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2023 August: 5 Things to do in Madison After a Show

5 Things to do in Madison after seeing a show at Overture

Mary Cait McManamon

Evening view of the Madison skyline from Lake Monona. The state capitol building is at the center.

Published August 8, 2023

If you’re not too exhausted after an exciting evening of performing arts, here are five ideas of things to do after a visit to Overture Center to keep the fun going!

5 Things to do in Madison after seeing a show at Overture

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Although not offered after every performance, Talk Backs and Meet & Greets are when a few members of a cast or crew come out after the show to chat with the audience and answer questions. This is the perfect time to hear more about the performance, ask questions about what it’s like to tour the country or just hear more from your favorite artists in a casual setting.

Some shows also have Q&A portions where you can ask speakers more about their experiences or the topic they presented on.
There is no shortage of bars within walking distance from Overture Center on Capitol Square and State Street. You could also opt for a decaf coffee at Michelangelo’s. They are open until 8pm daily but have extended hours for some State Street events. A short drive west from downtown, you can also find Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe which stays open until midnight most nights. It’s the perfect spot to debrief the night with friends!
Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Madison and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. Head over to Capitol Square, just a few minutes from Overture, and take in the view of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. No matter the season, the Capitol lit up at night is beautiful.
If you worked up a post-show appetite, many downtown restaurants like Eno Vino and The Botanist Social have special late-night menus. If you’re not looking for a whole meal but just need a little something sweet, head across the street to Kilwins for some ice cream or chocolate or to Insomnia Cookies which stays open until 1am. Enjoy downtown or take it to go for a tasty treat on the way home!
Enjoy a Wisconsin summer, spring or fall night by the lake. With UW-Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace only a 10-minute walk from Overture, it’s a great place to enjoy views of Lake Mendota. Plus, it’s open until midnight, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the evening after an Overture event. Monona Terrace is also a quick walk and a great place to take in views of the Capitol and Lake Monona.

Looking for more ideas of things to do along with your visit to Overture? Check out our "5 things to do before an Overture show"blog post or the Visit page on our website. We look forward to seeing you at Overture and around downtown Madison soon!

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