Event Overview
Bring your students some springtime cheer and enjoy the beauty of April in Madison together during our annual Badger Family Spring Visit (BFSV)! BFSV is an opportunity for you to visit your student any weekend during the month of April and attend free, low-cost and classic springtime events* in Madison that our team of local pros has compiled for you.
- A link to register is coming soon. By letting us know that you’re thinking of visiting, we will be able to send you info on how to download our mobile event app, parking suggestions, and event updates.
- A schedule for events to consider throughout the month of April will be posted soon.
- Check out the Campus and Visitor Relations page (click on Plan Your Visit) for travel information, parking, and lodging. Click here for a variety of other lodging options. Also, it may be helpful to go to UW-Madison’s Transportation Services for information on parking.
Below are some events occurring in April for Badger families.
Featured Events
Wisconsin Film Festival*
The Wisconsin Film Festival is presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Communication Arts offering a variety of fun entertainment for all!
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Go on a Nature Walk and explore the natural world or attend a variety of Science Expeditions and Explorations Stations.
Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square
Grab your family, friends, and your reusable shopping bags and enjoy a Madison tradition!
Chazen Art Museum Exhibitions
Check out Exhibitions. There are also several events happening during this time as well as drop in tours to attend.
Varsity Band Concert*
The April 2026 UW Varsity Band Spring concert will appeal to Badger Band fans of all ages. Highlights include “Music of Lady Gaga” “Wicked” “Music of Rihanna” and longtime favorites like “Space Badgers,” “If You Want To Be A Badger,” and our signature Badger Band Finale.
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When is Badger Family Spring Visit?
Badger Family Spring Visit is a curated listing of free or low-cost events during each weekend of the month of April. These events have been specifically chosen to showcase what UW-Madison and the Madison community has to offer during springtime. Our event listings cover the following weekends:
- April 3-5
- April 10-12
- April 17-19
- April 24-26
How do you register for Badger Family Spring Visit?
A link to register will be posted soon! Pick a weekend that works best for you, and get ready to experience all that Madison has to offer. After registering ,you will receive emails leading up to Badger Family Spring Visit detailing each weekend’s events and how to download our Badger Family Spring Visit app!
How do I learn about the events that have been picked for Badger Family Spring Visit?
A list of events to consider will be posted soon. Families will also have access to the Badger Family Spring Visit app, which acts as a helpful interactive schedule to guide you during your visit. Details on accessing the app and all information can be found on the website.
How does this app work?
Our team handpicked and compiled events for all different types of Badger families so that you can browse through the springtime offerings of Madison with ease. Find locations, timing, prices and more for your favorite events all in one place. Build your very own schedule for the weekend. Share your experiences on social media with the hashtag #BadgerFamilySpringVisit to find other #BadgerFamilies in the area.
Where should we look for hotels and accommodations?
Check out this page for hotel bookings near campus and around the greater Madison area!
Where can we find parking during Badger Family Spring Visit?
If you are driving a vehicle while visiting, please plan for a few extra minutes to locate parking. The city of Madison has more than 5,000 public parking spaces downtown, including 1,300 on-street metered spaces. For additional parking information, visit Transportation Services (Visitor Parking) or Destination Madison (parking).
If you park in UW–Madison parking lots, please pay a meter, pay a parking attendant, or observe lot enforcement times posted at all lot entrances. Many UW–Madison parking lots have availability during evening hours but are not available during the day due to staff parking needs. A limited number of surface parking permits for certain UW–Madison lots are available; visitors can stop by Transportation Services’ drive-through office at 21 North Park Street during business hours (7:15 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) to inquire about parking availability.
Are siblings or other family and friends welcome to attend programming?
Absolutely! Every event included in Badger Family Spring Visit is designed to be family friendly.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
The Parent Program is coordinating Badger Family Spring Visit 2026. Please contact us with any questions at parent@uwmad.wisc.edu or 608-262-3977.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:
Thank you to our signature sponsors:
