Top Festivals and Fairs

If you're looking for festivals and fairs in Madison, look no further.

Summer means warm days, cold local brews and beats to get you on your feet. Winter and fall give way to perfectly brewed bock beers and hearty fare. In spring, annual staple events like International Festival connect the Madison community to its cultural heritage.

Explore the streets of Madison’s diverse neighborhoods and join the festival fun with these annual celebrations.

Check out our event calendar for a full list of all events happening in Madison.

April

Wisconsin Film Festival | April 3 –10
We’ve all had our fair share of Netflix binges. Sure, they're fun, but there's something special about sitting in a theater. No distractions. No ads. No notifications. At the Wisconsin Film Festival, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the magic of big-screen shows.

SAUCED Night Market | April 11
This spring night market is dedicated to emerging chefs, artists and artisans. Check out the over 50 local vendors that will be in attendance at Garver Feed Mill from 5 to 10 p.m.

Midwest Horse Fair | April 11 – 13
The Midwest Horse Fair is the top three-day horse fair in America. Every year the fair gets bigger and better.

Doundrins Annual Bloody Mary Fest | April 12
The Annual Bloody Mary Fest at Doundrins Distilling in Cottage Grove is your opportunity to sample Bloody Marys from dozens of bars and restaurants and vote for your favorite.

Wisconsin Craft Cider Tasting | April 12
Taste delicious beverages from more than 20 cideries and wineries. Check out all Wisconsin has to offer during this annual event at Mershon's Cidery in Stoughton.

Bodega Night Market | April 24
The Bodega at Breese Stevens Field hosts more than 60 local artisans and food vendors. Shop local, enjoy family friendly entertainment and enjoy delicious bites and sips.

Sprout Spring Market | April 26 – 27
Discover handmade treasures, unique artworks, ingenious creations and more at this free annual celebration!

May

Latino Art Fair | May 2
Celebrate the heritage of Latino art and culture with artists throughout Wisconsin, who sell and exhibit paintings, pottery, jewelry and more.

2025 Madison Derby Party at The Edgewater | May 3
Join in for the 7th annual Derby Party featuring live New Orleans' Jazz. Play race day inspired yard games like ring toss, bags, shuffleboard and more! Derby attire not required, but very encouraged.

Madison Night Market | May 8
The annual Madison Night Market takes place on five Thursdays throughout the year. With local art, artisan, food, produce and shopping vendors lined up and down State Street along with live music, food trucks and pop-up restaurant experiences, downtown Madison is the place to be on a Thursday night.

Uncork Me Wisconsin | May 10
Yard games, snacks and ice cream accompany this all-you-can-sample wine event at Breese Stevens Field.

Syttende Mai Norwegian Heritage Festival | May 16 – 18
Come for the food, stay for the Viking Games. It’s three full days of parades, food, drinks, art, music, athletic competitions and kids’ activities. All centered around the Norwegian cultural traditions.

World's Largest Brat Fest | May 23 – 25
The World’s Largest Brat Fest happens in Madison. Over 40 years after its small parking lot start, the still-family-friendly Brat Fest features 100 free musical acts, fireworks, a carnival and of course, brats – with more than $2 million donated to local charities since 1983.

Vegan Sausage Fest | May 24
Head to Ahsuka Park in Monona, WI for this free fest and enjoy delicious food options for a variety of plant-based vendors!

Bodega Night Market | May 29
The Bodega at Breese Stevens Field hosts over 60 local artisans and food vendors. Shop local, enjoy family friend entertainment and yard games, plus food and drink options at this unique night market.

Madison Irish Fest | May 30 – June 1
Enjoy all things Irish music, food, drinks, dancing and more! One ticket gets you three days of fun at three locations including Awildan Distilling, Four Winds Farm and Garver Feed Mill.

Festa Italia | May 31 – June 1
Hosted by the Italian Workmen's Club, this annual event in Fitchburg is a three-day celebration of family, food and Italian culture.

LunART Festival | TBD 2025
LunART is an annual festival in Madison dedicated to promoting women’s creativity in the arts. See website for more information and for the full festival schedule.

June

Verona Hometown Days | June 6 – 8
When they call Verona, WI "Hometown, USA" they mean it! This festival is a family event full of music, carnival attractions, and kid's activities, and serves as a fundraiser for community non-profits.

608 Day | June 8
Celebrate all the things we love about Madison and the 608 area with specials around town. Look for sweet deals on food, lodging, drinks and more.

Madison Night Market | June 12
The annual Madison Night Market takes place on five Thursdays throughout the year. With local art, artisan, food, produce and shopping vendors lined up and down State Street along with live music, food trucks and pop-up restaurant experiences, downtown Madison is the place to be on a Thursday night.

Mount Horeb Summer Frolic | June 12 – 15
Nothing says summer like a good frolic. Kick off your summer with a full weekend of entertainment, including a carnival, live music, the Norsk Run, basketball, volleyball, fireworks, a parade and more.

New Glarus Polkafest | June 13 – 14
Step into Switzerland with a tribute to Roger Bright, a beloved figure in the polka world. Celebrate with live polka music, local beer and lively dancing.

Beer, Bacon & Cheese Fest | June 14
Attention foodies and anyone else with a love for some of the greatest flavors known to man! The New Glarus Beer, Bacon & Cheese Fest is an afternoon of sampling some of the region’s most unforgettable flavors.

Heidi Folk Festival | June 14
Experience the European flavor only New Glarus — lovingly-known as Little Switzerland — can offer. This weekend-long celebration is highlighted by local actors recreating the classic play Heidi.

Marquette Waterfront Festival | June 14 – 15
This annual festival features the iconic Fools Flotilla. Other activities include a mix of local talent and national touring favorites, kid's games, unique vendors and more.

Midwest Fire Fest | June 14 – 15
The hottest event in the Midwest. Midwest Fire Fest is a celebration of all things created with fire, heat and smoke including clay, metal arts, glass and more. There is an on-site firing and reveal of a giant clay sculpture, Community Iron Pour, Fire Dancers, Saturday Night’s Fire Feast and smoking hot music all weekend.

Schumacher Farm Summer Lawn Party | June 18
Schumacher Farm Park's summer lawn party features live music by the Waunnastrummers, lawn games and evening refreshments.

Strawberry Fest | June 19
Strawberries invade the Fitchburg Farmers' Market! Grab a Culver’s Strawberry Sundae, enjoy live music and discover lots of strawberry themed offerings.

Juneteenth Celebration | June 19 – 21
Hosted by Kujichagulia-Madison Center for Self Determination, this historical celebration of Black American emancipation, history, and influence on American history and culture will take place over the weekend of June 19th featuring a parade followed by a park celebration.

The Sessions at Garver Feed Mill | June 19 – 22
Catch musical performances all weekend long during the Sessions at Garver Feed Mill. Check the website for the full 2025 schedule and line up!

Taste of Stoughton | June 21
Local Stoughton restaurants offer up the best of their menus for this food festival. Of course, you can’t have local fare without local brews, ciders, wines and music. Taste of Stoughton has it all.

Make Music Madison | June 21
Join us as Madison comes alive with sound. Free outdoor performances across the city are a wonderful way to welcome summer.

Bodega Night Market | June 26
The Bodega at Breese Stevens Field hosts over 60 local artisans and food vendors. Shop local, enjoy family friend entertainment and yard games, plus food and drink options at this unique night market.

Festival Foods Lights the Isthmus | TBD 2025
This one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration will be held at Madison’s Breese Stevens Field with local bands, food, beverages & fireworks making this a must-see fest.

Madison Jazz Festival | TBD 2025
The 2024 Madison Jazz Festival returns on Friday, June 7, 2024, with 10 days of jazz across Greater Madison, culminating with two days at the Memorial Union Terrace, June 15-16. There's something for everyone - free concerts, presentations, and ticketed shows featuring some of today's finest jazz artists.

SummerPalooza | TBD 2025
Summer comes screaming in with family fun at the Madison Children's Museum. Free admission to the museum, free performances outside and more are in store.

Harry Whitehorse International Woodcarving Festival | June 2026
This international fest will feature artists from Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Yukon Territory, Switzerland, Peru, and Ukraine. Watch the incredible process as these artists transform huge locally collected trees, into beautiful pieces of art from the shade of hand-built wigwams.

July

Monona Community Festival | July 3 – 4
This festival takes place in one of Wisconsin's most beautiful community parks and features a craft fair, carnival, fireworks, live performances and the Wisconsin Wife Carry Championship.

Stoughton Fair | July 2 – 6
From 4-H and bingo to a barn dance and a fish fry, the Stoughton Fair is sure to connect you to the local agricultural community in a fun, interactive way.

WaunaBoom | July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with live music, free fun family activities, food, and a large firework show.

Catfish River Music Festival | July 4 – 6
Check out the annual Stoughton Opera House Friends Association fundraising event with live music in the Rotary Park gazebo, food and drink vendors and local art vendors.

Art Fair on the Square | July 12 – 13
With its mix of music, entertainment, and outdoor dining, as well as over 500 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories, and fine craft, this fair, returning for its 64th year, draws nearly 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Capitol Square.

Dane County Fair | July 17 – 20
Ah, the magic of the county fair. This one features a world-class carnival, free nightly concerts, great food, animals, youth projects and commercial exhibitors.

New Glarus Blues, Brews & Food Truck Festival | July 19
Jam with local musicians while you savor craft beers from New Glarus Brewing Company. A variety of delicious foods from local food carts make this free festival a summer essential.

Mount Horeb Art Fair | July 19 – 20
Mount Horeb’s Art Fair takes place on their Trollway (AKA their historic Main Street) and highlights fine artists & crafters from around the Midwest.

Atwood Fest | July 26 – 27
One of Madison's hippest neighborhoods comes together for their favorite annual music festival. Food and craft vendors abound in an artistic, and delicious, weekend of fun.

WaunaFest | July 25 – 28
Family fun abounds at this Waunakee community festival. Carnival rides, live music and daily family events are just a few of the fun things in store.

La Fête de Marquette | TBD 2025
This iconic summer festival is free and features dozens of musical acts, fare from local restaurants and a movie under the stars.

Maxwell Street Days | TBD 2025
Maxwell Street Days has been a Madison tradition for over 40 years. The State Street sidewalk sale provides attendees with great bargains on clothes, art, sporting goods and more.

August

Sugar Maple Music Festival | August 1 – 2
This isn't your normal music festival. An outdoor celebration of traditional music and dance, the two-day festivities involve intimate educational workshops and jams. 

National Mustard Day | August 2
A funky festival dedicated to the king of condiments? You gotta be there. Bring the family to sample mustards from the enormous collection at the National Mustard Museum and enjoy live music.

NGFD Firefest | August 2
It’s fun for the whole family during this New Glarus festival, which features firetruck rides, water fights, inflatable rides and fire safety information.

Swiss Volksfest | August 4
Enjoy all things Swiss and celebrate Swiss Independence Day. Yodeling, thalerschwingen and alphorn music will teleport you to the rolling hills of Switzerland.

Cambridge Rib Fest | August 9 – 11
Head to Cambridge for a BBQ competition and tasting, with categories like wings, ribs, Overall & People's Choice.

Great Taste of the Midwest | August 10
One of America's premier beer festivals makes it home in Madison. More than 190 of the Midwest's craft brewers - — and 6,000 beer fanatics - — descend on Olin Park for a delicious dive into the world of beer. 

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival | August 14 – 18
With over 80 tons of sweet corn in one place, plus family-friendly fun, this is Sun Prairie festival is one to add to your calendar.

Africa Fest | August 17
Come celebrate and share in African traditions and cultural heritages. This festival provides opportunities for inclusiveness in the Madison area.

Agora Art Fair | August 17
Surround yourself with art from over 100 local and regional artists from every medium, amid the unique architecture of the agora and the natural prairie landscape of southern Wisconsin.

Coffee Break Festival | August 17
Back in 1880, Stoughton's Coffee Street had daily breaks for coffee. Today, the tradition lives on in this annual festival, held every third Saturday in August.

Eken Park Festival | August 17
Head to Madison's north side for a family-friendly festival that honors community. Diverse music creates a memorable soundtrack as you dine on local cuisine and beer.

New Glarus Whiskey, Wine and Cheese Fest | August 17
A wonderful afternoon of Whiskey, Wine, Cheese, Mead, apps and other food pairings! This event always promises to be a good time!

OutReach Magic Festival: A Pride Celebration | August 18
With an atmosphere of community, live entertainment and more, this Pride festival is one of a kind.

Madison Night Market | August 21
The annual Madison Night Market takes place on five Thursdays throughout the year. With local art, artisan, food, produce and shopping vendors lined up and down State Street along with live music, food trucks and pop-up restaurant experiences, downtown Madison is the place to be on a Thursday night.

Good Neighbor Festival | August 23 – 25
Middleton has come together to celebrate neighborly spirit for 59 years. Good music, good food and good neighbors – what more could you ask for?

Orton Park Festival | August 23 – 25
The east side's Orton Park Festival is one of the country's longest-running outdoor music festivals. Enjoy four days of great music, a wide array of vendors and spectacular aerial trapeze performances.

Seltzer & Cider Fest | August 24
Head to Breese Stevens Field for a taste of local and national seltzers, ciders, teas and kombuchas. Enjoy music, games and food with your sips.

Curd Fest | August 25
Fried curds, fresh curds and more! Eats, drinks, and entertainment for the whole family! Celebrate at Breese Stevens Field for the 10th anniversary of curd fest.

Taste of Madison | August 31 – September 1
A free two-day event on Madison's beautiful Capitol Square over Labor Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) with three stages of music, food from 80 vendors and fun for all ages.

Wilhelm Tell Festival | August 31 – September 1
The quaint downtown of New Glarus is your host for historic revitalization. Lederhosen will be plentiful as the community gathers for the story of Swiss Independence.

Hop Festival & Beer Tasting | TBD 2025
Join fellow food and drink lovers at Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg for this first time festival. Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day celebrating hops, local breweries, delicious food, and live music.

September

Art in the Park | September 1
New Glarus Art in the Park is an annual fine arts and crafts event. Art in the Park takes place every labor day weekend on Sunday in beautiful downtown New Glarus.

Thirsty Troll Brew Fest | September 7
What's a summer festival without beer sampling? The Thirsty Troll Brew Fest is celebrating 20 years this year with a festival that will feature 30 craft brewers serving over 125 different beers. Don't forget to join the "masskrugstemmen" or steinholding competition!

Wauktoberfest | September 12 – 15
Everyday there will be food, beer, music, inflatables, hammer sluggin, & pumpkin decorating!

Madison Night Market | September 18
The annual Madison Night Market takes place on five Thursdays throughout the year. With local art, artisan, food, produce and shopping vendors lined up and down State Street along with live music, food trucks and pop-up restaurant experiences, downtown Madison is the place to be on a Thursday night.

Verona Fall Fest | September 27
Join the Verona community for a celebration of all things autumn.

2024 Fall Beer Taste | September 21
Head over to Sun Prairie for the 7th Annual Fall Beer Taste! Cheers to the beginning of fall with Oktoberfests, fall beers, ales, seltzers or ciders from over 20 participating vendors.

Monroe Street Festival | September 21
Stop by Monroe Street to attend this popular, long-running neighborhood festival! Take part in children's activities, entertainment and sidewalk sales galore.

Willy Street Fair | September 21 – 22
Join Madison's longest-running neighborhood gathering in the hip Willy Street neighborhood. Five stages of entertainment and 150 vendors will keep the good vibes flowing. 

New Glarus Oktoberfest | September 26 – 29
New Glarus welcomes October with their own version of the traditional German Octoberfest. Wagon rides and chainsaw carving add unique local flair.

Madison Vegan Fest | September 28
This annual festival’s mission is to bring people together to enjoy delicious vegan food, hear from speakers and explore ways to live more compassionately.

Monona's Chili Cook-Off | September 28
Join Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA) for the time-honored tradition of Monona's 40th Chili Cook-Off. Find flavors ranging from mild to spicy, and dishes featuring bold new ingredients or recipes passed down many generations.

October

Fall Village Market | TBD 2025
Visit Mount Horeb's historic downtown for a weekend full of fall fun including live music, local handmade goods, food trucks and more.

Paoli Fall Fest | TBD 2025
Kick off fall in Paoli with special offers at local shops, enjoy live music, discover new fall flavors and shop for autumn treasures.

2024 Harvest Fest | TBD 2025
Head to Ripley Park in Cambridge, WI to enjoy an array of engaging activities, including games, a spooky theater, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, a petting zoo and vendor fair!

Wisconsin Science Festival | TBD 2025
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration with activities for people throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more. Check out their website for Madison-held events.

Madison Night Market | October 16
The annual Madison Night Market takes place on five Thursdays throughout the year. With local art, artisan, food, produce and shopping vendors lined up and down State Street along with live music, food trucks and pop-up restaurant experiences, downtown Madison is the place to be on a Thursday night.

Witches Night Out | TBD 2025
Calling all witches and warlocks. People come from all over for Witches Night Out, where everyone dresses up like witches and warlocks and enjoys shopping, dining and spending time with friends.

Wisconsin Book Festival | TBD 2025
Enjoy free, public author events that celebrate books and spark conversations. Each year, the festival creates a robust schedule of accomplished and new writers whose books appeal to all ages of readers.

November

Madison Hmong New Year | November 2 – 3
Come celebrate the rich festivities of the Hmong culture by remember ancestors, sacrifices, and accomplishments and preserving traditions in honor of the upcoming new year.

Winter Art Fair Off the Square | November 9 – 10
The companion of the annual summer Art Fair on the Square features over 135 local Wisconsin artists with selections of pottery, paintings, photography, and more!

Holiday Fantasy in Lights | November 9 – December 31
Drive through Olin Park for one of Madison's favorite holiday traditions! The light show is free and open with the lights shining from dawn til dusk through the holiday season.

Flannel Fest | November 16
All the fall feels in one spot. Music, food and, of course, flannels mark this annual festival.

Black Friday Madison Maker's Market | November 29
Shop local this holiday season! Visit multiple locations in Madison to shop over 80 local and regional vendors.

December

Holiday Fantasy in Lights | November 9 – December 31
Drive through Olin Park for one of Madison's favorite holiday traditions! The light show is free and open with the lights shining from dawn til dusk through the holiday season.

Hometown Holidays | December 6
Get in the holiday spirit in downtown Verona as the Hometown Holidays celebration kicks off. Come for the holiday spirit and stay for the annual tree lighting celebration, ice skating, Holiday Trolley Express rides, hot cocoa and more!

New Glarus Christkindli Market | December 6 – 8
Transport yourself to the winter wonderland that is Little Switzerland with the Christkindli Market. With locally sourced gifts, holiday decorations, and warm food, there’s a little something for everyone. Who knows, you just might see St. Nick himself make an appearance.

Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival | December 7
Looking for unique, socially responsible, handmade gifts this year? If so, you can enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere of the 28th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center!

Christkindl Market at Seven Acre Dairy Co. | December 13 – 15
With hand-selected vendors, this event will bring together top makers, artists, and small businesses alike for a highly curated event experience and holiday shopping experience! Guests will feel like they’ve stepped inside a curated Wisconsin winter lodge fit with beautiful gifts to ease their holiday shopping needs.

Starkweather Winter Solstice Celebration | December 21
Join the Friends of Starkweather Creek for the 23rd annual winter solstice celebration! Bring your thoughts to forget and wishes to ascend from the fire ash during this gathering of community, nature, humanity, and life on earth on the shortest day of the year.

January

Wisconsin Fest 2025 | January 11 – 18
Wisconsin Fest is back for the 11th year! This two weekend music festival gives the opportunity to showcase our state's diverse musical artistry. Enjoy eight unique genres over five nights across three of Madison's venues.
Funk Fest at Majestic Theatre | January 11
Metal Fest at High Noon Saloon | January 11
Punk Fest at High Noon Saloon | January 17
Bluegrass Fest at The Sylvee | January 18
Hip Hop Fest at High Noon Saloon | January 18

Beer & Cheese Fest | January 18
A popular, often sold-out event, Beer & Cheese Fest is a can’t-miss. Warm up in the heart of winter with samples of hundreds of delicious cheeses and beers while you mingle with brewers and cheesemakers from across the state.

N/A Day: A "Dry January" Beverage Festival | January 18
N/A Day is back for it's second year at The Bur Oak. Purchase tickets for the opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products in the wide-ranging, ever-evolving and rapidly-growing non-alcoholic drink market.

Wisconsin Grown Up Book Fair | January 25 – 26
The 4th annual adult book fair is back! Stop by The Sylvee as it is transformed into one of the fondest places from your childhood, the book fair. Enjoy food, beverages and other on-site activations. Saturday sessions are grown-ups only (18+) and Sunday sessions are family friendly.

Fun Prairie Frozen Fest | January 29 – February 2
Join in the annual celebration of all things snowy and cold in Sun Prairie. Mark your calendars for multiple days of frozen fun, ending with the 77th annual Groundhog Day Prognostication on February 2.

February

Frozen Assets Festival | February 3 – 9
A 5K held entirely on the ice? Count us in. After the race, stay for free family-friendly activities on the ice.

Winter Carnival | February 6 – 8
This annual carnival offers so much to do, from 3D snowflake making to snowshoe rentals and the appearance of Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota Enjoy all things winter in the heart of UW Madison’s campus.

Scandihoovian Winter Festival | February 7 – 9
One chilly weekend every February, the people of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, don their red pointy hats as they celebrate the town's Scandinavian heritage. All are welcome to join in this weekend-long family-friendly celebration of winter!

Lunar New Year Celebration | February 8
Downtown Madison is the place to celebrate Lunar New Year! State Street comes alive as Chinese Lion Dancers make their way down the street, stopping by stores and restaurants along the way, arriving at Lisa Link Peace Park for their celebratory performance.

Self-Discovery Weekend and Winter Getaway | February 14 – 15
Escape the winter blues and join the Monona East Side Business Alliance for a transformative experience. This event is designed to breathe new life into the slower winter months, for adventurous souls seeking a unique opportunity.

Femmestival | February 23
Celebrate and uplift women, femmes and nonbinary entrepreneurs, artists, and producers in a space that cultivates economic inclusivity, equity and proliferation.

March

Bockfest | March 1
What’s more beautiful than celebrating beer with your besties? Bockfest happens at Capital Brewery every year. You don’t wanna miss this winter beer fest.

International Festival | March 8
Join in the celebration of Madison' rich cultural heritage and diversity. Taking place at the Overture Center, this event offers free performances, food from across the world, art available for purchase and more.

Madison Shamrock Shuffle | March 15
The Madison Shamrock Shuffle happens year around St. Patrick’s Day. The race will start and finish on the 600 Block of State Street.

St. Patrick's Day Parade | March 16
It's time for 'the wearing of the green!' Bring your family and friends and gather around the Capitol Square for the 24th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.