The Atwood Summerfest lets you support a good cause and have fun in the process. A fundraiser for the Goodman Community Center, Summerfest also celebrates local and neighborhood businesses in Madison, Wisconsin. Held on a weekend in late July, the festival takes place on the 2000 and 2100 blocks of Atwood Avenue. First organized in the early 80s, the festival now includes two stages for live music, local food, children's activities and booths for purchasing artisanal goods.
About the Goodman
- The Goodman Community Center aims to engage and welcome community members through various programs and activities for children, adults and families. Serving all ages from youngsters to senior citizens, the center's programs include, but are not limited to, child care, art classes, a food pantry, a cafe and a fitness center. The proceeds from Atwood Summerfest, which have ranged from $16,000 to $28,000 in recent years, support the continuation of the Goodman's services.
Music
- The festival offers two stages for live music: the Harmony Bar/Capital Brewery Blues Stage and the Maximum Ink/Ale Asylum Rock Stage. In recent years, the festival lineup has involved mostly local and regional bands. Some of the acts in recent years have included eclectic groups performing rockabilly blues, 70s-inspired funk, power pop and Latin groove. The musical acts typically perform from mid-afternoon to evening, with concerts on Sunday ending earlier in the evening.
Food and Activities
- Attempting to be environmentally-conscious, the Atwood Summerfest was the first festival in Wisconsin to provide compostable beer cups. Along with beer and other cold drinks, the festival brings in specialty food vendors offering kolaches, chocolates and kettle corn, as well as ethnic restaurant booths serving up Jamaican, Costa Rican, Laotian and Thai cuisine. Additionally, artists set up booths selling crafts, art and other goods for purchase, including candles, quilts and beaded wares. Other non-profits also set up booths to provide information about their work.
For Kids
- Recently, Summerfest initiated its KidFest as a festival within the festival. At this new part of the festival, children can have their faces painted, make crafts and take part in children's games. The festival also recently inaugurated the “Fitness, Fun and Family" program, a year-long pledge for healthier living, with a block of exercise routines. Participants receive a tote bag with a water bottle, jump-rope and frisbee.
