Some of the best ideas don’t happen in the meeting room. They happen over lunch on the Capitol lawn, during a walk along the lake, or while sharing a meal surrounded by nature.
If you’re planning a meeting in Madison, consider adding a picnic to your agenda. Whether it’s a networking lunch, team-building activity, client outing, or employee appreciation event, a picnic is an easy way to break up the day, encourage conversation, and give attendees a memorable taste of the city.
One of the biggest advantages? Many of Madison’s best picnic destinations are just minutes from The Madison Concourse Hotel, making it easy to incorporate an outdoor experience without sacrificing valuable meeting time.
Why Add a Picnic to Your Meeting?
After several hours of presentations or breakout sessions, attendees appreciate the opportunity to get outside. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed setting can help attendees recharge, spark new ideas, and build stronger connections with colleagues.
Picnics are also incredibly flexible. They can serve as a casual lunch, an evening social event, a team-building activity, or simply a refreshing break in the middle of a full and busy conference schedule.
If you are looking to have a large picnic at a city park, you will likely need to reserve a shelter or space in order to accommodate your group.
Madison’s Best Picnic Spots for Meeting Groups
Capitol Square
Located just outside our front doors, Capitol Square offers one of Madison’s most recognizable picnic settings. The Capitol lawn provides plenty of space for small and large groups, all with stunning views of the Wisconsin State Capitol. During the summer, attendees may also catch live music, community events, or the renowned Dane County Farmers’ Market, adding even more local flavor to the experience.
If you’re here in the summer, why not have a picnic with colleagues during Concerts on the Square?
James Madison Park
Only a short walk from the hotel, James Madison Park combines downtown convenience with beautiful views of Lake Mendota. Its open green spaces, shady trees, and lakeside setting make it ideal for a relaxed networking lunch or an informal afternoon gathering.
Picnic Point
For groups looking to showcase one of Madison’s most iconic outdoor destinations, Picnic Point is well worth the trip. Located within the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Lakeshore Nature Preserve, this scenic peninsula stretches into Lake Mendota and offers wooded trails, peaceful picnic areas, and panoramic waterfront views.
While it requires a bit more time than a quick lunch break, Picnic Point is perfect for leadership retreats, executive meetings, or smaller groups looking to step away from the conference environment. The natural setting encourages meaningful conversations and gives attendees an authentic Madison experience they’ll remember long after the meeting ends.
You will need to reserve a fire circle if you are looking to have a cookout or picnic at this aptly named Madison landmark.
Olin Park
Situated along Lake Monona, Olin Park offers expansive lawns, picnic shelters, and beautiful skyline views of downtown Madison. It’s a great option for larger groups or catered lunches with plenty of room to spread out.
Olbrich Park
Olbrich Park pairs lakeside picnic areas with easy access to walking paths and the nearby Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It’s an excellent choice for attendees who want to combine lunch with a leisurely stroll through the gardens or enjoy a quieter offsite experience.
Let Your Catering Do the Traveling
A successful picnic starts with great food. Boxed lunches, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, charcuterie boxes, seasonal fruit, and house-made desserts all travel well while still providing an elevated dining experience.
You can ask our catering team about this option for dining outdoors offsite.
Add a Team-Building Twist
Turn your picnic into more than just a meal by incorporating activities that encourage connection and collaboration. Consider adding:
- Lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga
- Networking conversation cards
- A guided walk through downtown Madison
- A scavenger hunt around Capitol Square
- Ice cream or coffee from a local shop after lunch
- Group photo opportunities at scenic overlooks
These simple additions help attendees return to the meeting energized while creating shared experiences that strengthen relationships.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Agenda
Madison’s walkable downtown, beautiful lakes, and abundant green spaces make it easy to bring the outdoors into your meeting agenda. Whether your group enjoys lunch on Capitol Square, a lakeside gathering at James Madison Park, or an unforgettable outing to Picnic Point, a picnic offers attendees a chance to connect, recharge, and experience the city beyond the conference room.
Sometimes the most memorable part of a meeting or conference isn’t the keynote—it’s the conversation shared over a meal under the open air.