Shifting Gears Bike Path Dance Festival 2026

The Shifting Gears Bike Path Dance Festival is back, and this year, the ride is part of the show. Grab your bike, your scooter, roller skates, or your favorite walking shoes and get ready for Madison’s most joyful Labor Day tradition, now with more ways to move, explore, and connect. 

New this year: community group rides hosted by [cycle shop/group names], which will depart from each festival park - Wirth Court Park, McPike Park, and Brittingham Park - and rotate together through all three performance locations throughout the day. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off your cruiser, the rides are a fun, low-key way to experience the full festival, catch every performance, and explore Madison’s bike paths in community. Ride details, departure times, and host information will be announced alongside the performing groups in mid-June. Follow along at isthmusdancecollective.org/shifting-gears and on [insert social media] so you don't miss a beat.

This year's performing lineup reflects the full range of Madison's dance community. From flamenco to street styles to ballet on the grass, the Isthmus Dance Collective brings together groups with performers ranging in age from 9 to 79. Just as Madison's bike paths wind through neighborhoods as distinct as Atwood, Marquette, and the scenic downtown lake Monona waterfront, connecting green spaces as varied as Wirth Court Park, McPike Park, and Brittingham Park, this year's festival moves through an equally rich landscape of movement traditions, cultures, and generations. Every stop on the route offers something different and every performer on that grass has a story that is woven into the fabric of this city.

Shifting Gears transforms Madison’s parks and bike paths into a living, breathing stage. This Labor Day, audiences at Wirth Court Park, McPike Park, and Brittingham Park can get a little exercise, soak up the city’s best green spaces, and witness a stunning array of local dance - all completely free. 

Beyond performances, Shifting Gears is a full-day community celebration. Family-friendly activities include bike-decorating, sidewalk chalk, and mini lessons in social and folk dance forms. Each set at every park location will close with a participatory social or folk dance - a chance for audiences to learn something new, get moving, and soak up the final days of summer together. 

Amenities such as porta potties and shade umbrellas will be back thanks to SASYNA. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own shade umbrellas, picnic snacks, and blankets, sunscreen, bug repellent, and any other goodies they might need to enjoy a full day of dance and the outdoors.