Concerts on the Square: Madison’s soundtrack to summer is back!

There’s something about a warm Wednesday evening on the Capitol lawn that just feels like summer in Madison. From the energy of Motown to the grandeur of Mozart and Beethoven, this season of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square® brings six weeks of music that span genres and generations. Concerts on the Square has been bringing music to the Capitol Square for over 40 years. Since its founding in 1984, it has become a favorite Madison tradition for tens of thousands of music lovers each year. 

Fast facts: 

• Concerts on the Square starts Wednesday, June 25 at the King Street corner of the Wisconsin Capitol Square.
• Food and beverage vendors along with WCO Kiddos, merchandise and information booths open at 5pm. 
• Each concert begins at 7pm and lasts approximately one-and-a-half to two hours. 
• These events are free and open to the public. You do not need a ticket. 
• You are welcome to bring a picnic basket or cooler filled with food and drink to share with friends, but there are also many great food vendors to choose from. 

Whether you’re a seasoned picnic-packer or a first-time concert goer, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of this fan-favorite summer tradition! 

Arrive early  

While the concert doesn’t start until 7pm, Concerts on the Square draws a crowd so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get your favorite spot on the lawn. And who doesn’t love to enjoy the summer weather for a few extra hours? Take this time to eat, drink and catch up with friends! 

Say “hi” to your neighbors!  

The concerts are the perfect evenings to connect with friends, old and new! But it’s also a great way to meet fellow Madisonians and build community. This year’s poster designed by artist Angelica Contreras features the theme “We Create Our Community,” which is what these musical evenings are all about! 

Check out the vendor map  

Whether it’s to supplement your homemade picnic or to grab a full meal after work, the food vendors have something for every taste. Make a plan before you go to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best cuisines! It’s also the perfect way to support local businesses. You can find a map with the list of food vendors here. 

Don’t miss the beverage booth 

Quench your thirst by stopping at one of the many beverage booths on the Square. WCO has a new partnership with The Hive Taproom and will be serving a mead called Swaggle at concerts all summer long! 

Explore the lineup before you go  

Now that you’ve secured your favorite spot and gotten some tasty food and drinks, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the concert! Learning more about the performers and the program will help you get even more out of your concert experience.  

Fun fact: Overture Center teaching artist, musician and composer Autumn Maria Reed is making her Concerts on the Square debut! Her "Mental Health Suite" will be performed by the orchestra at the first concert of the summer.  

We hope these tips help you enjoy your trip to Concerts on the Square! Don’t miss the first performance on Wednesday, June 25 with “Dancing in the Street: Motown Hits by Radiance.” We can’t wait to enjoy another season of great music and community. We’ll see you on the Square!