Art Fair on the Square is an annual art festival, which draws about 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Capitol Square every July. The two-day summer weekend event boasts over 60 years of history. Art Fair features live music, dance, and non-stop entertainment on three stages throughout the weekend. Food trucks and outdoor dining are also available. However, the main focus of the fair is, of course, art. Over 500 artists exhibit their works in various genres and media: paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, photography, textiles, and fine craft. Admission to the festival is free.
Fair Schedule
Art Fair on the Square runs from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Performances and live music are available from 11 am to 4 pm. State Street Stage is located at State Street and the Capitol Square. MLK Jr. Boulevard Stage is at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Performing Arts Stage is located at Capitol Steps at North Hamilton Street. Art Fair on the Square is a kaleidoscope of music, paintings, sculptures, and more, with a myriad of unique treasures to discover and take home.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Fair on the Square has been held since 1958. The festival is organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), located right by the Square on State Street. Spanning 51,500 square feet, the museum is a real gem for art enthusiasts. Spacious glass-enclosed halls display several stunning exhibits. The beautiful Rooftop Sculpture Garden is another must-see.
Art Fair Off the Square
Art Fair Off the Square is an annual showcase with an emphasis on local artists. The art festival, which takes place simultaneously with the Art Fair on the Square, features 140 exclusively Wisconsin artists and artisans working with ceramics, glass, paint, fiber, sculpture, jewelry, graphics, paper-making, photography, wood, and other media. Art Fair Off the Square, which boasts over 40 years od history, takes place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Olin Terrace Walkway leading up to the Monona Terrace Convention Center.
