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City of Madison

State Street Pedestrian Mall Experiment to end on October 30

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People walk through the area of the State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment
Image credit: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

If you haven’t visited State Street as part of this year’s State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment yet, you have about one month left to #FlockToState.

The experiment, which began in May and closed the 400-600 blocks of State Street to all non-emergency vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians and people on bikes to use the street space freely, will officially end on Wednesday, October 30.

During the experiment, non-emergency vehicles were not allowed to use the 400-600 blocks State Street after 3:00pm on weekdays and after 10:00am on weekends. Those vehicle restrictions will end on October 31.

Throughout the summer, Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) scheduled multiple community events for the pedestrian space, from musical performances to activities designed for family fun.

We are thrilled to see the community coming out and embracing the State Street Pedestrian Mall experience. At the end of the season, the BID will have produced 41 events and hosted more than 30 buskers and musicians – free programming that has helped bring thousands of people to enjoy the vibrant scene and incredible local businesses in the heart of downtown Madison.

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Matt Tramel, Executive Director of Madison's Central Business Improvement District

Some of the most popular events during the State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment have been “Are You Ready for a Wisconsin Adventure: Celebrating the Legacy of Dungeons and Dragons,” which was held in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society; the “Black on State” Block Party, held in partnership with Alkeme Brand; “Kids on State: Skills Drills” with Forward Madison FC; “Electric Sundays,” an electronic music concert series; and free movies in Peace Park.

Additionally, several musical performances were held as part of the #MadisonIsMusic concert series.

Several #FlockToState events are still scheduled for October in the final weeks of the pedestrian mall experiment, including music from DJ M. White on October 1 as part of the monthly LOVEzONE performances at Peace Park, a Forward Madison FC Watch Party at Hawk’s on October 4, the Madison Night Market on October 17, and the Downtown Madison Family Halloween on October 30.

You can learn more about the events scheduled for the next month on the Flock to State website.

  • People line up for activities on State Street as part of the Pedestrian Mall experiment
    Image credit: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

    People line up for an event on State Street as part of the #FlockToState State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment.

    Image credit: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

  • Kids play in Peace Park as part of a soccer skills event held by Forward Madison FC
    Image credit: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

    Kids got the chance to sharpen their soccer skills during an event held with Forward Madison FC as part of the #FlockToState State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment.

    Image credit: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

  • A child shows off face paint during the Black on State Block Party
    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

    The #FlockToState State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment included several family-friendly events, including the "Black on State" block party on Sept. 22.

    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

  • Local business owners pose in front of booths during the Black on State block party
    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

    Local business owners got a chance to shine during the "Black on State" block party on Sept. 22.

    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

  • A person poses next to a sign for the Black on State block party
    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

    The "Black on State" block party on Sept. 22 was one of the most popular #FlockToState events this year.

    Image credit: Beth Skogen Photography via Madison’s Central Business Improvement District

Share your opinions

The City of Madison has been collecting feedback about the pedestrian mall experiment all summer, seeing what members of the community think of the space and the programming, and whether people would want the City of Madison to explore making the pedestrian mall on the 400-600 blocks of State Street permanent. The feedback will be incorporated into a report City staff will compile about the experiment, which will then be provided to the Common Council before the end of the year and factor into whether the pedestrian mall returns in the future.

The City will continue to gather feedback on the experiment through October. You can give your feedback by filling out the Flock to State survey online.

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