Ride The Drive 2026

Madison Parks is excited to announce the date and new route for Ride the Drive 2026! With RTD's signature route along John Nolen Drive under reconstruction, we have an exciting new route for this year's event. Three miles and three hubs overflowing with free activities are planned for Sunday, August 9, 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Route & Hubs

The nearly 3-mile route includes activity hub stops at McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll Street, Lakefront Porch Park, 201 S. Hamilton Street and the Capitol Square at the corner of W. Mifflin and N. Carroll streets.

Vendors & Exhibitors

Registration for vendors and exhibitors is open and includes the three hubs and businesses along the route - Williamson Street, King Street and the Capitol Square.

Volunteers

Nearly 200 volunteers will ensure a smooth and safe event. Positions include intersection guides, setup and cleanup crews, merchants, bike ambassadors, and photographers, with the greatest recruitment for intersection guides. Time commitment is typically about 2 hours and each volunteer receives an RTD tee! Online registration is open and easy to complete.

History & Purpose

Ride the Drive is a single, one-day, free community event for all ages. The event closes select city streets to motor vehicles and offers hubs along the route overflowing with free activities. Since the inaugural Ride the Drive in 2009, this event continues to celebrate Madison's commitment to a healthy, active living, focusing on the environmental and economic impacts and the importance of social integration.

Ride the Drive is organized by the City of Madison Parks Division in partnership with numerous City agencies and local organizations.

See RideTheDrive.com for more information.