Summer Itinerary

When Madison, Wisconsin's summer season finally arrives, getting out and about isn't a question of where to go and what to do--it's how to plan your visit so you can fit in every exciting experience!


Shop on State Street
Start off your day with a stroll around the Capitol Square, stopping into The Old Fashioned for their famous brunch prepared with a Wisconsin flair. Then, set your sights on State Street, the pedestrian mall that links the Capitol with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You'll enjoy shopping at locally owned stores such as Madison Sole, museums including the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, and a lively atmosphere that combines people, music, food and fun.


Listen to Live Music
Jazz at 5:00 provides exceptional free concerts in a stunning locale: the 100 block of State Street, where State Street meets the Capitol Square. When the sun is shining, and the music is flowing, there is no better place to be than State Street!

But you'll also want to catch Concerts on the Square, one of Madison's largest and most celebrated outdoor concerts, drawing more than 120,000 people annually. The series is held on the capitol lawn each summer for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Savor the longer days that the summer brings from the famous Memorial Union Terrace, situated on the shores of Lake Mendota. Enjoy special brews found exclusively at the Union and catch up with friends as another great band performs on the outdoor stage.

View our entire list and schedule of outdoor concert events.


More to Explore
Continue your exploration of the Greater Madison Area by seeing Madison from a different point of view: on one of our beautiful lakes. Enjoy a Betty Lou Cruise aboard one of the famous boats that sets sail for sightseeing cruises daily on lakes Mendota and Monona.

Finish out your day at a Madison Mallards minor league baseball game. This league is dedicated to developing young collegiate players from strong baseball colleges around the country, and every game promises fun fan participation activities, from the "Duck Pond" to between-inning contests and more!