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2025 December: 10 FAQs about attending an Overture show

10 frequently asked questions about attending an Overture show

Shari Gasper

High view of Overture Hall Main Lobby, a large room with a rightside wall of windows facing Madison's downtown. People are crowded on the floor below in lines for concessions.

Published December 3, 2025

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together answers to 10 frequently asked questions about attending shows at Overture. From what to wear and where to park, to accessibility options and food and beverage policies, this guide is designed to ensure our guests arrive prepared, comfortable and ready to enjoy an extraordinary theater experience.

What do I wear?

While some events might be more formal than others, for the most part you can wear whatever makes you most comfortable. We recommend dressing in layers, so you can cool down or warm up according to the temperature in the theater.

How do I access my digital tickets?

Check your tickets before you depart home to ensure you have the correct date and show time. Simply go to overture.org/wallet and login to your Overture account. QR codes for venue admission will be available two hours prior to the performance.  You can even email tickets to your guests in advance of the show, so everyone can manage their own ticket.

A hand holding a phone with a visible screen. On the screen is a QR code and several lines of personalized ticketing text. The background is a blury external view of Overture Center's glass facade.

Need help with buying or accessing show tickets? Overture's Ticket Office is available by phone, email, or in-person or during building hours.

Where do I park?

The city-owned Overture Center ramp (between West Dayton and Mifflin Streets) and State Street Capitol ramp (on the corner of State and East Dayton) offer more than 1,400 short-term and all-day public parking spaces, and both have elevator access and marked stalls for persons with disabilities. Additional parking ramps can be found on State Street and Capitol Square. Metered street parking is also available downtown for short-term parking. Parking rates vary and are posted on each meter. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours daily, seven days per week. Street meters are enforced from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. Vehicles with disabled plates or hangtags are exempt from time limitations and may park at no charge at parking meters designated for 30 minutes or more. Note, special event  parking at garages begins two hours before show time to just after show time. 

Is there a passenger drop-off zone?

For a performance in Overture Hall, we recommend the drop-off area on Fairchild Street directly in front of the Overture Hall Lobby. For performances in other venues, we recommend dropping guests off near the main entrance on State Street or the rear entrance on Henry Street.

By car, bus, bike, or on foot: there are many convenient travel and parking options within a block of Overture Center.

Do I need to empty my pockets or open my purse when I go through security?

We use a walk-thorough security screening technology that you must move through on arrival. This technology eliminates lines and allows foot traffic to quickly flow into the spaces. There is no need to empty your pockets or open your purse; however, you may be asked to submit to additional screening if any prohibited items are detected. View our list of prohibited items.

Do you offer coat check?

Yes, Overture has a coat check available for most performances for only $2 per coat (cash only)—and free for Broadway Club members. The Capitol Theater coat check is located in the Gallery I hallway on the first floor, just off the rotunda. The Overture Hall coat check is located in the Overture Hall Lobby on the first floor in the restroom alcove. The Playhouse coat check is located across from the theater entrance.

Do you serve drinks and food?

Yes, come early to relax in our lobby with a drink or snack. The Overture Hall Lobby opens 90 minutes prior to showtime, and Capitol Theater and The Playhouse open 60 minutes prior to showtime. Before the performance and during intermission, our house-made desserts, savory snacks and refreshments are available for purchase at our bars and concession stands. 

Can I bring my drinks and food into the theater?

For shows presented by Overture Center, you’re welcome to bring food and drinks purchased at Overture into the theater. For resident company performances, food and beverage policy is at the discretion of the presenting organization. Please be mindful of those around you—enjoy your snacks quietly during the performance.

Overture's Guest Services team and frontline staff members are here to help with wayfinding, accessibility needs, and special requests to give you the best possible show experience.

What are your expectations of guests?

Overture Center is committed to providing extraordinary experiences through the arts in a safe, respectful environment for everyone. Please review our six guest expectations for all who visit Overture.

How do I request accessibility assistance?

Contact us through our Accessibility Assistance Line at 608.258.4452 or via email at tickets@overture.org to reserve accessible seat locations in any of our theaters, to gather information on assistive listening devices, audio description services, sensory kits and wheelchair capabilities, to request sign language interpretation for a performance, to request a braille program for a performance, and to ask about other access options. Learn more about accessibility at Overture.