Qu'est-ce que tu vas faire pour célébrer le 14 juillet? 

Translation: What are you doing to celebrate July 14th?

Answer: Going to Madison's biggest summer celebration, La Fête De Marquette.

La Fête De Marquette (often referred to locally as just "Fête") is a weekend-long free festival featuring music, food, local art and a front-row view of Madison's eccentric and electric east-side neighborhoods. 

Whether you're a first-time Fête-r or a returning fan, we've got all you need to know before you go to La Fête De Marquette.

What is Fête?

La Fête De Marquette is a celebration of the French holiday Bastille Day marking the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. The festival blends French culture and the Madison community including local street performers and artists who go all out with costumes, instruments and sometimes even stilt walking.

Fête is held annually at McPike Park on or around July 14. It's a family-friendly festival with multiple music stages hosting artists across genres including folk, funk, Americana, soul, jazz, electronic and more. The festival attracts national, regional and local acts with appearances in previous years from The War and Treaty, Tank and the Bangas, Hurray for the Riff Raff and many more. 

Aside from music, you can find children's karaoke, improv comedy, storytelling and other live performances.

Admission to the festival is free, however, donations to the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Association are welcome. The volunteer-run festival is also looking for more people to help put on the show. Contact organizers on their website to learn more.

Food, beer and wine from local vendors and food carts are also available. 

How do I get there and where do I park?

McPike Park is in the heart of the Wil-Mar neighborhood on Madison's near-east side. On-street parking is available but limited throughout the Wil-Mar neighborhood. The South Livingston Street parking garage is a 10-minute walk from the park. 

Walking, biking and taking public transportation are highly recommended. Bike parking is available at the entrance at the corner of Brearly and Few streets and is a wildly popular option for locals and returning Fête-rs. BCycle electric bike rental stations are available throughout the neighborhood. Stations closest to McPike Park are at the intersection of Few and Williamson streets, East Washington and Ingersoll streets and outside the South Livingston Street garage.

Union Cab, Uber and Lyft provide rideshare options throughout Madison.

Where should I stay?

With four days of Fête fun, it's the perfect reason to plan a weekend getaway to Madison.

Hotel Indigo is the official hotelier for the festival and is located a short walking distance from McPike Park. The boutique hotel is located inside a renovated paint factory and fits the trendy vibe Fête-rs love.

Just down the block from Hotel Indigo is the brand-new Moxy Hotel known for its rockstar-themed rooms and suites and having one of the longest bars in Madison.

McPike Park is just a 20-minute walk from the Capitol Square and popular downtown hotels including The Saddlery, AC Hotel, Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club, Park Hotel and Hilton Madison Monona Terrace.

What should I do before/after the festival?

The festival itself is only some of the fun you can have during a La Fête De Marquette weekend getaway. Check out these nearby recommendations to fill out your trip.

Places to eat

Places to Drink

Things to Do