Your Ultimate Guide to food, events, deals and shopping in Madison, WI this Fall!
It’s officially Fall in Madison! The weather is starting to cool off, the leaves are changing, our Saturdays are filled with Badger football, friends, and food, maybe even the capitol square Farmer’s Market in the morning, and Sundays are spent at Hilldale – shopping of course! Seriously, Fall in Madison is THE best and if you haven’t experienced it before, I highly recommend.
I know a lot of you are local, but for those of you who aren’t, a weekend trip to Madison, WI this time of year is incredible. You will have the best time!
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Shopping in Madison, WI – Your Guide to Fall Sales, Deals and Events at Hilldale
With so many fun and exciting things happening in the Madison area and at Hilldale Shopping Center this season, I wanted to provide you with a Fall Shopping + Events guide, so that you can stay in the loop with all the upcoming things! I’ll be sharing some of the best Fall shopping deals, highlighting a few new and local retailers and restaurants, and sharing some fun Fall events that will be happening in the community!
About Hilldale
If you haven’t been to Hilldale before, it’s located about ten minutes west of downtown Madison and ten minutes from the Monroe street area as well (if you’re familiar with the area). It seriously is one of the best places to shop in Madison. They offer a variety of local, specialty shops and national retailers, which I love.
Actually, about 50% of the shops and restaurants are locally owned, isn’t that awesome!? Hilldale offers a unique experience, that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s an open-air shopping center, so there’s lots of outdoor space to meet up with a friend over a cup of coffee or come to grab a bite to eat and get some work done (that’s what I do sometimes). They’re even pet-friendly, so your furry friend can come along for some shopping!
Seriously, one of the best shopping options in Madison. Between the laid back, outdoor atmosphere, friendly service and the mix of retailers, restaurants + workout studios, you’ve got a little bit of everything all in one great place!
Retailers
Here are some of the retail stores we highly recommend stopping in this autumn! If you’re a planner like me and you’ve already started making your Christmas shopping lists, you can get a little bit of a head start before anyone else. There are so many great gift items this year (home décor, lifestyle goods, accessories). So much good stuff!
Kendra Scott
The Kendra Scott new arrivals are beyond gorgeous! I’ve currently got the gold cuff bracelet in white crystal and letter pendant necklace in gold added to my cart. I can’t resist KS jewelry. When I stopped by Hilldale last weekend, I picked up the Sophia drop earrings in gold, and I’ve barely taken them off since. If you’ve watched my latest IG stories, I’m sure you’ve seen me in them!
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, Kendra is donating 20% from the purchase of her line of breast cancer suite items (up to $150,000). Start your gift shopping early this year and support an amazing cause by purchasing one of the pieces! For every item purchased from the list of eligible pieces, a woman touched by cancer will receive one rose quartz jewelry item and a handwritten note as well.
Anthropologie
Our favorite place to buy gifts (and home decor), especially around the holidays. It seriously is so hard not to buy everything in Anthropologie because it’s all beautiful! The Capri Blue candles are always our favorite – we’re currently loving their Pumpkin Clove candle. It will make your entire home smell like Fall. Warm, cozy and comforting!
Okay and while we’re on the topic of warm and cozy, their luxe faux fur throws are incredible. Beyond soft, a bit heavier, which I prefer, and perfect for cuddling up on the couch on a Fall day!
WaterLilly
WaterLilly is one of the newer (locally owned) boutiques at Hilldale, as of Spring 2021. This is actually their second location too! When you walk in the store, you can’t help but feel happy when you see all their bright and colorful clothing, decor and gift items! There is something here for everyone.
Great store to shop for brands like Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide and Gretchen Scott!
Madewell
Now that the weather is finally cooling off a bit, it’s sweater and jean weather – my favorite! But, before you buy a new pair of jeans, take a look at your old pairs and see if there’s any you don’t want anymore. If you bring your old pair (any pair of jeans – it doesn’t have to be Madewell) to your nearest Madewell store, they will turn them into housing insulation and give you $20 off a new pair!
By doing this, you’ll save some money and help out a community in need! If you want to read more on the program, click here. Currently, with the number of jeans donated, 1,462 houses could be be built and insulated from pre-loved jeans!
Lululemon
Lulus just got bigger! If you haven’t stopped by Hilldale recently, Lululemon is in a new location! They’re now located in a larger retail space right across from Macy’s. More floor space and more merchandise for all the athleisure and activewear lovers!
As the weather gets colder, I always feel less motivated to work out and stay active. BUT, cute workout clothes always help! If you’re in a workout slump, go buy yourself a cute new sports bra or pair of leggings to give you the motivation you need to book your next cyclebar or burn boot camp workout!
Glitter Workshop + Gift Shop
Since the weather is cooling off, if you’re looking for something fun to do indoors, Glitter Workshop has a variety of unique and creative classes you can take! Candle pouring is one of the classes being offered right now, along with a bath bomb workshop and acrylic paint pouring class.
Instead of heading to Target or Homegoods to buy your Fall candles, why not make a custom one yourself!? The candle pouring class is about 30 minutes long and you get to pick your candle’s fragrance, vessel and wick.
For more classes, dates and availability, here is Glitter Workshop’s calendar for October and November.
Metcalfe’s Market
Have you decorated your porch for Fall or carved pumpkins yet? If not, next time you’re at Hilldale, stop by Metcalfe to pick up one of their Wisconsin grown pumpkins or gourds! Perfect for decorating your front porch or for carving with the family!
Restaurants/Food
Here are our top recommended food/restaurant picks for Fall at Hilldale Madison. You won’t want to miss out on the limited edition pumpkin smoothies at one of our favorite places below!
Blended
Blended is an absolute must-stop when you’re at Hilldale. Their acaí bowls and smoothies are my favorite! A few weeks ago, they released their limited edition smoothies, bowls and snacks for Fall, so if you need a little pick-me up, stop by Blended for one of their Pumpkin smoothies or bowls or their pumpkin spice energy bites.
Bambu
Another favorite of mine, Bambu has the largest selection of drinks I’ve ever seen – teas, exotic juices, coffees, yogurts, real fruit smoothies, you name it. All drinks are made with healthy and fresh ingredients, daily. They are delicious! You can order carry out by clicking here.
Bartaco
As of October 4th this year, the #bartacosecret roasted brussels sprouts taco is back. Now through December 6th, you can stop in Bartaco to order or if you prefer take out, you can order to go! This taco has roasted honey chipotle glazed brussels sprouts and is served on a spicy curry carrot puree. It comes with Bartaco’s sweet and spicy candied pepitas and pickled onions as well!
My mouth is watering as I type this. Bartaco is SO good. Food is amazing and atmosphere is fun and inviting – great spot for a date night with your significant other or for hanging out with a group of friends!
Shake Shack
Need I say more? All you need in life is burgers fries and shakes right!? But seriously, I could eat Shake Shack EVERY SINGLE DAY. Their vanilla ice cream is really good too, if you want to stop in for a dessert.
Be sure to check each restaurant’s website for their specific restaurant hours.
Special Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Mark your calendars! Here are the Fall events at Hilldale that we can’t wait to sign up for.
Burn, Barre and Bartaco
Happening this Sunday, October 17th, from 9:30am-11:30am, join the bloggers behind Everyday M&K for a fun-filled hour of working out (30 minutes of Burn Bootcamp and 30 minutes of Barre), followed by tacos and margaritas from Bartaco. Can you think of anything better!?
Click here to grab your ticket and learn more!
Sur La Table Halloween Classes
Have you always wanted to take a cooking class? Maybe learn a new recipe or a new cooking technique? Sur La Table at Hilldale offers in-store cooking classes (perfect for date night!) that you can sign up for!
For the month of October, they’re offering a Spooky Sweets class where you’ll learn how to make spiderweb brownies, mummy cookies and jack-o’-lantern cake pops! They’ll teach you all the techniques to make your spooky treats look professionally done!
For a list of Sur La Table’s other Fall cooking classes offered, click here.
Farmer’s Market
Open through the end of October, the Hilldale Farmer’s Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00am – 1:00pm. Come check out and support the local vendors, try some food, buy a fresh bouquet of flowers and enjoy the weather. Farmer’s Market located right behind L.L. Bean!
University Book Store – Free Gift Fridays
Every Friday before a home Badger football game, you can stop by the University Book Store at Hilldale to pick up a free small gift item! While you’re there, you can shop for some game day attire. There’s tons of jerseys, tees, hats and accessories!
Dates for Free Gift Fridays are listed below:
- 10/15
- 10/29
- 11/12
- 11/19
Related posts you may like:
- Hilldale Madison Shopping Guide for the Holidays
- Come Shopping in Madison with Me at Hilldale – Christmas Gift Ideas
- Ultimate UW Madison, WI Bucket List – Must See + Do Activities
This guide to Fall Shopping in Madison WI was made in collaboration with Hilldale Shopping Center.
