About Madison
The state capital of Wisconsin, Madison, revels in the Americana spirit that oozes from the city. Home to a vibrant cultural scene, several annual events, and world-class museums and art galleries, there are many activities and experiences to be had in Madison. With more than 255,000 Madisonians celebrating their birthdays here, there are plenty of birthday venues and ancillary services for you to choose from.
Named after American Founding Father James Madison, the city is located on traditional land, and the area is known as Dejope (four lakes). The four lakes offer an abundance of nature in the town, and there are plenty of attractions you can visit in the city as well. The city is also known for its architecture, and many of Madison’s notable buildings are designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Winters in Madison can be numbingly cold, whereas summers are warm and rainy.
Birthday Party Options in Madison
Being a university city and home to citizens across the age spectrum, you can be sure that planning a unique birthday party is hard. But once you have your birthday party venue in Madison, the rest will fall into place.
- Venues
Madison offers plenty of choices for birthday party venues. Being a university city, Madison has birthday party venues across all budget ranges in various scenic settings.
- Transportation Services
Although Madison is a driving city, driving in Madison can get frustrating. And if your birthday party is serving alcoholic beverages, hiring a transportation service is the way to go. Trust us, your guests will thank you for this.
- Event Planners
From full-service event planning companies to others that offer a la carte services, you can choose exactly how much help you want. Whether it’s finding a birthday party venue, caterers, photographers, equipment rentals, or organizing entertainment, your party can be curated how you want with a little help.
- Food and Bar Services
Madison has a rich food and brewery culture. With several world-class catering outfits calling Madison home, your catering concerns for the party can be fully taken care of so you can go and enjoy.
- Rental Services
Stages, A/V equipment, speakers, lights, there are plenty of rental services that need your attention for a birthday party. Most of them have an online presence, so finding the ones that work for you best is not hard.
Birthday Party Companies in Madison
Don't be afraid to ask the professionals in the area for a little help with the party. Capable and talented people are standing by.
- Ela Events
A full-service event planner that can help in various capacities, Ela Events offers different event packages depending on the services you need. Founded by Katie Sappey, Ela Events has been responsible for hundreds of events and is known for throwing a classy affair.
- Blue Plate Catering
Founded in 1992 by Jodi Fowler, Blue Plate Diner and Catering is Madison’s most recognized catering business. The team can provide catering and bar services in any facility that allows outside caterers. They can even help with event planning and equipment rentals, depending on the size and theme of the birthday party.
- Rent Now Corporation
A company that offers A/V equipment rentals for all sorts of events, Rent Now is perfect for birthday parties. The company has all audio-visual rental equipment, including projectors, screens, speakers, band equipment, and anything else A/V you might need. So if you want to screen a movie or have the DJ bring the house down, you’ve got your tech sorted.
Pros and Cons of Birthday Parties in Madison
Being a state capital, Madison has access to some of the best services and birthday party venues. That said, there are a few other pros and cons to consider while planning a birthday party here.
Advantages
- Cultural town
Madison is a cultural hub for entertainment and arts. Citizens enjoy having fun and a good time. In simple words, they’re a great crowd for a birthday party.
- Outdoor venues
Madison has plenty of outdoor birthday party venues. So long as it’s not winter, you can enjoy some great venue picks.
- Food and drink
Madison boasts several great restaurants and breweries, plenty of which offer catering services for crowds of all sizes.
- Low cost and taxes
Not only are services in Madison cheaper than in other U.S cities, but state taxes are lower than the national average.
Disadvantages
- Ice-cold winters
Madison winters are no joke. Long, dark, cold, and snowy, winter birthday parties are best held indoors.
- Traffic and parking woes
Rush hour traffic, not an excellent public transportation system, and hard-to-find parking spots can ruin your guests driving experience.
- Busy calendar
Madison hosts several events throughout the year, many during the summer months. Be sure to check that your Madison birthday party venue is not near any significant event.
- College town
Depending on who you’re throwing the party for and your guests, this can be a pro or con.
Famous Locations in Madison
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Located on Madison’s fantastic waterfront, the sixteen-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens are incredibly picturesque. The gardens are known for their collection of roses and the glass-enclosed Bolz Conservatory. The Olbrich gardens are free-to-access for the public, and you can also enjoy guided tours, art shows, concerts, and other programs here. The best part, there’s something to do for people of all ages!
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
An award-winning museum, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum showcases the history of military struggles from the Civil War to the Gulf War. The museum features several vintage vehicles, warplanes, artillery, and a whole lot more. If you’re a fan of military paraphernalia or knowledge, then you would love to come here.
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Estate
Located 35 miles from Madison, Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Taliesin’ in Spring Green is a masterpiece. A stunning structure, the property covers 600 acres of rolling countryside. You can enjoy guided tours as you explore the home and its adjoining structures, including a theatre, studio, and school. There are a variety of tours of the house and ground and special activities for children.