Where will Cheeselandia Hoop Affair take place?

At Madison Circus Space, located at 2082 Winnebago Street, Madison, WI 53704.

What kind of experience do I need to attend?

It is recommended that you’ve tried hooping before and have some basic familiarity. Most past attendees self identify as beginner/intermediate, intermediate, or intermediate/advanced. People newer to hooping attend, as well as people with years of practice.

Many workshops are multi-level, where some content will be more accessible to a newer hooper and the more advanced material is available for those ready for it. Some intermediate and advanced workshops may have prerequisites. All classes will offer a brief recap at the end so that you can work on practicing the content afterwards.

I’m new to hoop gatherings. Will I learn everything that’s taught?

When attending any hoop gathering, there is a lot that is offered. And ours is more workshop intensive style, where you’ll likely have “hoop homework” at the end. You’ll have things to continue working on after you go home, as well as some immediate takeaways and breakthroughs.

We suggest taking a buffet style approach: try a lot of different things so you discover what you enjoy. Then, in each workshop, take away one or two things that you really enjoyed. Just like when we eat food, we only have room for so much at a time. You can always put away what you’ve seen “into the freezer” so when you’re ready to digest the information later, you can- by working on the content that resonated with you in the moment, and turning to the recap videos once you’ve had a chance to process what you’ve already taken in.

Also, remember that no one “completes” hooping :-) and what we choose to focus on creates our personal style. Take the parts you love, and leave the rest behind.

How many people attend the event? And how many take classes?

About 100 people are in the entire building, between attendees, volunteers, and instructors. The Main Room averages class sizes of 15-35 people, the Upper Studio 20-30 people, and the Lower Studio 20 or fewer people.

Is this event only for adults?

Yes, Cheeselandia Hoop Affair is for adults, age 18+.

Why isn’t Cheeselandia Hoop Affair longer?

During Cheeselandia Hoop Affair, all of Madison Circus Space’s regular classes, clubs, and member practice time cannot occur. Madison Circus Space has generously given our event two days of full use of Madison Circus Space. We utilize Friday morning to set up the event and ready our team so that we’re fully set to hit the ground running for registration for Friday afternoon.

The event is also designed to be shorter to let those who are unable to take longer amounts of time off of work/commitments to have the chance participate and to keep the overall event cost affordable. We encourage those who want a longer experience to stay on Sunday to take advantage of all the activities that Madison Circus Space offers.

I want to join but it’s too expensive for me. Is there help available?

Scholarships are available from Madison Circus Space. The General Scholarship and the BIPOC Scholarship may be applied to attend Cheeselandia Hoop Affair. Visit the MCS Scholarships page for more information and to apply. If you would like to hold a spot while your scholarship application is being reviewed, please send an email to cheeselandia@hoopelation.com

Will there be opportunities to volunteer?

Volunteer positions will first be offered to local Madison, WI participants. Additional volunteer opportunities may open. Stay tuned!

How do I apply to teach?

When applications open, we’ll post on our Instagram and will also send an email. Sign up here to receive the email update.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are not refundable, but they are transferrable. You are responsible for finding someone to transfer your ticket to if you are not able to attend. Contact cheeselandia@hoopelation.com to transfer your ticket to someone else, at no cost.

What does my ticket include?

Access to all workshops, showcases, glow jam, cheese tasting, and circus try-its (some may have a sign-up sheet due to limited space).

Can I take all the workshops?

Some workshops will be happening simultaneously throughout Madison Circus Space, so you won’t be able to take everything. However, all instructors will offer a short recap that can be filmed at the end of their workshop, and you are welcome to get a copy of the recording from a friend who attended.

What does my ticket not include?

Your travel, accommodations, and food/beverages.

Can I split my ticket with someone else?

No, a ticket may only be used by one person.

Will there be single day passes available?

No single day passes are available.

When should I arrive/depart?

If flying, we highly recommend that you arrive to Madison on Thursday, in case you encounter any travel delays. If driving, the latest you’ll want to arrive is for registration and opening circle. While the event officially ends on Saturday night, Madison Circus Space offers activities on Sunday, including Juggling Club and Hoop/Flow Jam (both of which are free and open to the public, donations welcomed). Many attendees have enjoyed staying through Monday to experience more of what the city of Madison and the Madison Circus Space has to offer.

Will there be a place to spin fire?

Due to the City of Madison’s fire permit rules and the unpredictability of February in Wisconsin, fire spinning will not be a part of the event. Fire of any kind is not allowed inside Madison Circus Space.

Do I need to bring my own hoops?

If you are not able to travel with your hoops or need something else for a workshop, a variety of hoops will be available to borrow.

Are there places to eat nearby?

Yes! Cheeselandia Hoop Affair takes place at Madison Circus Space, located in the Atwood neighborhood, which has an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops all within walking distance. You may also get delivery to Madison Circus Space. Check out our Eat page for ideas! We will also be offering snacks and fizzy water available for purchase throughout the event.

Can I be intoxicated at this event?

No. Alcohol and substance use is prohibited at Madison Circus Space. Anyone who seems to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance will be asked to leave.

Are pets allowed?

Only service animals are allowed inside Madison Circus Space during the event.

Will there be vending?

No vending will happen at Cheeselandia Hoop Affair, but there will be Cheeselandia Hoop Affair and Madison Circus Space merch available for purchase.

What is parking like?

Madison Circus Space has a small parking lot on site, and free parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood. Leave about 15 minutes in your schedule to find parking, as it can be a little bit tight during busy events.

What is it like getting around Madison?

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin, and home to a population of about a quarter million people. For transportation, Madison has a bus system and Madison Circus Space is on several bus lines, taxis are available, plus there are ride share options. Many hotels offer shuttle service as well. Much of Madison is walkable, especially closer to the downtown and in the Atwood neighborhood where Cheeselandia Hoop Affair will be. You can also drive everywhere, but sometimes you will need to pay for parking or search for street parking longer in the more dense areas.

If you are game for winter biking, the League of American Bicyclists has given Madison a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Designation. Madison offers extensive bike lanes and paths and is one of the top 5 cities in the United States for biking. You’ll find lots of bike racks at MCS.

What are my flight options?

Madison has a small but nice and easy-to-navigate airport (MSN) that is about a 10-15 minute drive from Madison Circus Space. It’s often less expensive to fly into either Milwaukee (MKE) and take the Badger Bus (about 2 hours) or fly into Chicago (ORD) and take the Van Galder/Coach USA Bus (about 3 hours).

There currently isn’t a passenger train that connects to Madison. There is an Amtrak station 40 minutes away in Columbus, WI, but it’s not well connected to the city. Sometimes the ticket information can be a little bit misleading, so check your stop info carefully.

What are my accommodation options?

Madison is home to a number of hotels, with your nicest/closest options being near the capitol square/State Street area or the near east side of Madison. Some specific recommendations include Hotel Indigo, Moxy, Edgewater, Madison Marquette Hotel, Hotel Ruby Marie, and Best Western Premier Park Hotel. Want to stay closer to the venue? Your best bet is Airbnb in the Atwood or Willy Street neighborhoods.

Is there a hotel block available?

Yes! For 2025, we have a group hotel block at Hotel Indigo through this link, and you can also call 1-608-256-0061 and mention the Cheeselandia Hoop Affair block when making your reservation.

Amenities include:

• Complimentary Madison (MSN) airport shuttle

• 1.6 miles from our venue

• Available on a first come, first serve basis, the free hotel shuttle can transport you within a 3 mile radius.

• Self serve parking in the structure next door at $18/day. Streetside parking is available but subject to limitations and restrictions.

• On many major city bus lines

• Directly across from a full service grocery store

• Onsite bar and restaurant

• Mini fridge in every room, room service and 24-hour grab and go market

• High-speed Wi-Fi and 24-hour fitness and business centers

Note: you might see a slightly less expensive rate listed in online searches because they often are for nonrefundable rooms. The rates listed through our block are cancellable and refundable up to 48 hours prior to arrival.

The hotel block will close January 21st.

Wisconsin in February? Isn’t it going to be cold outside?

Most likely, yes :-) But we’ll be indoors! Madison Circus Space is a comfortable and modern building that is the perfect winter escape. Pack a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and winter shoes for your outdoor time.

Will my hoops be okay in the cold weather?

Polypro hoops are sometimes susceptible to breakage in cold weather. The key is to give your hoops some time to warm up if they get especially cold, and to avoid storing them in cold places for a long amount of time.

What are some other fun outdoor things to do in Madison?

Go ice skating at Tenney Park, enjoy cross country skiing at Elver or Odana Park, or take a winter walk on frozen Lake Mendota starting at the Memorial Union Terrace.

What are some other fun indoor things to do in Madison?

Visit the State Capitol building and shop on nearby State Street, check out the Chazen Museum of Art or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, or visit the tropical Bolz Conservancy at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

I have another question or need help.

We are here for you! Contact Danielle at cheeselandia@hoopelation.com to get in touch.