Fall Things to Do in Madison

Madison is one of those “you’ve gotta see this for yourself” kind of places. A place where life is full of breathtaking, memory-making, trailblazing and jaw-dropping moments. A fall-in-one destination where all your favorite things to do come together.

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with fresh farmers' market produce, foodie fests and fall flavors. Join in tradition and jump around one of America's favorite college towns at a Badger football game. Experience outdoor adventure in the city with autumn's best views and smells of the cool lake breeze. Fall just hits different in Madison.

Fall fun is all around in the capital city. Find your favorite fall to-dos:

• Fall colors
• Fall flavors
• Badger sports
• Fall fairs and fests
• Spooky season

Fall flavors for all

Some may say that Madison in the fall = a foodie's dream. Why, you might ask? 

The freshest flavors come forward at the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country on the Capitol Square every Saturday morning. Enjoy all the farm-fresh flavors without any of the preparation and dive headfirst into Madison's farm-to-table culture.

Your comfort food cravings are guaranteed to be satisfied after a trip to Madison this fall. Warm up with savory bites crafted by James Beard-nominated chefs or explore your way through locally owned coffee shops for pumpkin spice, chai and all the must-have fall flavors.

Experience autumn on tap and get all the Oktoberfest-in-Madison vibes by diving into the city's craft beverage scene at our dozens of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. Sign up for the FREE Madison On Tap Craft Beverage Trail pass, get discounts at 30+ locations and win prizes. 

Looking for a tasty family-friendly fall trip? You won't want to miss apple cider donuts, caramel-coated goodness and pumpkin pastries at some of the Madison area's best farms for fall fun.

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The Season to Jump Around

A new tradition is around every corner in Madison, and the best tradition in college sports happens at Camp Randall Stadium during home Badger football games. 80,000 fans Jump Around during the House of Pain classic between the third and fourth quarters, which is just the cherry on top of all you can do in Madison on a Badger fall sports weekend.

Football isn't the only sport that dominates fall in Madison. The University of Wisconsin–Madison women's volleyball team won the 2021 NCAA Championship and has continued to create an electric environment on game days at the Kohl Center. Bringing the whole family along is a must. Kids are invited to welcome the starting lineup on the court, which makes for a fall memory they will keep with them for years.

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Can't-Miss Fall Fairs and Fests

With festivals for every foodie, family-friendly fairs, Oktoberfest celebrations and everything in between, fall in Madison is one eventful season!

It's no secret that Madison is for foodies all year long, but especially in the fall, you can find festivals that fit any taste preference. Check out returning festivals like the Taste of Madison—the largest food and music festival in Madison. Or, back for its second year, celebrate the city's beloved north side at True North Music & Food Festival. New this year, head to Seven Acre Dairy Co. in Paoli for the Sugar River Fire & Smoke BBQ Festival—a celebration of BBQ, live music and more with renowned pitmaster and TV personality, Michelle Wallace.

What's fall in the Midwest without Oktoberfest festivities? New Glarus Oktoberfest is an annual event featuring craft beer—including New Glarus Brewing Company's renowned Oktoberfest Staghorn—traditional Swiss and German food and treats, great music and unforgettable vibes. And, over in Middleton, join Capital Brewery in the Biergarten for their 6th annual Oktoberfest full of live music, ice-cold craft beer and beloved activities.

You won't want to miss other classic fall festivals, including neighborhood celebrations like the Willy Street Fair and Monroe Street Festival, seasonally themed events like Witches Night Out and The Big Gay Spooky Market, plus other family-friendly occasions like Wisconsin Book Festival, Wisconsin Science Festival, Middleton's Stars Hollow Days and Mount Horeb's Fall Village Market.

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It's About to Get Spooky

As the leaves change colors and the air gets cooler, Madison takes on a delightfully eerie charm. With centuries of history, it's no surprise that legendary stories and mysteries still linger today, making Madison the perfect place for a spooky adventure. From city ghost tours and haunted houses to eerie local legends, scary stories and Halloween events, there are plenty of ways to experience the hauntingly fun side of the capital city in the fall.

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