Experience Winter Magic at San Damiano’s Fire and Wonder Winter Gathering…
Families are invited to celebrate the beauty of winter at San Damiano’s Fire and Wonder Winter Gathering, a free, family-friendly event open to the public on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm in Monona.
Hosted by Friends of San Damiano, this enchanting winter evening invites guests to gather outdoors and connect with nature, community, and the rich cultural history of the Ho-Chunk Nation along the shores of Lake Monona.
A Winter Evening of Culture, Nature, and Community
Fire and Wonder highlights the magic of the season through meaningful, hands-on experiences for all ages. Families can warm up by a roaring bonfire and lakeside fire pits, sip hot beverages, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a peaceful candlelit walk through the woodland grounds as the sun sets over Lake Monona.
The event also offers opportunities to learn about Indigenous history, culture, and traditions through storytelling and demonstrations led by Ho-Chunk community members.
Event Highlights
- Bonfire and lakeside fire pits
- Ho-Chunk storytelling by Janice Rice at 4:15 pm, 5 pm, and 5:45 pm (pre-registration required; seating limited)
- Indigenous cording demonstration and educational craft led by Lightning New Rider
- Kid-friendly scavenger hunt with glow sticks
- Warm beverages and marshmallow roasting
- Candlelit woodland walk and winter scenery along Lake Monona
Honoring Ho-Chunk History and Culture
Storytelling will be led by Janice Rice, a Ho-Chunk tribal member, educator, librarian, and longtime advocate for Indigenous cultural and natural landscape preservation in the Four Lakes region. Rice has played an active role in numerous initiatives honoring Ho-Chunk history and continues her lifelong work supporting education, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.
Lightning New Rider, a tribally enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, will lead an Indigenous cording demonstration and hands-on craft. Drawing on traditional teachings and natural materials, New Rider shares knowledge passed down through generations and emphasizes the importance of connection to Mother Earth and plant relatives.
Community Sauna Experience
In addition to Fire and Wonder, Kindled Community Sauna is partnering with Friends of San Damiano to offer wood-fired community sauna sessions on-site. Hour-long sessions are available on Saturday, February 21, at 11 am, noon, 1 pm, and 7 pm, and on Sunday, February 22, at 1 pm and 2 pm. Registration and payment are available at kindledcommunitysauna.com.
Event Details
San Damiano’s Fire and Wonder Winter Gathering
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 4–7 pm
Location: San Damiano, 4123 Monona Drive, Monona
Cost: Free and open to the public
More information: sandamianomonona.org/events/fire-and-wonder-at-san-damiano
Parking and Accessibility Notes
Parking is limited, including accessible spaces. Guests are encouraged to carpool or walk when possible. Drop-off is available prior to parking along local roads. Please avoid parking in local business lots. Monona Grove High School will have an event, and its lot will not be available.
The historic Frank Allis House, built 131 years ago, does not have accessibility features, and capacity is limited to 49 guests at a time.
About Friends of San Damiano
Founded in 2020, Friends of San Damiano is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming San Damiano into an accessible public space that honors the environment, culture, and community while providing recreational and educational opportunities. In partnership with the City of Monona, Friends of San Damiano finalized a community-informed Master Plan in 2024 and continues working to bring this vision to life year-round.
