Madison Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Madison, Wisconsin - WI, USA)

Even during the harsh winter months there are plenty of things to do, although the events scene certainly improves when the weather does. Music tends to form a strong link with many of the yearly festivals, with venues for concerts including public parks, as well as the Alliant Energy Center, the Kohl Center, and the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

June through October tends to be the busiest time in Madison when it comes to festivals. Highlights in June include concerts at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, at Yahara Place Park, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and on the lawns of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building.

The following month, the music theme continues at the Atwood Summerfest, the Madison Early Music Festival, and the popular Rhythm and Booms event, where live music and fireworks above Lake Monona go hand in hand. Each August sees the arrival of Jazz at Five, where in fine weather, open-air concerts take place at the State Street Amphitheater, or on rainy days, at the Overture Center for the Arts on State Street.

Madison Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• MadFest Juggling Festival - three days of performances, workshops and vendors.

February

• Frostiball - early February at the Overture Center, this is a stylish party event.
• International Festival - performances from cultural communities in the region, held at the Overture Center.

March

• St. Patrick's Day Parade - a celebration of Irish culture held around Capitol Square.
• Olbrich's Spring Flower Show - a two-week indoor show of daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and other spring flowers at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

April

• Wisconsin Film Festival - established in 1999, this five-day event screens the work of local filmmakers, as well as American independent and international pictures, at nine venues in the city.
• Varsity Band Spring Concert - performances by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band over three days, at the Kohl Center.

May

• Brat Fest - Memorial Day weekend, established in 1983. This is a fundraiser for local charities, where participants can enjoy music and entertainment, as well as the odd bratwurst.
• Mifflin Street Block Party - first Saturday of the month.

June

• Summer Concert Series at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Tuesdays in late June and July. A variety of music is played at these summer concerts, from reggae and rock, to folk and country and western.
• Concerts on the Square / Biggest Picnic of Summer - Wednesdays in late June and July. A series of outdoor concerts by the Chamber Orchestra, on the State Capitol lawn.
• Lunch Time Live - Tuesdays at noon, June to August on King Street, within the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Performers play for an hour, for free.
• Marquette Waterfront Festival - a two-day event held at Yahara Place Park and founded in 1989. Visitors enjoy bands playing a variety of music genres, along with the fundraising 5K Dandelion Dash, a co-ed volleyball tournament, a canoe parade and plenty more activities.
• Isthmus Jazz Festival - on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Union Terrace, this is a free two-day jazz extravaganza.

July

• Atwood Summerfest - a fundraiser with over 20 bands playing rock, blues and hillbilly music in aid of the Goodman Community Center. Summerfest also includes children's activities, such as face painting.
• Madison Early Music Festival - running since 2000, this seven-day event hosts a series of concerts, lectures and workshops on a theme. Past themes have included 'The Fairest Isle: Early Music from England and Scotland', and 'Bach and His World'.
• Rhythm and Booms - live music and a downtown fireworks display, on the Saturday before Independence Day.
• Art Fair on the Square - held on the second weekend of the month, on Capitol Square. This is a fundraiser for the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), with work from approximately 500 American artists in a variety of media being displayed.
• Art Fair Off the Square - held on the second weekend of the month, along the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, displaying the work of Wisconsin artists.

August

• Jazz at Five - Wednesdays in August and early September, a free concert series based within downtown Madison.
• Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival - early August, two days of stage performances, workshops, demonstrations and jam sessions.
• Dane Dances - held at the Monona Terrace Rooftop on Friday evenings, with community dance concerts.
• Orton Park Festival - this free four-day gathering includes a family night and roughly a dozen bands performing over three nights.
• 94.1 WJJO's Band Camp - held at the Alliant Energy Center, Willow Island. Approximately 20 rock bands perform at the Band Camp each year.
• Great Taste of the Midwest - held on the second Saturday in August at Olin Park, this is a craft beer festival.

September

• Willy St. Fair - two days of music performed on seven stages by local musicians, along with a parade, a community raffle and more.
• Taste of Madison - labor day weekend, over 80 restaurants from the community sell a wide selection of cuisine at inexpensive prices.
• Zoo Run Run - 5K / 10K walk / run fundraiser for the Henry Vilas Zoo.

October

• World Dairy Expo - a five-day dairy industry event.
• Wisconsin Book Festival - a four-day gathering with book readings by authors.
• Madison Freakfest - formerly known as the State Street Halloween Party.

November

• Wisconsin Cheese Originals Festival - with cheesemaker dinners, educational seminars, farm and creamery tours, and the highlight of the festival, the Cheesemaker Evening Gala.

December

• Blessed Sacrament Christmas Market - artisan produce is sold at the Blessed Sacrament Parish in early December.