City Cast Madison logo
Advertisement image

Everything You Need to Know About the Madison Night Market

Posted on May 9, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Hayley Sperling

Hayley Sperling

state street pictured at night

The Madison Night Market kicks off in May and runs monthly through October, with the exception of July because of due to Maxwell Street Days. (katie wheeler / Flickr)

The Dane County Farmers’ Market may have just experienced its 15 minutes of fame but it’s not the only market that takes over downtown Madison streets once the weather warms.

Though newer to the scene — the first night market was held in 2017 — the Madison Night Market has become a staple summer and fall event on the isthmus. And this year, the market is bigger than ever before. Here’s everything you need to know about 2024 Madison Night Market.

Who?

This year’s market will host more than 100 local vendors showcasing handmade art, food, gifts, and more.

There will also be plenty of food carts at the market and live music from local artists and buskers.

The all-ages event is family and pet friendly, but no live animals are allowed where food is served or stored, except for service dogs. Also, if your pets aren’t great with crowds, this probably isn’t the best event for them.

What?

The Madison Night Market is a chance to get to know some of the city’s small businesses and enjoy what downtown has to offer. The city is making a push to bring people to State Street and the market helps accomplish that goal.

When?

The first Madison Night Market is Thursday May 9. Markets will also be held on June 13, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, and Oct. 17, all from 5 to 9 p.m.

The event will go on rain or shine. But if the weather gets particularly bad — e.g. if there’s a tornado or prolonged thunderstorms — organizers will cancel.

Where?

In the past, the Madison Night Market was restricted to State and Gilman streets. But this year, the market is expanding and will also host vendors on the Capitol Square's North Carroll and West Mifflin streets.

Buskers and vendors will be located throughout the event and food carts will be set up on Gilman Street.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

Neighborhood Guides

See All
Neighborhood GuidesMarch 4

Your Guide To Madison’s Sister City of Camagüey, Cuba

Madison has had a decades-long relationship with its sister city of Camaguey, Cuba. Here's what to know about the country's largest inte...

A cityscape with brown roofs.
Neighborhood GuidesJanuary 28

Uncovering Madison’s Kinky Past

For Valentine's Day, take a deep dive into the kinky history of Madison, from the Hotel Washington to the Cardinal Bar to Madison's now-d...

A room with red lights and a giant "X" scaffold.
Neighborhood GuidesAugust 18, 2025

Your Guide to Madison’s Sister City of Vilnius, Lithuania

But for today’s Sister City feature on Vilnius, Lithuania, I have some expert help.

A man in a hat sitting on a pink bench in a city square.
Neighborhood GuidesJuly 23, 2025

Your Guide To AtwoodFest, Madison’s SASY-est Festival

Since 1982, AtwoodFest has celebrated the spirit of Madison's east side SASY neighborhood and raised money for good causes. This year's f...

A group of people dancing outdoors.
Neighborhood GuidesJuly 9, 2025

Your Guide to Madison’s Sister City in Obihiro, Japan

One of Madison's sister cities is Obihiro, located on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The city has a lot that will be familiar to visito...

A small train station in a snowy landscape.
Neighborhood GuidesJune 4, 2025

Check Out Madison’s Black Business Hub

The Black Business Hub opened last summer to support and accelerate minority-owned businesses, and new ventures are constantly opening in...

A large space with floor to ceiling windows and orange chairs.
Neighborhood GuidesMay 20, 2025

Jade’s One-Day Getaway: Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron

In our new feature, City Cast Madison producer Jade Isere-Ramos takes us on a road trip to check out a popular attraction near Madison. T...

A series of metal sculptures in a park.
Neighborhood GuidesMay 13, 2025

Hit the Road For These Community Festivals Near Madison

Madison has its share of summer neighborhood festivals, but many nearby communities also come together for their own summer fests that re...

Three people in red costumes and sunglasses smiling and waving red flags.

The latest in Madison

Madison HistoryApril 15

The History of Madison in 10 Isthmus Headlines

Madison alt-weekly Isthmus is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The editors dug through the archives to look to see how the ne...

A black-and-white photo of two men surrounded by newspapers.
Madison's BestApril 13

How to Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Madison

Earth Day is personal for Wisconsin, because it was U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson who made it a national day to celebrate and promote environm...

A man in a plaid shirt peruses a rack of clothes.
Food & DrinkApril 9

Where To Find the Best Bagels in Madison

Madison has plenty of great bagel options, from Mermaid Kitchen to Gotham Bagels to Bagels Forever.

Metal racks of bagels on a counter.
Madison, ExplainedApril 7

Reader Tips On How To Beat High Gas Prices

According to AAA, the average price of a regular gallon of gas in Dane County is $3.87 a gallon.

A gas station sign next to a busy road.
Madison's BestApril 6

After ‘John Wick,’ Madison-Born Writer Wants Something ‘Normal’

Derek Kolstad may be best known for writing the first three "John Wick" movies. His latest action film, "Normal" starring Bob Odenkirk an...

A sheriff holding a gun is flanked by two other people.
Food & DrinkApril 2

Where to Go For Easter Brunch in Madison

Don't have plans for the family on Easter morning? Don't worry. Most spots in Madison have openings still for their brunch events, includ...

A place setting with pink plates and pink bunny statues.
Madison's BestApril 1

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison

Along with the nicer weather comes the return of the Dane County Farmers’ Market to the Capitol Square on April 11.

A woman arranging purple and white flowers.
Madison HistoryMarch 30

The Most Memorable Tone Madison Headlines

For a decade, Tone Madison has been an essential part of Madison’s independent media landscape. As the website announces that it's shutti...

The words "TONE MADISON" in orange on a beige screen.