Mugs, MOKAs, and More: The Ultimate Madison Birthday Itinerary

If there is one thing Madison knows how to do, it’s celebrating its neighbors, and homegrown businesses are ready to roll out the red carpet for you on your special day! To help you maximize your celebration, we’ve done some homework for you and mapped out the ultimate freebie-filled day jam-packed with local and regional faves!

9:00 AM | The Caffeine Kickstart

Location: MOKA Coffee (6 Madison locations, Sun Prairie, and Middleton)

The Perk: Free Handcrafted Drink

Start your morning at MOKA, a regional hot-spot known for its high-quality beans and friendly drive-thrus. If you’re a member of the MOKA Rewards program (via their app), you’ll wake up to a voucher for a free handcrafted drink of your choice. It’s the perfect fuel to start off your birthday trek!

10:30 AM | The Healthy Birthday Brunch

Location: Forage Kitchen (State Street, Hilldale, Monona, Sun Prairie, & Middleton)

The Perk: Free Bowl or Wrap

For a fresh, local lunch, head to Forage Kitchen. Born right here in Madison, Forage is the go-to spot for farm-to-table greens. Loyalty members receive a free bowl or wrap on their birthday. Think of it as a healthy way to balance out some of the sweet treats you’ll be eating later (or at least that's what we can all tell ourselves!)

Location: SuperCharge Foods (State Street)

The Perk: Free Juice or Smoothie

If you went the State Street way, stop by SuperCharge Foods. This local urban farm and juice bar offers a free juice or smoothie on your birthday. It’s a refreshing boost while you explore the heart of the city.

3:00 PM | The "Fun & Games" Pitstop

Location: I'm Board! Games & Family Fun (Madison, Sun Prairie, or Middleton)

The Perk: 20% Off Your Entire Purchase

Ready for some serious retail therapy? Head to I'm Board!, a Madison-area staple for gamers. On your actual birthday (and even a week before or after), they offer a 20% discount on anything in-store. From complex board games to puzzles or card games, it’s the perfect time to grab that high-ticket item you’ve been eyeing.

5:00 PM | Madison’s Birthday Claim to Fame

Location: The Nitty Gritty (Downtown, Sun Prairie, or Middleton)

The Perk: Souvenir Birthday Mug & Unlimited Refills

You can’t call it a Madison birthday until you’ve spent one at The Nitty Gritty. Show your ID to get your world-famous birthday mug. You’ll enjoy unlimited refills of soda, select cocktails, or domestic beer all night long, and your name will likely make an appearance on their "Birthday Board"!

7:30 PM | The Comedy Night Cap

Location: Comedy on State (State Street)

The Perk: Free Admission & Future Tickets

Keep the party going at one of the best comedy clubs in the country. Comedy on State offers free admission during your birthday week. Plus, you’ll receive a Comedy Club mug (just start a free birthday mug collection, at this point) and complimentary tickets for a future show. *Note: Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation!

9:00 PM | The Wisconsin Grand Finale

Location: Culver’s (Any Madison-area location)

The Perk: Free One-Scoop Dish with Topping

Cap off your night with the Sauk City staple. As a MyCulver’s member, you’ll receive a coupon for a free scoop of the Flavor of the Day. Track your favorite flavor (why, hello raspberry cheesecake) using their calendar ahead of time, so you know exactly which location to head to. It’s the perfect end to a perfectly Wisconsin birthday.

Holt Team Pro-Tips:  

• Sign Up Early: Most local rewards (like MOKA, Forage, and University Book Store) require you to be a member at least 30 days before your birthday to receive the coupon.
• Carry Your ID: Local spots like The Nitty Gritty and Comedy on State require a valid ID to confirm it’s your big day.
• Check the App: Many of these perks are delivered via mobile apps, so keep your phone charged and ready to scan!

MOKA Coffee: MOKA Rewards App

Forage Kitchen: Forage Rewards

SuperCharge Foods: Birthday Smoothie/Juice Perk

I'm Board! Games: Official Birthday Discount Policy

The Nitty Gritty: Madison’s Birthday Tradition

Comedy on State: Birthday Week Promotions

Culver’s: MyCulver's Rewards