Maxwell Street Days Happening July 17-20

Hot Deals During the Hot Days – Maxwell Street Days Summer Sidewalk Sale returns with the biggest and best shopping event of the year! 50 years of great bargains on clothing, jewelry, gifts, artwork, sporting goods, books and more, plus fabulous food from State Street and Capitol Square shops and restaurants.

“We always enjoy connecting with the community as we showcase our unique offerings at reduced prices for this outdoor annual event. It’s also a great way for us to highlight our historical downtown shopping district.” shared Amy Moore, owner of Little Luxuries.

The community is invited to enjoy deep discounts, expanded outdoor café dining experiences, live music, special activities and much more on State Street. State Street will be closed to all bike and bus traffic. This community event is hosted by the GSSBA.

2025 Event Information

Thursday, July 17, 9am-6pm
Friday, July 18, 9am-6pm
Saturday, July 19, 9am-6pm
Sunday, July 20, 10am-5pm

Entertainment

Friday, July 18, 4-6pm
Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State Street
Angela Puerta Trio

Sunday, July 20, 12-2pm
Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State Street
FREE face painting by Funny Faces

2025 Maxwell Street Days Participating Businesses

As of 6/26/25

Anthology – 230 State St. Stop 1
Art Gecko – 510 State St.
August – 414 State St.
Azara Hookah – 429 State St.
B-Side Records – 514 State St.
The Botanist Social – 206 State St.
Cask & Ale – 212 State St.
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream – 468 State St.
Double Tap – 347 State St.
Fair Trade Coffee House – 418 State St.
Fontana Sports – 216 N. Henry St.
Four Star Vido – 459 W. Gilman St.
Freedom Skate Shop – 512 State St.
Goodman’s Jewelers – 220 State St. (In store Specials)
The High Crowd Cafe – 115 State St.
Himalchuli – 318 State St.
Ian’s Pizza on State – 100 State St.
Insignia – 639 State St.
Izakaya Kuroyama – 419 State St.
Jazzman and Duet by Jazzman – 307-309 State St.
Jewelers on State Street – 550 State St.
Kilwins Madison – 208 State St.
Knuckleheads Tobacco & Vapes – 520 State St.
Little Luxuries – 230 State St. Stop 2
Little Sweet – 313 State St.
Luchador Tequila & Taco Bar – 558 State St.
Mackesey’s Irish Pub – 317 State St.
Madison Modern Market – 310 State St.
Metric Forrest Studio – 330 State St.
Michelangelo’s Coffee House – 114 State St.
Mochi – 631 State St.
Okashi – 542 State St.
Overture Center for the Arts – 201 State St.
The Park Hotel and The Post Restaurant – 22 S. Carroll St. (15% off sleeping rooms or dining in The Post)
Parthenon Gyros – 316 State St.
Paul’s Club – 204 State St.
Pricked Piercing – 521 State St.
Princess of India Imports – 306 State St.
Puffin Pass – 511 State St.
Ragstock – 329 State St.
Rethreads Madison – 410 State St.
Roxxy – 327 W. Gorham St.
SEE Eyewear – 437 State St.
Singlestitch Madison – 124 State St.
The Soap Opera – 319 State St.
Studs – 629 State St.
The Stuffed Olive
Sunshine Daydream – 619 State St.
Tropic Jewel – 449 State St.
Turtle Island – 444 State St.
University Book Store – 711 State St.
Wake N’ Bakery – 517 State St.
Wisconsin Design Team – 417 State St.
Zodica Perfumery – 133 W. Johnson St.

About Maxwell Street Days

For 50 years, Maxwell Street Days has provided bargains, culinary delights and music for more than 30,000 annual attendees. This annual Summer Sidewalk Sale on State Street in downtown Madison, Wis., takes place the 3rd weekend in July. Why is there a “Maxwell Street Days” on State Street? Maxwell Street in Chicago, Ill., was home to a famed outdoor market and “urban bazaar” from 1871 to 1994. In 1975, Martin’s, a Madison, Wis., clothing store and tailor shop, founded an outdoor sidewalk sale to showcase the State Street shopping district, starting Madison’s very own “Maxwell Street Days” tradition.

Greater State Street Business Association

Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA) membership is open to all businesses and property owners located on State Street, the Capitol Square, and one block off in either of these two areas. Businesses must be inline, storefront businesses to be GSSBA members and to participate in Maxwell Street Days.

Maxwell Street Days Application

You must be a member of the Greater State Street Business Association to participate. Membership is open to all businesses and property owners located on State Street, the Capitol Square and blocks that have frontage on these areas. See more details on the application.

Register Your Downtown Business Here

Maxwell Street Days Sponsor

EQT By Design Seeking Input on Economic Development Plan survey

Take the survey here: http://bit.ly/CityEDD

We invite you to participate in an important community initiative focused on transforming our approach to economic development. This project aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic future by putting community members’ needs at the forefront.

Your input will help us:

• Shape community-centered planning with measurable outcomes
• Create a future vision for our economic landscape
• Improve city programs and services
• Develop practical strategies for implementation

Your feedback will contribute to a comprehensive 5-year Economic Development Work Plan that addresses four key areas: 

• Improving Economic Mobility and Building Generational Wealth
• Empowering Madison’s Workforce 
• Supporting Local Capital Circulation and Small Businesses
• Investing in Existing and Emerging Industries to Create Good Jobs

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more inclusive economic future for our community. Questions? Please email Engagement@eqtbydesign.com

MMSD Statement on State Budget Agreement

MADISON, Wis. (July 1, 2025)—The bipartisan state budget agreement, described as “pro-kid,” shows a strong commitment to Wisconsin’s early childhood learners, K-12 students and college scholars in public schools and institutions of higher education. The district anticipates an increase of approximately $12 million. The proposed budget establishes the highest reimbursement rate in 30 years and a larger increase for special education than the combined increases in the last three state budgets.

“We’re grateful to the legislators and advocates who supported this historic increase in reimbursement for special education funding,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent. 

In addition, approximately $1.4 billion in spendable revenue is slated for K-12 public schools and funding for comprehensive school-based mental health services was doubled to $30 million, building on the “Get Kids Ahead.” However, no increase in general aid is expected. Madison is estimated to see a decrease in general aid of nearly $12 million as compared to last year, which will result in a $12 million increase in property taxes.

“We also want to thank our community for voting yes to the November referenda,” Gothard said. “Without the support of the referenda, MMSD’s budget would need to be significantly reduced, even with the state aid increase.”

The additional funding made possible through increased special education reimbursement enables MMSD to plan strategically to help close the gaps for all students. Additionally,  MMSD can maximize resources to ensure it can sustain programs, practices, and staffing for lasting, positive impacts. Furthermore, MMSD will not need to rely on one-time funds to balance its 2025-2026 budget. 

Although the increase in special education reimbursement represents a positive step forward, considerable work is required to ensure adequate funding for public schools. For example, public school districts statewide had originally advocated for a 90% special education reimbursement rate. Even with this increase, MMSD faces a $64 million shortfall for the upcoming school year. 

“Stable, ongoing funding is critical not only for our students, but students across the state,” Gothard said. “It’s an investment in the long-term sustainability of public education in Wisconsin.” 

Gothard added, “As always we center our work on our students. MMSD remains committed to investing in early learning, literacy, multilingual education, mental health supports and the well-rounded opportunities every child deserves.”

MMSD, along with districts throughout the state, has long been facing significant funding gaps in special education reimbursement. Last year, the gap was $64.8 million, and it was most recently expected to be $76 million. 

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The District’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 4,500 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the District’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

New Name, Same Mission

Madison, Wis. (July 1, 2025) – Edgewood University proudly raised the new flag above campus for the first time at a brief ceremony this morning.

“In January of this year, we announced that Edgewood College will be renamed Edgewood University. That day has now arrived,” President Manion, said. “The change comes about as we approach our centennial year, and as we continue to expand the reach of our mission as a Catholic institution of higher education in the Dominican tradition.”

The President spoke to an energized group of students, faculty, staff, and several Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa – the sponsoring order of Edgewood University.

Edgewood University has been effectively operating as a university since 1986, when Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees including Business Administration, Education, and Religious Studies were added to the academic portfolio. In 2001, the Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership was added. Since that time, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and the Doctor of Business Administration have been added. The newest doctoral programs, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia, will welcome their first cohorts of students in Fall 2025.

Institutional partnerships and strategic use of technology are fueling significant enrollment growth. As of 2025, Edgewood University is now home to more than 1,300 graduate students from the U.S. and 37 other countries.

About Edgewood University
Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood University is a comprehensive, Catholic university in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Edgewood University offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration. Edgewood University is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Collegiate Athletics Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Edgewood University, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor at 608-663-2333.

‘Stretched Thin’: A Brady Nichols Artist Talk/Demo

Carnelian Art Gallery has partnered with its downtown Madison neighbor and restaurant Lucille to bring you an unforgettable night of networking, creativity, and education about the process of relief printing and a local artist who fled a traumatic upbringing in favor of a better life.

From 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, you’ll be able to enjoy lovely refreshments from Lucille, as well as Carnelian Art Gallery’s collection of fine art.

The event is at the gallery, which is located at 221 King St. in Suite 102. Registration is required. There is no cost to attend the affair. You’ll be able to purchase food, beverages, and spirits, courtesy of Lucille.

Starting at 6 p.m., Madison artist and author Brady Nichols will deliver an artist talk regarding his book, “Stretched Thin,” which is a tale about his brother, as well as their respective comeuppances, which were violent. The brothers reflect on the different directions they took in their lives in the wake of profound turmoil.

“It was a very chaotic childhood where I was able to escape and go to college,” said Nichols. “He spent 18 years in prison.”

Nichols, in his talk, will also discuss six of his artworks that will be on display throughout the course of the event, as well as his years as a teacher and his artistic origin story.

He creates his pieces using a method called relief printing, a process where an image is created by cutting away parts of a surface and inking the raised areas, then transferring the ink to paper. Expect intricate, black and white images of birds, landscapes, and other things.

“I have been creating linoleum relief prints the last few years,” Nichols said. “Some of the pieces are illustrations related to my book, Stretched Thin; others are more investigative.

“I have always been invested in exploring such human conditions as isolation, using personal imagery, animals and natural structures as symbols. I enjoy weaving these things together in order to create a rich narrative.”

After the talk, which is set to last about 20 minutes, Nichols will do a live demonstration of the relief printing process, which is set to last until about 7-7:30 p.m. After the demonstration concludes, he will take questions from the audience.

Questions? Email marketing director, Emilie Heidemann, at carnelianartgallerymarketing@gmail.com.