Madison is already blessed with neighborhood festivals almost every weekend of the summer. But there are plenty of other festivals held in towns and neighborhoods outside of the city limits, many of which reflect the unique flavors of those communities.
On today’s City Cast Madison podcast, for example, host Bianca Martin chats with Sarah Ebert, president of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce, about their annual Syttende Mai Festival (pronounced “SIT-n-duh MY”). The event celebrates the town’s Norwegian heritage with parades, food and drink, and music and crafts.
Here’s a few more community festivals going on around Dane County that are worth a short drive.
Festa Italia, May 31-June 1, Fitchburg
Celebrate Madison’s Italian heritage at this long-running festival at McKee Farms Park, which includes live music, a pasta dinner, bocce tournament, and presentations on Madison’s Italian cultural history.
Verona Hometown Days, June 6-8, Verona
For over half a century, Verona Hometown Days has brought the community together. Enjoy the fireworks on Friday night, the car show on Saturday morning, and the kids’ activities, live music, and local food vendors all weekend long.
Mount Horeb Summer Frolic, June 12-15, Mount Horeb
The town gathers in Grundahl Park for a carnival, the 5K Norsk Run, the Frolic Parade, a volleyball tournament, and more.
Polka Fest, June 13-14, New Glarus
Roll out the barrel for two days of live polka bands under the big tent. New Glarus Brewing Company beer will be served, and free polka lessons will be taught so even newbies can keep up on the dance floor. And June 14 is also Beer, Bacon, and Cheese Fest, so visitors can enjoy unlimited samples of you-know-what.
Cottage Grove Firemen’s Festival, June 12-15, Cottage Grove
For 94 years, the Cottage Grove Volunteer Fire Department has not only kept the community safe, but sponsored this free community festival. Enjoy carnival rides, a parade, and a kids’ tractor pull.
Stoughton Fair, July 2-6, Stoughton
For 99 years, this free event has brought “good clean family entertainment” to town, including livestock judging, a “dog stunt show,” a pie and a pizza eating contest, and a “Battle of the Barbarians” strongman competition.
Monona Community Festival, July 3-4, Monona
There was some question last year about whether the Monona festival would return for 2025. But it’s back in Winnequah Park, bringing kids’ activities, live music, food carts, and one of the area’s most impressive Fourth of July fireworks displays.
WaunaFest, July 24-27, Waunakee
Waunakee’s big festival in Community Park features a beer garden, a carnival and midway, a corn hole tournament, a parade, and plenty more.
Sweet Corn Festival, Aug. 13 -17, Sun Prairie
I’m getting hungry just thinking of the 80 tons of fresh corn on the cob, salted and buttered, that will be sold during this festival, named one of the Midwest’s best food festivals. You can also buy uncooked cobs to take home, enjoy the carnival and live music, and Corn Fest Racing at Angell Park Speedway.
Middleton Good Neighbor Festival, Aug. 22-24, Middleton
Y’arr matey! Middleton has adopted a pirate theme for this year’s festival, calling itself the “Good Matey City.” You won’t need buried treasure to enjoy the parade and 5K run, the art fair, or the live music, and food and drink.
