Family Halloween

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
State Street & Capitol Square

Halloween fun for families, sponsored by the Madison Public Schools Foundation , MG&E Foundation , Don's Home Furniture , and Steve Brown Apartments .

Hay Rides around the Capitol Square, crafts, art projects, stories and songs, trick or treat at participating businesses, and more!

Stick around after trick-or-treating fun for YOUR Downtown Movie Night with Madison Parks

Check back for 2024 details in early October!

2024 Event Details

Follow along on Facebook here!

Full Halloween flyer with trick-or-treat stops and activities COMING SOON

2024 FAMILY HALLOWEEN MAP

Map Subject to Change



2024 ACTIVITY STOPS

All activities from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, free, and include trick-or-treating unless otherwise noted.
Looking for these stops? You can identify them in person via the listed 'Activity Stop #' below and on signs at the locations. Activity descriptions coming soon.
Activity stops subject to change.

  1. Boulders Climbing Gym (129 S Carroll St) – Join Local artist Angela Johnson for a spooky holiday craft project in Boulder’s lobby—don’t forget to stop for some candy on your way out!
  2. Madison Children's Museum (100 N Hamilton) – Stop by for Ken Lonnquist’s Haunted Disco from 4-5pm and to enjoy free play and trick-or-treating in the Wonderground from 3-6pm. Please enter the Wonderground via the gate on East Dayton Street, near the Log Cabin.
  3. Madison Parks Hayride [$3] (10 W Mifflin) – Madison Parks has a fun stop planned for you! Enjoy a tractor hayride around the Capitol Square. Rides leave approximately every 20 minutes; two hay wagons will be running at the event. ($3.00/person, children 2 and under are free, no reservations required.) Candy spot too!
  4. Madison Reading Project (100 State St) – Outside at “The Forum” at the Top of State. Come aboard the Big Red Reading Bus and select a free book!
  5. Cielo (118 State St) – Set up outside the soon-to-open Cielo, stop by for Day of the Dead face painting and ofrenda window display along with wrapped plastic spoons filled with tamarind dulce. Yum!
  6. City of Madison Traffic Engineering (122 State St) – Safety first! The city of Madison Traffic Engineering team will pop-out on the 100-block with pedestrian safety gear—and, of course, candy!
  7. Madison Public Schools Foundation (124 State St) - The work of MPSF centers on creating bright futures for MMSD students and teachers. Through fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy, MPSF is working for well-resourced schools and varied learning opportunities.
  8. Madison Public Library - Central (201 W Mifflin St) – Swing by the Children's room (lower level) of Madison's Central Library while you are enjoying downtown Halloween to grab temporary tattoos and fruit snacks. While you’re there don’t forget to do a spooky craft to take home.
  9. Madison Senior Center (330 W Mifflin St) – Make sure you’re camera-ready before stopping by the Madison Senior Center for a Halloween photobooth, festive activities, and candy!
  10. Overture Center for the Arts (201 State St) – Stop by for a free, Halloween performance of Kids in the Rotunda featuring kid-friendly comedy from Madison’s own Monkey Business Institute. Performances begin at 4pm & 5pm.
  11. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (227 State St) – Stop by MMoCA for a candy treat and activities! Create a Halloween-themed button from their MMoCA designs or create your own at our button making station—or enjoy spooktacular temporary tattoos for all ages.
  12. Artist Craftsman Supply (203 W Gorham St #1) – Don’t miss Artist Craftsman Supply’s candy and facepainting stations with DIY paint and stencil designs.
  13. Bucky Meet & Greet (452 State St) – Now's your chance for a special Halloween photo with Bucky at Lisa Link Peace Park! Special appearance by Bucky Badger from 4-5pm.
  14. Balloon Arch (452 State St) – Take your cutest Halloween pictures yet at Lisa Link Peace Park—next to the Downtown Visitors Center—with a festive balloon arch as your backdrop. Stop by the window at the Visitors Center to pick up candy before you continue on your way.
  15. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. (468 State St) – Don't miss this spooktacular trick-or-treat stop where you'll get free mini cones during the event!
  16. Balloon Animals (600 State St) – The Alexandra Store will be popping up in Frances Street Plaza with free balloon animals for kids in costume.
  17. Madison Police Department (600 State St) – Outside at “The Forum” at the Top of State. Meet our Downtown Neighborhood officers and get your own police badge. The MPD will have a candy stash in the back of their squad car, so don’t forget to stop for this “trunk-or-treat” favorite!
  18. Movie in the Forum (100 State St) – Stick around after the trick-or-treat event for a free screening of Hotel Transylvania (PG, 2012), presented by Madison Parks. 6:00-7:30pm.

2024 TRICK-OR-TREAT STOPS

Trick-or-treat stops subject to change.

A Note from Madison Public Schools Foundation:
The work of Madison Public Schools Foundation centers on creating bright futures for MMSD students and teachers. Through fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy, we are working for well-resourced schools and varied learning opportunities. We’re excited to welcome kids and families to experience downtown Madison, and to sponsor Downtown Madison Family Halloween.

2024 AT A GLANCE

Trick or Treat Downtown!
Wednesday, October 30
3pm to 6pm
FREE

YOUR Downtown Movie Night
Wednesday, October 30
6pm - 7:30pm
FREE

Downtown Madison Family Halloween Sponsors

Media Partner