As the leaves begin to change and the breeze sweeps through the air, Madison, Wisconsin’s autumn colors and cozy experiences offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no shortage of fall activities to embrace the season.
As Casey Thompson owner of Fair Trade Coffee House says about the fall things to do in Madison, WI: “Downtown Madison is bustling with downtown residents, students, and visitors from all over. Whether visiting the Dane County Farmers Market on the state capital square or taking a walk down the pedestrian-friendly State Street, there are always activities and sights to take in.” So grab your favorite sweater, and let’s dive into Redfin’s guide to some of the best ways to enjoy fall in this beautiful city!
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Fall flavors in Madison
The fall season brings a bounty of local ingredients, such as vegetables, seasonal beverages, and harvested apples inspiring chefs and home cooks alike to create comforting dishes that celebrate the tastes of autumn. As Jerina Vincent CEO of JNJ Gifts and More claims, “Fall in Madison, WI, offers a unique charm, especially for those exploring the city’s vibrant artisanal scene.”
“A must-do is visiting the local markets where you can experience the season’s best harvest and artisan products. I recommend the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square for a taste of local produce and handmade goods. Afterward, a stroll through Madison’s State Street provides a perfect blend of eclectic shops and cozy cafes, ideal for enjoying the crisp autumn air. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday, capped off with a visit to JNJ Gifts and More, where you can find exclusive Wisconsin-made gifts that embody the spirit of the season.”
Derrick Wessels of local Grace Coffee Co. adds, “It’s pretty well known, but our Dane County Farmers Market goes through November and is one of the best things about Madison! It’s just off the capital square close to a ton of local businesses, and is one of the largest markets I have been to. It’s a great way to start a Saturday and afterward join us at Grace Coffee Co, where we strive to offer our best by providing excellent customer service, high-quality espresso drinks, and utilizing fresh ingredients to make stunning dishes to order.”
Laura Salinger Johnson of JBC Coffee Roasters invites you to, “Join JBC Coffee Roasters for a cupping! Our once-a-month cupping (coffee tasting) is a wonderful opportunity to try new offerings coming to our lineup, learn about the cupping process, explore specialty coffee, and expand your palate. We kick off the event with a coffee presentation that details how coffee is grown, processed, and ends up in your cup, and then dive right into cupping coffees from our lineup
Sami Head from Sandhill Goods adds, “Madison has an excellent fall patio season, with restaurants putting out all the stops to let people enjoy the beautiful weather and Fall colors while savoring some of the best food and drinks in the Midwest. My favorite patios include Tip Top Tavern, where you can have the most delicious burger in Madison, and Stateline Distillery, where I love ordering their award-winning Coffee Liqueur on the rocks. These are East Madison hot spots that are a must for any visitor.”
Giant Jones Brewing Company’s Marilu Zoran shares, “Madisonians love Pizza Night at Giant Jones Brewing. Every Wednesday we team up with ORIGIN Breads, our neighbors down the hall. They make delicious pizzas with naturally leavened sourdough crust and fresh local ingredients. Order a pizza, salad & baked goods and enjoy them in our tasting room with a GJ beer!”
Fall things to do in Madison: Outdoor fun
With the cold breeze and a warm sweater, the fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Away from the hot sun, one can enjoy the outdoors more comfortably. As local photographer Flavia Fontana Giusti says, “Madison parks are gorgeous any time of the year, but the fall is such a special time when the air gets crisp and the foliage starts turning.”
“My favorite places in town are the UW Arboretum, with its many diverse native eco-habitats; anywhere around Lake Wingra, the smallest, but also the wildest of Madison’s three lakes; but also Olin Park, with its old growth oak trees and the capitol views over Lake Monona; and last but not least, Picnic Point, overlooking town from the other side, through Lake Mendota, where locals and students gather around fire pits or take one last dip before winter. These are great places to have a walk, run in nature, or just sit on a bench, take in the views, and journal at dusk.”
Supporting Flavia’s recommendation, Tekla Wlodarczyk Mother Earth Cleaners adds, “There is nothing better than immersing yourself in the fall colors by taking a drive, or better yet a walk through the Arboretum, especially on a sunny day. Being among that much color is almost otherworldly. It is hard to believe this fall fairytale is so close by.”
Greg from TidyUp Cleaning states, “The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is a must-visit for new residents looking to embrace the vibrant fall scene in Madison. With stunning views of Lake Monona and a fun atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy locally brewed beers and seasonal snacks—all while bringing your dog along, as it’s dog-friendly! Gather with friends or meet new neighbors while soaking in the beauty of Madison—it’s a fantastic way to experience the community!”
Greg also recommends to visitors, “Don’t miss Henry Vilas Zoo this fall! The zoo offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of animals while enjoying the beautifully landscaped grounds. Plus, it’s free to enter. Whether you’re strolling with friends or taking the kids for a fun day out, it’s a delightful addition to your fall activities!”
Local Cafe Domestique says, “For the cyclist, Madison has so much to offer! From the 60+ miles of bike paths in Madison to the hundreds of miles of beautifully paved country roads in Dane County, there’s something for every level and ability. Looking for the perfect day? Start by grabbing a latte and a croissant at Cafe Domestique on Williamson Street, then ride south through campus and the UW Madison Arboretum. Ride as little or as much as you like, then loop back towards the University of Wisconsin campus to enjoy a beer and lunch at the Union Terrace.”
Susan Melton of the Janesville Area Convention suggests, “Take a short drive to nearby Janesville, Wisconsin, to experience scenic trails, farm markets, orchards, and all that the season has to offer. Janesville’s segment of the Ice Age Trail is the ideal place for an autumn bike ride or relaxing stroll and there’s no place like Skelly’s Fall Festival and Corn Mazes for fun family adventures like pumpkin picking, apple cannons, wagon rides, and more. Taste the crisp fall flavors of freshly picked apples, homemade donuts, and cider at Hawk’s Orchard. Head to Janesville’s vibrant downtown for exceptional dining and shopping surrounded by beautiful public art.”
“No need to run away and join the circus – it exists right here in your hometown,” says Carly Schuna of the Madison Circus Space. “Madison Circus Space welcomes everyone to try something new and fun, including classes, clubs, and more. A family-friendly Halloween show is their next big fall event, coming up on October 11th and 12th!”
Escape to Madison’s surrounding farms
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are always at the top of fall activities. Madison hosts and is surrounded by farms offering memorable experiences.
Megan Burkhartzmeyer of Fitchburg Chamber suggests, “Check out local farms in Fitchburg! Celebrate the flavors of fall with Four Winds Farm at their Fall Food Truck Festival on October 13th. With a diverse lineup of food trucks, face painting, scavenger hunts, a build-your-own bouquet flower bar, and live music, you won’t want to miss this fun autumn gathering! Plus, plan a visit to Eplegaarden to pick some fresh apples and pumpkins right from the patch.”
Kirk Smock, owner of Origin Breads, recommends, “Check out the Farm Art / DTour, which is put on by the Wormfarm Institute. This free self-guided driving (or biking) tour showcases the beauty of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area by focusing on curated art projects, performances, and local food vendors that are installed in natural areas and rural farms located a short distance outside of Madison. The DTour is an intersection of agriculture, food, art, and the characters that make Madison and the surrounding areas such an amazing place to call home or visit.”
Kathy from Bures Berry Patch invites readers to make the drive out and visit all they have to offer. “We grow nearly 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash, offering pumpkins in almost every color of the rainbow — from classic to creepy! Kids can have a blast racing through the corn maze, feeding chickens, finding the perfect pumpkin, or swinging on tire swings, all are guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter.”
Le C’s Patisserie & Tea House states, “For a quintessential fall experience in Madison, WI, be sure to visit Schuster’s Farm, just outside the city. Their sprawling corn maze offers a fun challenge for all ages, with paths winding through towering stalks of corn. After conquering the maze, head to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating.”
Jacob Eugster owner of Screamin Acres says, “Screamin Acres has been Madison’s Halloween tradition for 13 years – growing from a small family-farm haunt into one of the best attractions in the Midwest. Our haunt features one continuous experience that takes around 50 minutes to complete and you’re sure to face your worst nightmares. From guts and gore to clowns and more, Screamin Acres has everything you need for a night out this Halloween season. See you soon… if you dare!”
Fall fashion and home décor
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and home with cozy fall vibes. Madison comes alive with an array of seasonal fashion and home décor options that celebrate the essence of autumn.
Wrenna Fine of Atomic Antiques states, “Whether you’re furnishing your new home, looking to introduce some vintage style into your fall wardrobe, or just wanting to wander through a trinket treasure trove, Atomic Antiques is the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring as the weather turns chilly. At over 25,000 square feet, this local family-owned antique mall has room for a little bit of everything, from cozy antique farmhouse furniture to sleek mid-century modern pieces. Pro tip: help yourself to a free cup of hot coffee by the front desk to carry with you while you shop!”
“Fall means it’s time to cozy up in your favorite sweaters and cozy clothing and there is no shortage of vintage and secondhand stores and festivals in town to fill your need,” says Sami Head of Sandhill Goods. “For a more curated experience, Sandhill Goods offers monthly pop-ups with vintage and secondhand goods to fill your Fall wardrobe needs. We also love supporting other local secondhand shops like Happy Hours, located in Downtown Madison, which has plenty of Badger gear for game days, too!”
Local Madison artist Xizhou Xie shares, “Fall in Madison is the perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant local art scene, with charming gift shops and galleries scattered throughout downtown. As the holidays approach, shopping locally is a great way to find unique, handmade gifts for loved ones. Be sure to stop by my gallery, Xizhou Xie Art Gallery, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind, hand-painted jewelry, and original artwork that make thoughtful and meaningful holiday gifts, all while supporting a local artist!”
Fall things to do in Madison: Wrapping up
Fall in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a vibrant array of experiences, from enjoying the changing colors in local parks to savoring seasonal flavors at cozy cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the Dane County Farmers Market, biking through scenic trails, or picking the perfect pumpkin at a nearby farm, Madison’s autumn charm is undeniable. So grab your sweater and immerse yourself in the warmth and beauty of fall in Madison!