Madison Night Market

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Beth Skogen Photography

A past Madison Night Market.

Madison Night Market

media release: The pulse of downtown Madison is back with the return of the Madison Night Market. Taking over N. Carroll and W. Mifflin Streets on Capitol Square, State Street and Gilman Street, this year’s series promises a bigger, bolder celebration of the city’s urban culture.

Coming off record-breaking attendance in 2025 with over 129,000 visits according to Placer.ai—a 10% increase over 2024—the Night Market has become a showcase for Madison’s fast growing downtown scene. With 56 new businesses opened or announced in Madison’s Central Business Improvement District over the past 18 months, the Night Market is the iconic home for artisans, entrepreneurs, and foodies alike.

"The Madison Night Market is where the city’s heart truly beats—a high-energy celebration of the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that define our downtown,” said Matt Tramel, Executive Director of Madison's Central BID. “There’s a magic that happens when you bring local businesses and creators onto the streets, transforming the district into a bold showcase of our community’s character. We are proud to provide a platform for small businesses to shine and where neighbors and visitors can experience the incredible energy that makes Madison a premier urban destination."

The Madison Night Market brings together iconic brick-and-mortar storefronts and the region's top makers, from State Street retailers to visiting food carts, pop-up restaurants and live music – it’s a one-of-a-kind urban street festival.

For the 2026 season, the BID is highlighting unique Madison cultural themes with live entertainment and family friendly activities, including:

• May 14 – Celebrating Madison’s AAPI Culture
• June 11 – Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride
• August 20 – Celebrating UW Madison
• September 17 – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
• October 15 – in partnership with Wisconsin Science Festival/Science on the Square

The BID will announce a full list of vendors and food trucks for the May 14 market in late April.

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/

ABOUT MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 360 businesses and 250 property owners. It is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality, safety and vibrancy of downtown Madison. We serve the greater State Street, Capitol Square and First Settlement district, working collaboratively with property owners, small businesses and city stakeholders to make downtown Madison the best place to shop, dine, work, live and explore. As a special assessment district, we provide important services, including marketing, public programming, small business support and storefront advocacy to ensure a thriving downtown.