MADISON, WISCONSIN UNVEILS A WAVE OF NEW ATTRACTIONS, DINING, EVENTS & AIR SERVICE IN 2026

A Transformative Year Positions Wisconsin’s Capital City as a Must‑Visit Destination

MADISON, WIS. (Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026) – Madison, Wisconsin is entering a milestone year, debuting new cultural institutions, culinary experiences, hotels, recreational offerings and expanded air service — solidifying its reputation as one of the Midwest’s most vibrant and forward‑moving destinations.

From the long‑awaited opening of the Madison Public Market to the arrival of nationally recognized dining concepts, 2026 brings a wave of developments that promise to excite first‑time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, SPACES & EXPERIENCES
Madison Public Market – March 2026
Years in the making, the Madison Public Market will open on the city’s near‑east side as a year‑round indoor marketplace featuring dozens of local merchants specializing in food, wellness, art, gifts and more. The space will also serve as an incubator and accelerator for emerging local entrepreneurs, fueling small‑business innovation in the region.

Center for Black Excellence and Culture – May 2026
This landmark project will celebrate Black culture through rotating exhibits, performances, community events and educational programs — introducing an essential new cultural anchor to the city.

Picnic Point Center (Frautschi Center) – Opening TBD
Set within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, this sustainably designed education center will feature geothermal systems, recycled materials and immersive programming for nature lovers. Sadly, the namesake Madison philanthropist Jerry Frautschi passed away January 2026.

Imagination Center at Reindahl Park – September 2026
A family‑focused space designed to spark creativity and play, offering new opportunities for hands‑on learning for children and parents.

Eastmorland Community Center Redevelopment – Fall 2026
This revitalized community space will host local organizations such as Ethical Trade Co., a sustainable goods shop, and expand opportunities for neighborhood engagement.

Play, A Play and A Stay package – Spring 2026
This limited-time promotion invites families, visitors and theater-lovers to pair a Children’s Theater Madison performance (“A Play”) with a day spent at award-winning Madison Children’s Museum (“Play”) and, to round it all out, an overnight stay (“A Stay”) at a premiere hotel in Madison, creating an unforgettable arts-centered getaway. 

NEW PLACES TO STAY
Home2 Suites / Tru by Hilton – February 2026
A dual‑branded hotel offering modern amenities, EV charging and an indoor pool — ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

Marriott Tribute Portfolio Boutique Hotel – Late 2026
Located on North Carroll Street, this upscale boutique hotel will deliver a chic, personalized stay adjacent to the future and highly anticipated Wisconsin History Center.

New Glarus Hotel – 2026
The 175‑year‑old historic property is being restored with eight intimate inn‑style rooms in the heart of this charming Swiss‑heritage village.

Spark by Hilton Madison Central – Opened Late 2025, Shining into 2026
A stylish option featuring 140 rooms, combining comfort, convenience and contemporary design.

A CULINARY SCENE ON THE RISE: NEW RESTAURANTS
Madison’s dining landscape continues to grow with global inspirations, innovative concepts and locally beloved expansions:

• Tall Grass – A new restaurant from Ho-Chunk chef and advocate Elena Terry in the Madison Museum of Contemporary art.
• Friends Applaud Tavern – An Irish bar with French influences, opening this spring in Bay Creek.
• One Social District – A new food hall right downtown Madison with multiple offerings.
• Ba Lao – A new Willy Street bar from the owners of James Beard-recognized Ahan, featuring drinks, boba and to‑go sandwiches.
• Bri’s Fresh Bakes – A Sun Prairie bake shop debuting sourdough, cruffins and more in spring 2026.
• Toro y Pampa – Hot, fresh Argentine empanadas, pizza and mate.
• Ledger Coffee – An ethically sourced micro‑roaster opening on Winnebago Street in April.
• Tous les Jours – The global French‑Korean bakery chain will open its first Wisconsin location by mid‑2026.
• Ian’s Pizza (Verona) – Madison’s iconic slice shop expands to nearby Verona in late spring/early summer.
• Bernell’s – The city’s first women‑centered sports bar, offering live music and soul food.
• Taj Indian Cuisine & Bar – A beloved local staple relocates into a larger, brewery‑inspired space.
• NOB Bar & Grill – A new Sun Prairie sports bar serving East Coast favorites with Wisconsin flair.
• Colectivo (Willy Street) – Madison’s fourth location of the beloved local café brand.
• Canter Inn (New Glarus) – Fine dining set in a historic Victorian home, spotlighting Swiss‑influenced cuisine.
• Little Cloud (Paoli) – A new concept from Seven Acre Dairy Company inspired by award‑winning local cheese.

Madison continues to receive recognition from the James Beard Award Foundation, bringing the total tally up to 47 nominations:

• Best New Bar – Public Parking
• Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service – Hastings Cameron, Imaginary Factory
• Best Chef: Midwest – Kasey Lee Cooke, Mint Mark

SPORTS, WELLNESS & RECREATION

• Rally Madison FC – Women’s pre‑professional USL W League soccer debuts at Breese Stevens Field in 2026.

• Saunaday – New sauna club and thermal bathhouse near the Capitol in the heart of downtown Madison
• Degree Wellness – A new Middleton wellness center offering infrared sauna, cold plunge and compression therapy opening March 2026.
• Topgolf Monona – A major new attraction for sports and entertainment seekers opening late 2026.

• ART House 360 – Opened summer 2025 (expanding to include public event space 2026)

2026 EVENTS WORTH THE TRIP

Many of Madison’s most beloved festivals return in 2026, alongside milestone anniversaries and seasonal favorites:

• Frozen Assets & Winter Carnival – Feb. 6–7
• Brat Fest + Vegan Sausage Fest – May 23–25
• Unitarian Meeting House 75th Anniversary Gala – June 5–7
• American Family Insurance Championship 10th Anniversary – June 5–7
• La Fête de Marquette 20th Anniversary – July 9–12
• Art Fair on the Square – July 11–12
• OutReach Magic Pride Festival – August
• Taste of Madison – Sept. 5–6
• True North Festival – Sept. 26
• Wisconsin Book Festival – October
• New Glarus & Paoli Christkindlmarkets – December

MILESTONES AND ANNIVERSARIES

• La Fête de Marquette – 20 years
• American Girl – 40 Years
• Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unitarian Meeting House – 75 years
• Madison Symphony Orchestra – 100 years
• Breese Stevens Field – 100 years

GETTING HERE: NEW FLIGHT OPTIONS
Starting this spring, new nonstop service from Raleigh to Madison (MSN) on Breeze (May) and new nonstop service from Boston to MSN on Delta and American (June) will make the capital city even more accessible for East Coast travelers.

MADISON IN 2026: A YEAR OF DISCOVERY
With a slate of new openings across culture, cuisine, lodging and recreation — combined with expanded air service — 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for Madison. Start planning your coverage or your visit now at VisitMadison.com.

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