Free things to do in Madison

10 places in Madison with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Chazen Museum of Art
A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded.
Free
See
Governor's Mansion
The mansion of the governor of the state of Wisconsin is located in nearby Maple Bluff, right on Lake Mendota. Tours are offered every Thursday during the summer and several times during the month of December.
Free
See
Henry Vilas Zoo
Founded in 1914, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre (12-hectare) grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house.
Daily 9:30AM-5PMFree admission and parking, donations welcome
See
L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum
Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM, closed on public and school holidaysFree
See
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.
Free
See
UW-Madison Geology Museum
A geology and paleontology museum exhibiting ancient past through rocks, fossils, and meteorites.
Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat 9AM-1PMFree
Do Not mapped
Art Fair Off The Square
Held concurrent and adjacent to Art Fair on the Square on second weekend of July, but features only Wisconsin artists. More than 100 exhibitors each year.
Free
Do Not mapped
Art Fair On The Square
Held second weekend of July. Features works for sale by more than 400 exhibiting artists. Mixed media, ceramics, drawings, graphics, prints, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, paintings, photographs, sculpture, 3D mixed media, and wood. Artists from all over the United States apply to exhibit and sell their works. Organized by Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Free
Do Not mapped
Concerts on the Square
This very popular weekly summer concert series by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is held on the grounds of the State Capitol. Attendees sit on the lawn around the building, and most people bring a blanket to spread on the ground and picnic foods to eat.
Free
Do Not mapped
Mifflin Street Block Party
A massive student-run block party held on the first Saturday of every May. Several blocks of West Mifflin Street are cordoned off for drinking, music, and food in what is one of the largest public gatherings in the country. Keep an eye out for overzealous policemen — read the section for more information.
Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0).