Madison Night Market

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Beth Skogen Photography

Visitors to Lisa Link Peace Park during a past Madison Night Market.

Visitors to Lisa Link Peace Park during a past Madison Night Market.

Science is everywhere, always — but especially in Wisconsin during this week-long fest, with demos, performances, films and more to engage everyone’s curiosity and deepen their knowledge of the physical world. This year’s theme is agriculture and its connection with the state’s economy and society, with more than 200 events. Here in Madison, look for “The Physics of Bowling,” Oct. 14 at Spare Time Entertainment; “Big Ideas for Busy People: Fields of Wonder,” Oct. 15 at the Majestic, and the return of "Science on the Square" during the final Madison Night Market on Oct. 17. For a searchable guide of all the events, see wisconsinsciencefest.org.

media release: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to welcome the community back to the Madison Night Market on Thursday, October 17, from 5-9 p.m. This year’s final Night Market is a collaboration with Science on the Square, creating an entertaining way for all ages and backgrounds to explore hands-on science while supporting local vendors and downtown Madison businesses. The energy and vibrancy of the Madison Night Market continues to grow, with an average of 18,000 visitors attending the May, June, August and September markets according to Placer.ai.

“The incredible community spirit of the Madison Night Market makes a fun match with Science on the Square,” said Matt Tramel, executive director, Madison's Central Business Improvement District. “We’re excited to not only showcase our downtown retail shops, restaurants, and local craft vendors, but also to shine a spotlight on the importance of science in our everyday lives. Our partnership with the Wisconsin Science Festival is a great example of what makes Madison such a unique place to live, work, play…and learn!”

In addition to the market vendors, 40+ existing State Street retailers will have either in-store specials or feature booths in front of their location. The Night Market is Madison’s best opportunity to shop at downtown Madison’s favorite retailers, enjoy free entertainment and have dinner and a drink at local restaurant, all while experiencing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods and fresh produce. The collaboration with Science on the Square makes the season’s last market an especially unique experience.

“Science on the Square has become a cornerstone event of the Wisconsin Science Festival, and we’re thrilled to bring together diverse and vibrant elements that make our state unique,” says Sam Mulrooney, director of the Wisconsin Science Festival. “With this year’s exciting new features like storytime with Alice in Dairyland, an ‘Ask a Farmer’ station, Ice Age Trail Alliance scavenger hunt and specialty slices from Ian’s Pizza, we’re proud to see this event continue to grow, offering a space where art, science, community, and curiosity truly intersect.”

October 17 live music lineup:

Peace Park Music Stage, 452 State Street: 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Lake Collective; 8:00 – 9:00 pm: Wisconsin Singers

Buskers & Performers throughout the market

5:00 – 9:00 pm: Capitol Square:  Eric De Los Santos

5:00 – 7:00 pm: 200-block (near MMoCA): Addi Faerber

7:00 – 9:00 pm: 200-block (near MMoCA): Tucker Skaar

6:00 – 8:00 pm: 300-block (near Taiwan Little Eats): Becca Murray

6:00 – 8:00 pm: 500-block (near Urban Outfitters): Max Neal   

More Market Details:

The most up-to-date market details can be found here

Find locations for all Oct. 17 vendors here

Keep up with us on Instagram here

And on Facebook here

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here

STEPHANIE BARENZ: FEATURED ARTIST

This year’s featured artist for the Madison Night Market is local artist Stephanie Barenz. Her art explores how our surroundings shape our internal landscapes. The scenes in Barenz’s current work are from areas that have shifted her understanding of home—from Southeast Asia to Milwaukee to Lake Mendota. Learn more about Stephine Barenz at www.stephaniebarenz.com.

“It is an honor to have my work chosen to represent an event in Madison that brings so many people together,” said Barenz. “Events like the Madison Night Market give the people of Madison a place to gather and share our love for our city. I chose to represent State Street in my poster design for the Madison Night Market because it is not only the place where the market is held but also a place that helps foster community and a feeling of belonging among its residents.”

The most up-to-date market details can be found here: https://madisonnightmarket.com

Follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/madisonnightmarket/

And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonnightmarket/

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/

The BID represents more than 390+ businesses and 250+ property owners. It works to provide services above and beyond the basic city taxpayer responsibility to generate an inviting, safe and inclusive entertainment and business destination that draws people from all parts of the city, county, region, and the world.