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 2 through July 28 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. For more information, call 608-246-4550.
Hot Summer Nights
Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St., Madison
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays:
May 8 through August 29 9:00 p.m.
Looking for some late night fun this summer? Go where the locals go! The Memorial Union Terrace, on Lake Mendota, is a great place to enjoy the longer days that the summer brings. Enjoy special brews, which are found exclusively at the Union and catch up with friends as another great band jams in the outdoor stage.
Concerts at McKee Park
McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg
June 8, July 13 and August 10 6:30 p.m.:
Enjoy a concert al fresco at Fitchburg's McKee Farms Park three evenings during the summer! With music starting at 6:30, it's a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the warm evenings. Call 270-4290 for more information.
Summer Concert Series at Warner Park
Warner Park, Madison
Mondays: June 15, 22 July 13, 20, 27 6:30-7:45pm
Head out to Warner Park on Monday evenings in June and July for the annual Summer Concert Series sponsored by the North/Eastside Senior Coalition.
Lunch Time Live
Capitol Square, Madison
Tuesdays: June 16 through August 8 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 live musical concerts 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.
Summer Sounds on the Lake
The Pier, The Edgewater Hotel, 666 Wisconsin Ave., Madison
Thursdays: June 6 through August 27 2008 5:00-7:00 p.m.:
The Gibraltar Rockets will liven up your night when they play Reggae and more at The outdoor Pier Bar & Café. Free indoor parking, free outdoor seating...No cover charge. Enjoy the nightly dinner specials over a sunset!
Concerts on the Square®
Capitol Square, Madison
Wednesdays: June 24 through July 29 7:00 p.m.:
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square® celebrates it's 26th 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.
Opera in the Park
Garner Park, Mineral Point and Rosa Rd., Madison
Saturday July 27 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 mainstage 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!
Dane Dances!
Monona Terrace® Rooftop, One John Nolen Dr., Madison
Fridays: August 7, 21, & 28 5:30-9:30 p.m.:
Dane Dances is a community event created to help break down racial barriers and bring people of diverse backgrounds together for a night of free entertainment and dancing. There will be ethnic food and cocktails available for purchase beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Jazz at 5
Capitol Square (at State Street), Madison
Thursdays: August 6 through September 3 5:00 p.m.:
Jazz at Five, now looking forward to its 15th season in 2008, 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.
