers • Military personnel • Senior individuals • Individuals who qualify for the homestead credit or the earned income credit  All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.   Hedberg Public Library is currently seeking volunteers who have worked in the accounting field or individuals willing to learn about the accounting/tax field to provide the foundation for this community program. Online training for approved volunteers will be provided through the library and IRS later this year.   Those interested in becoming a volunteer for the VITA tax program at Hedberg Public Library may contact the library at 608-758-6600 to speak with Amy Christian or Laura Gest.  To learn more about VITA and other IRS programs, visit www.irs.gov.   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. Find the full calendar of programs and events at www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org.  Those interested in becoming a volunteer may contact the library at 608-758-6600 to speak with Amy Christian or Laura Gest.

Vintage Shop Hop 2025 is this weekend (October 3rd & 4th), and it’s the ultimate road trip for treasure hunters, antique lovers, and anyone who enjoys exploring unique shops filled with history and charm. With more than 400 shops across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, it’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends, hit the road, and uncover one-of-a-kind finds. Best of all, Janesville and its neighboring towns are full of can’t-miss stops to kick off your journey. Here are some of the amazing shops you’ll want to explore during your Shop Hop adventure:EdgertonFeels Like Home – 18 W Fulton Street – Home DécorM’s on Main – 522 N Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueWoods to Water Designs of Edgerton – 2 Lord Street – Home DécorEvansvilleThe Vintage Roost – 14 W Main Street – Home DécorVery Vintage – 115 E Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueFort AtkinsonSalty Buffalo Trading Co. – 116 N Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueJanesville608 Vintage – 34 S Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueBest of Janesville Vintage Mall – 3138 S Hwy 51 – Home DécorChicken Coop Collectibles – 6507 W US-14 – Vintage / AntiqueFrayed Edges Boutique – 3719 S County Road G – Ladies BoutiqueJ&M Vintage Finds – 3832 W US-14 – Vintage / AntiqueM.H. Vintage Collective – 39 S Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueProperty Pickers Shoppable Warehouse – 770 S Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueReverie Dry Goods – 19 N Main Street – Vintage / AntiqueThe Creative Corner Décor Gifts and Flowers – 2624 E Milwaukee Street – Home DécorVintage Copper Ts – 600 E Memorial Drive – Vintage / AntiqueMilton2nd Time Around Resale Shoppe – 34 Merchant Row – Vintage / AntiqueCowbell Relics – 7924 E Bowers Lake Road – Vintage / AntiqueHattie and Elsie – 650 College Street – Home DécorPene Jenta Boutique – 220 Merchant Row – Ladies BoutiqueRed Rooster – 613 W Madison Ave – Home DécorSunny + Olive – 613 W Madison Ave – Consignment / VintageWhether you’re looking for timeless antiques, stylish home decor, or unique fashion finds, Vintage Shop Hop is the perfect way to explore small businesses in and around Janesville. Every purchase you make supports local shop owners, strengthens our community, and helps keep these one-of-a-kind treasures alive for the next generation.Start your Shop Hop adventure in Janesville and get ready to discover something unforgettable while shopping local!

It's that time of year again! What's your favorite way to enjoy the fall season in Janesville? Vote for your favorite!