City Events

The City of Madison Parks and Recreation hosts several events and parades throughout the year including; Mayor's Movies in the Park, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, the Harvest Festival, Light up Merry Madison, and the Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade and Christmas Celebration.  Scroll down to view a short description of each of these events and click the event titles to learn specific event details and more.

Get ready for a festive evening of fall fun at the Madison Parks and Recreation's Harvest Festival! Enjoy seasonal activities, tasty treats, and much more—all free and fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed to impress. Whether with family or friends, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and make new memories.

Experience A Very Merry Madison Christmas in historic Madison with annual traditions that bring the community together as we usher in the ule-tide season!

The Friday following Thanksgiving, the City of Madison hosts a light-up celebration at the Broadway Fountain to illuminate the city Christmas tree and fountain, and we announce the winner of our holiday Christmas card competition. This is a fun and festive way to kick-start the holiday season.

Happening on the first Saturday in December, A Very Merry Madison Parade registration forms will be available ahead of time on October 31st on the City’s website or in-person at City Hall. The parade route begins at Jefferson & Main Street and continues through Madison’s historic shopping district to Mill Street.  

Each summer and into the fall the city shows free, family friendly movies at Bicentennial Park. Open to the public, all are welcome to come and enjoy the shows! Food Truck Fridays happen in coordination with our Movies in the Park each evening prior to movie showings. Food vendors from our area will be stationed around park.

How movies are selected: Each Spring, the city will post a poll on social media to allow the community to have a voice in which movies are played that year. Movie schedules will be released in April for their respective years.

*Showings are cancelled when there is inclement weather

Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Madison and join us for the the Madison Regatta festival, the Madison Parks and Recreation's Hometown USA Parade, and the City of Madison Firework Extravaganza. While the festival and races require an admission fee, the parade and fireworks are free to the public for all to join the celebration. The parade begins at 6 PM Friday and the fireworks will show Saturday at 10 PM on Madison's riverfront Regatta week.

The Madison Regatta is an H1 Unlimited hydroplane boat race held annually on Independence Day weekend on the Ohio River.

The City hosts several events and parades throughout the year that are entirely free to our community, providing safe, fun and festive ways to celebrate and gather together. 

To be able to offer these family-friendly events at no cost to the community or visitors, we are always seeking new partners who will join us in the cause through a sponsorship or volunteering.

Thanks for helping us make Madison more clean, safe and beautiful for our residents and visitors!