It’s fall! How will you celebrate the season? If you’re in Madison you’re in luck, because there are so many great things to do in the fall. From farmers’ markets to Freakfest, you’re sure to find something that will make you forget all about summer. Here are some of our favorites:
Fall Farmers’ Market
Think the farmers’ market is just for the summer months? Think again! The Dane County Farmers’ Market really brings the harvest in the fall. Pick up some gourds, dried bouquets, apples, apple cider, winter squash, pumpkins, and mums galore. That Thanksgiving pie isn’t going to bake itself...
Sprint Into The Season
Lace up your shoes and hit the pavement! There are plenty of fall races in Dane County that you can enjoy before winter pushes us all indoors. Check out the Wisconsin Beer Run 5K, Trick or Trot 5K, or the Haunted Hustle 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. Plus, it’s a great way to proactively fight off that upcoming holiday weight gain.
Olbrich Park
Olbrich Park is the place to be for fall in Madison! First, check out Gleam at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It’s a light-based art exhibit featuring local, national, and international artists. Then head over the The Biergarten at Olbrich Park for Oktoberfest vibes with a view (but hurry, before they close for the season!).
Favorite Fall Beverages
Get swept up in the spirit of fall… literally. Toast the season with spirits and brews fit for a perfect autumn evening. The city is brimming with apple cider, mulled wine, and pumpkin ales. Stop at Colectivo to grab one of their signature fall drinks, like a maple cold brew oat-lait, and enjoy views of the colorful foliage on Capitol Square.
Favorite Fall Foods
Are you ready for pumpkin everything? Seasonal menus at Madison’s many farm-to-table eateries is sure to leave your stomach happy. Check out what the autumn harvest has to offer at farm-to-table favorites like Harvest, Graze, Field Table, and more. We’d also like to recommend CIRC’s Pumpkin Ravioli. It’s fall-tastic!
Crisp Outdoor Autumn Air & Fall Foliage
Is there anything better than crisp autumn air and colorful trees? Enjoy the colorful foliage however you choose: by bike, on kayak, by foot, or on wheels. The UW Madison Arboretum is sure to put on a show. If you’d rather hit the trails, check out these top scenic trails in Madison.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Let’s do the time warp again! Come see the cult classic in all its glory with a shadow cast live performance by Madison’s Velvet Darkness. Costumes and audience participa….tion are strongly encouraged. If you miss the live performance, you can always catch a showing at Flix Brewhouse on Halloween Night.
Freakfest
You’ve heard of it. Freakfest is widely known as the Midwest’s largest annual Halloween Party and music festival. Enjoy over 15 local, regional, and national acts and three stages for over siz hours of live music. And of course, be sure to don your best costume and get ready for some Halloween mischief and fun.
Shop For Flannel
Flannel: the official fabric of fall. Stock up on the coziest most colorful flannels from Madison’s many cute shops. Check out Ragstock on State Street or St. Vincent De Paul thrift store on Willy Street. As long as it’s soft and comfortable, you really can’t go wrong.
Apple Picking
If you’re willing to travel just outside of Madison city limits, you will be rewarded with plenty of great apple picking opportunities. Try Eplegaarden in Fitchburg or many more great Wisconsin apple orchards to enjoy your favorite fruit this fall. If you play your cards right, you can squeeze in a colorful fall drive on your way!
Visit Madison In The Fall
As you can see, fall is a great time of year to visit Madison. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. So what are you waiting for? Grab your flannels and a pumpkin spice latte, and book a room to stay with us this fall!