Outdoor music and Madison simply go hand-in-hand. When it comes to music festivals held in open-air settings, it doesn’t get much better than the True North Food & Music Festival—a don’t-miss Madison event that’s quickly becoming a local tradition.  

Brought to you by the Madison Mallards and Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, this second-annual festival held September 26 at Warner Park highlights Madison’s beloved north side vibe via great food, up-and-coming national entertainment and community connections. This year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever, with 17 featured food vendors from Madison’s best chefs and restaurants, eight bands and, of course, the signature ferris wheel.  

The True North Food & Music Festival is just one of the food festivals highlighted in our 10 Event Weekends round-up, which means you’ll more deeply connect to the area through local events by making a long weekend out of it. 

To turn the True North Festival into a memorable cultural experience, read on and find out how to make the most of it. 

Jump around to start planning your festival weekend:

Know Before You Go 

  • Date: Saturday, September 26. 
  • Location: Warner Park. 
  • Cost: General Admission, $15 Advance ($18 Week of Event); Busch Light Duck Blind VIP (includes access to private, partially covered space with guaranteed seating and vouchers for two snacks, one entrée and three drinks), $85; Duck Blind Level 2 VIP (access to all areas including a private air conditioned indoor space and vouchers for one snack, one entree, four drinks and chef experiences and samples), $150. 
  • Parking and transportation: Surface lots with free parking can be found right next to the stadium. You can also rent a BCycle to bike to Warner Park, or take the bus—the Northport at Warner Park stop is just one minute from the park. 
  • Tickets: Ticket purchase recommended in advance. Buy tickets HERE.  
     

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Featured Restaurants

Graze: this downtown mainstay helmed by James Beard award-winner Tory Miller serves up seasonally inspired dishes rooted in his Wisconsin and Korean heritage. 

Heritage Tavern: Dan Fox is the James Beard award-winning chef at downtown’s Heritage Tavern, known for its charcuterie, cocktails and reimagined Wisconsin classics. 

Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge: with its unmistakable throwback vibes set in an old-school lounge, complete with the sound of vinyl in the background, Lola’s will bring its vintage flavor to the festival. 

The Deliciouser: calling themselves a “Modern Spice Shop & Restaurant,” The Deliciouser serves up meals infused with their house-made spice blends.  

Mint Mark: a cherished local favorite, Mint Mark is overseen by the James Beard award-winning Sean Pharr and specializes in plates that are not only Instagram-ready, but delicious, too. 

Jalisco Cocina Mexicana: opening in 2023 and gaining a following ever since, King Street’s Jalisco, named after Chef Gerardo Hernandez’s hometown in Mexico, presents Mexican favorites like enchiladas, tacos and mole.  

Salvatore’s: with three locations, Salvatore’s crafts the best Jersey-style pizza around and cooks up unique flavor combos like the “Woodsman:” a mix of leeks, Cremini, Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms. 

Butterbird: if you’re in the mood for chicken, be sure to dine at Butterbird, with its golden fried chicken and other comfort food essentials.  

Ancora Café + Bakery: for something on the lighter side, head to Ancora for a latte or avocado toast. 

Banzo: you’ll find Middle Eastern cornerstone foods at Banzo, where you can build your own falafel pita sandwich.  

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream: ice cream is always the right choice, especially when it’s the Madison-made Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. 

Ha Long Bay: Vietnamese dishes abound at this Williamson Street restaurant, where you can enjoy pad thai, dumplings and tofu soup.  

Purslane: Milwaukee’s Purslane will grace Madison with its modern takes on Mediterranean eats. 

Cadre: this University Avenue eatery specializes in French favorites, like escargot and beef bourguignon.   

The Vibrant Veg: if you’re going plant-based, look no further than The Vibrant Veg, crafted by Executive Chef, Holistic Nutritionist and Yoga Instructor Lauren Montelbano.  

Driftless Café: the reputation of Viroqua’s Driftless Café precedes itself, famed for its farm-fresh offerings that are sourced from the organic farms that surround it. 

Café Costa Rica: led by Chef Thony “The Mango Man” Clarke, you’ll discover Latin American and Caribbean fusion food.  

The Baked Lab: if dessert is calling your name, you need to head to The Baked Lab and savor some cake.  
 

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Musical Artists

Langhorne Slim: the popular singer/songwriter with his folk-meets-punk sound will take to the stage at the festival, and will no doubt wear one of his famous hats. 

Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons: originally formed in Appleton, Wisconsin and fronted by singer/songwriter Cory Chisel, you’re in for a treat with the band’s brand of soulful storytelling. 

Dead Horses: the Milwaukee-based duo famed for their folk-inspired songs will bring their indie sounds to Warner Park. 

Genevieve Heyward: this current American Idol contestant from Nashville will make her way to the True North festival and stun the crowd with her impressive vocals. 

Dusk: found in Wisconsin, this band artfully marries country and rock.  

Louka & Co. with Modernarte: frontman and Madisonian, Louka Patenaude is known for jazz and bluegrass-infused tunes. When joined by ModernArte, a 14-piece ensemble, together they will provide an even more swelling sound. 

Free Dirt: a Madison-based band well-known for their unapologetic brand of rock. 

Exchange: you won’t want to miss this talented group of adolescents who know their way around a guitar.
 

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Recommended Hotels

The north side is one of many distinctive Madison neighborhoods, and you can make a long weekend out of the festival and spend time in the area by staying at one of these nearby hotels. 

 

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More Arts & Music Events  

The True North Festival is a shining example of all the arts, music and cultural experiences you can have here in Madison. To take in even more of these opportunities, don’t miss upcoming concerts at Café CODA, North Street Cabaret, The Sylvee, High Noon Saloon and Breese Stevens Field.
 

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