07/29/25

Around Town

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away: Make the Most Out of the Last Month of Summer

As July ends and August revs up, it’s your last chance to soak in Madison’s sunshine season. From lakeside festivals to cultural celebrations and foodie feasts, here’s your go-to list to keep summer sizzling through its final stretch.

Festivals & Events

Sugar Maple Music Festival

• Lake Farm County Park: August 1–2
• A unique outdoor folk and roots music experience featuring national and regional acts, jam sessions, dance workshops, and camping.

National Mustard Day

• National Mustard Museum, Middleton: August 2
• This quirky fest celebrates all things mustard with free samples, live music, kids’ games, and food trucks. A truly Wisconsin experience.

Great Taste of the Midwest

• Olin Park: August 9
• One of the country’s top craft beer festivals, hosting over 190 breweries. Tickets sell out early—but it’s worth it if you snag one.

Ride the Drive

• Downtown Madison: August 10
• City streets close to traffic so families can bike, skate, or stroll through downtown and enjoy activity zones, food trucks, and live entertainment.

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival

• Angell Park, Sun Prairie: August 13–17
• Expect 80 tons of sweet corn, carnival rides, games, live music, a beer garden, and parades.

Africa Fest

• McPike Park: August 16
• A day-long celebration of African music, food, culture, and community. Family-friendly with vibrant performances and delicious cuisine.

Agora Art Fair

• Fitchburg (Agora Pavilion): August 16
• Over 100 local artists showcase work in all media. Includes live music, food, drinks, and an interactive kids’ art yard.

Eken Park Festival

• Eken Park: August 16
• A community-driven festival with local bands, food carts, beer, and a family-friendly vibe. Don’t miss the kids’ parade!

Middleton Good Neighbor Festival

• Fireman’s Park, Middleton: August 22–24
• Carnival rides, parade, music, food vendors, and a laid-back suburban festival atmosphere.

Orton Park Festival

• Orton Park, Madison: August 29–31
• A treasured local tradition with live music, food vendors, family activities, and aerial trapeze performers under the oaks.

Taste of Madison

• Capitol Square: August 30-31
• While technically dipping into September, this Labor Day weekend festival features 80+ restaurants, music stages, and beer gardens. Free admission and always a summer highlight!

Outdoor Adventures

Paddle, kayak, or SUP on Lake Wingra or Mendota

• Rentals available from Wingra Boats, Brittingham Boats, or Marshall Boats
• Get more info from Madison Boats here

Bike or hike the Capital City Trail or Arboretum trails

• Keep cool with shaded forest paths and prairie views

Catch a lakeside sunset at Memorial Union Terrace

• Grab a brat and a beer, and catch free live music most evenings
• Check out fun events at the Memorial Union Terrace here

Patio Dining Gems

The Boathouse at The Edgewater

📍 1001 Wisconsin Pl

• Classic lakeside restaurant right on Lake Mendota.
• Try: Fish fry, smoked whitefish dip, or a Lakeside Lemonade.
• Great sunset views + boat-up access.
• Read their menu here

Camp Trippalindee (Graduate Hotel)

📍 601 Langdon St (rooftop)

• Retro summer-camp themed rooftop bar and grill.
• Try: Campfire nachos and adult Capri Suns.
• Laid-back vibes + skyline & lake peeks
• View their menu here

Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro

📍 1 N Webster St

• Elegant rooftop dining with sweeping views of the Capitol.
• Try: Tapas-style dishes and curated wines.
• Date-night worthy
• Check out their menu here

Karben4 Brewing

📍 3698 Kinsman Blvd

• Chill vibe, picnic tables, great craft brews.
• Try: Fantasy Factory IPA and seasonal specialties.
• Artsy & laid-back
• View their brews here

The Biergarten at Olbrich Park

📍 3527 Atwood Ave 

• Traditional German-style beer garden by Lake Monona.
• Try: Pretzels, brats, local beers, and bring your dog.
• Family-friendly, BYO picnic welcome
• Check out their brews here

Mint Mark

📍 1929 Winnebago St

• Inventive small plates and dreamy cocktails.
• Try: Ricotta toast, seasonal gnocchi, and slushies.
• Tucked away gem
• Read their menu here

Summer Isn’t Over—Yet

With festivals every weekend, lakes calling your name, and sunsets still stretching past 8 p.m., there’s plenty of time to write your perfect summer ending. Mark your calendar, grab your shades, and don’t let summer sneak away without a proper farewell.