UW-Madison’s WSUM student radio station will hold its fourth annual Party in the Park Saturday at James Madison Park.
The party will kick off at 10:45 a.m. and will feature three stages of live musical performances by local and nationally renowned bands and DJs. Madison favorites Noah John, Knuckel Drager and Mama Digdown’s Brass Band will be among the bands performing. Fourteen DJs will be at the turntables throughout the day, including live sets by local DJs Marshall Law and Jesse Collins.
A total of 28 musical acts are scheduled to perform.
This alcohol-free family event was originally conceived as an alternative to the Mifflin Street Block Party. The Associated Students of Madison sponsor half of the Party in the Park event, while the other half is funded by WSUM. Friends of Madison Student Radio, State of Mind Records and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association are among area contributors.
The Party in the Park has been run independently by WSUM since the party’s inception in 1999. WSUM’s Chris Martel said the party committee has been planning the event since December. He also said this year’s party will differ from previous years in that a movie, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” will be shown after dusk.
Martel estimates between 5,000 and 6,000 people will attend the event. He said Madison police officers will patrol the park to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all.
“There have been absolutely no security concerns, arrests or citations issued at past parties,” Martel said. “Every year has gone great.”
UW freshman Maria Propp has attended previous Party in the Parks and has always had fun.
“Party in the Park is my favorite event of the year,” she said. “I get to dance to a bunch of DJ sets with my friends at an awesome venue — all for free.”
In addition to live musical performances, Party in the Park will also showcase booths by student and community organizations and Madison businesses, including food and merchandise vendors.
The event is totally free and open to all community members. No alternate venue plans have been made; in the event of rain or snow Saturday, Party in the Park will be cancelled.
