Amid the summer, there is no better time than to explore what Madison looks like at its finest and warmest. The city comes alive with activities to suit every taste and preference. As a local looking to explore new adventures or a visitor wandering by this article prepares you to discover the best ways to soak up the summer in Wisconsin's capital city. In this Redfin article, our experts give you a comprehensive look at the top summer things to do in Madison, WI, whether you’re looking for the best cheese curds or your next date.
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Explore nature’s beauty
“In summer especially, though equally amazing all seasons, we recommend a trip to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Wandering the outdoor gardens in full bloom is a treat like no other,” says Steve Rader from Willie Fun Madison, a full-service event rental company. The Olbrich botanical garden hosts 16 acres of outdoor gardens and the Bolz Conservatory houses more than 650 plants. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens also hosts a variety of classes and events suitable for all ages, covering topics ranging from arts and wellness to learning and beyond.
In addition to the Olbrich Botanical Garen, Sarah Savage from Tend Native Plants suggests to visitors, “Located on the near-west side, the UW Arboretum is a natural gem with 17 miles of trails through ecologically restored landscapes including the world's oldest restored prairie. If you're new to Wisconsin, the 4-acre Wisconsin Native Plant Garden is a great place to start. Designed by renowned landscape architect Darrel Morrison, you can walk through 15 gardens with hundreds of native Wisconsin plant species for some home landscaping inspiration.”
Scott Oeth Head Guide & Owner of the Bull Moose Patrol shares, “I grew up on Madison's southwest side where I could walk out my backdoor and hike into the University of Wisconsin's Arboretum. The many years of exploring and enjoying the hiking trails through the Arboretum's restored prairies, pine forest, marshes, stands of oaks, and shores of Lake Wingra were wonderfully formative! There are many unique cultural experiences in Madison, but I rank a day hike in the University's Arboretum at the top of Madison's outdoor experiences. Paddling the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is another gem. I've guided canoe camping trips all over the country, and I still rank Lower Wisconsin as one of my favorites!”
Courtesy of Grow Greenhouse
Shop local flowers
Summer is flower season and what better way to remember your trip than a beautiful souvenir?
Jon Petre from Felly’s Flowers says, “Experience the vibrant selection of locally grown annuals and perennials at one of Felly's Flowers' four convenient Madison locations. Since 1949, we've been the trusted source for high-quality indoor and outdoor plants, making homes and gardens beautiful for over 75 years. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to provide expert advice and exceptional customer service, ensuring you find the perfect plants for your needs. Visit Felly's Flowers to explore our stunning array of greenery and see why we've been a cherished part of the Madison community for generations. Transform your space with the beauty and quality that only Felly's Flowers can provide.
Another great place to shop for flowers and plants is the Grow Greenhouse. Melissa O'Brien, owner of the Grow Greenhouse states, “Discover Grow Greenhouse at Garver Feed Mill this summer and find the perfect houseplant to adorn your home or patio. With over 1,000 plants throughout the building, you're bound to find the ideal addition to your space. See a plant or pot you love? Simply scan the QR code, pay online, and take it home today! For those eager to learn more, attend a make-and-take workshop with GROW GREENHOUSE, where you can create kokedamas, terrariums, and moss walls. Our expert staff will guide you through each project, ensuring you leave with both knowledge and a beautiful creation.
Uncover local art
Art does an incredible job of helping illustrate Wisconsin's culture. Wisconsin-based artist Rachel Christopoulos states, “Every resident should come to downtown Madison and enjoy the Art Fair off the Square, put on by the non-profit WAAC (Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople.) Each summer, this art fair showcases the most talented resident Wisconsin artists who create and contribute to a growing arts culture within the state. Art Fair off the Square is the place to go to interact and find one-of-a-kind artwork.”
If live art is more of your scene, then the Madison Youth Arts has you covered. “Looking for a fun, low-key night of entertainment with your kids? No summer is complete without visiting a summer stage production from Children's Theater of Madison, with performances at MYArts. These shows feature Madison-area youth performers who sing, dance, and act their hearts out. More information can be found here: https://ctmtheater.org/see-a-show/2024-summer-stage-shows/."
Cool off in some water
Madison offers inviting lakeshores perfect for a day of beachfront enjoyment. Madison's 12 beaches have a multitude of activities in the summer whether you prefer swimming, fishing, playing beach games, or simply unwinding on the shore. Two beaches we recommend are B.B. Clarke Beach Park and James Madison Park!
If pools are your preferred choice of cooling off then Anne Shlimovitz Director of Communications for the Jewish Federation of Madison has a great suggestion when she says, “Enjoy some time this summer relaxing and swimming at the Goodman Aquatic Center’s beautiful 5,500-square-foot outdoor pool surrounded by lush nature. Located at the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Jewish Community Campus in Verona, the pool has a zero-depth entry, making it accessible to everyone. It has six 25-meter lanes for lap swimming, deck chairs for lounging, and a variety of delicious concessions.”
Engorge on cheese curds
Tristan Straub from the historic Breese Stevens Field says "The original, and everyone’s favorite, annual celebration of Wisconsin’s most famous snack - Curd Fest - returns to Historic Breese Stevens Field, squeaking along for an 11th year on Sunday, August 25th, 2024. This delicious, savory, crunchy, and gooey curd celebration is fun for the entire family.
Curd Fest is free for all from 3 PM - 6 PM and features classic curds we’ve all grown to love, varieties beyond your wildest imagination.”
“Free family entertainment including yard games, balloon twisting, henna, and face painting and the rare opportunity to witness a master cheese carver in action, sampling their delicious creation as they work. Start the party early with the limited pre-fest access ticket. Skip the lines and gain an extra hour of curd enjoyment from 2 PM - 3 PM. Stick around to compete in the curd eating contests and be crowned the cheese curd chomping champ."
Visit local Madison farms
As Jacob Eugster from Eugster's Farm Market puts it, "Visting a local farm is a staple for the Madison area. It's important to connect with local agriculture whether it's to see a beautiful field of sunflowers, purchase local produce, or to visit your favorite farm animals! The summer brings on the true beauty of Wisconsin farms and can offer a wholesome family experience while you also stock up on homemade goods. Getting out of the city to breathe some fresh country air is a summer must!"
Bike in state bike trails
Dawn & Gary Bahr from Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn, a Madison-area bed and breakfast that if they, “had to narrow it down to a “Bucket List” opportunity, I would reference the four State Bike Trails that are within comfortable biking distance of our property. An easy 1/2 mile ride on a quiet, country road takes you from our driveway to the Badger State Trail (running north/south from the Madison area to Freeport, Illinois) which is a main corridor south connecting to the Sugar River State Trail (New Glarus, Monticello, Albany, Brodhead) as well as north to the Military Ridge State Trail (a 42-mile option heading west from Verona to Governor Dodge State Park). Also just several miles north, the Capital City Trail takes you all the way to downtown Madison and circles back to reconnect with the Badger or Military Ridge trails.”
Try new hobbies
Local artist Emily owner of Emily Marie Watercolors offers classes to help teach watercolor painting. Emily states “Summer is the perfect time to try something new! My most popular watercolor class is a "Paint your Pet" night. I sketch your pet onto your watercolor paper and guide you through a step-by-step process to paint your furry family members. Classes are held at local venues like Delta Beer Lab, Madison Cat Project, or The Boneyard, a beer garden and dog park. And the best part is a portion of your ticket price is donated to local pet rescues!”
To help your mind and body, yoga is the perfect hobby to pick! Alyssa Laffin from Mala Yoga Center suggests to readers, “Step away from the hustle and bustle of Madison's summer and take a moment to reconnect with yourself at Mala Yoga. Join us for a yoga class where you can learn, practice, and honor the rich traditions of yoga that originated in India and have since spread worldwide. Mala Yoga is committed to creating a space that encourages authentic self-expression and fosters connections among like-minded individuals. Whether you're seeking mental clarity or physical rejuvenation, our supportive and inspiring environment is designed for self-discovery and recovery.”
Quick refreshment break
Catering and events manager, Alyssa Weninger from Belair Cantina says, "Be sure to stop by BelAir Cantina this summer to enjoy some refreshing margaritas, cocktails, beers, or mocktails. With different specials each day of the week, such as $5 margaritas on Mondays and $3 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there's always a reason to dine there."
The perfect guide to exploring nature
Claire Roos from Nature Net, an organization aimed at connecting children, families, and educators to nature says, “Nature is everywhere and this summer, so explore what the Madison area has to offer with Nature Net’s Nature Passport! Each year, Nature Net lives out its mission of encouraging children and families to get outdoors by producing a ‘Nature Passport’ journal and scavenger hunt. The Nature Passport is a free and self-guided activity journal inviting children and their families to visit the various Nature Net sites and spend time engaging with the natural world. Each site has a suggested activity for kids to complete and further information about the location. Offered in both English and Spanish, Nature Passports are available at Nature Net sites and at local libraries now through the end of summer.”
Communal dining
Madison has many great food spots to try, one recommendation comes from local Mayra Linares Rodriguez, from The Deliciouser who suggests, “Meet your neighbors at our Modern Spice Shop Kitchen & Bar! Our communal dining lends itself to a vibrant experiential dinner experience. We cook with the spice blends we make in our spice lab (tour it when you’re here!). Our multi-course themed dinner parties are on Wednesday nights and our restaurant hours are Thursday-Saturday 4:30-9 PM. Grab one of our Signature Craft Cocktails when you dine or during Happy Hour.”
Discover a different type of festival
Different than the traditional festivals a book festival connects visitors to new literary works. Jane Rotonda, director of the Wisconsin Book Festival explains, “The Wisconsin Book Festival presents free, public author events that celebrate books and spark conversations. Each year, the festival creates a robust schedule of accomplished and new writers whose fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books appeal to all ages of readers. The festival presents stand-alone events throughout the year with a culminating celebration each fall. The 23rd Annual Fall Celebration will be Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20, 2024.”
Find someone for you in Madison
A good way to spend summer is with someone to keep you company. Linda Delucca from Pre-Dating, a speed dating organization suggests how to find someone. “Single in Madison? Forget apps and dating sites, Madison Speed Dating by Pre-Dating is the best way to meet real local single people. We'll introduce you to up to 12 potential matches in one night: Imagine the effort needed to make that happen on your own! Most importantly you meet them face-to-face to find out right away if there's an attraction. No pressure, no games, just an exciting and fun time.Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – If you don’t go, you don’t know who you’ll miss meeting! Join the thousands that have found love at our events. Will you be our next success story?”
Shop for some Badger pride
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s pride is shown all around Madison. Be sure to stop by and get some merch to show Badger pride! The University Book Store says, “Discover the University Book Store this summer, where over 130 years of tradition meet the vibrant spirit of UW-Madison. As the only locally owned and licensed Badger fan store, we're the perfect spot for visitors and locals looking for authentic Badger apparel and merchandise. Enjoy a unique shopping experience that celebrates the rich legacy of the Badgers. Come see why we’re the top choice for all UW-Madison fans.”
