As the isthmus thaws, street vendors emerge in Madison. Whether you’re a business owner interested in expanding, or a local wondering when and where to find vendors, here’s what you need to know.
Vending 101
Street vending season kicks off on Monday, April 15. You’ll find vendors — crafts, food trucks, merchants — around:
- Mall Concourse (stretches from North Park to King streets)
- Capitol Square
- Library Mall (700 block of State Street)
- Camp Randall
- Southeast Campus
Check out the city’s vending site maps for specific parameters and vending locations of each area listed above.
Night Vending
New this year is the State Street Night Vending Program. Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., five food cart vendors (TBA) will be stationed at Library Mall.
For business owners
Interested in applying for a vending license next year? The application deadline will be February 2025.
In the meantime, the City of Madison suggests checking out these free upcoming events:
Build an Exit Strategy for Your Small Business | Friday, April 19 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) will help you navigate transferring ownership, selling, or closing your business.
Intro to Kiva and Crowdsourced Loans | Tuesday, April 23 | 6-7 p.m. | WWBIC, 2352 S. Park St., Madison, and virtual | Gain insight on the process and preparation needed to meet your microfinancing needs.
Buy-Sell Agreements | Monday, April 29 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Online | Learn more about creating a buy/sell agreement and what your agreement should include.