Broomsticks, bicycles and golf carts will take over Madison again this October as one of the city’s favorite Halloween traditions returns with a new route and a new beneficiary.

The annual Madison Witches Ride is set for Sunday, Oct. 18, bringing costumed “witches” together for a family-friendly ride and stroll through the city, tossing candy to children along the way.

This year’s route will travel along Garner Street behind Madison City Schools Stadium, where families can gather to watch the procession and catch candy.

Afterward, the celebration will move to Home Place Park, 100 Shorter St., for a community block party featuring children’s activities, food trucks, music and Halloween-themed festivities.

Organized by Madison Visionary Partners, this year’s event will benefit Madison Arts Alliance, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s arts, culture and creative programming in the community.

The partnership also marks the beginning of a transition for the longtime Madison event.

Madison Arts Alliance will work alongside MVP to organize this year’s Witches Ride before taking over the event beginning in 2027. Organizers said the transition is intended to help the tradition continue to grow in future years.

The Oct. 18 event runs from 3 to 5 p.m., with gates opening at 2 p.m. Spectator admission is free, and parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive, with vehicles entering from the north side.

Participants can sign up to ride as a witch or volunteer through Madison Visionary Partners.

If weather interferes, the rain date is Sunday, Oct. 25.

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