Compiled by Shayna Mace | Photo courtesy Madison Central BID
Downtown Madison is hopping with activities this summer for all ages. And, the new #FlockToState initiative is the City of Madison’s Pedestrian Mall Experiment that closes off the 400-600 blocks of State Street to non-emergency traffic for maximum pedestrian walkability until October. A series of new events commemorate the #FlockToState experiment, noted with asterisks below!
July 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
Lunch Time Live, 12-1 p.m.
Free concert on the King Street walkway of the Capitol Square, featuring different live music acts each week.
July 10 & Aug. 7
Wellness Wednesdays*, 4-6 p.m.
Free rock climbing with Boulders Climbing Gym on the 400 block of State Street.
July 16
LOVEzONE LIVE*, 6-7:30 p.m.
A hip hop series featuring a rotating slate of artists, comedians, spoken word artists, poets and more on the 400 block of
State Street.
July 18-21
Maxwell Street Days, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (July 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
The popular summer sidewalk sale returns with the biggest shopping event of the year. Find great bargains on clothing, jewelry, gifts, artwork, sporting goods, books and more, plus fabulous food from State Street and Capitol Square shops and restaurants.
July 26 & Aug. 30
Police in the Park, 4-6 p.m.
Meet downtown Madison police officers, see the motor and bicycle patrol, and meet the horses and dogs of the Mounted Patrol and K9 Unit at Lisa Link Peace Park.
July 27
Are you Ready for a Wisconsin Adventure?*
The Wisconsin Historical Society and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are turning State Street into a road of chance and mystery in honor of Dungeons and Dragons’ 50th anniversary. Brave participants will be on the hunt for the fabled Hodag — a ferocious, lizard-like creature.
July 27-Aug. 11
State Street Games*, 4 p.m.
Join fellow community members to compete in a variety of games, sports and challenges.
July 28 & Aug. 25
Electric Sundays*, 3-7 p.m.
A series of Sunday afternoon music performances in Lisa Link Peace Park with a rotating slate of musicians and performers.
Aug. 8
Madison Night Market, 5-9 p.m.
Vendors mix with State Street retailers to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.
Aug. 12, 26
Kids on State*, 4-6 p.m.
Kids can participate in skills & drills with the Forward Madison Football Club on the 500-600 blocks of State Street (Aug. 12). Kids can bring their bikes for a bike rodeo and obstacle course (Aug. 26).
Aug. 24
Forward Madison Football Club Watch Party*, 6-9 p.m.
Join other Forward Madison Football Club fans at Hawk’s Bar & Grill as they cheer on the home team on the road. There will be drink specials, door prizes and mini games outside.
