The temperatures have finally started to drop and it’s time to enjoy fall festival fun in Madison, WI! Explore the diversity of the Madison neighborhoods, incredible brews and food, and an abundance of experiences this season at the variety of fall festivals in the Madison area.
There are plenty of fall festivals and fairs in Madison for families to enjoy, including activities that embrace nature, promote local art, and more.
SEPTEMBER
Art in the Park | September 1
New Glarus – Experience the charm of the New Glarus Art Festival, an exquisite celebration of fine arts and crafts held every Labor Day weekend.
Thirsty Troll Brew Fest | September 7
Mount Horeb – The Thirsty Troll Brew Fest is marking its 20th anniversary this year with an exciting lineup featuring 30 craft breweries and over 125 unique beers. Start training your shoulders so you are ready to participate in the steinholding contest!
Wauktoberfest | September 12 – 15
Waunakee – Wanaukee’s 20th Annual German Celebration! New this year to the food, live music, and several quirky German-themed competitions is a wood dance floor for polka enthusiasts!
Verona Fall Fest | September 27
Verona – Two days packed with food, games, crafts, and all the fall fun you can handle. Live music, a beer tent, fall games galore, plus hay rides, a petting farm, and Food Truck Alley.
2024 Fall Beer Taste | September 21
Sun Prairie – Tickets are required for this one and it’s obviously adults only. The 7th Annual Fall Beer Taste kicks off the season with brews of all varieties from over 20 participating vendors.
Monroe Street Festival | September 21
Madison – The Monroe Street Festival is a beloved local free event that offers something for folks of all ages to enjoy. There are sidewalk sales galore, live music and dance, face painting, and even food offerings from many local restaurants
Willy Street Fair | September 21 – 22
Madison – The Willy Street Fair takes place annually on the third weekend of September, one of the longest-running neighborhood events in the area. Live music is the star of the show, featuring five entertainment stages and vendors galore.
New Glarus Oktoberfest | September 26 – 29
New Glarus – A traditional German Octoberfest with a unique local personality. Live music, great food, wagon rides, and lots of family fun.
OCTOBER
Wisconsin Book Festival | October 17 – 20
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.
Aldo Leopold Nature Center Fall Fest | October 18
When the dusky autumn sky turns from red to gray, the “Creatures of the Night” will come out to play! Fall Fest – the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s annual fun-filled night of spooky activities indoors and out, features plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy! This event is FREE and features a FREE shuttle from Ahuska Park.
NOVEMBER
Winter Art Fair Off the Square | November 9 – 10
If you enjoy the summer Art Fair on the Square festival up by the capitol, you’ll want to check out this companion event at the Monona Terrace. Enjoy the work from dozens of local Wisconsin artists.
*and soon after, it’s time to embrace the WINTERTIME!
What are you most excited to do this fall in the Madison area?
