The Overture Center

The Overture Center is Madison’s premier space for performance and arts. With seven performance spaces and four galleries on State Street, there’s always something interesting at the Overture.

Atwood Music Hall

This is the newest venue in Madison, opening in the Atwood neighborhood. They have a killer lineup for this summer, including many fun events and shows and a stop from local favorites, DISQ!

The North Street Cabaret

Sandwiched right in between Eken and Demetral parks, the North Street Cabaret is the perfect place for a quiet date night or an intimate moment with friends. From live music to comedy shows and more, there’s always something cool going on here!

Café CODA

Do you like Jazz? If so, Café CODA is the place for you. This spot is situated right in the heart of Madison’s popular Willy Street area and serves as a great performing and events space with a primary focus on Jazz music.

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Located next to the Overture Center on State Street, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or MMoCA usually features multiple permanent and traveling art exhibitions and hosts many events.

The Chazen Museum of Art

The Chazen Museum of Art sits on the UW-Madison campus, is open daily, and is always free. This museum features many amazing art collections spanning historical periods, diverse geographies, and many unique cultures. Stop in at their cafe for a coffee or to take a second to see what’s new.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum

This museum sits on the Capitol Square and is currently closed, but for good reason - a brand new history center is being built to take its place. We're excited for the new Wisconsin Historical Museum to open in 2027, and we can’t wait to check it out!

The Henry Vilas Zoo

Lions, tigers, and bears - oh my! Did you know that Madison had its very own zoo? Now you do! The Henry Vilas Zoo, located in Vilas Park, has fun events for folks who love animals or who want to get out with the whole family. If you’ve been trying to figure out what your spirit animal is, this is the perfect place to do some research!

The Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum

If you’re a military history buff or just want to celebrate the service of many exemplary Wisconsin military members, the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum on the Capitol Square is the place for you. Check out their events, ranging from mess nights to movie screenings.

The Madison Children’s Museum

Located right off the Capitol Square on Hamilton Street, the Madison Children’s Museum is the place for kiddos and adults who are just big kids at heart. In addition to their regular exhibits, they also have events for all ages.

The Alliant Energy Center

Located at the gateway to Madison, right off the beltline, the Alliant Energy Center is home to Madison’s largest events, from sports championships to trade shows and even monster truck rallies. It never hurts to check out their calendar to see what major events are happening.

The Wisconsin State Capitol

One of the most beautiful parts of Madison is the Wisconsin State Capitol, which sits at the heart of the Isthmus. From tours to galas, the Capitol building hosts many events inside its halls and on its grounds. It is open most days for folks who want to explore and maybe even climb up to the rotunda for some spectacular views.

Breese Stevens Field

While Breese Stevens Field primarily serves as the home for Madison’s Forward FC soccer team and Madison Radicals ultimate frisbee team, it also hosts large concerts and events in the West Washington Corridor. There aren’t many places where you could catch a soccer game and a Hozier concert. We think that makes this a pretty unique place!

Monona Terrace

Monona Terrace is one of the first things many people know when driving into the Isthmus and is a community and convention center designed by the famous Wisconsin native, Frank Lloyd Wright. Monona Terrace holds many great community events, such as yoga classes and art workshops.

Memorial Union Terrace

When many people think of summer in Madison, they think of the colorful chairs and lakeside events at the UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace. Whether you want to come for a Badger sports watch party, to catch some live music, or just eat a brat and sip a beer, you can’t go wrong with a day at Memorial Union!

Destination Madison

The folks over at Destination Madison are the number one experts when it comes to tourism in Madison. Check out their website for great events all throughout the city and in communities surrounding Madison, too!

Downtown Madison

When it comes down to info on downtown events like the Farmer’s Market, Night Market, or just new business openings, Downtown Madison is the place to look. Check out their site to learn about businesses and events happening in the heart of Madison.

The City of Madison

Of course, there’s no better source of events happening in Madison than the city itself. Check out the City of Madison’s events calendar to find many great opportunities for all ages!