Halloween on state street

Timeline of decreasing arrests and audience during Freakfest

By akleinman

  • First riot at Freakfest

    During the 2002 Freakfest there were massive riots that resulted in new laws and the city of Madison's involvement with the event.

  • Glass Ban

    Glass was banned on and around State Street by the city of Madison as a result of the 2002 riots.

  • 65,000 in attendance at Freakfest

    A large crowd of 65,000 were at Freakfest in 2003.

  • Sports Illustrated Freakfest Mention

    Sports Illustrated mentioned Freakfest in their September issue and called it "anarchy." The city was upset because they were making an effort to tame the event.

  • Pepper spray usage

    In 2005, Madison Police attempted to take control of wild crowds by splitting them up with pepper spray usage.

  • 235 arrests

    235 people were arrested and given citations during the 2006 Freakfest.

  • 200 arrests

    200 people were arrested and given citations during the 2007 Freakfest.

  • 52 arrests

    52 people were arrested and given citations during the 2009 Freakfest.

  • 44,000 at Freakfest

    A smaller crowd of 44,000 were in attendance at Freakfest during 2009.

  • 43 arrests

    43 people were arrested and given citations during Freakfest in 2010.

  • 35,000 in attendance at Freakfest

    A smaller crowd of 35,000 were in attendance at Freakfest during 2010.

  • 30 arrests

    30 people were arrested and given citations during Freakfest in 2011.

  • 25,000 in attendance at Freakfeset

    The smallest crowd yet of 25,000 were in attendance at Freakfest in 2011.