# Madison Good Neighbor Gathering

## What is it?

The Madison Good Neighbor Gathering is a free annual outdoor community festival on Madison's near west side. It brings together hundreds of families to celebrate the diverse cultures, music, dance, and spirit of Madison's neighborhoods. The event is organized by neighbors, for neighbors — no tickets, no registration, just show up and have fun.

## 2026 Event Details

- **Date:** Sunday, September 13, 2026
- **Time:** 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (CDT)
- **Location:** Brittingham Park, 829 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53715
- **Admission:** 100% free
- **Weather:** Event cancelled only for severe weather; check Instagram for updates

## Activities (based on past years — 2026 lineup TBA)

- Bouncy structures and inflatables
- Rock climbing wall
- Science & Discovery with Wisconsin Science Festival and Dane County Trash Lab
- Madison Children's Museum interactive play
- Vilas Zoo live animal ambassadors
- Community resource tables (local organizations, services, programs)
- Free family portrait photos against a colorful backdrop

## Entertainment / Performances (based on past years — 2026 schedule TBA)

- Red Rose with Raquel Aleman — Live Music (~12:00 PM)
- Black Power Dance — Dance Performance (~1:00 PM)
- Ballet Folklórico — Traditional Mexican Folk Dance (~2:00 PM)
- Additional performers to be announced

## Food

- Multiple food carts on-site with diverse, family-friendly options
- Cash and card accepted
- No outside food restrictions — picnics welcome
- No alcohol served (alcohol-free event)

## Getting There

- **By car:** Free street parking on surrounding streets (can fill on nice days)
- **By bus:** Metro Transit has several routes nearby
- **By bike:** Very bike-friendly; BCycle docking stations close to the park
- **Accessibility:** Brittingham Park has paved paths throughout; stroller and wheelchair accessible

## Organizers

- **Neighborhood House Community Center** — serving Madison families since 1916 with youth programs, adult education, a food pantry, and more. [neighborhoodhousemadison.org](https://www.neighborhoodhousemadison.org)
- **New Culture Church** — an authentic faith community welcoming to questioners, newcomers, and anyone who doesn't have it all figured out. [newculturechurch.com](https://newculturechurch.com)
- **District 13 Neighborhood Associations** — six neighborhood associations uniting to celebrate and strengthen the community.

## Sponsors & Donors

The event is made possible by community sponsors and donors. 2026 sponsors and donors include Tallard Apartments, Orange Tree Imports, Unity Point Meriter, New Culture Church, Sprinkman Real Estate, Findorff, Dane Arts, Vilas Neighborhood Association, Neuhauser Pharmacy, the O'Kuehling Fund, WiWib, and the Transformation Center, along with generous individual donors. To sponsor the 2026 event, email laura@neighborhoodhousemadison.org.

## Contact / Get Involved

- **Volunteer or sponsor:** Email [laura@neighborhoodhousemadison.org](mailto:laura@neighborhoodhousemadison.org)
- **Instagram:** [@madisongoodneighborgathering](https://www.instagram.com/madisongoodneighborgathering)
- **Facebook:** [Neighborhood House Madison](https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodhousemadison)
- **Website:** [madisongoodneighborgathering.org](https://madisongoodneighborgathering.org)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is it really free?**
Yes — no tickets, no registration, no hidden fees. Just show up.

**What should I bring?**
A blanket for sitting on the lawn, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and cash or card for food vendors.

**Can I bring my dog?**
Yes! Dogs on a leash are welcome. Please clean up after them.

**Is there an ATM?**
No ATM on site. Bring cash if you plan to purchase food, or use a card.

**Is it accessible?**
Yes — paved paths throughout, accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.