Dane County Farmers' Market: Your Complete Guide

The largest producer-only farmers' market in America wraps around Madison's stunning State Capitol every Saturday, offering families an unmatched combination of farm-fresh food, Wisconsin cheese, and community spirit.

What started with just five farmers in 1972 has grown into a beloved institution attracting 10,000-15,000 visitors weekly during peak season, with over 150 vendors completely encircling Capitol Square. For families, the market delivers far more than groceries—it's an immersive morning adventure featuring squeaky cheese curds, legendary cheese bread, street musicians, and the grandeur of Wisconsin's granite-domed Capitol building.

What makes this market special

The Dane County Farmers' Market operates under a strict producer-only policy that sets it apart from virtually every other market in the country. Every item sold must be grown, raised, or produced in Wisconsin by the person standing behind the booth. No resellers, no middlemen—when you buy cheese curds, the cheesemaker hands them to you; when you select tomatoes, the farmer who grew them bags your purchase.

This authenticity has earned national recognition. USA Today readers ranked it the #1 farmers' market in Wisconsin and #5 nationally, while Newsweek's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards featured it among America's best. The market functions as a cooperative run by its approximately 275 member-vendors, governed by a nine-person board of farmers and producers.

Founded by Madison Mayor Bill Dyke, who wanted to bridge the city's urban and rural communities through a European-style open-air market, the DCFM has evolved from a modest gathering into a Saturday morning institution. The waiting list for new vendors stretches one to six years, testament to the market's prestige among Wisconsin's agricultural community.

Essential logistics for planning your visit

Location and layout. The market surrounds the Wisconsin State Capitol at 2 East Main Street, Capitol Square, Madison, WI 53703. Vendors set up on the wide sidewalks encircling the Capitol building, with entry points at all four corners where Main Street, Mifflin Street, Carroll Street, and Pinckney Street intersect. The walking loop covers approximately a quarter mile of continuous vendor booths.

2025 Saturday market schedule:

• Dates: April 12 through November 8, 2025

• Hours: 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

• Exception: July 12, 2025—market relocates to Breese Stevens Field (7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) due to Art Fair on the Square

Wednesday market: April 23 through November 5, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This smaller market offers the same great vendors with fewer crowds—ideal for families seeking a calmer experience.

Holiday market (indoor): November 15, 22, December 6, 13, and 20, 2025 at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring 65+ vendors plus seasonal crafts including soaps, wreaths, and candles.

Late winter market (indoor): January 3 through April 4, 2026 at Garver Feed Mill behind Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with 50+ vendors.

Parking, transit, and getting there with kids

Best parking for families. City-operated garages charge just $8 maximum on Saturdays (5:00 a.m. Saturday through 5:00 a.m. Sunday), making them excellent value for longer visits.

Garage Address Distance to Market State Street Capitol Garage 200 N. Carroll St. Immediately adjacent Capitol Square North Garage 218 E. Mifflin St. On the square Overture Center Garage 318 W. Mifflin St. 1-2 blocks Wilson Street Garage 20 E. Wilson St. 2 blocks south

Arrival strategy: Park before 8:00 a.m. to secure spots in the closest garages. Street parking exists but gets claimed quickly on market mornings.

Public transit. Madison Metro's BRT Route A runs every 30 minutes on Saturdays with stops directly on Capitol Square. Single rides cost $2; day passes are $5. Multiple other routes also serve the area.

Biking. Madison BCycle operates 525+ e-bikes at over 100 stations, including several around Capitol Square. Single 30-minute rides cost $5. Free bike parking racks surround the square.

How payment works at the market

Cash remains king. Every single vendor accepts cash, and market manager Jamie Bugel advises visitors to "come with cash no matter what." Many vendors now accept credit cards via Square, plus Venmo and PayPal, but approximately half remain cash-only or prefer it.

SNAP/EBT benefits. FoodShare recipients can visit the Information Booth to swipe their Quest card and receive market dollars. The Double Dollars program (June 1–October 31, 2025) matches up to $20 per market day dollar-for-dollar, doubling your purchasing power for fruits and vegetables. WIC and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program vouchers are also accepted at participating vendors.

Information booth location: Top of State Street at the corner of West Mifflin and North Carroll Streets, open 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

What you'll find: vendors and seasonal highlights

The market showcases the full breadth of Wisconsin agriculture. Expect to find fresh produce (the largest category), 15-20+ cheese vendors, numerous bakeries, meat and egg producers, flower vendors, honey and maple syrup makers, and specialty food producers.

Legendary vendors worth seeking out:

Stella's Bakery stands as the market's most famous vendor. Their Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread sells an astonishing 2,500-2,800 loaves every Saturday. Operating since 1988 with a prime location near the State Street entrance, Stella's has achieved cult status. The motto: "Tear it and share it." Arrive early—lines form quickly.

Brunkow Cheese, a fourth-generation operation spanning over 100 years, specializes in "Juustoleipa" (Finnish baked cheese) and garlic baked cheese curds that locals obsess over. Hook's Cheese Company from Mineral Point has attended since 1994 and produces award-winning aged varieties. Hidden Springs Creamery won silver and bronze at the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest.

The Gourd Guy (Larry Haas) has created an "awe-inspiring" display for 24+ years, crafting ukuleles and thumb pianos from his gourds. The County Bakers draws lines for their old-fashioned potato buttermilk donuts. Calico Confections regularly sells out of cheesecakes by 9:30 a.m.

Seasonal availability guide:

Spring (April–May): Asparagus arrives as the first sign of the season, followed by rhubarb (brief but coveted), spring greens, radishes, and plant starts. Morel mushrooms—Wisconsin's "truffle"—appear for those willing to pay premium prices.

Summer (June–August): Peak abundance brings sweet corn, tomatoes, berries (strawberries in June, blueberries July–August), cucumbers, peppers, melons, and magnificent flower bouquets including sunflowers and dahlias.

Fall (September–November): Over 20 apple varieties showcase Wisconsin's ideal growing conditions. Pumpkins, winter squash, root vegetables, cranberries, and decorative gourds dominate, perfect for holiday gifts alongside honey, maple syrup, and preserves.

Navigating the market with children

Stroller and accessibility facts. The market operates on wide paved sidewalks around the Capitol, making it stroller and wagon accessible. However, crowds intensify significantly after 9:00 a.m., especially near the State Street intersection. An umbrella stroller navigates more easily than larger models. All pathways are flat with curb cuts at intersections.

Restroom locations. The Wisconsin State Capitol building offers the best option—public restrooms on every floor, fully accessible, with air conditioning on hot days. The building is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and is free to enter.

Kid-friendly food that delights:

• Stella's cheese bread—tearing and sharing engages kids

• Fresh squeaky cheese curds—the squeakier the fresher

• Old-fashioned donuts from The County Bakers

• Fresh berries and fruit—perfect handheld snacks

• Free samples—many vendors offer tastes before buying

Best arrival time for families: before 9:00 a.m. This window offers smaller crowds for easier stroller navigation, best selection before popular items sell out, and shorter lines at famous vendors. The market officially opens at 6:15 a.m. for ultra-early birds shopping alongside restaurant chefs.

Important rule: Dogs are not permitted on the Capitol grounds during the Saturday market (service animals excepted).

Insider strategies for the best experience

Walk counter-clockwise. This isn't just tradition—it's how locals navigate. While not officially enforced, consistent directional flow prevents collisions and creates a natural shopping circuit with vendor booths on your right. Market manager Jamie Bugel confirms: "Locals will tell you counter-clockwise is the real way to navigate."

What to bring:

• Cash in small bills—essential for smoother transactions

• Reusable shopping bags—separate from your personal items

• A cooler in your car—critical for cheese, meats, and eggs on warm days

• Sunscreen and a hat—minimal shade on the square

• Comfortable walking shoes—you'll cover at least a quarter mile

• Picnic blanket—for the Capitol lawn afterward

Reconnaissance lap strategy: Many experienced shoppers complete one full loop photographing items they want, noting vendor locations, then circle back for purchases. This prevents buying three pounds of cherries before discovering a vendor with better ones.

Pro tip for popular items: Morels, certain pies, sunflowers, and Stella's cheese bread sell out. Prioritize these early if they're on your list.

Combine your visit with nearby family attractions

The Capitol Square location positions families perfectly for a full morning of activities.

Madison Children's Museum sits directly on Capitol Square at 100 N. Hamilton Street—literally steps from the market. Open Saturdays 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., admission runs $14 ($12 online), with FREE admission Thursday evenings 4–8 p.m. Highlights include the Rooftop Ramble with animals and gardens, Wildernest for under-5s, and a life-sized gerbil wheel.

Wisconsin State Capitol tours are FREE and family-friendly, running Saturdays at 9, 10, 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 p.m. Kids love lying on the marble floor to gaze up at the dome mural and hunting for fossils in the stone walls. The observation deck opens Memorial Day through early November for panoramic views of both lakes.

State Street stretches seven pedestrian-friendly blocks from Capitol Square to the UW-Madison campus, lined with 300+ shops including Little Luxuries (vintage toys), Mochi (toys and stationery), and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream at 468 State Street—a local institution with 100+ flavors made with Wisconsin cream.

Memorial Union Terrace, a 15-minute walk down State Street, offers iconic lake views, 2,000 colorful sunburst chairs, Babcock Hall ice cream at the Daily Scoop, and kayak/paddleboard rentals through Outdoor UW (May–October).

Suggested family itinerary:

• 8:00 a.m. — Arrive early, park in Capitol Square North Garage

• 8:15–9:30 a.m. — Walk the market, grab cheese curds and Stella's bread

• 9:30–11:30 a.m. — Madison Children's Museum

• 11:30 a.m. — Lunch at The Great Dane Pub (1 block away) or Ian's Pizza on State Street

• 1:00 p.m. — Chocolate Shoppe ice cream

• 2:00 p.m. — Walk to Memorial Union Terrace for lake views

Official contact information and resources

Resource Details Website dcfm.org Phone (608) 455-1999 Email info@dcfm.org Facebook/Instagram @DaneCoFM Address 2 East Main Street, Capitol Square, Madison, WI 53703

The DCFM website offers a weekly e-newsletter signup, vendor directory, gift certificates, and merchandise including new tote bags and t-shirts featuring their radish/cherry/cheese design.

Conclusion

The Dane County Farmers' Market delivers something rare: an authentic food experience that genuinely entertains children while providing families access to some of America's finest local agriculture. The producer-only policy means every purchase directly supports Wisconsin farmers and makers. Strategic early arrival transforms a potentially chaotic crowd experience into a manageable family adventure. The surrounding attractions—from the Children's Museum steps away to ice cream on State Street—make Capitol Square the natural anchor for a memorable Saturday morning. Come hungry, bring cash, walk counter-clockwise, and let your kids tear into that legendary cheese bread on the Capitol lawn.