By Megan Williamson, Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association

AtwoodFest 2025 is set to return to the 2000 block of Atwood Avenue in Madison’s vibrant east side July 26-27, promising a weekend of music, community and celebration!

This free, family-friendly street festival is a staple of Madison’s summer calendar, offering a diverse lineup of live performances, local food vendors and activities for all ages from noon to 10 p.m. July 26 and noon to 7 p.m. July 27.

AtwoodFest features three music stages: The Clyde Stubblefield Stage, located in the United Way parking lot, the Luther Allison Stage, at the corner of Winnebago Street and Atwood Avenue, and the Sugar Maple Stage, in Monty’s parking lot.

Each stage hosts a variety of music throughout the weekend, showcasing local talent and regional acts. AtwoodFest features a mix of genres, from rock and blues to funk and folk.

Festival-goers can enjoy a wide array of delicious food offerings from local vendors along Atwood Avenue. There will also be beverage stations serving cold beer, wine and nonalcoholic options.

Please note that pets are not allowed at the festival, with the exception of service animals. The pavement gets very hot, and there is very little shade for furry friends.

For families, the festival offers an area with activities and entertainment tailored for younger attendees. Additionally, the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association will have a tent in front of the United Way providing first aid, lost and found services, merchandise and other assistance.

A highlight of AtwoodFest is the Convergence Parade, a community-led procession that brings together festival-goers Saturday before the music begins. More than 75 community members came together on two Sundays this spring to learn to make large-scale puppets. The workshops were funded through SASYNA’s Solstice fund. These puppets will make their first appearance at the summer solstice. They will also lead all the parade processions of the Convergence to kick off AtwoodFest. If you have an event that you’d like to feature the puppets at visit communitycreatures.org to learn more.

People interested in participating in the Convergence should gather at 11 a.m. at one of four starting points: Circle Park, Goodman Community Center, Hawthorne Park or the Yahara River at Riverside Drive and Winnebago Street. The four separate routes will converge on the festival grounds, kicking the festival off just before noon.

AtwoodFest organizers encourage attendees to bike to the festival by offering ample bike parking at designated corrals along the Capital City Path at Amoth Court and Division Street. Please use the designated crosswalks when crossing Eastwood Drive, as safety is a priority.

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