Madison Thrives: A Community Resource

    In today's world, what truly matters is neighbors helping neighbors. When we keep money and energy flowing locally supporting Madison businesses, families, and events we strengthen the community we all share.

    Apple Picking

    Discover the best orchards near Madison for family fun and fresh apples.

    Fall Events

    Family-friendly activities and community events for October & November.

    Free Resources

    Seasonal coloring sheets, home trackers, and family activity guides.

    Apple Picking Near Madison

    Discover the best local orchards for family fun, fresh apples, and autumn memories.

    Eplegaarden orchard

    Eplegaarden

    Fitchburg

    PYO apples, pumpkins, and famous cider donuts. Perfect for families with activities for all ages.

    PYO Apples
    Cider Donuts
    Pumpkins
    Appleberry Farm orchard

    Appleberry Farm

    Cross Plains

    Small, family-run orchard with fresh apples, homemade cider, and warm donuts in a cozy setting.

    Family Run
    Fresh Cider
    Cozy Atmosphere
    Sutter's Ridge orchard

    Sutter's Ridge

    Mt. Horeb

    Apples, corn maze, and wagon rides. A complete fall experience for the whole family.

    Corn Maze
    Wagon Rides
    Fall Activities
    Door Creek Orchard orchard

    Door Creek Orchard

    Cottage Grove

    Sustainable orchard offering weekend PYO by appointment with eco-friendly practices.

    Sustainable
    By Appointment
    Eco-Friendly
    Alpine Ridge Orchard orchard

    Alpine Ridge Orchard

    Brooklyn

    Wide variety of apples and pears with extensive fall activities for all ages.

    Apple Varieties
    Pears
    Fall Activities

    Upcoming Community Events

    Family-friendly events and activities happening in and around Madison this fall.

    October 2025 Highlights

     

    GLEAM: Art in a New Light

    After-dark light installations at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. A magical experience for all ages.

    Aug 30 – Oct 25
    Olbrich Botanical Gardens
    Family Friendly
     

    Fall Fun at Enchanted Valley Acres

    Pumpkin patch, slides, and corn maze. Perfect weekend family adventure.

    Fri-Sun + Oct 16 & 23
    Enchanted Valley Acres
    Kid Friendly
     

    Wisconsin Science Festival

    Hands-on science events statewide. Interactive learning for curious minds.

    Oct 16-26
    Statewide
    Educational
     

    Downtown Family Halloween

    Hayrides, crafts, and trick-or-treating in downtown Madison.

    Oct 29
    3-6 pm
    Downtown Madison
    Halloween
     

    World Dairy Expo

    International agriculture showcase featuring dairy industry innovations.

    Sept 30-Oct 3
    Alliant Energy Center
    Educational
    Industry
     

    Madison Night Market

    Local makers, food vendors, and live music in a vibrant evening atmosphere.

    Oct 16
    Downtown Madison
    Local Business
    Music

    Free Community Resources

    Downloadable resources to help families stay organized and engaged with the community.

    Seasonal Coloring Sheets

    Madison-themed fall and winter coloring pages perfect for kids and families to enjoy together.

    Fall Themes
    Kid-Friendly
    Printable

    Home & Family Tracker

    Annual checklist for household maintenance, plus space for family notes and seasonal activities.

    Organization
    Maintenance
    Family

    Local Events Calendar

    Printable calendar with family-friendly and community events for October and November.

    Community
    Events
    Planning

    Get Notified of New Resources

    Join our community newsletter to receive updates on new resources and upcoming events.

    About This Community Resource

    Person working on community project

    Why This Page Exists

    In today's political climate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But at the end of the day, neighbors helping neighbors is what will bring us through. When we keep money and energy flowing locally supporting Madison businesses, families, and event we strengthen the community we all share. This page is built to make that easier.

    About Me

    I've lived in Wisconsin my entire life, and for the last 26 years, Madison has been home. I work with B2B companies in marketing, but here I want to use those skills to help build local community connecting residents with resources, events, and businesses that keep Madison vibrant.

    Community First

    Building community starts small, and it starts local. Every shared resource, every attended event, every supported business strengthens the fabric of what makes Madison special.

    Ready to Join In?

    Download the free resources, check the events, and share them with neighbors. Building community starts small, and it starts local.

    Madison Seasons

    A community resource connecting Madison neighbors with local events, businesses, and seasonal activities.

    Quick Links

    Contact

    Madison, WI

    [email protected]

     

    Land Acknowledgment 

    Madison Thrivesoperates on Teejop (pronounced as Day-JOPE), the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) Nation. Teejop means "Four Lakes" in the Hoocąk language, named after the sacred waters: Waaksikhomikra (Where the Person Rests, now Lake Mendota), Čihabokihaketera (Great Tipi Lake, now Lake Monona), Sahu Xetera (Tall Reed Lake, now Lake Waubesa), and Nąsąkučitera (Hard Maple Grove Lake, now Lake Kegonsa). The Hoocąk people have lived in this region for over 12,000 years and continue to call it home. We acknowledge their enduring presence and ongoing relationship with this land and these waters, and we are grateful to work in this place they have stewarded for countless generations.  

    © 2025 Madison Thrives. Made with ❤ for the Madison community.