Grow on Monroe kicks off in early June 

Friday, June 2, dubbed “First Friday,” will mark the beginning of Grow on Monroe, a Monroe Street Merchants Association event that aims to highlight the street’s small businesses, according to NBC15. 

First Friday will be a monthly event featuring special offers and open houses at Monroe Street businesses. The June 2 event will also include Music by the Water in Wingra Park, a 6 p.m. live music event with local food trucks. 

Grow on Monroe will continue June 3 with floral-themed activities. Businesses will collect names for a raffle with a $150 Monroe Street shopping spree as the grand prize. 

The Forward Marching Band, Sophie the Stiltswalker, a Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream bouncy castle, the Henry Vilas Zoo mascot, and Dane County Trash lab will also be featured on June 3. Special guest, magician Matthew Teague, will perform at Monroe Commons and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.