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There’s a Party on Willy Street This Weekend and You’re Invited

Posted on September 14, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Hayley Sperling

Hayley Sperling

Willy street fair parade

The 46th annual Willy Street Fair is this weekend. (Willy Street Fair)

This weekend is the 46th iteration of one of Madison’s longest running neighborhood festivals: the Willy Street Fair.

The annual event runs Sept. 16 and 17 on the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Willy Street. This year’s festival will feature dozens of live musical performances across five stages and even more local vendors selling their wares. Proceeds from the festival go back into the community by benefiting the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center and Common Wealth Development.

The Basics

When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Where: 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Willy Street

Cost: The fair is free to attend! But of course, food, drinks, and other goodies will come with a price tag. Hot tip: If you need an ATM, you can easily find one at Heartland Credit Union at the intersection of Willy and S. Brearly Street. Additionally, many surrounding bars — like I/O Arcade and The Wisco — also have ATMs.

Accessibility: The event is wheelchair accessible. When it comes to parking, stick to the side streets or one of the nearby garages. Just be sure not to park in front of a bus stop or anyone’s driveway!

Pet friendly? Nope. Leave your furry friends at home for this one.

Don’t Miss

The parade: The iconic Willy Street Fair parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday.

50/50 raffle: You can buy tickets at the Common Wealth Development booth during the fair. The drawing will be at 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

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