Planning a meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, this spring? The season offers a host of activities that showcase the city’s beauty and culture, giving your attendees an unforgettable experience to explore our vibrant, cultured city beyond the boardroom. Here are some must-try options to consider for your attendees:
Dane County Farmer’s Market
One of Madison’s favorite Saturday morning traditions returns to the Capitol Square for the 2026 season on April 11. Just a short, minutes-long walk to the square from the hotel, the market is the largest producer-only Farmers Market in the country, and in the spring, it brings fresh energy with vibrant, colorful flowers, plant starts, herbs, rhubarb, and more. You can, of course, count on the market staples of cheese curds and Stella’s hot cheese bread to be present.
Madison Public Market
Opening in the spring of 2026, The Madison Public market is a community gathering space where entrepreneurs of all kinds can share and sell their food, drinks, handcrafted arts, goods, and more. It will be located on East Washington Avenue not far from the hotel, and will make for a great outing for any sized group meeting in Madison.
Bike Trails and Rentals
Madison, Wisconsin, is a top bike-friendly city with over 200 miles of trails and paths. Popular routes like the Capital City State Trail and Lakeshore Path offer scenic and commuter-friendly rides. With strong advocacy from groups like Madison Bikes, the city continues to expand safe and accessible cycling infrastructure, making biking a convenient and enjoyable way to get around.
There are many Madison BCycle E-Bike stations across Madison where you can rent a bike by ride or as a guest if you are in town and want to enjoy our bike trails while not being able to bring a personal bicycle. There is a station right outside the hotel and all over downtown near all of our bike paths including the Lake Monona Loop.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Located on the far east side of Madison near the Atwood Avenue neighborhood, Olbrich Gardens is 16 acres of artistically and naturally designed outdoor gardens that bloom and grow for every season.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) in downtown Madison showcases innovative contemporary art in a striking César Pelli-designed building. With rotating exhibitions, a rooftop sculpture garden, and free admission, it offers an engaging cultural experience. MMoCA also hosts events like Art Fair on the Square (mid-July), connecting artists with the community.
MMoCA will be opening a new restaurant in Spring 2026 called Tallgrass. The restaurant will be located in the former museum gift shop at street level and will feature the restaurant will feature a menu rooted in local flavors, bridging contemporary art and culinary traditions led by renowned chef Elena Taylor.
Overture Center of the Arts
The Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison is a premier venue for performing arts, featuring theaters, galleries, and community programs. Home to Broadway shows, concerts, and local performances, it hosts diverse cultural events year-round.
The Overture Center is also home to the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Ballet. It's very easy to catch dinner and a show as a group if you're meeting and staying with us here in Madison as The Overture is a very short walk from the hotel (under 3 minutes).
We hope your attendees feel at home and relax in Madison while enjoying an arts and culture scene of a larger city. There is so much to explore and enjoy not far from our own doorstep.