Free Things To Do
Take a Walking Tour
Stop at the Visitors Center or download the free GPS Tour App PocketSights for a collection of Madison special interest self-guided walking tours. Or join a free guided Architectural Walking Tour to learn more about Madison’s unique National Historic Landmark District, select Saturdays from May to October at Broadway Fountain, check our events page for dates.
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Explore the Outdoors
Farm to Table fan? Stop at Indiana’s oldest Farmers Market on Broadway next to the Fountain. Fresh produce, goods, live music, breakfast, and more YEAR-ROUND!
Experience our trails! Take a hike or bike along Heritage Trail or Hatcher Hill Trail!
Walk the Milton-Madison Bridge over the Ohio River and back, then take the kids to Hargan Matthew’s Park – an accessible playground for all! And if you have fur babies you can take your dog to the Lykos Riverfront Dog Park.
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the Springdale Cemetery.
Enter Clifty Falls State Park in the winter months, enjoy the Nature Center, and hike to see the waterfalls, sometimes ice-falls!
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Summer Music & Movie Series
There is guaranteed to be Music in the Park, the second Friday of the summer months at Bicentennial Park.
Kick back and relax at the Music at the Mansion summer series on the north lawn of Lanier Mansion.
Coming to town early on a Friday? Bring your lunch & lawnchair to enjoy the Live for Lunch music series. May through October at Lytle Park on West St.
Looking for family-time things to do on summer nights? Check out one of the many Mayor’s Movies in the Park, a series at Bicentennial Park.
Follow our events page to find exact dates for these events!
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Indulge in Gearhead Heaven
Are you a gearhead, appreciate old cars, motorcycles, and boats? Riverfront Run Car Show is on Memorial Day weekend, Rockin’ on the River Car Show is on Labor Day weekend, and Madison Vintage Thunder is the third weekend in September.
What about aircraft? Take off to the Madison Municipal Airport for the annual Madison Airshow, a definite guys and family event! Suggested $10 donation!
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Explore Our Cultural District
Take in our Indiana Cultural District! Explore & experience art, public exhibits and more. Go on the Public Art & Murals Walking Tour. Check out the cultural assets map.
Monthly artist showcases at Gallery at the S.P.O.T. 326 Mulberry St. Meet & greet with artists. Follow them on Facebook for event updates.
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Live Music
Look for free Live Music around town each week. Follow the Madison Music Movement, Madison Performing Art or Visit Madison calendars.
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Main Street Parades
Mingle on Main Street and watch two of our city’s favorite parades: Hometown USA, around Madison Regatta/Independence Day and A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade, which is annually held in December.
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Riverfront Fireworks
Enjoy a big beautiful Fireworks Extravaganza! Typically the Saturday of Madison Regatta around Independence Day; enjoy the sights, sounds & sparkles along the riverfront sky.
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Spring, Fall & Harvest Festivals
Who doesn’t love shopping? Free admission to the Spring & Fall Old Court Days around the courthouse; find a multitude of vendors.
Appreciate fine art and local flare? The Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art occurs the last weekend in September. Thousands flock to this classic event; find art of all kinds.
Get a taste of the cool weather & warm food at the annual Soup Stew Chili & Brew on Main Street.
Enjoy the City of Madison’s Harvest Festival at Bicentennial Park.
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Merry Madison & More Events
Free Santa visits & more. Annually, we release at Holiday Events Guide with everything going on in Madison for the holidays. While everything in the holiday events guide might not be free, it’s certainly packed with all you need to know about Merry Madison & more. Keep an eye out for its release on our events page on November 1st!
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