4.11.2019 | Leisure

When you think of Madison, it’s hard not to think of the Dane County Farmers’ Market. It’s that iconic.

Every Saturday from April to November, over 100 Wisconsin vendors gather on Capitol Square to participate in the country’s largest producer-only farmers’ market.

You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, and all kinds of specialty products. Everything you see for sale was grown, raised, and produced in Wisconsin by the friendly person standing in front of you.

It’s a Madison summer staple. A must-do. A Wisconsin tradition going back decades. And we’ve got the full scoop on how to make the most of your Saturday on the Square.

Pro Tip - Stay with us on Friday night, and walk one block to the market on Saturday morning! Check out our Farmers’ Market Package for details. 

About the Dane County Farmers’ Market

The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. That means every item you see at the market was produced by the members behind the tables. What an amazing opportunity to get to know the people who grow and raise your food!

The market was founded in 1972 with just five farmer vendors. Over the years it has grown to hundreds of vendors, multiple days of the week, and stretches nearly all year long.

2019 Dane County Farmers’ Market Hours & Dates

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market website.

Saturday on the Square

Saturdays, April 13 - November 16, 2019

6:15 AM - 1:45 PM

Capitol Square

Art Fair Market

July 13, 2019

6:15 AM - 1:45 PM

Breese Stevens Field

Wednesday Market

Wednesdays, April 17 - November 6, 2019

8:30 AM - 1:45 PM

200 Block Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Holiday Market

Saturdays, November 23 - December 21, 2019 (except November 30)

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center

Late Winter Market

Saturdays, January 5 - April 6, 2019

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Madison Senior Center

Dane County Farmers’ Market Vendors

There are approximately 275 vendors involved in the Farmers’ Market throughout the year.

Over 150 members attend every Saturday on the Square.

In addition to food vendors, you’ll also find non-profits, political organizations, arts & crafts vendors, and street musicians. It all makes for a really fun atmosphere!

View the full list of Dane County Farmers’ Market vendors.

Dane County Farmers' Market Local Favorites

Stella’s Bakery - Stella’s Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread is a well known market must-have. As they say, “tear it and share it” as you make your way around Capitol Square.

Cheese Curds - There’s no better place to get genuine Wisconsin cheese curds! Farmer John’s is one of our favorites, but as long as they’re squeaky fresh you can’t go wrong!

Morel Mushrooms - Some call morel mushrooms the “Wisconsin truffle.” They’re kind of a big deal in the food world because they’re hard to find and a little on the pricey side. Even if you don’t typically like mushrooms, you just might fall in love with morels. Find a morel mushroom vendor here.

Dane County Farmers' Market Insider Tips

Go early. The later you go, the more crowded it will be. So get to the market early to enjoy a leisurely stroll before more people arrive.

Check the Dane County Farmers’ Market blog for great recipe ideas before you go! They post a recipe of the week to inspire your shopping list.

Bring your own shopping bag. You’ll be surprised how quickly it fills up! Make sure you have a place to store all your treasured goodies.

Go with the flow. When you arrive at the market, you’ll see that the flow of foot traffic heads in one direction around the square. Follow the crowd and walk with the vendors on your right hand side. Keep in mind that the most congested area is usually the top of State Street.

Brunch spots will be packed, so be prepared. You can try to make a reservation in advance, or just leave yourself enough time to endure a wait. Our restaurant, CIRC, is open for breakfast as well as our on-site Starbucks.

Book Our Farmers’ Market Special Package

Ready to enjoy the Dane County Farmers’ Market? Make a weekend of it! Stay at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club. Our Farmers’ Market Package includes:

• One-night accommodations for two on Friday night
• Two insulated Madison Concourse Hotel shopping bags
• Two beverages from our on-site Starbucks, valued up to $5 each
• $20 dining credit to use at our restaurant CIRC, The Bar, or room service

Get everything you need for a perfect morning on the Square! Learn more.

4.09.2019 | Leisure

Choosing a hotel location for your next trip can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider, including accessibility, services, and cost.

There is one consideration you should add to your list: walkability.

Is your hotel in a walkable area? It should be!

Here's why walkability should be near the top of your priority list in planning your next trip.

Walk On

Walkable areas have certain characteristics. There is a distinct center of activity, plenty of people, mixed use buildings, and public space like parks.

Does that sound like downtown Madison to you?

Capitol Square is the center of it all, bustling with people, surrounded by both residences and businesses, and it features plenty of public green space to enjoy.

When you stay in walkable downtown Madison, you can enhance your experience by enjoying all the fun happenings the area has to offer. And the best part is you can walk there! This cuts down on local transportation costs as well as headaches from traffic, parking, and logistics.

At The Center Of It All

The Madison Concourse Hotel is located just one block off Capitol Square in the heart of downtown Madison. According to Walk Score, our location has a score of 95, making it a “walker’s paradise.” Additionally, Expedia ranks Madison as the #2 Most Walkable City in the country.

It’s no wonder downtown Madison is recognized for its walkability; it’s home to shopping, dining, entertainment, and events galore. More than 300 retail, restaurant, and entertainment establishments are located within walking distance. Most establishments are locally owned, including many of the city’s best known and most recognized restaurants.

In short, walkable downtown Madison is a complete playground for your to explore -- on foot!

No Parking, No Problem

Parking pains are real. Navigating traffic and parking in an unfamiliar place can be extremely stressful. But there’s no need to drive when everything is within walking distance!

It’s easy to get downtown with the free airport shuttle provided by The Madison Concourse Hotel. The shuttle runs to and from Dane County Regional Airport, which serves 19 cities with non-stop flights.

Once you've arrived, you can keep your car in our safe, underground parking garage for the entire duration of your stay if you choose. You can walk around the city worry-free and unaffected by traffic or parking concerns.

We invite you to come experience walkable downtown Madison for yourself! Come stay in the center of it all. Book today!

Note: A version of this article was published on wisconsinmeetings.com.

3.18.2019 | Leisure

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club is proud to sponsor the 2019 Wisconsin Film Festival!

The Wisconsin Film Festival presents an average of 150 film screenings over 8 days in Madison Wisconsin. It's the largest university-produced film festival in the country.

Since its founding in 1999, the Festival has come to be known for its diverse film offerings. You can see all sorts of films including American independent, international cinema, documentaries, experiemental and avant-garde, restored classics, and much more.

Get 20% off hotel room rates and food & beverage for Wisconsin Film Festival! View details.

2019 Wisconsin Film Festival Dates

April 4-11, 2019

Wisconsin Film Festival Venues

AMC Madison 6

Chazen Museum of Art

UW Cinematheque

The Marquee

Shannon Hall

View all venues on Google Maps.

Pro Tip: When you stay at The Madison Concourse Hotel, you'll have access to complimentary shuttle rides to and from all film festival venues. View details.

Wisconsin Film Festival Film Guide

View the 2019 Wisconsin Film Festival Film Guide.

It's also available in the March 7th issue of Isthmus and at Madison Public Libraries.

Buy Tickets to the Wisconsin Film Festival

Buy tickets online or at the box office. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recomended. 

Wisconsin Film Festival Afterglow

What's the best way to end your day at the Wisconsin Film Festival? Chatting about the day’s films over drinks with Festival staff, volunteers, industry guests, and fellow Festival-goers, of course!

Wisconsin Film Festival Afterglow events are on-site right here, at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club.

Enjoy delicious food, drink specials, and all the cinema chat you can handle. There is no entry fee and all are welcome.

View Facebook Event.

Get 20% Off Wisconsin Film Festival Hotel Rates

As sponsors of the Wisconsin Film Festival, we are happy to offer a special 20% off discount to all film-loving attendees. 

Reserve any number of nights between April 4th and 11th, and receive 20% off room rates and food & beverage purchases with proof of ticket purchase.

Your reservation will include:

- 20% Off Best Available Room Rate

- 20% Off Food & Beverage Purchases (Including Room Service, The Bar, and our restaurant, CIRC)

- Complimentary shuttle rides to and from all film festival venues

- Goodies from the Wisconsin Film Festival

Book your stay for the Wisconsin Film Festival!

Remember, the special discount is only available to attendees with proof of ticket purchase at check in, so head over to wifilmfest.org to grab your ticket.