Planning an event in another city: it isn’t easy. Especially when you’re responsible for finding spaces that go beyond the ballroom, from board meetings and breakout sessions to relaxing retreats and closing receptions. But when you meet in Madison, you’ll find more than 100 options that match your specs and get top recs from planners and attendees alike. Check out our curated collection of just a few of the unique venues in Madison that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Discover venues that match your vibe:
Spotlight on the Sylvee
The Sylvee is the flagship venue for FPC Special Events, a full-service concert promotion company that books a mix of national touring acts and local talent, making Madison a place where you can find live music any night of the week. But they’re also specialists at working with organizers to transform the very same theater and studio spaces at The Sylvee, High Noon Saloon, The Majestic and The Orpheum into private parties that rock! Their engaging events create the same kind of anticipation guests feel when getting ready to see world-class artists take the stage.
It’s why Destination Madison selected The Sylvee for its own 50th Anniversary Event in 2023. Together, we transformed this renowned live music space into a stunning place where we welcomed 500 guests with VIP seating, four food stations, a full-length cocktail bar and spotlight stages. Best behind-the-scenes service? The in-house lighting and rigging crew, who enhanced the production value and vibe of this special event!
Who knew? Each FPC venue has a different vibe, from industrial to historical to quintessential Madison.
Who hosted here: We did! Destination Madison held its 50th Anniversary Event at the Sylvee in 2023.
Get the specs: Ability to host 50 – 2,500 guests. Learn more>
Historical & Architectural
Breese Stevens Field
Originally built as a baseball stadium in 1926, Breese Stevens Field was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Located just eight blocks from the Capitol Square, this multi-purpose stadium hosts events, concerts and semi-pro sports teams regularly — but can also be rented for private sports activities, corporate events and more.
Who knew? Breese hosted more than 700 events last year!
Who we hosted here: US Quadball Midwest Regional Championship
Get the specs: Total capacity of 9,333 in stadium plus private party spaces. Learn more>
Garver Feed Mill
This venue is one of the few remaining examples of the Madison area’s industrial and agricultural heritage. This 100-year-old building has been fully renovated into a stunning warehouse space that can accommodate up to 500 guests.
Who knew? There are three spaces to consider: Atrium, Canvas and Lounge
Who we hosted here: Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Travel & Tourism Conference reception
Get the specs: 9,550 total square feet of space. Learn more>
The Edgewater Hotel & Spa
This Madison mainstay since 1948 was honored with the Historic Hotels of America’s Best Historic Hotel award in 2023! Part of the original 75-year-old hotel has been preserved while in recent years, The Edgewater has added restaurants, a plaza and a spa — all overlooking beautiful Lake Mendota.
Who knew? You can rent a pontoon right from The Edgewater pier — perfect for group outings!
Who hosted here: We did — on more occasions than we can count (board meetings, award shows and more).
Get the specs: More than 45,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Learn more>
Overture Center
This stunning site at the top of State Street has nearly a century of history behind its doors! It contains 16 different customizable meeting spaces for hosting events with 10 guests to 1,500. The historic Capitol Theater is just one of seven state-of-the-art performance spaces.
Who knew? The historic Capitol Theater originally opened in 1928 as a silent movie house.
Accessibility advantage: This facility includes features for both mobility and sensory needs.
Get the specs: 32,509 total square feet of space. Learn more>
First Unitarian Meeting House
The perfect follow-up location to larger meetings at the Monona Terrace! The First Unitarian Meeting House was also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and offers multiple spaces from classrooms to auditoriums to unique rooms created as part of the original historic Frank Lloyd Wright wing.
Who knew? This venue features a LEED-certified auditorium that seats 450.
Frank Lloyd Wright Fact: This venue is one of the American Institute of Architects 17 Most Important Buildings.
Get the specs: Six different rooms with varying capacities. Learn more>
Activity Based
delecTable
This centrally located venue is part cooking school, part fine dining destination, part event center and an all-around amazing event experience! DelecTable is open Tuesdays – Saturdays to host happy hours and private dinners.
Who knew? Each private dinner features a five-course feast paired with wine or spirits.
Stay one more day: This venue also offers a robust calendar of events that just may make you linger longer!
Get the specs: Indoor and outdoor seating options are available. Learn more>
KEVA Sports Center
This incredible sports complex has opportunities that are endless — take your event from turf to court, indoor to outdoor, or meeting room to locker room. Located in nearby Middleton, this complex can host groups from 10 to 850 guests.
Who knew? Keva offers in-house catering services to complement your event.
Parking perks: There’s onsite parking for 500 cars, with additional options available.
Get the specs: 70,000 total square feet indoors and 30,000 outdoors. Learn more>
Madison Children’s Museum
This award-winning, sustainably built space has four floors of built-in fun. Three of its floors can be rented, plus a series of smaller rooms for more intimate events. All are available before or after the museum is open to the public so your event can be 100% private.
Who knew? You can even rent the rooftop, which has tons to do — plus, stunning views.
Who we hosted here: Association of Children’s Museums InterActivity Conference
Get the specs: Reception capacity for 600 plus smaller spaces. Learn more>
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich features 16 acres of outdoor display gardens, an indoor tropical conservatory and is the site for the Royal Thai Pavilion and Garden (currently under renovation, but 1 of only 4 outside Thailand!). It offers both indoor and outdoor space for private events, and is often booked in conjunction with Garver Feed Mill due to its proximity.
Who knew? Meeting space options include the Commons, Atrium or Meeting room.
Who hosted here: We have — most recently, our Earth Day Everyday sustainability event in 2024.
Get the specs: 3,640 total square feet of space. Learn more>
Campus Connections
Fluno Center at UW-Madison
This all-in-one meeting and lodging space is located in the heart of downtown and offers sweeping views of the east UW Campus and Lake Mendota from its eighth-floor Skyview rooms. In total, there are three floors with spaces for meetings and events, from an atrium and executive dining room to a courtyard and classrooms.
Who knew? The Fluno Center has its own pub! Stop by Smitty’s Study Pub for a pint and tavern fare.
Who we hosted here: Alliance of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Societies
Get the specs: 18,000 total square feet of space. Learn more>
Madison College
This nationally recognized community college educates 50,000 people annually, and still finds a way to open its doors to those looking for campus-style meeting spaces! There are 10 total rooms available, all on West Campus.
Who knew? Madison College is just five miles from downtown: a mere 15-minute drive.
Who we hosted here: Annual 60Eight Basketball Tournament
Get the specs: 7,345 total square feet of space. Learn more>
Wisconsin Union
The Memorial Union (located on Lake Mendota) and Union South (located adjacent to Camp Randall Stadium) make up Wisconsin Union. Together, they offer accommodations, attractions, restaurants, shopping and more — plus, rooms that can be rented for special events.
Who knew? Union South has a hotel, too!
Parking perks: The Memorial Union has four nearby parking ramps: Helen C. White Parking Garage, Grainger Hall Ramp, Lot 46 on the corner of Lake and Johnson, and Lot 83 at the Fluno Center.
Get the specs: 24,722 total square feet of space. Learn more>
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Madison is proud of its progressive culture and being the first sanctuary city (and county!) in Wisconsin. Our mission is to make Madison a welcoming place for all, so we want visitors to know that pride is an always-on state of mind. In addition to an array of LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses, you can search for LGBTQ+ friendly venues, too — there are 20+ to choose from!
Delta Beer Lab
This brewery and "social laboratory” is a place where all are welcome, and its owners hold a certification from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Located just minutes from the Capitol, Delta Beer Lab offers private event space and brewery tours — plus, carry-in food is encouraged!
Who knew? This facility has gender-neutral restrooms
Milestone-making: Delta Beer Lab just proudly celebrated five years in Madison!
Get the specs: 7,750 total square feet of space. Learn more>
