One of the longest-running outdoor festivals is returning to Madison this weekend, as the Orton Park Festival is celebrating its 59th year! From Aug. 23 to 25, Madisonians can dance to live music, get food from local food vendors, participate in “quirky traditions,” and much more.
Heading to this weekend’s festivities? Here’s a short and sweet guide 🎉
Marquette Neighborhood
The festival is in the heart of one of Madison’s most iconic neighborhoods, Marquette. The Orton Park Festival is just one of the many free music festivals the Marquette Neighborhood Association puts on. It also serves as a fundraiser for the group.
Friday, Aug. 23
The three-day festival weekend kicks off with Family Night at 5:30 p.m. There will be multiple food vendors, wine, craft beer, and ice cream to enjoy while watching a performance of the Forward! Marching Band.
Saturday, Aug. 24
The day begins at 11:45 a.m. with Broken Boards, followed by a day’s worth of musical performances. The day’s final show is from Cycropia Aerial Dance at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25
On the final day, head to the traditional jazz brunch at 9 a.m., featuring the Madison East High School Jazz Combo. Musical performances begin again at 11:45 a.m. with Frisson and conclude with the headlining performance starting at 6:15 p.m.
Will you be watching Dessa perform at the Orton Park Festival? (Courtesy of Scott Streble)
Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa will be taking the stage on Sunday. City Cast Madison spoke with the Midwestern royalty ahead of her performance to ask about her roots in the Midwest, her past experiences performing in Madison, and her latest projects.
➕ Check out this detailed overview of all of this year’s performances.
➕➕ Follow the Orton Park Festival’s Facebook for updates.
