Springtime in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a delightful array of activities that embrace the city's natural beauty and vibrant culture. As the tulips bloom on the capitol square, we look forward to warmer temperatures and sunshine that really makes this city come alive. Here are some of our top recommendations to enjoy during the season:
AT OUR HOTEL
Easter is around the corner, which means it is nearly time to celebrate. Easter eggs aside, an easter celebration can mean out-of-town guests staying in your home and making a home-cooked meal.
Now, perhaps you’re looking for more space for your guests and less stress with your holiday…and for that, we are once again offering our Easter Brunch here at the Madison Concourse Hotel Sunday April 20th from 9:30am until 2pm.
Whether you and your guests are out-of-town or local, our brunch is hearty like a homecooked meal created with our staff’s culinary talent. And if in fact, your guests are coming in from out of town, our guest rooms are the perfect, cozy place for them to stay should they (and you, their host) need some space.
See menu and learn more: https://www.concoursehotel.com/easter
MADISON FAVORITES
One of Madison’s favorite Saturday morning traditions returns to the capitol square for the season April 12. 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.
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.
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 blooms and grows 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.
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.
EVENTS
On March 22nd at 10am, visit Aldo Leopold Nature Center and join a naturalist for a free guided fun and educational family friendly walk to look for birds that are starting to return to Wisconsin from down south as days get longer and warmer. We will look, listen and learn about Robins, Bluebirds, Turkey Vultures, and other harbingers of Spring.
With Easter around the corner, you can learn how to decorate eggs the Ukranian way. Their elaborate, colorful designs are a step above the Paas dip kits most of us are used to. This drop-in demo is being held at Orange Tree Imports from 1-3pm on March 29th.
On April 5th from 10am until 4pm, The SPRING Crafty Fair will host over 100 makers from across Wisconsin, bringing you their best handmade creations at the Goodman Community Center.
Midwest Horse Fair
On the weekend of April 11-13, the Midwest Horses Fair is back once again at the Alliant Energy Center as the largest 3-day horse fair in America. Watch different riding and breed demonstrations and learn more about these beasts of burden that have been with humanity throughout history.
Naturally, there is a lot more to do in Madison this time of year. You can check out the Isthmus Event Calendar for more things happening in the area this spring and going forward. From us here at the Madison Concourse Hotel, we hope you all have an excellent vernal equinox and we look forward to warmer, sunnier weather as well.