Outdoor Concerts
Enjoying the great outdoors and listening to a world-class musical performance are no longer mutually exclusive! The Madison area has always been a wonderful place to enjoy a summertime concert al fresco. From Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's acclaimed Concert on the Square® series to a wide variety of performances including opera, jazz, folk, rock, salsa and more, our summer music options don't miss a beat!
Olbrich's Concerts in the Garden
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Tuesdays: June 7 through July 26 7:00 p.m.:
Let the beauty of Olbrich Botanical Gardens set the perfect stage for a night of music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and spread out for a picnic surrounded by Olbrich's lush flowers. Or, purchase a brat or hotdog from the Madison East Kiwanis. Picnics are allowed in the Gardens for the Tuesday concerts only. In case of rain, concerts will be held indoors. A $1 donation is suggested. Concerts are sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society. This summer's lineup includes a wide variety of music including jazz, folk, and honky-tonk. For more information, call (608) 246-4550.
Concerts at McKee Park
McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg
June 13, July 11 and August 8 6:30 p.m.:
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Concerts at Mckee Farms Park in Fitchburg! This year, for the first time, all music will be chosen by the community. Cast your own vote at www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/seniorCenter/index.php and then join in on the celebration this summer. With music starting at 6:30, it's a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the warm evening weather. Call (608) 270-4290 for more information.
Summer Concert Series at Warner Park
Warner Park, Madison
Mondays: June 13, 20, 27 and July 11, 18, 25 6:00-7:30pm
Head out to Warner Park Shelter on Monday evenings in June and July for the 18th annual Summer Concert Series sponsored by the North/Eastside Senior Coalition. These concerts are FREE and will be held rain or shine so just bring your lawn chair and money for concessions in order to guarantee a successful summer night! Call (608) 243-5252 for more information.
Lunch Time Live
Capitol Square, Madison
Tuesdays: June 21 through August 9 Noon-1:00 p.m.
For eight Tuesdays this summer a FREE outdoor concert series will take place in front of our community's crown jewel-the State Capitol. Lunch Time Live features a new live musical act each week from noon until 1pm on the King Street corner of the Capitol Square. Lunch Time Live is a great place for the downtown community to socialize and enjoy the lunch hour during those fantastic Madison summer days. For more information call (608) 512-1332.
Concerts on the Square®
Capitol Square, Madison
Wednesdays: June 29 through August 3 7:00 p.m.:
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square® celebrates another year as one of Madison's largest and most celebrated outdoor concerts, drawing more that 120,000 people annually. The series is held at the State Capitol each summer for six consecutive Wednesdays. This year includes the following concerts: "Young at Heart," "A Down Home 4th of July," "Film Noir Classics," Arrival ABBA," "American Heroes," and "España!"
Opera in the Park
Garner Park, Mineral Point and Rosa Rd., Madison
Saturday July 16 8:00 p.m.:
Madison Opera is once again proud to present the annual Opera in the Park concert. In what has become a much beloved Madison summer tradition, Opera in the Park features familiar opera hits, the best of Broadway, as well as musical highlights from the upcoming Madison Opera season. Performed by the outstanding talents of the Madison Opera Chorus, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and some of opera's brightest stars, Opera in the Park is a FREE community event perfect for audiences of ALL ages! With Garner Park opening at 7am, feel free to come early and soak up a whole day under the sun with family and friends.
Dane Dances!
Monona Terrace® Rooftop, One John Nolen Dr., Madison
Fridays: August 5, 12, 19 & 26 6:00-9:30 p.m.:
Dane Dances was created to help break down racial barriers and has grown to become one of Madison's most popular summertime events with 3,000 attendees each Friday! The concerts showcase popular, high-energy bands that are sure to get you on your feet. And don't worry about running out of energy; with delicious ethnic food to help you refuel, Dane Dances will keep you grooving all through the night.
Jazz at 5
Capitol Square (at State Street), Madison
Wednesdays: August 10 through September 7 5:00 p.m.:
Jazz at Five has become a downtown Madison tradition. The series has consistently provided 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. Think blue skies and the setting sun reflected onto the Capitol dome.
Local Band Wednesdays
Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Wednesdays: June 8 through August 3 8:00 p.m.:
Hurry down to the Memorial Terrace every Wednesday this summer to hear some of the best Madison area bands. With the beautiful sunset over Lake Mendota, a beer in one hand, and Babcock ice cream in the other, there is really no better way to enjoy a summer night. Be sure to indulge in this event family and friends in order to truly enjoy all of what makes Madison unlike any other city. In inclement weather, shows will move indoors to Der Rathskeller. For more information call (608) 262-7593.
Bluegrass & Americana Thursday
Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Thursdays: June 9 through August 4 5:30 p.m.:
Every Thursday throughout the summer, favorite local and regional bluegrass and Americana bands will jam on the Terrace for a happy hour of foot-tapping and dancing. This summer will feature a variety of different bands including Cork n' Bottle String Band, Mad City Jug Band, Northern Comfort, and others. For more information call (608) 216-4446.
Concerts on the Rooftop
Monona Terrace® Rooftop, One John Nolen Dr., Madison
Thursdays: June 2, 9, 23, 30 and July 14, 21 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.:
Concerts on the Rooftop highlights some of the area's best music and offers a wonderful opportunity for networking after work or kicking back with friends and family. This year's line up includes a variety of different musical genres ranging from dance to Celtic rock to Reggae. With rooftop seating limited, come early and feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair. The Lake Vista Café will be open for your enjoyment or you are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (no carry in alcohol). For more information call (608) 261-4000 or visit www.mononaterrace.com.
Concerts in the Park - Verona
Thursdays: July 7, 14, 21, 28 6:00 - 8:00p.m.:
Harriet Park, Mary Lou Street, Verona
The Verona Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be sponsoring 2011 Concerts in the park. This year's lineup will include Green Tea, Mud Music, Chickin' Bakin', and Wild Heart. This concert is located in one of the City's most used parks which means there is plenty of other outdoor activities to surround your concert with. Basketball courts, play equipment, tennis courts, a soccer field, and a horseshoe field are more then enough to keep everyone happy while waiting for the concert to being! For more information call (608) 848-6809.
Back Porch Concerts
Nathaniel Dean House, 4718 Monona Drive, Madison
Thursdays: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 7:15pm - Sunset:
For more than 30 years, free public concerts behind the Dean House have been a part of summer evenings in southeast Madison. The weekly Thursday evening events bring a variety of musical talent to those who come to listen and lounge on the lawn. This year, musical groups will include Mid-Town Jazz, Old Cool, Old Time Fiddlers, American Family Chorus, and New Horizon Band. The event is FREE with donations and concession sales benefiting the Dean house.
