It’s hard to hate a food and music festival, but Madison Festivals, Inc. takes the Taste of Madison one step further: by making it a non-profit event open to the public. No entrance fees, no hassle and no stress. Since its debut in 1983, Taste of Madison aims to present the people of Madison with a rich sense of community and love, one where all are welcome.  

Come Labor Day weekend, Capital Square will be littered with food trucks and smoothie stands. With over 80 vendors planning to attend, Taste of Madison is sure to leave you satisfied. The prices range from $1 and $10 depending on the company, and be sure to ask who accepts cash. And in case you have a particular snack in mind, whether it be Bob’s BBQ Emporium or Gigi’s Cupcakes, all available restaurants are listed on their website, tasteofmadison.com.  

Bands like Power Take Off and Lines Of Loyalty are just two of the many performances you can expect during the two day festival. Also said to make an appearance are Foo Foo Dolls, Shallow Side, Kassi Ashton, and Elizabeth Mary.  

But even if none of that sounds appealing to you, there are other ways you can join the fun. Fundraising opportunities are sprinkled throughout the festival, and they’d love to have an extra pair of hands. Last year, the Madison community was able to donate over $78,000. Who knows, maybe your contribution will push that bar even higher. 

There’s something for everyone at the Taste of Madison, so why not spend an afternoon with your neighbors? Whether you’re dancing in the crowd or snacking in the streets, your presence alone builds that sense of community Madison Festivals, Inc. hopes to capture.