About the Festival

The original Chautauqua in Madison dates back to 1901, when ten-day camp meetings gave Sunday school teachers a chance to mix their religious studies with recreation. The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle provided correspondence schooling to adults in rural areas. The outdoor Chautauqua grew to include not only morally inspiring sermons but informative lectures, scientific demonstrations, political speeches, dramatic readings, theatrical presentations, magic acts, and musical performances. These annual camp meetings were held until 1929.

In the early 1970s, local high school teachers and students participated in a sidewalk art sale with the aim of bringing more business to the downtown area. The event grew, adopted the name Madison Chautauqua, and continues to thrive and grow today. On the last full weekend in September of each year, Madison’s historic district welcomes thousands of visitors during the two-day Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art. The festival is a juried fine arts and crafts show with approximately 250 exhibitors.

In addition to the fine artists and craftsmen showcasing their handmade work, the festival also features continuous live entertainment, a riverfront food fest, a kid’s activity tent, and a Saturday Evening Concert in the Park.

The event coordinator and a volunteer committee meet monthly to plan and produce this event. The Mayor, City of Madison employees and hundreds of volunteers work together to make the entire Chautauqua weekend a success. As visitors to the annual event will attest, the Madison Chautauqua is certainly bringing business into the downtown – just as the art show originators had hoped!

Thanks to our Sponsors!

An Anonymous Friend
Sponsor of Exhibitor Reception

Morgan Foods
Sponsor of Anniversary T-Shirt

Shooters Restaurant & Sports Bar
Sponsor of Anniversary Art Print Poster

Downtowner
Sponsor of Anniversary Art Print Poster

Digital Printing Inc.
Sponsor of Anniversary Art Print - Printing

Livery Stable
Sponsor of Exhibitor Reception

River Valley Financial Bank
Sponsor of Kids' Korner Activity Tent

Arvin Sango
Sponsor of Kids' Korner Activity Tent

Vehicle Service Group
Sponsor of Broadway Information Tent

Morgan-Nay Funeral Home
Sponsor of Vine Street Information Tent

Century 21 River Valley Real Estate
Sponsor of Staff Shirts

SEPTEMBER
25 & 26, 2010

Saturday & Sunday,
10am to 5pm

Celebrate
the 40th

Madison
Chautauqua

Madison Chautauqua – Festival of Art T-Shirt

Madison Bicentennial

City of Madison Receives Original Artwork

Concluding their Madison Bicentennial gift, the Madison Chautauqua has presented 16 original paintings featured in their Bicentennial Mural to the City. The artwork is on permanent display in the lobby of City Hall at Main & West Streets. Meet our Mural Artists.