Your guide to summer in Madison is here. Nothing beats moving from lake to biergarten to museum to nightlife in just one day. And you can fit even more than that in one weekend. Our vibe is loved by the outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. We're a Midwest summer vacation destination that offers all the best in outdoor adventure, culinary excellence, arts and culture and more.

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Soak in the sunshine

1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

As a must-see location in Madison, Olbrich Botanical Gardens features 16 acres of stunning outdoor gardens including colorful blooms, shady walking paths and the breathtaking Thai Pavilion—the only one in the continental U.S. For more of a tropical escape, check out the indoor Bolz Conservatory. Throughout the summer, a variety of events are held at the gardens including outdoor concerts, themed exhibits and evening gathering parties.

2. Brittingham Boats

Your gateway to Lake Monona! Brittingham Boats provides everything you need for a day on the water—from canoes and kayaks to paddle boats and stand-up paddle boards—plus an outdoor patio for relaxing by Monona Bay. Explore Lakes Mendota and Wingra at Marshall Boats and Wingra Boats as well. Learn more about our five glittering lakes here.

3. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

The UW–Madison Arboretum is a year-round escape that truly comes alive in the summertime. The arboretum spans over 1,200 acres offering varying terrains like prairies, wetlands and woodlands, plus more than 20 miles of scenic trails for walking, hiking and biking just minutes from downtown Madison. 

4. Memorial Union Terrace

Meet up with friends for a scoop of locally-made Babcock ice cream or grab a pitcher at UW–Madison’s most iconic summer spot. The Memorial Union Terrace offers stunning sunset views of Lake Mendota, live music and other summer events. See what the hype around the iconic sunburst terrace chairs is all about!

5. Parks + Beaches

Did you know that when you're in Madison you are never more than a ten-minute walk from a park? It might take all summer to explore Madison’s 300+ parks. In the Greater Madison area there are more than 12,000 acres of parkland including wildlife and natural resource areas, more than 200 miles of trails, five campgrounds and two dozen recreation parks. If you're looking for even more adventure, explore nearby state parks for experiences sure to wow the crowd.

6. Hidden Gem Gardens

The city is full of lesser-known green spaces that are perfect for exploring on a nice summer day. From tucked-away university gardens and historic downtown parks to rooftop gardens, community driven food forests and one-of-a-kind campus landscapes, these intimate spaces offer peaceful outdoor moments.

7. Madison Log Rolling

Embrace Wisconsin’s lumberjack heritage while improving balance, agility, leg strength, coordination and endurance! Kids and adults are invited to step out of their comfort zone and experience this one-of-a-kind sport on Lake Wingra.

Feel the beat

8. Festival season

To say Madison loves its festivals would be an understatement. We'll throw a party for almost anything. Summer officially kicks off in Madison during the World's Largest Brat Fest, the summer fun continues with an eccentric water parade of floats down the river during the Marquette Waterfront Festival, food (and music) takes center stage at Taste of Madison and that only scratches the surface.

9. Concerts on the Square

Our Capitol Square is beautiful. Add some music and it is truly magical. This FREE summer concert series hosted by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is a well-loved, authentic Madison experience. BYOB (blanket, that is) and enjoy a night of themed music as the sun sets over the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

10. Concerts on the Rooftop

This popular event on the rooftop of Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center pairs live music with beautiful views of Lake Monona and the State Capitol building. As the sun sets over the city, this outdoor, rooftop venue makes for one memorable, laid-back, yet lively and scenic summer experience in Madison.

Discover art, culture and history

11. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Located on State Street in Downtown Madison, this museum features works by some of the most highly regarded modern and contemporary artists and holds lectures, film screenings and children’s art classes. New in 2026: visitors can dine at the museum's very own restaurant, Tall Grass.

12. Overture Center for the Arts

Madison's creative energy is brought to life at Overture Center. Located just off the Capitol Square, this prime location is perfect for enjoying live theater, Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and performances for all ages. Experience diverse artistic expression at the free Overture Galleries.

13. Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Visitors can better understand Wisconsin's military history and the role Wisconsinites served in some of history’s biggest conflicts from the Civil War to today through award-winning exhibits and programs. 

14. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright Sites

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential architects of all time, called Madison home. His influence is still seen throughout the region to this day. Tour the iconic Wright-designed Monona Terrace, his beloved First Unitarian Meeting House and his infamous estate, Taliesin, including stops at Wright’s studio, house and grounds. Sign up for Wright in Madison to earn points and win prizes for visiting these sites.

15. American Player's Theatre, Spring Green

Nestled in the rolling landscape at the entry of the Driftless region, American Player's Theatre is a professional open-air theater where the works of Shakespeare and other literary legends come to life.

Family must-dos 

16. Henry Vilas Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears … oh, my! See these animals and their many friends—more than 650 animals, in fact—at this FREE zoo, open 365 days a year.

17. Madison Children’s Museum

Little ones can get creative at the Art Studio, discover Wisconsin history in the Log Cabin and get connected with Wisconsin animals and habitats. Four floors of fun—including a rooftop garden with chickens—await and the fun isn't restricted to indoors! Let the kids run wild at the outdoor Wonderground, included with admission.

18. Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol

The Capitol building is open to visitors daily to stroll through the rotunda or get a birds-eye view of the city on the observation deck. Free, guided tours are available on the hour and offer a dive into the historic building's history.

19. Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds

Cool off from the summer heat with this one-of-a-kind adventure just outside of Madison. Cave of the Mounds offers guided tours through stunning limestone formations and underground chambers, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

20. Vitense Golfland

As a top-rated mini-golf location in the U.S., it's no question that Vitense is a must-do during the summer in Madison. It offers two outdoor and one indoor mini golf course, driving ranges, exciting attractions for all ages, a full bar and restaurant, and ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, making it a hard attraction to pass up.

Dive into the culinary scene

21. Dane County Farmers’ Market

The largest producer-only farmers' market in the COUNTRY stretches four city blocks around the State Capitol and lands a top spot on most “Madison To Do” lists. Produce, meats and cheeses, flowers, baked goods and other specialty products are on sale Saturdays from 6:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

22. Dine al fresco

Madison's popular streatery program has brought some of the finest local cuisines outside! From cozy neighborhood patios and vibrant rooftop seating to relaxing waterfront dining with stunning lake views, there is no shortage of unique outdoor dining throughout the city.

23. Madison Eats Food Tours 

Enjoy a guided culinary tour through Madison's most unique restaurants and diverse foodie neighborhoods. Offering a variety of tours, it's easy to find the one that's perfect for you or your travel group!

24. Locally-Made Ice Creams

In the mood for a cool treat? Check out these hot spots:

  • Babcock Ice Cream, made fresh on the UW–Madison campus and sold at both Wisconsin Union locations and Babcock Hall Dairy Store.
  • Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co., also made in Madison and sold at five locations around the city (soon to be six with a new store at the Madison Public Market).
  • Sassy Cow Creamery bottles milk and makes ice cream from their own dairy herd, which can all be viewed from windows in their store.
  • Ice Cream Social makes sweet treats for a cause, with proceeds from sales going toward local nonprofits advocating for a range of social issues.

25. Madison's Iconic Eats Experience

Discover the most iconic food in the capital city with this free mobile pass. Sign up to get the guide to dozens of local restaurants that bring the Madison food scene to life and earn points towards prizes along the way.  

Tap into the craft beverage scene

26. Madison On Tap

Guide your summer getaway along a tour of more than 30 craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Madison AND earn discounts and prizes along the way when you sign up for Madison On Tap, your guide to beer, bubbles, bourbon and beyond.

Madison On Tap connects you to the people behind our craft beverage scene, who are just as exciting as the drinks are. Ready to get started? Sign up now >> 

Catch Some Competition

27. Forward Madison FC

Join the Flock and cheer on Madison's professional soccer team at Breese Stevens Field. Forward days are for everyone. No soccer knowledge needed. Come ready to get loud and experience a gameday like no other.

28. Rally Madison FC

Rally Madison FC is Madison's first USL W League women's soccer team. Their season begins on Friday, May 15, with their first official home game taking place at Breese Stevens Field on Saturday, May 23.

29. Madison Mallards

Enjoy your nine-inning vacation as the Madison Mallards, Madison’s collegiate-level minor league baseball team, take on the best of the Northwoods League at Warner Park’s Duck Pond. Purchase single-game bleacher seats or enjoy all-you-can-eat and drink with admission to the open-air seating Duck Blind section.

30. Madison Night Mares

Madison is home to Northwoods League fast-pitch women's softball team, the Madison Night Mares. Catch a game from June through August at Warner Park’s Duck Pond.

31. American Family Insurance Championship

Support PGA legends, including host Steve Stricker, as they help raise money for local nonprofits at the scenic University Ridge Golf Course. The festivities kick off with a concert at Breese Stevens Field.

32. Madison Radicals

Join Madison's professional Ultimate Frisbee team as they take on teams in the Ultimate Frisbee Association at Breese Stevens Field.

33. Mad-City Ski Team

These local, expert water-skiers perform daring aquatic acrobatics on Lake Monona. Catch a free show at Madison’s Law Park on Sunday evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Get up and move

34. Bicycle Trails

Madison is one of five platinum-certified biking cities in the country. Take advantage of hundreds of miles of urban and rural biking trails. Make biking an experience with Madison By Bike, your pass to discovering three rides and three vibes.

35. Madison BCycle

Cyclists of all experience levels can explore our uber-bikeable city with these electric bikes available to rent all around the city. BCycle offers more than 525 bikes across more than 110 stations throughout Madison and Fitchburg.

36. Golf Courses

The Madison links are calling your name whether you are a recreational novice or headed to the PGA. Mix up your golf experience at spots like University Ridge Golf Course, the official home course of the UW–Madison men and women's golf teams offering five sets of tees, and Door Creek Golf Course, an award-winning public golf course home to 27 holes.