The temperatures are finally cooling down, and it’s the perfect time to dive into fall festival fun in Madison, WI! Discover the unique vibes of Madison’s neighborhoods, savor amazing brews and food, and enjoy a wide range of experiences this season at the many fall festivals around town.
From nature-inspired activities to celebrations of local art and culture, Madison’s fall festivals offer something for everyone to enjoy!
SEPTEMBER
Curd Fest | September 6
Madison – Fried curds, fresh curds & cheesy goodness galore! Celebrate 12 years of Curd Fest at Breese Stevens Field — it’s going to be legen-dairy!
Thirsty Troll Brew Fest | September 6
Mount Horeb – The Thirsty Troll Brew & Spirits Fest at Tyrol Basin is an intimate beer sampling that features 30+ craft brewers, fermenters, and distillers from across the Midwest serving over 125 different beers, ciders, seltzers, and more. Enjoy great live music on a natural ski hill amphitheater, hop on a chair lift and enjoy the views of the Driftless Region, all while enjoying brews and spirits from craft makers from across the Midwest!
Wauktoberfest | September 11-14
Waunakee – Wanaukee’s 21st 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!
Willy Street Fair | September 20–21
Madison –Come experience Madison’s longest-running neighborhood celebration in the vibrant Willy Street! With five stages of live entertainment and 150 vendors, the good vibes will be nonstop. Don’t miss out!
Monroe Street Festival | September 21
Madison – The Monroe Street Festival is a favorite free community event with fun for all ages! Enjoy sidewalk sales, live music and dance, face painting, plus delicious food from local restaurants.
Monona’s Chili Cook-Off | September 25
Monona –Join the Monona East Side Business Alliance for Monona’s 40th Annual Chili Cook-Off! Taste a variety of chilis—from mild to fiery—and discover bold new flavors alongside cherished family recipes.
Art of Cheese Festival | September 25–28
Madison –From cheese balls to cheese crawls, this festival has everything a cheese lover dreams of. Art of Cheese is a unique artisan cheese celebration designed for the world’s most passionate cheese fans, featuring events throughout the city.
New Glarus Oktoberfest | September 25–28
New Glarus – A traditional German Octoberfest with a unique local personality. Live music, great food, wagon rides, and lots of family fun.
True North Festival | September 27
Madison –This brand-new music and food festival shines a spotlight on everything Madison’s north side has to offer!
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.
OCTOBER
Aldo Leopold Nature Center Fall Fest | October 3
Madison –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.
Madison Vegan Fest | October 4
Madison –This annual festival aims to unite the community through tasty vegan food, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to discover more compassionate living.
Fall Village Market | October 4–5
Mount Horeb –Head to Mount Horeb’s charming historic downtown for a weekend packed with fall festivities—live music, local handmade treasures, food trucks, and much more!
Wisconsin Science Festival | October 16–26
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration featuring activities for everyone across Wisconsin. Enjoy hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops, and more. Be sure to visit their website for events happening in Madison!
Wisconsin Book Festival | October 23–26
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.
The Big Gay Spooky Market | October 26
Madison –The Big Gay Market’s mission is to create inclusive, welcoming, and fun maker and local business markets for the Madison community and beyond. Stay tuned for details on the 2025 spooky-themed market!
2025 Harvest Fest | October TBD 2025
Cambridge –Visit Ripley Park in Cambridge, WI for a fun-filled day with games, spooky theater, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, a petting zoo, and a vendor fair!
NOVEMBER
Madison Hmong New Year | November 1–2
Madison –Join us in celebrating the vibrant Hmong culture by honoring ancestors, recognizing sacrifices and achievements, and preserving traditions as we welcome the upcoming New Year.
Winter Art Fair Off the Square | November 8–9
Madison –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.
Holiday Fantasy in Lights | November 15–December 31
Madison –Cruise through Olin Park to experience one of Madison’s beloved holiday traditions! The dazzling light show is free and on display from dawn till dusk throughout the holiday season.
Black Friday Madison Maker’s Market | November 28
Madison –Shop local this holiday season! Visit multiple locations in Madison to shop over 80 local and regional vendors.
*and soon after, it’s time to embrace the WINTERTIME!
What are you most excited to do this fall in the Madison area?
