The 42nd annual Madison Street Festival is this Saturday, October 5th, 2024 and is situated to have another incredibly strong year with more vendors, food, and fun at every turn. Every area of the festival has been combed through to ensure that this year’s festival exceeds expectations. You don’t want to miss it!
In short, this free festival is an annual event the first Saturday of October each year that spans nearly every inch of downtown Madison. Locals and visitors alike are invited to spend the day in downtown Madison enjoying two entertainment stages, multiples vendor shopping areas, hands-on entertainment areas for children and teens, a business showcase row, a morning kick-off parade, lots and lots of good food, and of course, the opportunity to explore each and every downtown Madison business.
40,000 people are expected to show up at the festival at some point throughout the day on October 5th. Don’t fret about the crowds though. If you arm yourself with a few handy tips, you’ll have an enjoyable, memorable day!
Here are five things to know about the Madison Street Festival before you head to Historic Downtown Madison on Saturday, October 5th.
Parking has never been more simple than it will be this year. Plan to park at either CROSSEPOINT CHURCH on Hughes Road or MADISON CITY STADIUM. Both locations will have non-stop shuttle service all day long, including handicap buses as well.
MADISON CITY STADIUM (211 Celtic Drive)
Shuttle #1 (School Bus) – Starts at 5:45am
Shuttle #2 (MARS Bus/handicap accessible) – Starts at 7:00am
CROSSPOINTE CHURCH (78 Hughes Rd)
Shuttle #3 (School Bus) – Starts at 5:45am
Shuttle #4 (MARS Bus/handicap accessible) – Starts at 7:00am
Shuttle #5 (School Bus) – Starts at 8:00am
Please not that the CrossPointe route will be redirected from 8:45-10am to the Wise St. drop-off during the parade.
If you do not want to take the shuttle, I would strongly recommend parking at the stadium and walking. This walk is shorter than a walk across the Toyota Field parking lot now that Shorter Street (by The Avenue and Home Place Park) is open.
Again, don’t stress about parking or let that keep you from attending the festival. As long as you consider parking in one of those huge parking lots, you’ll be good to go!
The food truck scene is going to be HOT! Linger at the festival as long as you’d like because a rumbling stomach should be the least of your concerns! 32 food trucks/food stands will be at the festival all day long ready to whip up something just for you and your crew. Maple Street, Front Street, Main Street, AND Church Street will all have food options ready to go!
I would plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the festival soaking up the entertainment, exhibits, and more.
There is a great parade that begins at 9 a.m. and lasts about 30-40 minutes. It’s highly entertaining for children and adults alike and is a fabulous showcase of groups throughout the community. If you’d like to watch the parade, plan to park by 8:30 and grab a spot along Church Street to watch the parade. (I would skip bringing chairs so that you don’t have to carry them around.) Bring a bag to catch candy and promo items that businesses will be throwing!
Once the parade finishes up, everybody will scatter to various areas of downtown. Refer to the festival map to explore all of the areas or visit the Information Trailer and grab a printed map.
Click below to discover each of the areas you’ll discover as you wander around the festival!
Plus a few fun extras too!
As you’re strolling along Main Street, don’t forget to pop into the storefronts along Downtown Madison. They’ll be operating their regular Saturday hours and hope you’ll swing in to browse!
The Madison Street Festival is introducing a “Stuff the Bus” initiative to help students in need within the Madison City Schools. The poverty rate among students has increased by 5-10% in the last three years, leading to unmet needs like hygiene products and snacks. Teachers often cover these needs out of pocket, as their stipends don’t allow for such purchases.
Festival attendees on October 5th can donate items such as deodorant, snacks, and classroom supplies by dropping them off at the school bus parked at Front and Sullivan Street. The collected items will be distributed to local schools the week after the festival. To read full details about Stuff the Bus, click here.
The train will likely run during festival hours, and while festival organizers hope it doesn’t stop on the tracks, the possibility is there. If the train does stop on the tracks, crossing the tracks over the cars is strictly prohibited.
Downtown Madison, Alabama
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Psst: Have you read about this Madison Street Festival grant program which strives to give back thousands of dollars after each festival to area educational programs? This is the “why” for this festival! Click here to read about this incredible mission.
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