Madison Street Festival celebrates its 43rd year by transforming Historic Downtown Madison into a bustling, family‑friendly autumn fair. This free, rain‑or‑shine festival on the first Saturday in October spotlights local makers, live performing arts, and a wide array of food vendors; perfect for shopping, hands‑on creativity, and discovering community talent. Bring the family to enjoy kid and teen activity zones, sponsor showcases, and parade‑day energy while supporting small businesses and school‑focused charities.
What to Expect
• Entertainment and performing arts: Multiple stages and roaming performers deliver a nonstop lineup of live bands, dance troupes, street performers, and skill demonstrations that keep the energy high from morning through afternoon.
• Arts, crafts, and local vendors: Stroll sponsor row and artisan lanes to discover handmade jewelry, original art, home goods, and one‑of‑a‑kind gifts from local makers and small businesses.
• Children’s and teen areas: A dedicated Kids Zone and Teen Space offer hands‑on workshops, creative stations, supervised games, and age‑tailored programming to spark imagination and keep young festivalgoers engaged.
• Food vendors and treats: Satisfy every craving with food trucks and local vendors serving savory festival classics, sweet treats, and specialty bites; an on‑site ATM keeps purchases easy.
• Community showcases: Interactive booths, school displays, and nonprofit exhibits highlight Madison’s civic programs, educational initiatives, and volunteer opportunities; learn, connect, and discover ways to get involved.
Parade, Kickoff, and Schedule
• Parade: Arrive early for the lively kickoff parade along Church Street at 9:00 AM; expect community bands, floats, and local groups setting a celebratory tone.
• Opening ceremonies: Immediately after the parade, join us on the main entertainment stage for welcome remarks, a brief program, and the official festival start.
• Festival hours: The festival runs 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on the first Saturday in October. The event is rain or shine, so plan for weather and dress comfortably.
• Timing tips: Get there early for best parade viewing, quieter vendor browsing, and prime seating at stage performances.
Getting There and Accessibility
• Location: Historic Downtown Madison; main pedestrian entrance is on Wise Street, with festival activity spread across Front, Sullivan, and Church streets.
• Free shuttle service: Complimentary shuttles run from Crosspointe Church and Madison City Stadium; assisted‑ride buses are available for guests who need them. Important: from 8:45–10:00 AM the Crosspointe shuttle will use an alternate festival drop‑off; use the Maple Street shuttle stop to return to Crosspointe during that window.
• Parking: Park at Madison City Stadium for the most convenient access and enjoy a short walk to the Wise Street entrance; expect heavy traffic and limited curbside parking, so allow extra time or carpool when possible.
• Amenities & accessibility: Free downtown Wi‑Fi (look for Madison‑FreeWiFi), ADA access details and vendor accessibility information are posted on the festival website; first‑aid and information booths will be onsite to assist visitors.
Stuff the Bus Drive and Community Impact
• Mission: Madison Street Festival is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uplifting local education through grants and literacy programs while strengthening community connections.
• Stuff the Bus drive: Help stock classrooms and support Madison students by donating essential hygiene items, classroom supplies, and individually packaged snacks; drop donations at the Bus on the corner of Front Street and Sullivan Street or use one of the convenient local drop‑off locations listed on the festival website.
• Most needed items: Deodorant; body wipes; bar soap; laundry pods; Kleenex; Clorox wipes; paper towels (single rolls); disinfectant spray; individually packaged snacks.
• How businesses can help: Schools, businesses, or community groups interested in hosting a drive or partnering with MSF should contact Crystal McBrayer at msf.pres@gmail.com to coordinate collection, publicity, and guaranteed impact.
• Make it count: Bring donations in a reusable bag to the festival, then reuse that bag while shopping local vendors, double the benefit for our students and small businesses.
Tips and FAQs
• Pets: Leashed pets are welcome; please follow city leash laws and clean up after your animals for everyone’s comfort.
• Rail safety: Active Norfolk Southern tracks run through downtown; stay well clear of tracks, obey festival and police directions, and never climb on or cross stopped trains, trespassing is illegal and dangerous.
• Costs: Admission to the festival is free; food trucks, vendors, and some activities may charge. Bring small bills or use the on‑site ATM for purchases.
• More info: For vendor lists, shuttle maps, schedules, volunteer opportunities, and drop‑off locations visit www.madisonstreetfestival.org.
Join the Celebration
Bring the family, pack a reusable bag for Stuff the Bus, and spend a crisp fall day supporting Madison’s schools, artisans, and small businesses; shop local, enjoy live performances, and leave with new favorites. For full details and updates visit www.madisonstreetfestival.org. #MSF2025