Leaf It To Us: Your Yard Waste Collection Schedule
In Madison, fall leaf collection helps keep our streets clean and lakes healthy. Residents are asked to rake their leaves to the terrace (the grassy area between the sidewalk and street) on specific Sunday set-out dates, not into the street. Crews will then make scheduled rounds to collect the leaves beginning October 5 and continuing through early December, weather permitting. Madison also encourages mulching or composting leaves as an eco-friendly alternative.
Neighborhoods have different set-out dates. Find your neighborhood leaf/yard waste collection schedule here. You will receive three guaranteed curbside set-out opportunities for leaf and yard waste pickup this fall.
- Keep the material at least four feet from obstructions. Street signs, utility poles, mailboxes, trees, stumps, and parked cars get in the way of crews.
- If you bag your leaves and yard waste, please use compostable paper leaf and lawn bags. Keep your bags open so crews can see what is inside.
- Other bags are acceptable if they are kept open, too. Crews may need to rip or slice open plastic bags to get the yard waste out. Crews will leave the split bags behind at the curb.
- Keep leaves/yard waste separate from brush. Brush collection is separate from leaf/yard waste collection. Find your neighborhood brush collection schedule here.
- Yard waste = leaves, weeds, grass clippings, garden trimmings, twigs less than 18 inches, pumpkins, black walnuts, crab apples, vines, corn stalks, pine cones, seed pods, etc.
- Brush = sticks and branches from trees, shrubs, or bushes.
You will find information on leaf/yard waste collection in other area communities below:
Belleville
Cross Plains
Deerfield
DeForest
Fitchburg
Janesville
Marshall
McFarland
Middleton
Monona
Mount Horeb
Oregon
Sun Prairie
Verona
Waunakee
Festivals, Family Fun & Fall Magic
Fall festivals in Madison and across Southern Wisconsin are full of fun, color, and cozy vibes. You can pick pumpkins, sip hot cider, and get lost in a corn maze. The music of local bands and kids laughter fill the air while everyone enjoys the crisp autumn air. Here are a bunch of great ways to celebrate the season with friends and family.
OCTOBER
3 Fall Fest – Monona/Aldo Leopold Nature Center
3 Oktoberfest - Madison/Edgewater Hotel Grand Plaza
3-5 Oktoberfest – Milwaukee/Summerfest Grounds
4 Candlelight Hike – Blue Mounds/Blue Mounds State Park
4 Harvest Folk Festival – Madison/Allen Centennial Garden (620 Babcock Dr.)
4 Madison Vegan Fest – Madison/Lake Farm Park
4 Oktoberfest – Madison/Westmorland Park
4 Fall Wine Walk – Wisconsin Dells/downtown
4-5 Fall Village Market - Mt. Horeb/Main St.
4-5 Fall Festival of Color - Lake Mills/Commons Park
5 Autumn Fest - Broadhead/Veteran’s Park
10 Oktoberfest Festival – Monroe/Minhas Brewery (1408 13th St.)
11 Fall Fair on the Square - Baraboo/downtown square
11 Fall Wine Walk - Beloit/downtown
11 Main Street Monroe Art Walk – Monroe/Courthouse Square
11 Monona Fall Festival – Monona/Winnequah Park
11 Parktoberfest – Prairie du Sac/Culver Community Park
11 Pumpkin Phest – Verona/Wisconsin Brewing Company
11-12 Harvest Fest – New Glarus/Swiss Historical Village
11-12 Oktoberfest - Lake Geneva/200 Broad St.
16 Madison Night Market – Madison/State St. & Capitol Square
16 Wisconsin Science Festival - Madison/various locations
16 Witches Night Out - Mt. Horeb/downtown
17 Craft Beer Walk - Wisconsin Dells/downtown
18 Dells on Tap – Wisconsin Dells/downtown
18 Halloween at the Farm – Waunakee/Schumacher Farm Park
23-26 Wisconsin Book Festival - Madison/201 W Mifflin St.
25 Autumn Artisan Faire - Middleton/The Bruce Company
25 Fall Downtown Fest - Beaver Dam/downtown
25 Trick or Treat at the Ballpark – Madison/Duck Pond
25 Tricks and Treats Scramble (Madison Parks event) – Madison/Odana Hills Golf Course
26 Boo at the Zoo – Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
29 Downtown Family Halloween - Madison/State St. & Capitol Square
NOVEMBER
1-8 Driftless Film Festival - Mineral Point/Opera House
Fall Fun Guide: Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches
During the Fall season, many farms around the Madison offer a delightful blend of seasonal adventures. Corn mazes transform fields into thrilling labyrinths where every twist and turn presents a challenge, and the excitement of finding your way out is an experience best shared with family and friends. Meanwhile, pumpkin patches capture the essence of fall, offering far more than just a place to pick your perfect pumpkin. They’re charming places to create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling challenge in a corn maze or a picturesque day filled with family fun at a pumpkin patch, these locations provide the ideal setting for embracing the spirit of the season.
Anderson’s Pleasant Patch Pumpkins - Cottage Grove/2313 Koshkonong Rd.
Pleasant Patch features a traditional pumpkin patch and corn maze, complemented by a haunted house for those seeking a spooky adventure. It’s a good mix of family-friendly and thrilling fall experiences.
Phone: (608) 839-3005
Enchanted Valley Acres - Cross Plains/5047 Enchanted Valley Rd.
This farm offers a unique experience with its massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides through picturesque landscapes, and a chilling haunted forest at night. They also host special events like flashlight nights and bonfires, adding to the fall fun.
Phone: (608) 798-4769
Eplegaarden Orchard - Fitchburg/2227 Fitchburg Rd.
Opens with a limited schedule in mid-August with a bountiful farm store including Dutchess and other heirloom varieties of goodies. Pick your own flowers, fruit and firewood.
Phone: (608)845-5966
Eugster’s Farm Market - Stoughton/3865 Hwy 138
Eugster’s provides a charming fall experience with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and a variety of farm animals to interact with. They also have a farm market offering fresh produce and fall treats.
Phone: (608) 873-3795
Heise Pumpkin Patch - Middleton/4950 High Rd.
Family owned and operated pumpkin patch. Open early September through Halloween. Go for seasonal decorations or family photo-ops.
Hermanson Pumpkin Patch - Edgerton/127 Hwy N
This family-friendly farm offers a simple and enjoyable fall experience with its pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides. It’s a relaxed setting perfect for a leisurely autumn outing.
Phone: (608) 751-9706
Schuster’s Farm - Deerfield/1326 Hwy 12
Schuster’s is a classic fall destination with a wide variety of attractions. You’ll find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, apple cannons, farm animals, a haunted forest (for those seeking thrills), and various fall-themed games and activities. It’s a great place for families and groups.
Phone: (608) 764-8488
Skelly’s Farm Market - Janesville/2713 S Hayner Rd.
Situated in Janesville, Skelly’s has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo. They also offer a farm market with fresh produce, baked goods, and fall decorations.
Phone: (608) 752-8042
Sutter’s Ridge Farm - Mt Horeb/2074 Sutter Dr.
Sutter’s Ridge combines the joys of apple picking and pumpkin picking with a fun corn maze and a dedicated activity area for kids. It’s a picturesque spot for enjoying fall flavors and family time.
Phone: (608) 437-5318
Treinen Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - Lodi/W12420 Hwy 60
Treinen Farm boasts a sprawling 15-acre corn maze, offering a challenging and exciting adventure.Their pumpkin patch is also extensive, ensuring you’ll find the perfect gourd. Hayrides and other fall activities round out the experience.
Phone: (608) 622-7407
Warm Belly Farm-Cottage Grove - Cottage Grove/4311 Vilas Hope Rd.
Great place for both adults and kids! includes a beer garden, lots of kids activities and garden center. Stay tuned for their Fall Festival!
Phone: (608)669-9901
* It’s always best to check the individual farm’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on hours, admission prices, and special events. Fall is a busy time, so plan your visit accordingly and enjoy the autumn festivities!
See Our Top 10s of the Fall Season
Fall is a celebration of change, color, and coziness. It’s the season of bonfires, hot cider and sweaters. It’s the delight of pumpkin patches, the challenge of navigating corn mazes, and the thrill of hayrides through fields painted with autumn’s colors. We’ve put together the Top 10s of Fall list to inspire you to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season here in Madison and across Southern Wisconsin.
Top 10 Fall Activities
1. Apple Picking
2. Pumpkin Carving
3. Hiking in the Autumn Leaves
4. Visiting a Haunted House
5. Attending a Fall Festival
6. Cozying Up with Hot Cocoa
7. Football Games
8. Making Homemade Applesauce
9. Decorating for Halloween
10. Going on a Scenic Drive
Top 10 Fall Activities for Kids
1. Making Leaf Art
2. Going on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
3. Visiting a Pumpkin Patch
4. Creating a Fall-Themed Craft
5. Building a Scarecrow
6. Baking Cookies
7. Storytime with Fall Books
8. Going on a Hayride
9. Collecting Acorns and Pine Cones
10. Playing in the Leaves
Top 10 Fall Foods
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
2. Butternut Squash Soup
3. Apple Pie
4. Cider Donuts
5. Roasted Chestnuts
6. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
7. Caramel Apples
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash
9. Chili
10. Fall Salads with Pears and Walnuts
Top 10 Fall Movies
1. Hocus Pocus
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. Practical Magic
4. Dead Poets Society
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. Casper
7. You’ve Got Mail
8. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
9. Fantastic Mr. Fox
10. Good Will Hunting
Top 10 Fall Books
1. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
2. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
6. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
7. The October Country by Ray Bradbury
8. The Pumpkin Eater by Penelope Mortimer
9. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman