The Saturday arts and crafts market adjacent to the Dane County Farmers’ Market (DCFM) has seen substantial growth in recent years, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. Participating artists do not qualify for the DCFM as they do not grow or make edible products, but they are setting up shop in greater numbers alongside the event that draws 20,000 people or more to downtown Madison each Saturday.
The arts and crafts market — which lacks both an official name and official event status and is in fact a collection of individual street vendors — is held along West Mifflin Street and the 100 block of State Street. It has doubled its number of vendors since 2021, and 99 vendors hold active licenses this year. There were 23 new applicants for the 2025 season, and for the first time, the market has a waiting list for the 54 reservable vendor sites.
Organizers are currently weighing the option to expand to other spots on the Capitol Square or the 200 block of State Street but must consider not interfering with sidewalk cafes, bus stops and construction projects in close proximity. Special events like the recent Cars on State can also displace or relocate vendors from week to week.
To sell at the arts and crafts market, vendors must have a basic street vendor license and a Mall Craft License, and pay a reservation fee, according to the city’s website.
