Fall Events in Madison – 2025 Guide

Your 2025 Guide to Fall Events in Madison, WI

Celebrate the season with Madison’s best fall festivals, markets, and neighborhood events happening September through November 2025.

The air turns crisp, the maples flare gold, and weekends start filling up fast. If you’re looking to make the most of autumn in Madison, you’re in the right place—there’s something happening nearly every week. Use this guide to map out your fall, from lively street festivals and after-dark garden lights to book talks, markets, and a big finish on marathon day.

September Highlights: Street Fests + Oktoberfest

Monroe Street Festival — Sat, Sept 13, 2025 (10am–5pm): Spend the day along one of Madison’s most walkable corridors. Expect live music, sidewalk sales, treats, and plenty of neighborhood energy.
Willy Street Fair — Sept 20–21, 2025: Two days, multiple stages, a Sunday parade, and a classic community vibe on the 800–1000 blocks of Williamson Street.
Oktoberfest at Essen Haus — Sat, Sept 6, 2025: Raise a stein, catch live music, and enjoy Bavarian fare right downtown.

After-Dark & Artsy: GLEAM at Olbrich

GLEAM: Art in a New Light — Aug 30–Oct 25, 2025 transforms Olbrich Botanical Gardens on select evenings with large-scale light art. Timed-entry tickets are required—check the ticket page for current time blocks and availability.

October: Science, Books & Peak Color

Wisconsin Science Festival — Oct 16–26, 2025: Hands-on demos, talks, and activities across the city and statewide (watch the schedule as new events are added).
Wisconsin Book Festival (Fall Celebration) — Oct 23–26, 2025: Author talks and signings centered at Central Library and nearby venues. Most events are free—arrive early for popular sessions.
UW Arboretum: Fall Color Garden Tour — Sat, Oct 18, 2025 (1–3pm): A guided stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens during peak color; advance registration recommended.

Family Favorites

Boo at the Zoo — Sun, Oct 26, 2025 (9:30am–1:30pm): Free trick-or-treating, carousel rides, and seasonal fun throughout the zoo. Costumes encouraged.

Markets & Seasonal Flavors

Dane County Farmers’ Market (On the Square) — Saturdays through Nov 8, 2025: Stock up on apples, squash, bakery, and cheese curds as you loop the Capitol. Pro tip: get there early for hot cider and smaller crowds.

November Finish Line

Madison Marathon — Sun, Nov 9, 2025: Cheer from your block or toe the line yourself—this city course starts and finishes on Capitol Square and winds through classic Madison sights.

Local Tips to Plan Your Weekends

Park once, do more: Pair Monroe Street Festival with a Lake Wingra stroll or a coffee crawl; combine Willy Street Fair with dinner along Williamson.
Time your tickets: GLEAM’s prime slots sell quickly—weekday evenings often have better availability.
Dress for lakeside breezes: Even warm days can turn cool after sunset.
Race-day heads-up: Expect downtown closures the morning of the Marathon; plan brunch or spectating accordingly.

Final Takeaway

From neighborhood street parades to glowing garden nights, fall in Madison is a season you’ll feel as much as you see. Pick a few dates now, invite a friend, and make this autumn the one you remember.