McPike Park
Madison's vibrant community park, a premier spot for lively festivals, music, food, and a top-notch skatepark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Farmers market delights
McPike Park
Best Time
Farmers market delights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Madison's vibrant community park, a premier spot for lively festivals, music, food, and a top-notch skatepark.
"McPike Park is a great park and they have a farmer's market there on Tuesdays which is wonderful."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
McPike Park is a festival hotspot! Always check for events like La Fête de Marquette or The Sessions before visiting.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
The park has limited trees. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water, especially for daytime visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Fête de Marquette
Main park area
Madison's beloved summer festival with local vendors, amazing food, and vibrant live music. A true community celebration!
The Sessions at McPike Park
Various stages
A recurring event series featuring diverse musical acts, food trucks, and a fantastic atmosphere for music lovers.
Eastside Farmers Market
Market stalls
Fresh produce, local goods, and delicious prepared foods every Tuesday. A perfect spot for a mid-week foodie adventure.
McPike Park Skatepark
Skatepark area
A 'badass' skatepark with a welcoming vibe for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Festival Hub & Community Space
Park Amenities & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
McPike Park is a festival hotspot! Always check for events like La Fête de Marquette or The Sessions before visiting.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
The park has limited trees. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water, especially for daytime visits.
🛹 Skatepark Vibes
The skatepark is welcoming to all. Great spot for teaching kids or just enjoying the scene.
🌮 Foodie Paradise
Expect amazing food options at festivals and the Tuesday farmers market.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
McPike Park is a festival hotspot! Always check for events like La Fête de Marquette or The Sessions before visiting.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
The park has limited trees. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water, especially for daytime visits.
🛹 Skatepark Vibes
The skatepark is welcoming to all. Great spot for teaching kids or just enjoying the scene.
🌮 Foodie Paradise
Expect amazing food options at festivals and the Tuesday farmers market.
🎶 Live Music Galore
From Mariachi to African Fest, the park hosts a diverse range of live music.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McPike Park is highly praised as a vibrant community hub, especially for its lively festivals and excellent skatepark. Visitors love the energetic atmosphere, diverse food options, and welcoming community vibe during events. However, some note the park's lack of trees, which can make it very sunny.
"It's a great park and they have a farmer's market there on Tuesdays which is wonderful I recommend checking it out. There's a skatepark and a dig that. They also have a nice path walking path through the park and bathrooms. This park holds some festivals which are all good fun which may be why they don't really have many trees or other types of bushes or plants or anything which is why it's 4 stars not five. This park has great sun and some patches of native flowers would be beautiful and great for pollinators city of Madison!"
Alexandra Wilburn
"Can't really speak much about the park most of the year but I was here for la fete de Marquette and it was fantastic, the park is an excellent setting for this charming festival."
michael collins
"I came to the skatepark to teach my nine-year-old twins to skate, everybody at this place was so welcoming and cool. They made my kids feel right at home, the skate park itself is badass! Zero complaints, everything is perfect! Can't say enough good things about this skate park and the people that go to it! Good vibes all day ❤️"
Steve Foresta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McPike Park is located on Madison's east side. It's accessible by car, with parking often available nearby, especially outside of major event times. Public transportation is also an option, with bus routes serving the area.
Parking availability can vary, especially during large festivals. It's advisable to check local event details for specific parking information or consider public transport or ride-sharing services.
Yes, biking is a great option! The park is accessible via bike paths, and it's a popular destination for cyclists, especially during events.
While specific accessibility details can vary by event, the park generally has paved paths. It's always a good idea to check with event organizers for detailed accessibility information.
For major festivals like La Fête de Marquette, consider public transit or ride-sharing due to potential parking limitations and crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to McPike Park itself is generally free. However, specific ticket requirements may apply for certain ticketed festivals or events held within the park.
The park is typically open from dawn to dusk for general use. However, specific event hours will vary, so check the schedule for festivals and markets.
No, the Eastside Farmers Market at McPike Park is free to enter. You pay for any produce or goods you wish to purchase.
Ticket prices for 'The Sessions' can vary depending on the performers. It's best to check the official event listings for current pricing and purchase options.
For general park visits, yes. However, during festivals, specific rules about outside food and beverages may apply, so check event guidelines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
McPike Park features a popular skatepark, walking paths, and is a prime location for various festivals and markets, including La Fête de Marquette and the Eastside Farmers Market.
Yes, there is a highly-rated skatepark at McPike Park that is welcoming to all skill levels.
Yes, restrooms are available within the park, which is convenient for visitors, especially during longer events.
During events like La Fête de Marquette, the atmosphere is described as fantastic, charming, and energetic, with live music, food, and a strong community vibe.
Some reviews mention that the park has limited trees, which can lead to a lot of sun exposure. It's advisable to prepare for sunny conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
McPike Park is a culinary hotspot during its events. You can find everything from local produce at the farmers market to diverse food truck offerings at festivals like La Fête de Marquette and The Sessions.
Yes, the Eastside Farmers Market offers a variety of food options, including Mediterranean salads, dips, tamales, bread, and more, in addition to fresh produce.
Yes, beverages are typically available for purchase at most events held at McPike Park, including snow cones and other refreshments.
While the park has open spaces, the lack of trees might make daytime picnics very sunny. It's more ideal for picnics during cooler parts of the day or during events with shaded areas.
Festivals often feature a wide array of options, from classic festival fare to international cuisine. Specific popular items can vary by event, but expect diverse food trucks and vendor stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant energy of festivals like La Fête de Marquette, the dynamic action at the skatepark, and the colorful stalls of the Eastside Farmers Market. The open spaces can also offer good light for portraits.
Given its open nature and location, McPike Park could offer nice sunset views, especially if there are open vistas. The lack of tall trees might enhance this.
Event photography, street photography during festivals, action shots at the skatepark, and food photography at the market are all popular.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's best to check with the City of Madison Parks Department for any restrictions on drone operation in public parks.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, especially if you're looking to avoid harsh midday sun due to the park's open nature. Event times offer lively scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending festivals, be mindful that the park can get crowded and is quite sunny due to limited trees. Bringing sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water is essential for keeping little ones comfortable. While the park offers open spaces, it's primarily an event venue and recreational area, so entertainment for younger children might be more concentrated during specific festival activities or at the skatepark.
🎸 Music Lovers
Attending events like La Fête de Marquette offers a chance to experience multiple bands and performers in a single day, often with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. It's the perfect place to discover local talent and enjoy a lively outdoor concert experience. Checking the park's event schedule is key to catching your favorite sounds.
👟 Active & Outdoorsy Types
While the park is great for recreation, it's worth noting that it has limited tree cover, meaning it can get quite sunny. If you're planning an extended visit for activities, be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and water to stay comfortable. The park truly shines during its numerous outdoor events and festivals, providing a dynamic backdrop for an active day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
McPike Park's Festival Scene
Beyond music and food, the park also hosts the Eastside Farmers Market every Tuesday, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods, making it a go-to spot for locals seeking quality and community connection. The park's open layout is ideal for these gatherings, allowing ample space for vendors, stages, and attendees to mingle. Visitors often praise the park's ability to host these large-scale events, noting the 'good vibes' and the sense of community they foster.
When planning a visit, it's crucial to check the park's event calendar. While the park itself is accessible, the experience during a festival is significantly different from a quiet afternoon. These events are what draw many visitors, offering a taste of Madison's lively local scene. Be prepared for crowds and potential parking challenges during major festivals, but the experience is widely considered worth it.
Skatepark and Recreation
Beyond the skatepark, McPike Park offers walking paths that meander through the grounds, providing a pleasant route for a stroll or a light jog. While the park is praised for its event capabilities and recreational facilities, some visitors have noted a relative scarcity of trees. This means that during sunny days, the park can be quite exposed to the sun, making it important to bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen if you plan to spend extended time outdoors, especially during midday.
The combination of a dedicated skatepark and accessible walking paths makes McPike Park a versatile destination for both organized events and casual recreation. It serves as a valuable community asset, offering opportunities for both active pursuits and social gatherings. The welcoming nature of the skatepark community, in particular, stands out as a significant positive aspect for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit