Your Guide to Madison

You’re coming for the race – why not make it a full race-cation? Madison is one of the Midwest’s most vibrant cities, and Memorial Day weekend is its kickoff to summer. Here’s everything to see, do, eat, and explore.

What's Happening in Madison?

Memorial Day weekend is one of Madison’s biggest weekends of the year. You won’t have to look hard for things to fill your days (and nights).

RACE WEEKEND · MAY 25-28

Madison isn’t just a backdrop for race weekend,  it’s a destination. From  festivals and world-class food to lakes and miles of scenic trails, there’s a reason athletes travel from all over to Run Madtown. Come for the race. Stay for the city.

Memorial Union Terrace

One of the most iconic spots in all of Wisconsin. Grab some food and a drink, sink into a sunburst chair on the lakefront patio, and watch the sailboats drift across Lake Mendota. A perfect post-race celebration.

Wisconsin State Capital

The stunning white granite dome dominates Madison's skyline — and the interior is even more impressive. Free guided tours take you into the senate chambers and up to an observation deck with sweeping city views.

Madison Children's Museum

Play matters. It’s how we learn to invent, share, and explore. Madison Children’s Museum bursts with chances to play and learn: to stretch bodies and minds, solve problems, create art, make friends, and, most of all, have fun. We’re an inspiring space where kids lead, and grownups are happy to follow. Plan a trip to Madison Children’s Museum. Open Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 4pm

Rally Madison FC

Madison's brand new professional women's soccer team makes its debut in 2026 at Breese Stevens Field. A great post-race outing — cheer on other athletes and soak up the energy of something brand new in the city.

Madison Mallards

The crown jewel of Madison's Memorial Day weekend — four days of brats, live music, carnival rides, and community at the Alliant Energy Center. A beloved Wisconsin tradition. Vegetarian? They've got Impossible brats too.

Henry Vilas Zoo

Running alongside Brat Fest, this festival celebrates Madison's thriving plant-based food scene with vendors from across the Midwest and plenty of live music. Perfect for athletes fueling up post-race.

Farmer's Market on the Square

The Sat­ur­day Dane Coun­ty Farm­ers’ Mar­ket is con­ve­nient­ly locat­ed on the tree-lined grounds sur­round­ing the Wis­con­sin State Capi­tol build­ing - oth­er­wise known as ​“the Square” - in down­town Madi­son, Wisconsin. Saturdays 6:15am - 1:45pm

Vegan Sausage Fest

Running alongside Brat Fest, this festival celebrates Madison's thriving plant-based food scene with vendors from across the Midwest and plenty of live music. Perfect for athletes fueling up post-race.

World's Largest Brat Fest

The crown jewel of Madison's Memorial Day weekend - three days of brats, live music, and fun at the Alliant Energy Center. A beloved Wisconsin tradition. Vegetarian? They've got Impossible brats too.