The 2026 Madison Witches Ride was Sunday, Oct. 18, on Garner Street downtown. It runs on a late-October Sunday; rider sign-up opens Sept. 1 each year.

Last checked Oct. 20, 2026. This page is updated each year. Organizer: Madison Visionary Partners, Madison Witches Ride, 256-384-4358.

Updated Oct. 20: the 2026 ride was scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, and has passed. The organizer posted no postponement on its page. The 2027 date is not yet announced; this page will carry it.

The 2026 Madison Witches Ride was set for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in downtown Madison. Witches on bikes, on wheels and on foot ride, roll and stroll through downtown, throwing candy to hundreds of children along Garner Street, according to Madison Visionary Partners, the nonprofit that organizes it. Food trucks, music and activities follow. The City of Madison lists the same date and hours on its calendar.

It is free to watch. Riders register and pay to take part, and the money goes to a community project chosen each year. For 2026, all proceeds benefit the Madison Arts Alliance, a nonprofit that brings the arts to Madison.

At a glance (2026, now past) - When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 to 5 p.m. - Where: Garner Street, downtown Madison - Cost: free to watch; food trucks extra - Parking: spectator parking opens at 2 p.m. - Organizer: Madison Visionary Partners, info@mvpmadison.org, 256-384-4358

Schedule

Madison Visionary Partners posts a tentative schedule and says it could change a little before the day:

Time What happens
2 p.m. Parking opens for the parade; find a spot along the route
2 to 2:45 p.m. Witch check-in
2:45 to 3 p.m. Witches line up
3 p.m. The Witches Ride begins
3:45 to 5 p.m. Food trucks, music and activities
5 p.m. Event ends

Where to watch and park

The candy is thrown along Garner Street, so that is where children should stand. The organizer’s schedule opens parking at 2 p.m., an hour before the ride, and tells spectators to find their spot along the route. Madison Visionary Partners had not published a list of road closures or a map as of Oct. 17; riders get the full details by email. For downtown parking in general, see the getting around guide.

Riding as a witch

  • Who can ride: anyone 13 or older, because of the event insurance. Riders 13 to 18 need an adult to sign a waiver. Younger witches are welcome as candy catchers and at the activities after the ride.
  • Registration: opens to the public on Sept. 1 each year on the organizer’s page. Each witch registers separately; a friend registered by someone else needs a signed waiver on file by Oct. 17.
  • Groups: work groups, book clubs and neighborhoods can ride together as a “Witch Squad” with a shared costume theme. Some sponsor packages include one to six registrations.
  • What riders get: a T-shirt with registration and sponsor goodies at check-in.
  • Costumes: good, bad, sweet, scary, goofy and gorgeous witches are all welcome, but costumes must be family-friendly. Anything unsuitable for children has to change or leave, and no political signs are allowed.

Rain plan

The organizer posts weather updates on social media and emails riders. Moving the event to the following week is possible. No refunds are given if rain cancels the ride; fees count as a donation to that year’s project.

Past rides

Madison Visionary Partners held the 2023 ride on Sunday, Oct. 22, as a 1-mile bike ride, walk and pet parade, followed by a Black Hat Block Party and a Barks and Boos Pet Parade, according to the earlier event notes still on its page. The ride has been held on a Sunday in the second half of October.

Volunteer or sponsor

The organizer’s volunteer team, the “Boo Crew,” signs up through the Witches Ride page, and official volunteer service hours are available. Businesses interested in sponsoring can email christina@mvpmadison.org.

More Halloween in Madison

What this means for you

This year’s ride is over. Want to ride next year? Registration opens Sept. 1 on the Madison Visionary Partners page, and riders must be 13 or older. For the rest of Halloween in Madison, including Trail of Treats Thursday, Oct. 22, and the Downtown Fall Festival on Oct. 31, see our Halloween events page.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Madison Witches Ride in 2026?

The 2026 Madison Witches Ride was scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in downtown Madison, and it has passed. The 2027 date has not been announced; the ride has been held on a Sunday in the second half of October.

Where does the Madison Witches Ride go?

Madison Visionary Partners describes it as a ride, roll and stroll through downtown Madison, with witches throwing candy to children along Garner Street. Spectator parking opens at 2 p.m.

Is the Madison Witches Ride free?

It is free to watch, and the organizer says there is lots of free fun at the block party afterward. Food trucks charge, so bring cash or a card. Riders pay a registration fee that goes to the year’s cause.

How old do you have to be to ride in the Madison Witches Ride?

Riders must be 13 or older because of the event insurance, and witches 13 to 18 need an adult to sign a waiver. Younger children can come as candy catchers.

What happens to the Madison Witches Ride if it rains?

Weather updates go out on social media and by email to riders, and the organizer says moving the event to the next week is possible. Registration fees are not refunded.