At the end of September of each year, thousands of visitors journey to Madison, Indiana for Southern Indiana’s premier outdoor juried arts and crafts festival, Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art. This festival is free to the public and designed for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Nestled among the tree lined streets of Madison’s National Landmark Historic District, 175 arts and craftspeople showcase their paintings, drawings, sculptures, wood carvings, baskets, jewelry, glass, textiles, pottery, artisan foods, soaps, leather, and more. No matter what your budget is, you can find something at the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art.

 

Along the Ohio River between Broadway and Vine Street, there is more than art to be found as well. For the last 50 years, a committee of volunteers has worked hard to ensure this festival has something for everyone.

 

When you come down to enjoy the festival, don’t forget to bring your appetite. Attendees can grab a wide variety of festival foods or delicious treats from one of the more than 20 vendors at the Riverfront FoodFest. After you grab your meal, find a shady spot at one of our picnic tables along the Ohio river and watch the boats go by. 

 

As you are shopping and strolling along the 10 blocks of exhibitors, you can experience the musical performances placed throughout the festival as well. Featuring many local and regional musicians, there is a wide variety of musical talent to enjoy.

  

After you have shopped, you may want to sit and relax for a while.  The Madison Chautauqua Entertainment garden is designed just for that.  On the basketball courts off Broadway,  we encourage you to kick back and relax beneath the tent while you enjoy more of the live entertainment.
 

You  will also discover the new Art Park, located on the North lawn of the Lanier Mansion. The new Art Park takes the creative fun of our previous Kids’ tent and expands it for the whole family to enjoy. This area will feature, the Little Picasso’s Kids’ tent, a community art piece, yard games, take and paint art sets to purchase, tables and chairs in the shade, and local schools creative showcase. This area is designed to give families a place to take a break or spend the day being creative. There will be interactive activities for all ages available.

 

This festival truly is for the whole family, although pets do need to stay at home.  Whether you are looking for that special piece of art for your home, something good to eat, some good music to enjoy, something for the kids to do, or a nice cold beverage, Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art strives to have a something for everyone. 

 

Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is a non-profit organization operating under the umbrella of Visit Madison Tourism.  The volunteer committee and event coordinator meet monthly to plan and produce this event. Hundreds of volunteers, City of Madison employees and the Mayor of Madison work together to make the entire Chautauqua weekend a destination for young and old alike.