Q.) What happens at the Madison Witches Ride? 

A.) A fun, 1-mile bike ride/walk and pet parade, the Madison Witches Ride, Roll & Stroll will feature festive local witches of all sorts riding their brooms (bikes), parading their pets, and strolling through downtown Madison spreading Halloween cheer by throwing candy to hundreds of onlooking children along the route. Stay for the Black Hat Block Party and Barks & Boos Pet Parade after the witches fly!

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Q.) When can I register to participate?

A.) Witches may register online from September 1 through October 20. Registration will close at midnight October 20. Register here.

 

Early Registration for Returning Witches: August 14 - August 31 ($50 + perks) 

• Registration Opens to All: September 1 - October 16 ($50)

• Late Registration: October 17 - 20 ($65)

 

Registration for the Barks & Boos Pet Parade will open September 1.

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Q.) My company or organization is interested in becoming a Sponsor of the Madison Witches Ride. How do I do that?

A.) We would love that! Check out our Sponsorship opportunities at www.mvpmadison.org/madison-witches-ride and contact Melanie at melanie.thornton@mvpmadison.org or Melissa at melissa@mvpmadison.org to get set up.

Q.) Is there an age limit to participate?

A.) Yes. All witches registering to participate in the Witches Ride, Roll & Stroll must be 18 years old or older. This is a requirement due to our event insurance. Younger witches are welcome to participate as candy catchers and at the Black Hat Block Party after the Ride.

Q.) Will there be scary witches?

A.) Witches of all sorts are welcome! There will be good and bad witches, sweet and scary witches, goofy and gorgeous witches. However, only family-friendly costumes will be permissible to participate in the event. Any costume or bicycle decorations considered unsuitable or inappropriate for children will be asked to change or leave. No political signage will be permitted.

Q.) What kind of activities will be on the schedule at the Madison Witches Ride?

A.) We’re glad you asked! Here is a tentative schedule that could possibly change a bit before October 22:

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EVENT SCHEDULE - Tentative

2:00 PM - Parking for parade opens, find your spot along the route

2:00-2:45 PM - Witches Check-In at Journey Middle School LOWER parking lot by the Gym

2:45 - 3:00 PM - Witches Line Up

3:00 PM - Witches Ride Begins! 

4:00-6:00 PM - Black Cat Block Party open: pumpkin bowling, food trucks and music, fall carnival games, face painting ($5), mini pumpkin decorating ($5), Halloween treat walk ($5) 

4:30 PM - Barks & Boos Pet Costume Contest

5:30 PM - Awards announced for Best Costume Overall, Best Group Costume, Best Cackle, Best Pet Costume, etc. 

6:00 PM - Conclusion

 

Q.) Do I need to bring cash to the block party?

A.) There's lots of free fun to be had at the block party! If you'd like to participate in a paid activity, please bring a card: this is a cashless event.
 

Q.) Where does the registration money go? 

A.) The Madison Witches Ride is a fundraiser for a new Splash Pad Park for the City of Madison. All proceeds benefit this project.

Q.) Can my work group / book club / BFF squad / neighborhood / organization participate together? 

A.) Absolutely! Pick a witchy costume theme and grab a group of friends to fly together! Each witch will need to register themselves online. Another option is to nab one of our Sponsor packages that includes 2-8 witch registrations as part of their sponsorship. Solo witches are also welcome.

Q.) Can I register myself and a friend? 

A.) Yes, but we will need your friend’s name, email, and contact information to ensure we get a signed Participation Waiver on file for them before October 20.

Q.) About that Registration Packet… Where & when do I get mine? 

A.) We're sending an email with all the information witches need about the event! Make sure to check your email for all the details!

Q.) I signed up to be a Witch. When will I receive my swag? 

A.) Witches who registered early will receive their Witches Ride swag in the mail.  Our sponsors have included goodies for witches, and you can pick that up when you check in for the ride.

Q.) What if it rains?

A.) Everyone knows witches melt when they get wet! Rain date is set for Sunday, October 29, and weather updates will be posted to social media as well as emailed to participants. Let’s hope we don’t need it! No refunds will be issued in the event of rain and all registration fees will be considered a donation toward this year’s project.

Q.) I want to volunteer to be a Flying Monkey! How do I do that? 

A.) We would love to have you and will provide official volunteer service hours if you need them. Sign up to volunteer here!