Summer in Madison, WI

What happens when you combine a lake-city-lake landscape with sunshine and longer days? You get the perfect summer getaway destination. Summer in Madison is packed with big adventures, farm-fresh food, outdoor festivals and a whole lot more.

Being one of two cities on an isthmus makes it a breeze to shift from outdoor fun on the lakes to downtown life in minutes. That means kayaking, patio dining, biking, shopping, live music and museums all within reach of your hotel room.

Looking for more inspiration? Try these 36 things to do in summer in Madison.

Jump around to more summer things to do:

Lake life
Festivals and fairs
Food and drinks

One of the locals' favorite spots to kayak is the Yahara River which connects Lakes Monona and Mendota. Stop or start at Tenney Park for beautiful views of the Tenney locks.

Lake life is different here

Take your pre-conceived thoughts of a lake town and toss them aside. We do it differently in Madison. Our five lakes and winding Yahara River provide multiple opportunities for new on-the-water experiences. Madison Boats lets you rent a variety of watercraft that you can use to get stellar downtown views. Looking for a beach day? Lake Wingra has a small beach perfect for families just outside the free Henry Vilas Zoo. Looking for a lakeside hike? Lake Kegonsa State Park is perfect. And for a waterfront party unlike anything you've ever seen, you have to check out Fools' Floatilla on the Yahara River.

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Summer festivals and fairs

We'll throw a party for just about anything in Madison. And what better season to celebrate than summer? The season brings along the peak time to celebrate fresh foods like sweet corn, strawberries, brats and mustard. The fresh-air freedom sets the perfect scene for music festivals like La Fete de Marquette, Atwood Fest and Sugar Maple Music Festival. And national recognitions like Juneteenth and Pride shine throughout the season.

Check out our fairs and festivals page and our events calendar for a full lineup of summer fun.

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Sun-kissed flavors

Everything tastes better from a patio, a rooftop or the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. Summertime flavors come alive everywhere you look in innovative dishes driven by collaboration from decorated James Beard award winners and culinary up-and-comers.

The community's focus on farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients expands to the craft beverage scene, where brewers and distillers collaborate to make locally sourced spirits that become award-winning cocktails, mocktails, beers, ciders and more. Many of these drinks can be enjoyed (responsibly!) at awesome patios and outdoor drinking spaces.

For an all-out celebration of hops and more, you have to stop by in August when more than 200 of the country's best breweries convene in Madison for Great Taste of the Midwest, a beer festival featuring live music, food and of course plenty of samples.

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