Madison Good Neighbor Gathering

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Josh Sorenson

Ntxhais Tsheej Haj Hmong dance team members on stage.

Ntxhais Tsheej Haj Hmong dance team members at a past Madison Good Neighbor Gathering.

This annual outdoor festival is programmed in favor of the kiddos, with interactive activities from Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Science Festival, Vilas Zoo, Dane County Trash Lab, and more. There's also info tables from community organizations, food carts (but keeping with the family-friendly theme, no beer tent), and plenty of entertainment including Red Rose with Raquel Aleman, Black Power Dance and Ballet Folkorico. There’s even a talk for kids and families by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway at 2 p.m. It’s hosted by Neighborhood House, New Culture Church and six neighborhood associations. Isthmus is a sponsor. Find more info at neighborhoodhousemadison.org.

media release: The Madison Good Neighbor Gathering (GNG) is thrilled to announce its return for the fourth consecutive year, taking place at Brittingham Park on Sunday, September 8, from noon to 4 p.m. This beloved festival is coordinated by the Neighborhood House Community Center in partnership with six neighborhood associations on Madison’s near westside (District 13) isthmus, and New Culture Church. It promises to be an afternoon filled with fun, food, and neighbors coming together.

GNG is a cherished tradition that stands out as the only alcohol-free festival of its kind in the area. It is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where children and their families can enjoy a range of activities and learn about their community. This year’s festival will feature an exciting lineup of attractions, including bounce slides, bubbles, balloons, and bike decorating, and even a rock wall! Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food carts, art activities, and enjoy music and dancing from local performers. Come at 12pm, and stay til 4pm for a closing community meal with FREE hot dogs.

In addition to the fun, GNG offers valuable educational experiences with tabling from environmental groups, local healthcare and public health organizations, area nonprofits and schools, voting rights groups, and many youth-oriented organizations. The festival is designed to foster community connections and fun for kids of all ages.

Stage schedule: Japanese drumming noon, Ballet Folkorico 12:40 pm, talk by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway 2 pm, Red Rose with Raquel Aleman 2:10 pm, Rael the Artist 2:40 pm, Hmong dancers 3 pm, Black Power Dance 3:15 pm

Activities: Trash Lab (noon-3 pm), photo booth, fire truck (2-3 pm), Wisconsin Science Festival, Vilas Zoo, rock wall, Madison Children's Museum, aerial dance, inflatable slide, bracelet making, bike decorating, food carts (noon-3 pm, not free)

Info tables from : League of Women Voters of Dane County, Rooted WI, Vilas Neighborhood Association, UW Heahth-Safe Kids Madison, Scouting America-Glacier's Edge Council, Greenbush Neighborhood Association, Tenant Resource Center, Journey Mental Health Center, Friends of Monona Bay and Olin Turvillle Park, African Center for Community Development, Madison College, Urban Triage, Summit Credit Union