Picnic in the Park 2026, presented by Event Essentials

Get ready to dance under the disco ball because Picnic in the Park, presented by

Event Essentials is back with a radical twist!

For the first time, we are moving the event indoors and transforming the Warner Park Community Recreation Center into an '80s Gym Prom spectacular. Imagine the glamour of prom night combined with retro gym vibes: wooden floors, streamers, glitter, and big hair!

That’s not the only change. This year, Picnic in the Park will take place in Fall 2026, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season and the future of our Rec Center.

Why This Year Matters

This isn’t just a party. It’s a celebration of the much-needed expansion of the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.

Located at 1625 Northport Drive, near the Mallards Ballpark, the Rec Center has long been a cornerstone of community life on the north side. Since its opening, the demand for recreational activities and programming has far exceeded the facility’s capacity.

A 2017 Programming and Facility Study identified several essential needs for improvement, including:

• Additional community recreation and program space

• Upgrades to systems and performance

• Health and safety enhancements

• Compliance with full accessibility standards

• Architectural updates and improvements to leased spaces

• Enhancements to the site

After years of planning and community involvement, the expansion is almost complete, something worth celebrating with the enthusiasm of a power ballad finale.

This expansion is particularly significant as it supports the K.N.O.W. Program, which offers free, safe, and welcoming activities for approximately 150 teens on the north side every week. This includes mentorship, afterschool support, life-building programs, and plenty of basketball. More space means a greater impact on more lives.

Images from City of Madison

Whether you arrive in your prom best, your favorite hair-band look, a tracksuit straight from an MTV video, or anything in between, you’ll feel right at home.

Let’s Celebrate Madison Parks, ’80s Style

Picnic in the Park has always been about celebrating Madison's world-class park system, the connections these spaces bring, and shared joy. This year, we’re putting that spirit under the disco ball and raising a glass to the next chapter of Warner Park and to the teens and families who will benefit from the Rec Center for decades to come.

Fall 2026. Warner Park Rec Center.

It’s prom night, and everyone’s invited.

The official date will be announced soon, so stay tuned to our social channels for updates!