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Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Posted on July 1
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

A large group of people sit at tables on a terrace overlooking the beach.

Come to the UW Madison Memorial Union Terrace for “Stars, Stripes and Shorelines” on July 4. (Rob Thomas / City Cast Madison)

🇺🇸 Here (Doesn’t) Come the Boom

Almost immediately after it was announced, the “Bucky-n-Booms” Fourth of July celebration on Lake Mendota was renamed “Stars, Stripes and Shorelines” after organizers decided not to host a fireworks display after all. Still, it will be a full day of fun on both the UW Memorial Union Terrace and the Edgewater Hotel, with events including outdoor yoga, live music, and a performance by the Mad City Ski Team.

🇫🇷 Let the Good Times Roll

The 20th Anniversary edition of Fete de Marquette at McPike Park from July 9-12 is bigger than ever, with four days of live music, food and drink, kids’ activities and much more. While many of the acts have a French twist, you can also catch heavyweights like Los Lobos (July 9 and 12), Shemekia Copeland (July 10), and tons of great local acts.

🛍️ Stock Up on Downtown Deals

Head down to State Street from July 16-19 for Maxwell Street Days and get great deals from all sorts of local businesses, from iconic State Street institutions like Jazzman to the Soap Opera to newcomers like Raygun. Restaurants will offer expanded outdoor cafe seating on the pedestrian mall.

📚 Get Lost in a Good Book

Lake City Books is moving into a much larger space across the Capitol Square, and is planning a grand opening celebration on the weekend of July 17. Pick up your next favorite read, then dive into Chapter 1 on the bookstore’s new outdoor patio with a glass of vino from the new wine bar.

🤝 Come Together Right Now

The Urban League of Greater Madison is sponsoring its Unity Picnic Market on July 25 at the Black Business Hub, featuring food and drink, live music, and lots of local vendors.

🎶 Party on Atwood Avenue

AtwoodFest returns to Atwood Avenue on July 25 and 26, featuring three stages of live music, food and drink from local vendors and crafts from local artisans. City Cast Madison will have a table there, so swing by and say hey!

💟 Keep the Good Times Coming

For even more events, you can always keep up with what’s going on in Madison with our events calendar. (If you’re a Neighbor, you get early access to events!) Plus, the folks at Madison Magazine put together this roundup for July, too.

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