Special Event Parking Information

A Special Event fee is charged when high volumes of vehicles are expected to exit at the same time. The fee rate is listed on each event posted in the Special Event Calendar

Paying Special Event Fees:

In most locations, uniformed employees will collect payment from each vehicle as it enters the garage. Cash, parking voucher (coupon), Visa or MasterCard are accepted. 

At South Livingston Street Garage and Wilson Street Garage, patrons will pull a ticket as they enter. This ticket can be paid for at any pay-on-foot station as you exit to your activity, or when you return. It is recommended to pay at a kiosk prior to returning to your car to reduce exiting delays.

Parking Duration

The Special Event entry is valid for 8 hours of parking.

If you park beyond the 8 hours of time, you will be required to make a payment for the additional hours parked, at the hourly rate of that facility, when exiting.

Expect Delays

Traffic across the isthmus increases during large events. Parking garage locations hosting Special Event rates will activate the rate 1 to 3 hours prior to the start of the featured event.  

If you plan to park at the Overture Center Garage or State Street Capitol Garage, please arrive at least one hour before the event begins. These garages frequently reach capacity during large events.

If you expect to arrive less than an hour before start time, consider using alternative parking options such as Capitol Square North Garage or Wilson Street Garage to avoid congestion and delays.

Many alternate parking locations offer hourly rates with no pay-on-entry fee, less congestion at entry and exit, and short walks to many of the event locations, downtown businesses, dining and shops.

Event Parking Information

Parking Alternatives

The City of Madison encourages the use of transit, rideshare, bicycling and bikeshare as alternatives to driving downtown.  Use of transportation alternatives reduces the traffic impact during large events and helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Learn more on Transportation's Getting Around webpage.  

Find out more about how you can make bikeshare a part of your transportation. Give it a try by checking out a Community Pass from one of Madison’s Public Libraries.

Additional Services

Map of Madison isthmus showing City-owned parking facilities and routes to follow marked with blue, orange, green, gray and purple.
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