Planning a bachelorette party that blends fun, relaxation, and a touch of adventure? Look no further than Madison. With its lively downtown, scenic lakes, standout dining, and walkable layout, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable girls’ weekend.
When you stay at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, your group is right in the heart of it all—just steps from the Capitol Square, top restaurants, nightlife, and lakefront views. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan the ultimate Madison bachelorette weekend.
Friday: Arrival & Downtown Fun
Check-In at The Madison Concourse Hotel
Kick off the weekend by settling into spacious, comfortable accommodations in a prime downtown location just one block from the Capitol Square. Between the indoor pool and easy access to everything downtown, it’s the perfect home base for your celebration.
For an elevated experience, book your stay on the Governor’s Club executive level. Located on the hotel’s top three floors, these rooms offer added comfort along with sweeping views of the Capitol or nearby lakes. Guests also enjoy exclusive access to the 12th-floor Lounge and Library—inviting spaces designed for both relaxation and connection.
The Library provides a quiet, cozy retreat to unwind, play games, or enjoy a good book, while the Lounge offers a welcoming space to gather as a group. Throughout your stay, enjoy thoughtful touches like fresh coffee, homemade chocolate chip cookies, complimentary breakfast, and evening hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and desserts—perfect for starting or ending your night together.
Dinner Near the Capitol
Start the celebration with dinner at one of downtown Madison’s standout restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for elevated farm-to-table fare, shareable plates, or classic Wisconsin comfort food, there’s something for every group just steps from the hotel.
Graze
Farm-to-table favorites with Capitol views
Lucille
Great pizza, cocktails, and lively atmosphere
The Old Fashioned
Wisconsin supperclub-style eatery with a drink and food menu inspired by Wisconsin.
Music in The Bar
On Friday evenings, unwind with live local music in The Bar from 8–10 pm while enjoying specialty cocktails or local brews. It’s an easy, relaxed way to ease into the weekend.
If you’re staying at the Governor’s Club, you can, of course, enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres to start your evening or unwind with a nightcap.
Saturday: Brunch, Shopping & Lake Views
Brunch to Start the Day
Ease into Saturday with brunch—either at a local favorite downtown or right in the hotel at CIRC, where a standout breakfast and brunch buffet make for a delicious and convenient start to the day.
Marigold Kitchen
A beloved brunch spot known for creative dishes
CIRC
We don’t mean to brag, but we have a pretty incredible brunch and breakfast buffet. You can simply stop by CIRC in the lobby and grab a delicious brunch before heading out for the day.
Explore State Street
Spend the afternoon strolling State Street, the pedestrian-friendly stretch connecting the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus. Along the way, you’ll find boutique shopping, vintage stores, coffee shops, and plenty of photo-worthy stops.
Lakeside Activities
Take advantage of Madison’s beautiful lakes with a scenic walk along Lake Monona or a bike ride on the city’s extensive trail system. For something more active, head to the water—kayaks, paddleboards, and group-friendly rentals make it easy to enjoy time in the sun together.
Boat Rentals at Brittingham Park
Up for a while in the water in the sunshine. You can catch some waves on Lake Monona by renting boats at Brittingham Park. They offer group and party rental packages, and boats range from kayaks to paddleboards, paddle boats, and more!
Madison BCycle
All around Madison, there are stations with rentable E-Bikes. You can rent these bikes per ride or with limited passes. If you want to enjoy the sunshine on Madison’s hundreds of miles of bike trails, there is no need to worry about bringing bicycles to Madison for the bride and everyone celebrating, when this option is available
Dinner & Drinks
Wrap up the day with dinner at one of Madison’s many downtown restaurants, followed by drinks at a stylish cocktail bar or cozy tavern. Whether your group is looking for upscale dining or a lively atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of options to fit the mood.
Merchant
Craft cocktails and seasonal cuisine.
Cento
A premier Italian restaurant where old-world traditions are combined with modern techniques.
Continue the Celebration
There are many options when it comes to a night on the town with the girls in downtown Madison:
Dinner and a Show?
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider a night out at one of Madison’s entertainment venues. From comedy shows and concerts to Broadway performances, there’s always something happening downtown.
Comedy on State
Comedy on State is a well-known downtown comedy club featuring national touring comedians in an intimate, underground setting just off State Street.
The Orpheum
A historic downtown venue known for its grand architecture and hosting concerts, comedy shows, and special events just off the Capitol Square.
Overture Center of the Arts
A premier downtown venue showcasing Broadway shows, concerts, and performances in a stunning, modern space just steps from the Capitol Square.
The Majestic
A historic downtown venue known for hosting live music, comedy shows, and events in an intimate, vintage setting just off the Capitol Square.
Sunset and Brews at the Wisconsin Union Terrace
In warmer months, head to the Wisconsin Union Terrace to catch the sunset over the lake. With cold drinks, casual eats, and live music on select nights, it’s a quintessential Madison experience and a perfect group outing.
On weekend nights during the summer, there is also music, and there are plenty of hot spots around campus to keep the party going, such as:
Wando’s
A lively multi-level bar and grill known for its energetic atmosphere, casual eats, and strong drinks—especially popular with the UW crowd. If you’re looking for a novelty drink like a Fish Bowl to share, Wando’s is the spot.
City Bar
City Bar is a casual, no-frills downtown spot known for its laid-back vibe, affordable drinks, and classic neighborhood bar feel near the Capitol Square
Paul’s Club
Paul’s Club is a classic, no-frills downtown bar known for its laid-back vibe, strong drinks, and long-standing local charm with an indoor tree.
The Cooper’s Tavern
A European-inspired gastropub on the Capitol Square known for its craft beer selection, hearty comfort food, and rooftop patio with views of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Oz By Oz
A sleek downtown cocktail bar known for its creative drinks, upscale vibe, and late-night energy.
Sunday: Relax & Wrap Up the Weekend
Coffee & Casual Breakfast
Start your final morning with coffee and a relaxed breakfast—either in the Governor’s Club Lounge or at a nearby café. A quick walk around the Capitol Square is the perfect way to soak in the city one last time.
Grab Coffee
Starbucks
Located just off the lobby, we have our own Starbucks coffee right in the hotel.
Michelangelo’s
Not far from us on State Street, Michelangelo’s has been a fixture downtown since 1997, serving amazing coffee, paninis, and pastries.
A Quick Breakfast
Teddywedgers
Located at the top of State Street, Teddywedgers has breakfast pasties to go. If you’re looking to have a lazy morning of just hanging out in the hotel, getting Teddywedgers for the group might be a good route.
Bradbury’s
Bradburys is located just off the square, and serves fine coffee and housemade crepes with seasonal, local ingredients. It is a small space, so make sure you arrive on the early side in order to get a seat.
Savor those last moments together before check-out—snap a few final photos in the lobby, relive the weekend highlights, and head home even more excited for the big day ahead.
With its vibrant downtown, scenic lakes, and incredible dining scene, Madison offers everything you need for an unforgettable bachelorette weekend. When you stay at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, you’re perfectly positioned to experience it all—making it easy to celebrate, relax, and create memories together in the heart of the city.