Northside Festival 2026
Saturday, September 12th 11AM - 3PM Mallards | Night Mares Stadium

A Free Community Newspaper Published Bimonthly by the Northside Planning Council

Northside planning council

Helen Osborn-Sanatsus-WEB
By Helen Osborn-Senatus
Published: May 23, 2026

The Northside in Bloom

Spring sun after the winter gives me the sense of tangible optimism and opportunity. It makes things seem possible, makes days literally and figuratively brighter. It also helps welcome all of us out of hibernation. The cold weather habits of indoor activities and more time at home are replaced with festivals, games, and more excuses to be outside than any other season. Now that we are nearing summer sun, we have thawed and regained (mostly) our energy. Summer sun brings tangible excitement and energy.

Now that the days are longer, somehow 24 hours can hold more. From visiting the farmers’ market on Sunday, to exploring a park or Cherokee Marsh for a long walk, to rooting for the NightMares and Mallards, to enjoying all the restaurants with patios and open windows, we get to do a lot on this side of town. Northside Planning Council has two big events this summer, the first being a Nonprofit Spotlight at The Mallards on Thursday, July 16th. Tickets purchased for section 204 will support NPC/FEED Kitchens. We will also hold a 50/50 raffle during the game. If you are able to attend, visit our table to learn more about NPC’s work and impact on the Northside!

Then, on Saturday, September 12th, we are hosting The Northside Festival at The Mallard’s/Nightmare’s stadium, 11:00 – 3:00. I have the privilege of leading planning for this year’s festival, and get to work with an amazing team of Justin Markofski, Pat Wongit, Rachel Deterding, and Lindsey Heyntsen, along with generous support from The Mallards and Willy St. Coop. We hope you save the date to attend this free community event. If you are interested in being a vendor, email vendorsnsf@northsidemadison.org. We will be looking for volunteers, as well!

I hope you all are enjoying the kind of early summer you like, and I’ll see you outside.

Northside News

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