Summer is the season for doing things outdoors. What better way to enjoy the summer than by visiting a local festival. Music, arts, food, and fun await at these festivals in the Madison, Wisconsin, area.
Dane County Fair
The Dane County Fair will be at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison from July 18 through 21. Special shows like Lady Houdini will amaze fairgoers and you can check in on the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, packed with friendly competition from professional lumberjacks. Both events are free with your fair admission.
The fair offers unique daily theme-related activities for the whole family. Youth exhibits in the Exhibition Hall show off the bright young minds of Dane County. The pavilions and arena building are packed with all types of animals. There’s even a Kiddie Farm where you can see the cutest baby animals in the county. Nightly concerts will provide great music after the daytime fun is finished.
Of course, the fair features a carnival as well, full of rides and games the whole family will enjoy. Check the Dane County Fair website for carnival specials.
There are lots of vendors selling handcrafted goods, t-shirts, and so much more. And a fair wouldn’t be a fair without those delicious food vendors. There will be barbecue, Asian grills, tacos, funnel cakes, and other fair fare.
Admission to the fair is only $8 per person, $3 for ages 6-11, and kids under 6 are free. Parking is free and the gates open at 9:00 a.m. and most everything runs until 11:00 p.m.
Art Fair on the Square
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art brings you the 61st annual Art Fair on the Square. Held on the Capitol Square in Madison on July 13 and 14 this year, the outdoor event promises to be better than ever.
The Art Fair on the Square is one of the Midwest’s most popular events. This highly regarded gathering features over 500 artists displaying their designs. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and photographs, this event is always a great way to check out what’s new in the art world.
You can browse the collections for fun or buy something that catches your eye. Take a break and have some food at one of the many outdoor dining venues. The fair also features live entertainment. It is sure to be family-friendly fun for the whole weekend.
Yum Yum Fest
Dubbed the most delicious day of the summer, Madison’s annual food festival is aptly named the Yum Yum Fest. Held every August, the event is a joint effort between the Madison Area Chef’s Network and Breese Stevens Field.
The goal is to raise money for local charities while showcasing the fine culinary talent that lives in and around Madison. Great music, food tastings from the finest chefs, and more will provide a full day of fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Madison has some of the best art, food, and culture in the Midwest. As you plan your summer events, be sure to check out these fine festivals. The fun is there for the enjoying.
“Ferris Wheel” via Flickr by sarae. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original
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