Madison Polar Plunge 2026(Spectators and Camera Operators Welcome/Party in Zoo)

There was some interest in the 2026 Polar Plunge(usually turnout is light)so I thought I'd post a meetup again. I've done it about 5 times here(in air temperature as low as 5 degrees to highest of 50ish degrees) but it's been a bit. Besides the plunge itself there used to be quite a pre and post party at Coliseum Bar(across from Olin Park or Alliant where it used to be held).

The Vilas Park Zoo is the new location for it this year and it seems like the post/pre party is inside The Glacier Bay Grill within the zoo. They did typically do times by group reservation but it seems like most of the larger/corporate groups are shifted to Friday now so that might not be an issue-thus if you want to join the day of you should be able to. Please note that there is a $100 donation to Special Olympics required to plunge(I'm lazy and just pay my own but you can fundraise if you wish instead). As mentioned if you'd rather just watch, hang out later or do camera ops you are welcome to join the meetup as well-but in the end we'd like to jump as a team so please let us know if you are in so we can group up for that part.

In terms of volunteering I did just sign up for the Thursday Tent Setup Volunteer Event but if you wanted to volunteer/hang out on the day of event it looks like as of now(among many open spots-see the link) there are 4 open shifts available(among others) for Hot Tub Attendent if that's a bit more your activity level-rather than plunging.