Go for a Walking Tour

Stop at the Visitors Center, download the free GPS Tour App PocketSights, or visit our tours page for a collection of Madison self-guided walking tours. You can also join a free guided Architectural Walking Tour curtesy of Historic Madison, Inc. to learn more about Madison’s unique National Historic Landmark District. The tour is offered select Saturdays from May to October at Broadway Fountain. Check our events page for dates.

Explore the Outdoors

Farm to table fan? Stop at Indiana’s oldest Farmers Market on Broadway next to the fountain or inside Trinity Church during the winter. Fresh produce, goods, live music, food, and more await you! You can also get out and experience our wide-range of trails! Take a hike or bike along the Heritage Trail or Hatcher Hill Trail. If you want to take in some river views, take a stroll along 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 or enjoy a peaceful walk in the Springdale Cemetery. And don’t forget Clifty Falls State Park! Enjoy the Nature Center, and hike to see the waterfalls! Trails range in difficulty level, so you can enjoy no matter your experience level.

Take in the Summer Music & Movie Series

There is guaranteed to be Music in the Park at Bicentennial Park the second Friday of the month June through September. You can also 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 & lawn chair to enjoy the Live Lunch music series May through October at the Broadway Fountain. Looking for family-time things to do on summer nights? Check out the Mayor’s Movies in the Park series at Bicentennial Park.

Follow our events page to find exact dates & details for these events!

Rev Up for Gearhead Heaven

Are you a gearhead, appreciate old cars, motorcycles, and boats? Rumble on the River 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! And don’t forget Madison’s latest attraction – REVerie Roads! This motor trail experience features 5 routes of varying difficulty and length and all start & stop in Madison, Indiana! Most notably is the flagship trail, Serpent of 62, with 1000 curves in 100 miles!

Explore Our Cultural District

Take in our Indiana Cultural District – 1 of only 12 in the state! Explore & experience art, public exhibits, and more. Go on the Public Art & Murals Walking Tour. Check out the cultural assets map. You can also enjoy monthly artist showcases at Gallery at the S.P.O.T. at 326 Mulberry St. with artist meet & greets. Take part in creative meetups throughout the month as well. Follow them on Facebook for event updates.

Listen to Live Music

Look for free Live Music around town each week. Follow the Madison Music Movement, Madison Performing Arts Founadation, or Visit Madison calendars.

Celebrate with Main Street Parades

Mingle on Main Street, and watch our city parades: Get out and enjoy the summer sunshine for the 4th of July Hometown USA Parade  that takes place each year during the week of the Madison Regatta followed by the city’s free fireworks show. A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade, which is held annually in December, is another chance to get out & enjoy a parade along Main Street. Be sure to bundle up this time! The parade is followed by the Very Merry Madison Celebration at the Broadway Fountain.

Enjoy Riverfront Fireworks

Enjoy a vibrant Fireworks Extravaganza! Typically the Saturday of Madison Regatta around Independence Day; enjoy the sights, sounds & sparkles along the riverfront sky.

Flock to Festivals All Year Long!

Celebrate diversity & inclusion at Madison’s Annual PRIDE Festival at the Lanier Mansion. & who doesn’t love shopping? Free admission to the Fall Old Court Days around the courthouse will lead you to a multitude of vendors selling all types of wares. 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. Be awed by the annual Festival of Trees at Lanthier Winery that runs annually from the Friday after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.

Celebrate with Merry Madison & More Events

Free Santa visits & more. Annually, Visit Madison releases 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 annual release on our events page on November 1st!