All Summer Long:
“Corpus” at the Chazen Art Museum
Apr. 7 - July 13
This summer, the Chazen will feature the temporary exhibit “Corpus” by Anamika Singh, a graduate student at University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, Singh’s film “Sheetla” — an extension of the project — will be screened at the museum throughout the summer. More info can be found at chazen.wisc.edu
Open Mic Nights on the Memorial Union Terrace
May 28 - Aug. 27; Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.
WUDMusic will present weekly open mic nights at the Memorial Union Terrace. Musicians, singers, speakers and poets are encouraged to share their work. Performers can sign up to perform the night of the show. Performances and attendance are both free. More info can be found at union.wisc.edu
Movies on the Terrace
June 2 - Sept. 1; Mondays at 9 p.m.
WUDFilm will host one free lakeside film screening each week. Films vary widely and include hits like “Pitch Perfect,” “La La Land” and “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The Brat Stand will offer $1 hot dogs, soda and chips during the showings. More info can be found at union.wisc.edu
Lunch Time LIVE! on Capitol Square
June 3 - Aug. 26; Tuesdays from 12-1 p.m.
Madison’s Central Business Improvement District has organized a free outdoor concert each week on the King Street walkway of the Wisconsin State Capitol. More info can be found at visitdowntownmadison.com/events
The Moth StorySLAM
June 9, July 14, Aug. 11
On the second Monday of each month, storytellers gather in the High Noon Saloon to tell stories adhering to a simple theme. Anyone can sign up to tell a story, but only ten names are drawn from the hat each night. Over the summer, the themes will be “hospitality,” “dirt” and “childish”. More info can be found at themoth.org or high-noon.com
Night Markets on State Street
June 12, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16; 5-9 p.m.
The city of Madison will host local businesses, vendors, artists and musicians to create a unique night market environment each month. Each event features live music and artwork for sale from local creatives. More info can be found at visitdowntownmadison.com/events
Concerts on the Square
June 25 - July 30; Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Founded in 1960, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is no stranger to Madison summers. In keeping with tradition, the Madison-based orchestra will host a lineup of summer concerts on the square. Each show will feature a different genre of music, so there should be something for everyone. More info about specific shows can be found at wcoconcerts.org
Cinematheque Movie Showings
June 25 - Aug. 1; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m.
UW-Madison’s Cinematheque will screen three free films each week. This summer’s films include several from the late filmmaker David Lynch. More info can be found at cinema.wisc.edu/calendar
Downtown Movies in the Park
June 28, July 26, Aug. 16
Throughout the summer, the movies “Mufasa,” “Inside Out 2” and “Twisters” (2024) will be shown at Lisa Link Peace Park. More info can be found at visitdowntownmadison.com/events
June:
Madison Jazz Festival
June 6 - 15
Madison Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of jazz music around the city. For 10 days, all kinds of artists take to the stage to showcase their talents. The festival culminates with free performances on the Memorial Union Terrace on June 14 and 15. More info can be found at union.wisc.edu
The Big Gay Market
June 13 - 15
This multi-day experience celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Events will range from a ticketed drag show to kids’ bingo night. Queer vendors will also be able to use the space to share their goods and connect with the community. Friday’s events are 18+ only, and Sunday’s events require facemasks. More info can be found at thebiggaymarketllc.com
Make Music Madison
June 21
June 21 is celebrated around the world as a day of music. In this DIY music festival, local musicians perform all over town. Madison’s celebration has grown into one of the largest in the country and is an easy way to discover what the city’s musicians have to offer. More info can be found at makemusicmadison.org
Morgan Wallen Concert at Camp Randall
June 28 - 29
As part of the tour for his fourth studio album “I’m the Problem,” country music star Morgan Wallen will stop at Camp Randall to host the stadium’s first concert in 28 years. Union South will host a tailgate featuring Madison-based DJ Aaron Jai to accompany the show.
July:
“Wicked” at the Overture Center
July 9 - 27
Broadway at Overture will be putting on the Broadway sensation “Wicked” this summer. The play focuses on the Witches of Oz and runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission. Ticket prices vary. More info at overture.org
Art Fair on Capitol Square
July 12 - 13
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art presents the 67th annual Art Fair on the Square this summer. Admission to the event, which features over 500 artists, is free. More info can be found at mmoca.org
QueerSPEAKS! A Humanities Happening
July 16 - 17
Majestic Theater is hosting an all-encompassing event focused on queer voices this summer, including keynote speakers, artists and activists. More info can be found at majesticmadison.com
Coldplay Concert at Camp Randall
July 19
British rock band Coldplay will make a stop at Camp Randall as part of their “Music of the Spheres” world tour. Union South will host a tailgate featuring Madison rock band The N’achos to accompany the sold out show.
August:
“Assassins” at the Overture Center
Aug. 1 - 10
Capital City Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s musical focusing on the lives of people who killed or attempted to kill a US president. More info can be found at overture.org
Jazz @ Five
Aug. 6 - Sept. 3; Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
A free neighborhood concert event featuring two jazz shows and youth jazz performers each week. More info about specific shows can be found at jazzatfive.org
Black on State Festival
Aug. 23; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Black on State Festival creates a space to celebrate Black and minority artists. More info can be found at blackonstate.com
Oliver Gerharz is the podcast director for the Daily Cardinal. He also hosts the Cardinal Call Podcast.
