Bouncy Structures
Jump, bounce, and play on giant inflatables. A kids' favorite every year!
Your District 13 neighbors are throwing a party. And everyone's invited.
📅 Sunday, Sept 13, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 4:00 PM
🌳 Brittingham Park, Madison
🎉 100% Free!
🎉 All Ages Welcome
No tickets. No registration. Just show up and have fun.
Hands-On & Heart-On
Fun for the Whole Family
Something exciting for every age: interactive, hands-on, and totally free. Lineup based on past years; 2026 details coming soon.
Climbing Wall
Scale a full rock climbing wall. Great for kids and adventurous adults!
Science & Discovery
Hands-on experiments from the Wisconsin Science Festival & Dane County Trash Lab.
Children's Museum
Hands-on play, creative chaos, and big imagination. Powered by Madison Children's Museum.
Vilas Zoo
Learn about amazing animals through Henry Vilas Zoo's interactive wildlife education.
Community Resource Tables
Local orgs, helpful resources, and neighbors ready to connect, all in one place.
Free Family Photos
Free photo opportunities in front of a colorful GNG backdrop. A perfect memory maker.
👤 Ages 0–100 welcome
♿ Stroller & wheelchair accessible
🚪 Alcohol-free event
Live on Stage
Music. Dance. Culture.
Celebrating the traditions that make Madison's neighborhoods so alive. Performers below are from years past. 2026 lineup announced soon.
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12:00 PMRed Rose with Raquel Aleman Live Music
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1:00 PMBlack Power Dance Dance Performance
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2:00 PMBallet Folklórico Traditional Mexican Folk Dance
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3:00 PMMore Performers TBA Follow us on Instagram for updates
ⓘ Times are approximate. 2026 schedule and performers will be announced as they are confirmed. Check back or follow us on Instagram for updates.
Eat & Drink
Food Trucks & Carts
Hungry? A lineup of local food carts brings the flavor: diverse, delicious, and perfect for the whole crew.
Cash and card both welcome. No outside food restrictions. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and claim your spot on the lawn.
💳 Cash & card accepted
🍔 Multiple vendors
🍏 Global flavors
🏟 Picnics welcome
Our Story
Building a Stronger, More Loving Community
Every September, hundreds of Madison families pour into Brittingham Park for a day of music, dancing, food, and connection. All completely free. This is what it looks like when a community celebrates itself.
What started as a simple idea to connect neighbors has grown into something bigger every year: live performances, hands-on kids' activities, local food, and community resources, all in one beautiful park on the shores of Monona Bay.
Organized by neighbors, for neighbors. This event is a love letter to Madison's District 13 community.
🌳 Brittingham Park · Madison, WI
See the Joy
From Past Gatherings
Every year, the whole neighborhood shows up. This year, we hope you will too.
Get Ready
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need for a great day at the Gathering.
🎹 What to Bring
- ✓ Blanket or lawn chairs for seating
- ✓ Sunscreen & sunglasses
- ✓ Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- ✓ Cash or card for food vendors
- ✓ Jacket (just in case)
- ✓ Good vibes and an open heart 💕
♿
Fully accessible. Paved paths for strollers & wheelchairs throughout Brittingham Park.
📍 Getting There
- Address: 829 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53715. Free street parking on surrounding streets
- Accessible by Metro Transit. Multiple routes stop nearby
- Very bike-friendly! BCycle docking stations are a short ride away
- Plan to arrive 15 min early. Parking fills up fast on sunny days
📝 Good to Know
- 100% free admission. No tickets, no registration needed
- Event is only cancelled for severe weather. Check Instagram for updates
- Alcohol-free, family-friendly event
- Dogs on leash are welcome at Brittingham Park
- Photography encouraged. Tag us on Instagram!
- Community resource tables with local organizations
📧 Contact & Follow
Neighborhood House Community Center
29 S Mills St, Madison, WI 53715
Find Us
We're at Brittingham Park
829 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53715 — right on the shore of Monona Bay.
🚗 Free street parking
🚌 Metro Transit nearby
🚲 BCycle stations close by
♿ Fully accessible
🐶 Dogs on leash welcome
Spread the Word
Know a neighbor who'd love this?
Copy this message and send it. Text, email, whatever works.
Hey! There's a free community festival in Madison on Sunday, September 13th: the Good Neighbor Gathering at Brittingham Park. Live music, cultural performances, food trucks, bouncy structures, kids activities, and more. All completely free, no tickets needed. 12–4 PM. Hope you can make it! 🎉
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything families usually want to know before heading out.
Is the Good Neighbor Gathering really free?
Yes, 100% free! There are no tickets to buy, no registration to fill out, and no hidden fees. Just show up with your family and have fun. The entire event (activities, entertainment, and community resources) is completely free of charge.
What time does the event run?
The Madison Good Neighbor Gathering runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Arrive anytime during those hours. There's no set schedule you have to follow.
What about severe weather?
The event is only cancelled in the case of severe weather. Check our Instagram for any updates.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes! Free street parking is available on the streets surrounding Brittingham Park. Parking can fill up on nice days, so arriving a bit early or taking the bus or biking is a great option. Metro Transit has several routes nearby, and BCycle docking stations are close to the park.
Is the event stroller and wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely! Brittingham Park has paved paths throughout, making it easy to navigate with strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices. All event activities are set up with accessibility in mind.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs on a leash are welcome at Brittingham Park. Just be sure to clean up after your pup and keep them comfortable in the crowd.
Is there food available?
Yes! Multiple food carts will be on-site offering a variety of family-friendly and diverse food options. Food vendors accept both cash and card. No ATM on site, so plan ahead. You're also welcome to bring your own picnic. Just grab a blanket and find a spot on the lawn!
How can I volunteer or sponsor the event?
We'd love your support! Email taylor@neighborhoodhouse.org to learn about volunteer opportunities or sponsorship packages. Your support helps keep this community event free and growing each year.
Our Community
Built by Neighbors,
for Neighbors
This event is a labor of love, organized by community members who care deeply about Madison's near west side.
Neighborhood House
Serving Madison families since 1916. neighborhoodhousemadison.org
New Culture Church
An authentic faith community helping people experience Jesus in a way that's welcoming and transformative: a space for the questioning, the new to Madison, and anyone who doesn't have it all figured out. newculturechurch.com
District 13
Six neighborhood associations uniting to celebrate and strengthen our community.
Bay View & Other Partners
Community organizations across Madison's near west side and beyond joining us to celebrate.
You!
Volunteer, donate, or sponsor. Everyone who shows up makes this event possible.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
GNG is made possible by our event partners and sponsors. If you are interested in donating and becoming a 2026 sponsor, contact taylor@neighborhoodhouse.org.
Want to support the mission year-round? Neighborhood House Community Center has served Madison families since 1916 with youth programs, adult education, a food pantry, and much more. Your donation keeps these doors open. Learn more →