By: Kristina Kuhaupt, Customer Experience Manager
As the weather starts heating up, so do the festivals around town. Your Willy Street Co-op has been rooted in Dane County festivals for quite some time. We are known for sponsoring festivals around town and believe in being part of the communities we serve. When the Annual Meeting moved from a joint meeting and party in conjunction with Fête de Marquette to the month of October many years ago, we had the opportunity to provide festival sponsorship on the three sides of town surrounding our stores (North, East, and West).
If you are a Willy Street Co-op Owner, one of the perks I encourage you to partake in is Festival Perks Passes! Owners can choose one of the three festivals to select for their Perks Pass participation. These passes allow you to get 50% off select food and beverages for a specific time of day during the festival and be eligible for a Co-op gift bag giveaway. We set up a tent at each event and give away up to 100 bags to Perks Pass holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Bags go fast every year, so we encourage you to come early if you want a chance at these coveted bags filled with product samples!
Our Festival Partners
Fête de Marquette in McPike Park, Madison • Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12.
Up to 1,000 Fête Perks Passes can be picked up at the Willy East Customer Service desk starting at 10am on Monday, June 29.
Fête Perks Passes can be used by Willy Street Co-op Owners on Thursday, July 9 from 4:00pm–7:00pm. Our tent with gift bags is at the entrance by the skatepark, and the giveaway starts promptly at 4:00pm. We will pack up the tent once all bags are distributed.
Fête has been going strong for 20 years and it brings “the vibrant energy of French culture, live music, and community celebration to the city’s East Side,” according to the host of the event, the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center. Their website goes on to say: This free, family-friendly event transforms McPike Park into a lively gathering filled with world-class performances, fabulous food, refreshing drinks for all ages, and activities for all ages.
Rooted in the spirit of Bastille Day, Fête de Marquette celebrates the area’s rich history and diverse cultural influences, offering an eclectic mix of music alongside a bustling marketplace of local vendors and artisans. From the energetic dance floors to the relaxing biergarten, the festival provides a welcoming space for both longtime attendees and first-time visitors to enjoy the magic of summer in Madison.
Proceeds from Fête de Marquette support the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, helping fund essential programs and services for the community. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or the community spirit, Fête de Marquette is an annual tradition that brings people together in a joyful, unforgettable way.
Further event details can be found at: wil-mar.org/fetedemarquetteabout.
Good Neighbor Festival (GNF) at South Beach at the Middleton High School, Middleton • Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30
Up to 1,000 GNF Perks Passes can be picked up at the Willy West Customer Service desk starting at 10am on Monday, August 17.
GNF Perks Passes can be used by Willy Street Co-op Owners Saturday, August 29 from 2:30pm–5:30pm. Our tent location is yet to be determined, but it’s a white tent with colorful squares; gift bag distribution will start promptly at 2:30pm.
This six-decade institution on the wes
tside has so much to look forward to. You can partake in rides, games, food vendors, a whole section dedicated to art vendors, a 5k run/walk, music stages, and a parade! Throughout the festival, you can stop by our tent to make a donation to WayForward Resources and spin our prize wheel. It is a great way to have some fun, get a Co-op prize (everyone is a winner!), and support your community through your donation. Specific restrictions apply: one spin per family, per day. Further event details can be found at: goodneighborfestival.com.
Northside Festival at the Madison Mallards/Night Mares stadium, Madison • Saturday, September 12, 11:00am–3:00pm
Up to 1,000 Northside Festival Perks Passes can be picked up at the Willy North Customer Service desk starting at 10am on Monday, August 31.
Northside Festival Perks Passes can be used by Willy Street Co-op Owners September 12 from 11:00am-2:00pm. Our tent with bags is at the stadium entrance and gift bag distribution starts promptly at 11:00am. We will pack the tent up once all bags are distributed.
Although this festival is newer to the area, it is sure to please with family activities, food, and music celebrating the vibrancy and pride of the northside! Further event details can be found at northsideplanningcouncil.org.
