Get ready for the can’t-miss community celebration of the year! The Willy Street Fair is back, transforming Williamson Street into a vibrant hub of music, art, food, and fun on Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd. Spanning the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Williamson Street and the 300 block of Brearly Street, this 47th annual fair promises an unforgettable weekend for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned fair-goer or a first-timer, here’s your guide to making the most of the Willy Street Fair.
Jam to Incredible Live Music Across Four Stages
Music is at the heart of the Willy Street Fair, and this year boasts four stages packed with diverse talent. Prepare to be entertained from 2 PM to 10 PM on Saturday and 11 AM to 6:30 PM on Sunday.
Saturday’s Main Stage, presented by Lauer Realty Group, will have you dancing with a lineup of fantastic tribute bands:
- 2:00 PM: Groove to the rhythms of Bob Marley with JAH Boogie & Mama T.
- 4:15 PM: Experience the iconic Rolling Stones with Loving Cup.
- 6:15 PM: Get ready to party like it’s 1999 with the Purple Veins Prince tribute.
- 8:30 PM: Disco fever hits Willy Street with VO5, a tribute to the disco era.
For folk music enthusiasts, the Folk Stage, presented by Mad Folk Music Society, offers a delightful array of sounds:
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Irish tunes with O’Darby—Irish Pub Songs.
- 4:00 PM: Celebrate musical heritage with Songs of Those Who Came Before Us.
- 6:00 PM: Experience the charm of The Acoustic Charlies.
- 7:30 PM: Get zippy with The Zippity—Do-Das.
Families will love the Kids Stage, also presented by Lauer Realty Group, offering interactive entertainment:
- 3:00 PM: Let your little stars shine at Kids’ Karaoke.
- 5:00 PM: Dance the afternoon away at the DJ Mirah Dance Party.
- 6:00 PM: More singing fun with All Ages Karaoke.
And for those craving electronic beats, don’t miss the Willy Street Beats stage presented by MadCat! on Saturday:
- 3:00 PM – Miss K Funk
- 4:00 PM – Sarah Akawa
- 5:00 PM – Asher Gray
- 6:30 PM – Shaun J Wright
- 8:00 PM – Livwutang
Sunday’s music lineup is equally exciting, with the WORT Underground Stage featuring a mix of live bands and WORT DJs:
- Noon: DJ Chiaroscuro
- 12:30 PM: Clean Room
- 1:15 PM: DJ Kayla Kush
- 1:45 PM: Def Sonic
- 2:30 PM: DJ Steph
- 3:00 PM: Combat Naps
- 3:45 PM: DJ El Serpentine
- 4:15 PM: Interlay
- 5:00 PM: DJ Julia
- 5:30 PM: DELICIOUS MONSTERS with Beatrix Productions Circus Performers
The Main Stage on Sunday continues the musical journey:
- 12:00 PM: Rock out with the Beth Kille Band.
- 1:45 PM: Enjoy the soulful sounds of Old Soul Society.
- 3:30 PM: Experience the unique sound of The Mascot Theory.
- 5:00 PM: Get your groove on with The People Brothers Band.
The Folk Stage on Sunday offers a more mellow vibe:
- 12:15 PM: Celebrate the songs of John Prine with Jeff Burkhart, Chuck Bayuk & Liz Stattelman.
- 1:45 PM: Enjoy the melodies of Nelson Graham.
- 3:15 PM: Experience the talent of Josh Harty w Chris Wagoner & Mary Gaines.
- 5:00 PM: Sing along to sea shanties with Tom Kastle.
The Kids Stage on Sunday is full of action:
- 12:00 PM: Forward Marching Band
- 12:45 PM: Madison Unicyclists
- 1:30 PM: Dairyland Dancing Diamonds
- 2:00 PM: Mendota Stompers
- 2:45 PM: James the Magician
- 4:00 PM: Madison Music Foundry/Teen Bands Showcase!
Willy Street Beats After Dark: Keep the Party Going
For those who want to dance into the night, the Willy Street Beats After Dark event at the High Noon Saloon (701 E. Washington Ave) is a must. Featuring a special 4-hour back-to-back DJ set with Mike Servito and Shaun J Wright on the VOID sound system, this 21+ afterparty promises an unforgettable night. Doors open at 9:30 PM, music starts at 10 PM, and tickets are $25.
More Than Music: Parade, Vendors, and Family Fun
Beyond the incredible music lineup, the Willy Street Fair offers a vibrant street market with a wide array of vendors. Explore unique crafts, art, clothing, and delicious food from local businesses and artisans.
Don’t miss the beloved Willy Street Fair Parade at 11 AM on Sunday! This quirky and creative parade is a highlight of the weekend, showcasing the spirit of the Willy Street neighborhood.
With dedicated kids’ stages and family-friendly activities throughout the fair, the Willy Street Fair is truly an event for everyone.
Calling All Vendors: Register Now!
Interested in being a part of the Willy Street Fair as a vendor? Vendor registration is open! Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/240954741803155. For more information, visit https://willystreetfair.org/ or email [email protected].
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Willy Street Fair is made possible by the generous support of stage presenters and sponsors including Chad’s Design Build, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, CMI, DeWitt LLC, Full Spectrum Solar, Heartland Credit Union, I/O Arcade, Madison Sourdough, Martin Glass, Forward Ketamine, MG&E, Research Products, Signs by Tomorrow, Tribe 9 Foods, and Willy Street Co-op.
Mark your calendars for September 21st and 22nd and get ready to experience the best of Madison at the Willy Street Fair!
