Just south of Madison – bustling Capitol City and home of the University of Wisconsin – and north of pastoral farmland, Fitchburg is often called the best of both worlds. This evolving city values green space, community and innovation, but one of Fitchburg’s best-kept secrets may be its elevation of local arts and culture. From culinary arts to international musicians and artists and parties in the park, Fitchburg has its fair share of cultural experiences.
You don’t have to travel far – and you can do so on two wheels in this bike centric city – to quench your thirst for art, music, food and even craft cocktails. Here are a few opportunities found near native prairies, in sleek buildings or down a country road.
Unique Dining Experiences
Dinner On The Farm
Food lovers will discover charming and memorable dining experiences throughout the city. Nestled in the rolling farm fields, Four Winds Farm has emerged as a staple of the Fitchburg food scene. The Farm's beautifully restored barn hosts dining events throughout the year, including pop-up dinners, cooking classes, and special events.
A highlight for foodies near and far are their Wine Pairing Dinners that showcase wines from famous vineyards, paired with a multi-course meal, with each dish thoughtfully planned and prepared to bring out the flavors and characteristics of the wines served. Jay Hutchinson, former sommelier of Michelin-starred restaurants, oversees the wine service for these events, and has previously featured wines from Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards, and Icons of the Rioja region. Click here for info and tickets to their upcoming dinners.
Four Winds Farm also hosts the popular and often sold out "Pizza Night On The Farm" events in the summer, making a selection of pizzas with local ingredients in their own brick oven. Check their online calendar for more events, including cooking classes!
Quivey's Grove
Among the maple, elm, and black walnut trees, diners will find the perfect spot for hand-crafted Wisconsin comfort food. Quivey's Grove has been a favorite Fitchburg restaurant since it opened in 1980. Forty-five years later, the setting still takes you back in time with American traditional antiques from the period, gardens to wander, and buildings from the 19th century to admire and explore. Diners are welcome in The Stone House and The Stable Grill, two different settings offering different dining experiences.
The Stone House is an Italianate fieldstone mansion, with each of the original rooms decorated with Wisconsin antiques and memorabilia. All food served in the Stone House is prepared from scratch, and the menu features classics named for local icons such as Lamb Nolen, Potter Perch, and Mushroom Leopold. The Stone House also has nightly specials, including Thursday Date Night, Saturday Steak, and Tuesday Simple Suppers. Check their website for special dining events throughout the year, including holiday events.
Just across the walkway, Quivey's Stable Grill offers a more casual setting and a menu that pays homage to the local towns and farming communities of the area. The stone stable has been there since 1855, with the bar area and entryway added in 1989. The stable grill offers nightly specials, and a menu filled with favorites like meatloaf, burgers, schnitzel, fried chicken, and more, giving diners a taste of Wisconsin's culinary history. Get there early on a Friday night for an old-fashioned and their famous fish fry!
Commitment to Community and Creativity
Promega Art Showcase
At science giant Promega Corporation, creativity drives innovation. It seemed natural for the company to invest in semi-annual art exhibitions known as the Promega Art Showcases. The exhibits are curated and shown at Promega’s BioPharmaceutical Technology Center (BTC). Promega has opened the exhibits to the public, encouraging community involvement and pledging space for fine arts. Stunning pieces adorn sleek curved walls, an open and bright reception area and a second level that leads to a rooftop oasis. The Showcase has brought in African sculptors, Cuban folk artists, Native American youth’s mixed media, nationally renowned photographers and local painters and fabric artists.
At exhibition opening symposiums, expect a dynamic crowd with live music, refreshments and food buffets, insights from the artists, and more.
Delta Beer Lab
Delta Beer Lab in Fitchburg is a perfect spot for trying local brews and connecting with local artists. Their gallery space displays works from well known local artists, and changes throughout the year. Each installation opens with an artist meet and greet, giving attendees a chance to gain insight into the artist's creative process, ask questions, and build personal connections with the artist.
Delta's taproom has grown into an inviting and welcoming space for the entire community, hosting special events all year long. It's also a destination for those in search of the best local brews, with their on tap selections changing throughout the seasons.
Fill Your Calendar with concerts & Live music
Coppia Concerts
For music fans interested in classical and chamber music, Coppia Concerts offers a unique and multi-sensory experience. The concert series began in 2025 at Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg, and welcomed world class musicians to their Loft for casual and intimate performances. Concert goers can enjoy wine pairings curated to match each program, with wines chosen by a Michelin-starred sommelier. The inaugural season brought in a variety of performances, from baroque to modern, and musicians from all over the world. For information on their 2nd season, check their upcoming events page.
The Seminole
One of Fitchburg's favorite bars has become a hot spot for seeing live music all year long. The Seminole Tap hosts bands from Madison and beyond including The Lower 5th, Beth Kille, Frank Busch, Brandon Beebe, and many others. Bands take the stage in their designated event space that has its own bar and ample seating if you need to take a break from dancing and get some grub.
COPA Madison
Showcasing and supporting local musicians and artists, COPA Madison is a performing arts facility dedicated to providing space for performers of all ages. Emerging and established artists are welcome to the space at events like their Open Jam on Monday Nights, where all ages and experience levels can perform. The COPA House Band opens the event, followed the open jam for any audience members that would like to participate. Check their calendar for special events like their Surf Party, Madison Jazz Jam, and more.
Iconic Summer Events
Perfect Summer Concert at the Park
Want a full-scale summer party without having to plan a thing? Make your way to Concerts at McKee on the third Mondays in the summer for free, family-friendly festivities. Great bands take center stage at McKee Farms Park, but what makes this a signature Fitchburg event is the motion surrounding the music-splashing, sports and, of course, food and drink. The community vibe grows from there. Pack a picnic or graze from local food and brew carts. Let the kids cool off in the splash pad or play at the park’s dream playground. Feeling sporty? Join a sand volleyball match or check out a little league game. Need a break from the action? Stroll park ground on paths that lead to will trees and waterways. Chances are you’'' even look up to see kites in the breeze.
Just off the Capital City Trail, McKee Farms Park is easily accessible by bike. Round off a long or short ride at this lively community event. Did we mention ample free parking? See you there!
Art Fair on the Prairie to Tantalize the Senses
Paths through natural prairies, gardens and courtyards, unique architecture, and corporate commitment to the arts… Fitchburg Center had the perfect ingredients for the Agora Art Fair. In 2008, the first fair hosted 50 artists and 5,000 people. It’s grown to 100 artists and 15,000 eager visitors.
It’s all-senses-go at this unique Fitchburg affair. On the beautiful grounds of Agora visitors are treated to tents of fine art, elaborate kites, the smell of local foods, taste of craft beer and wine, and live music.
Wisconsin artists sell paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, glass and metal work, graphic arts, sculptures and more. Kids can create at a children’s art yard, and all ages are invited to dance to live music on two different stages or graze local foods from restaurant carts.
The fair is free with plenty of free parking. Spend an easy day with family and friends in a beautiful southern Wisconsin setting at the Agora Art Fair.
Dust Off Your Dancin' Shoes
Boots In The Barn at Barnwood Events
Dancers descend on Barnwood Events for their Boots In The Barn dances, an evening filled with line dancing and country swing. An instructor is at each dance, so even novice dancers can join in on the fun. The newly restored and renovated space is a beautiful venue with a full bar, and plenty of room to cut a rug, and the surrounding outdoor space is registered with the State and DNR Stewardship Wildlife Restoration Program.
Blues In The Barn at Four Winds Farm
Those looking for a lively evening with music and dance flock to Four Winds Farm's Blues in the Barn. These events bring local musicians to The Loft, filling the space with energy, for a night of dancing and fun. Blues in the Barn has welcomed Midtown Mannish Boys, Big Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers, David Hecht & The Who Dat, and The Grouvin Brothers to previous events, and there's always seating available when you need to rest your feet! A selection of drinks and refreshments are available for purchase, as well.
Explore more arts opportunities in Fitchburg by visiting visitfitchburg.com and connecting with the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.