Madison Witches Ride takes off this Sunday in downtown Madison
MADISON – The Madison Witches Ride is back for its fifth year this weekend. On Sunday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. In a fun ride, roll and stroll through downtown Madison, the Madison Witches Ride will feature festive, local witches of all sorts spreading Halloween cheer and throwing candy to hundreds of onlooking children as they parade northward along Garner Street.
“Plan to join us for this fun, family-friendly event,” Christina Hearne said. Hearne is Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners, the event organizer. “This premier event brings together members of the community for a great cause. Organized by Madison Visionary Partners to benefit a deserving community project, there has never been a better way to showcase your Halloween spirit,” Hearne said.
For 2026, all proceeds will benefit Madison Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing a vibrant and inclusive arts culture in Madison.
“All witches welcome – good and bad, sweet or spooky, goofy or gorgeous! Get your friends together and form a Witch Squad with your favorite costumes or fly solo…we welcome witches of all sorts,” Hearne said.
The witches will enter, unload their scraggly belongings, check in and line up for their promenade at the parking lot for the Central Office of Madison City Schools at 211 Celtic Drive.
The route will start in front of Journey Middle School and then proceed north on Garner Street.
At 2 p.m., parking for the parade will open. Find your spot along the route. Witches will check in from 2 to 2:45 p.m. and then find a place for lineup. Madison Witches Ride will take flight at 3 p.m. Following the improvised parade, spectators and those wily witches can enjoy treats from food truck, music and carnival-type amusements from 3:45 to 5 p.m.
All witches registering to participate in the Witches Ride must be 13 years old or older, as a requirement for event insurance. Witches who are 13 to 18 years old must have an adult sign a waiver. Younger witches are welcome to participate as candy catchers and at the festivities after the ride.
Only family-friendly costumes will be permitted for event. Any costume or decorations considered unsuitable or inappropriate for children will be asked to change or leave. No political signage will be permitted.
Each witch will need to register individually online. To register, visit mvpmadison. org, and click the box for “Madison Witches Ride.” On the new window, click the “Witch Registration is Now Open” box. Then, type the requested information.
“This year marks an exciting new chapter for the Witches Ride. We’re thrilled to partner with Madison Arts Alliance as this year’s beneficiary, with all proceeds supporting their mission to enrich our community through arts, culture and creative experiences,” Hearne said.
“Madison Arts Alliance will work alongside MVP throughout this year’s event in preparation for taking over the Madison Witches Ride beginning in 2027. We couldn’t be more excited to help transition this beloved community tradition to another outstanding local nonprofit,” Hearne said.
For information, visit mvpmadison. org/madison-witches-ride or email christina@mvpmadison.org.
