Every Saturday morning from late April to early November, the Dane County Farmers' Market wraps around all four sides of Capitol Square in a great loop of fresh produce, cheese, bread, flowers, and prepared food. It is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the United States, meaning every vendor must have grown, raised, or made what they are selling.
The Wisconsin cheese is the obvious draw — cheesemakers from across the state set up stalls selling aged cheddars, fresh curds, and farmhouse varieties you won't find anywhere else. But the market is also famous for its bread (particularly the long lines for Stella's Bakery and its namesake spicy hot sauce), heirloom vegetables, and pastured meats. Go early if you want the best selection; the market gets extremely crowded by mid-morning.
The winter market runs on a reduced schedule inside Monona Terrace. The Saturday morning market is a Madison ritual — if you're in the city between spring and autumn, don't miss it.