Community Events with Madison Public Library

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city from June-August 2025. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you!  

Madison Public Library is excited to be sending staff from nearby libraries to participate in Parks Alive activities this summer! Meet your local library staff, sign up for a library card, pick up WE READ materials, enjoy a fun art or making activity, or browse books on the Dream Bus. 

Park locations include Allied Park, Aldo Leopold Park, Elver Park, Hammersley Park, Galaxy Park, Sandburg Park, Meadowood Park, Owl Creek Park, Penn Park, Warner Park and Worthington Park.

Madison Public Library's Dream Bus visits a dozen stops five days a week during the summer. The goal is to bring books, DVDs and more to communities that experience transportation barriers to accessing library services. Visitors to the Dream Bus can apply for a library card, browse books outdoors and check out or return books, place holds or pick up holds at the Dream Bus. Each summer, the Dream Bus also visits community events throughout Madison and Sun Prairie. 

This summer, the Dream Bus will also feature a WE READ Bubbler Artist-in-Residence, Kailea Saplan, who will lead art and making activities at select stops and community events. See the full schedule to learn more!

We will be attending several neighborhood events and festivals this summer, including: 

• Northside Farmers Market: June 29, August 3, and September 28, 8:30am - 12:30pm
• Fete de Marquette: July 12, 12-6pm
• Environmental Fun Fair: July 13, 1-4pm | Lussier Family Heritage Center
• Glendale Neighborhood Festival: August 7, TBD
• JuJu's Annual Block Party - TBD
• WestFest - TBD
• Luna's Block Party - TBD

Additional events will be added throughout the summer, so check back to see more!

Stop by Madison Public Library's table (Top of State St.) at Madison Night Market this summer. The Market is located along State Street and Gilman Street in the heart of downtown Madison, where library staff will join vendors showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. 

Sign up for a library card, find out about upcoming events or programs, or just say hello! The event includes live music, artists, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences. We will be attending the September 18 night market to promote Library Card Sign-Up Month in September!

The Madison Night Market is presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID).

The Dream Bus joined other Mobile Madison partners for three consecutive evenings of fun this June. Attendees enjoyed free snacks, books, art activities, fishing games, fitness, and more. There were three Mobile Madison events planned for Summer 2025, and both took place in June as a kick-off for summer. Mobile Madison is a partner collaboration bringing free, fun activities to Madison neighborhoods.

• Monday, June 16, 5-7pm | Brittingham Park
• Tuesday, June 17, 5-7pm | Warner Park
• Wednesday, June 18, 5-7pm | Elver Park

These events are hosted by other organizations in the community, and we're excited to participate: 

• Wisconsin Latino Chamber Childcare Summit: July 12, 9am - 2pm | Madison College - Goodman South Campus
• Urban League Unity Picnic: July 26, 12-5pm | Black Business Hub
• Disability Pride Festival: July 26, 12-5pm | Warner Park
• Olbrich Garden Butterfly Day of Action: August 1, 10am - 2pm
• Magic Pride Festival: August 17, 1-6pm | Warner Park
• WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest Winner Announcement at Forward Madison FC Game: August 21, 7pm | Breese Stevens Field
• Operation Fresh Start & Reach Dane Community Block Party: August 21, 2-5pm