FAQs

What is Taste of Madison?
Taste of Madison is a nonprofit event held every Labor Day weekend in downtown Madison. It’s been a local tradition since 1983, bringing together friends, families, great food, and live music on the Capitol Square. The event features over 80 restaurants, 27 beverage stands, and 3 live music stages, all admission free.

More than 30 local volunteer groups help make this event happen, and thanks to their support (and yours), Taste of Madison donates over $78,000 each year to local nonprofits and charities.

When is Taste of Madison?
In 2025, Taste of Madison will take place: Saturday, August 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, August 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where is the Taste of Madison?
It all happens in downtown Madison, around the Capitol Square. Check out our Map for details.

Is there an admission fee?
Nope. Entry is free!
Food and drinks are available for purchase. Food vendors keep all their earnings, and beverage sales help cover event costs and keep the festival free. Beverage tips go directly to the nonprofit groups running each stand—so tip generously! Any leftover event revenue is reinvested in the event and a community grant program managed by Madison Festivals.

Where should I park?
There’s street parking (metered and unmetered) and several parking ramps near the Capitol.  See real-time parking availability in downtown ramps

How much is the food? How big are the serving sizes?
All food items are priced between $1 and $7. Serving sizes are 6 ounces or less (smoothies are up to 12 ounces).

How much is the soda, water, beer, wine?
Visit our Beverages page for full details. If you’re planning to enjoy a beer, wine, or malted beverage, don’t forget your ID!

How do I pay for food and beverages?
It depends on the food vendor—some take cash, some take cards, some both. Please check with the vendor before ordering.
Beverage stands are credit/debit card only and do not accept cash.

Is this a charity event?
Yes! All beverage tips and a portion of event proceeds go to local nonprofits. In 2024 alone, over $75,000 was donated. Bringing our total to over 2.3 million!

General Event Guidelines

By entering, you consent to your image potentially being used in photos or video coverage of the event. No unauthorized vendors, flyers, giveaways, or sampling. No carry-ins allowed. Taste of Madison reserves the right to remove anyone not following the event rules.

How many people attend?
Taste of Madison is free and open to the public. An estimated 275,000 people come over the course of the whole weekend.

Does the city of Madison put on this event?
No. The city provides permits, but no tax dollars go toward running the event.

Who puts on this event?
Madison Festivals, Inc., a nonprofit volunteer group that brings people, businesses, and charities together through events like this one.

Will the Farmer's Market still take place on Saturday?
Yes! The Farmer's Market runs on Saturday from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Can I bring my pet?
No animals allowed, except service dogs or police animals. City of Madison Ordinance 23.315 prohibits animals from any event with more than 10 food vendors. This ordinance carries a $100 fine plus court costs. State of Wisconsin law bans animals on the Capitol Square park.

Can I bring my own cooler to the Taste of Madison?
No carry-ins, please.
There’s plenty of food and drink on site, and your purchases help support the event and local charities. Alcohol must be served by licensed staff. All beverage tips go to local nonprofit groups.

Are any of the roads closed?
Yes. Capitol Square, the surrounding 100 blocks, the 200 block of MLK Jr. Blvd., and the 100 block of Wisconsin Ave. will be closed to traffic..

How are the restaurants selected?
Restaurants must be established businesses in the area. They apply to participate and volunteer their time and offerings..

Who picks the "Best of Taste" winners?
A panel of around 200 judges selects the winners at a special event before the festival weekend.

Does Madison Festivals take a percentage of what the restaurants earn?
No. Restaurants pay a flat participation fee and keep all of their food sales.

Can I perform, protest, demonstrate and/or hand out literature or promotional items at the Taste?
Street performers, musicians, artists, mascots, vendors, and nonprofit groups are not permitted on the Capitol Square or surrounding 100 blocks during the Taste of Madison unless contracted with Madison Festivals, Inc. per our Street Use Permit.