Things To Do
Art Fair on the Square
One of the Midwest’s most popular and highly regarded outdoor celebrations of the arts will return to the Capitol Square on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, 2022, as MMoCA presents the 64th annual Art Fair on the Square. 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, the fair draws nearly 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Capitol Square. 2022 ART FAIR SCHEDULE Saturday, July 9, 2022 (9 am–6 pm) Sunday, July 10, 2022 (10 am–5 pm)
Dane County Farmers' Market
Every Saturday 6:15am - 1:45pm. While the Farmers' Market is usually on Capitol Square, during the Art Fair on the Square, it will be located at Breese Stevens Field. Most vendor's only accept cash, but some accept Venmo or credit cards as well. Our Favorite Vendors at the Market: Hook's Cheese Company Yummee Treats & Bakery Stella's Bakery for Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread
Wisconsin State Capitol
It’s free to walk inside and also to go up to the observation deck! There are also tons of places around The Capitol to grab a beer, Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned, cheese curds, or Friday Fish Fry!
State Street
This pedestrian-friendly street connects UW-Madison’s campus with the Capitol. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars!
Memorial Union Terrace
Located on UW-Madison’s campus, this is a great place to hang out and watch the sunset over Lake Mendota! Grab a beer, some ice cream, or cheese curds as well. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Sunburst Chairs.
Babcock Hall Dairy Store
Casual dairy shop run by the UW-Madison Agriculture Department, with ice cream, cheese & cafe eats. Some of the best ice cream you’ll find in the Dairy State!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Located on the east side of downtown Madison, this will require a car or Uber to get to. But this beautiful botanical garden is free to walk through!
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park
A fun place on the east side for beer and brats! There are also great views of the Capitol from across the lake!
Brittingham Boats
Kayak, canoe, or paddle boat your way around Monona Bay and Lake Monona! Beautiful Madison skyline views from the water as well! Reservations in advance are recommended to ensure availability.
Henry Vilas Zoo
This wonderful neighborhood zoo is free to walk through and located next to a beautiful park on the west side of downtown Madison. May require a car/Uber.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Beautiful contemporary art museum in the heart of downtown Madison with a rooftop sculpture garden as well! Free admission.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
The Arboretum features distinct ecological communities, horticultural collections, effigy mounds, more than 17 miles of trails, and a Visitor Center. Free to explore! Requires a car or Uber to get to.
Monroe Street Farmers' Market
Located at Edgewood High School (2219 Monroe Street) every Sunday 9am - 1pm. Most vendor's only accept cash, but some accept Venmo or credit cards as well. Our favorite vendor: Bloom Bake Shop
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
A changing roster of craft brews & pub eats served in a lively venue with beer garden & pool tables.
Eno Vino Downtown
Sleek spot with floor-to-ceiling windows & dramatic Capitol views for tapas, craft cocktails & wine.
Graze Restaurant
Lively gastropub plating farm-to-table comfort fare in a modern glass venue with Capitol views.
The Old Fashioned
Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds (all sourced in-state).
Lucille
Vintage, industrial-chic tavern with 3 floors serving wood-fired & steel-pan pizzas, plus cocktails.
Heritage Tavern
Upscale New American fare for dinner & weekend brunch served in a classy space with old-world flair.
Marigold Kitchen
Bright, counter-serve eatery featuring creative breakfast & lunch fare plus outdoor seating.
Wonderstate Coffee - Madison Cafe
Bloom Bake Shop
Bluegrass Fridays at the Edgewater
After a two-year hiatus, Brewgrass Fridays are back on the lakefront plaza at The Edgewater in Madison, WI. This popular summer series, in partnership with Door County Brewing Company, features some of the nation’s best bluegrass bands along with a Friday night Fish Fry. The season kicks off on Friday, June 10, with Luke Callen and headliner Charlie Parr. All concerts are free and open to the public. Bands (June10-August 26) This year’s band lineup includes: Jacob Jolliff Band (7/8) Classic Wisconsin Fish Fry with traditional rye bread, fries and coleslaw begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Icehouse, live music starts at 6:00 p.m. and we’ll be serving your favorite Door County Brews on the Plaza. Seating is first come, first served, and spectacular sunsets are complimentary!