Madison in the summer is pure Midwest magic—think bustling farmers’ markets, live music by the lake, rooftop patios, and endless outdoor adventures. With five lakes, miles of trails, and a walkable downtown packed with local flavor, the city comes alive in the summer, making it the perfect backdrop for both work and play. Here are just a few activities and locations your meeting or conference attendees can partake in during their time in Wisconsin's capitol city:
 

Betty Lou Cruise
This popular charter cruise line is having its last season in 2025, so book a Betty Lou Cruise for your group to have a private, relaxing outing on one of Madison’s lakes complete with a captain, crew, restrooms AND food service. Bookings begin late May and last through late August.
 

Dane County Farmer’s Market
Summer is peak season for the Dane County Farmer’s Market as it is a departure from the cooler, wetter temperatures in the spring and arrives with more produce options. 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 has something for everyone, including squeaky cheese curds and Stella’s Hot Cheese bread. Our hotel is just steps away from the capitol square, so it is easy for attendees to walk over and grab a treat before or after weekend events. The market is open on Saturdays through November 8, 2025 from 6:15 am – 1:45 pm.

Meeting in Madison during the work week? The Dane County Farmer's Market is also downtown on Wednesdays on Martin Luther King Boulevard through November 5, 2025
from 8:30 am - 1:45 pm.

Picnic Point
Everyone loves casual picnic or cookout on the shores of Lake Mendota at Picnic Point. This little peninsula is in the middle of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve on Lake Mendota is located on the near-west side of Madison on the University of Wisconsin campus near UW Hospital. These scenic picnic sites are along the lakeshore and nestled amongst a forest of mature trees.

Wisconsin Memorial Union Terrace
The Wisconsin Memorial Union, located on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, is a beloved gathering place known for its vibrant atmosphere and lakeside views. Its famous Terrace, with colorful sunburst chairs overlooking Lake Mendota, is a favorite spot for students, locals, and visitors alike to relax, enjoy live music, or watch a sunset. 

Breese Stevens Field
Whether it is a soccer game with Madison Forward FC or a live outdoor concert, Breese Stevens Field is a perfect outdoor summer venue and historical site in the state and federal register. Located on Madison’s near-East side just a short distance from the Capitol and downtown, The field is named in honor of Breese J. Stevens (1834–1903), a mayor of Madison and a University of Wisconsin–Madison regent, on the wishes of his widow, who sold the land to the city which made it a sporting venue in the 1920’s. Catch a game or a show under the open summer air as a group outing during your time in Madison after a day of meetings.

Madison Mallards & Madison Night Mares
If you and your meeting attendees would prefer baseball, Madison has a collegiate baseball team with the Northwoods League that makes for a fun and relaxing summer evening. The Madison Mallards play at Warner Park on Madison’s northeast side. A brand new women's softball team called the Madison Night Mares with the Northwoods League was announced last year, and is another ballpark team you can watch on a warm, summer evening during the week.

Concerts on the Square
Another popular summer Madison tradition is Concerts on the Square. This summer concert series runs from late June until early July on Wednesdays where the Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra plays a family-friendly concert series on the capitol square (weather permitting). The series combines world-class music with a vibrant picnic atmosphere. Attendees bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets, creating a festive community experience in the heart of downtown. With the stunning Capitol building as a backdrop, Concerts on the Square offers a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and summer charm.

Jazz at Five
Jazz at Five is a free outdoor concert series held on select Wednesdays in August and September in Madison, Wisconsin. Featuring top local and national jazz musicians, the event offers a relaxed, community vibe where attendees bring lawn chairs, enjoy local food, and take in great live music in a scenic downtown setting.

Bike Around Madison
Madison has a reputation for being one of the most bike-friendly cities with over 200 miles of bike trails and bike rentals available. ​Madison, Wisconsin, is celebrated for its extensive and interconnected network of bike trails, offering cyclists a variety of scenic and urban routes. The 17-mile Capital City State Trail serves as a central artery, linking Madison to regional trails like the Military Ridge and Badger State Trails, and traversing diverse landscapes including wetlands and woodlands . On the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path provides a picturesque 2.2-mile ride along Lake Mendota, accommodating both cyclists and pedestrians.

From open-air spaces to sunny lakeside vibes, Madison offers everything you need for a successful—and memorable—summer event. Whether you’re planning a big conference or a small gathering, this city makes it easy to mix productivity with a little play.