Black on State Festival: Rodeo Remix
📆 Saturday, August 23, 2025
⏰ 12PM – 5PM
📍 400 Block of State Street | Downtown Madison
Back by popular demand — and bolder than ever.
After drawing over 13,000 attendees in 2024 and taking over two blocks of downtown Madison, the Black on State Festival is riding back into town with a brand-new theme:
Rodeo Remix: Black, Bold & Buckin’.
This year, we’re channeling the spirit of Black rodeo culture — full of grit, creativity, and undeniable style. From live music and art to fashion, family fun, and community celebration, this is a day made to uplift, energize, and make space where Black art, entrepreneurship, and joy take center stage.
🎉 FAMILY FUN
Don’t miss the Kids Corner, presented by the Madison Reading Project — held at Peace Park from 12PM–4PM!
✨ Enjoy the Big Red Reading Bus, hands-on activities with the Madison Children’s Museum, face painting, and more!
🎟️ And thanks to our friends at the Overture Center for the Arts, we’re giving away a Family 4-Pack of tickets to Cirque Mechanics: TILT (happening November 1), plus other exclusive giveaways throughout the day!
🎨 CREATORS + MAKERS
We’ve partnered with Dane Arts to sponsor 4 FREE art vendor spots — a chance to share, sell, and create your work right on State Street.
Artists, don’t wait — apply now!
🎤 SOUNDS + HOST
We’ve brought back two of Madison’s hottest DJs to keep the energy sky-high:
DJ Dee Franko & DJ 4000 — both returning for Year 2 with unforgettable sets.
And this year’s festival is hosted by the amazing Kayla Lewis Allen — a powerhouse from Milwaukee, helping us bridge the 608 + 414 and take Black on State to the next level.
👢 RODEO REMIX ENERGY
This year, we’re going full Black, Bold & Buckin’ — and we want YOU to show up dressed for the theme!
Dust off those boots, pull out the fringe, and bring your creative cowboy/cowgirl best.
Make a statement. Show up in style. This is The Creative Revolution — rodeo style.
✨ STAY TUNED
We’ve got more surprises in store — including a BIG announcement dropping August 1 that you do not want to miss.
Free to attend. All are welcome. Made for the culture.
Mark your calendar. Saddle up. Come kick it with us.
📆 Saturday, August 23, 2025
⏰ 12PM – 5PM
📍 400 Block of State Street | Downtown Madison
Also check out other Festivals in Madison, Arts events in Madison.