International Festival
Saturday, April 1
10am - 5pm
Sunday, April 2
1pm - 4pm
Free
Age Recommendation
All Ages
International Festival is back at Overture Center—and bigger and better than ever! The annual festival has expanded to a two-day event on Saturday, April 1 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, April 2 from 1pm to 4pm. Together, we will celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our community with free performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home, tasty cuisines, stunning arts and crafts from around the world, and information from many local organizations and businesses with global connections. More than 40 cultures will be represented with 30-plus artists and 30-plus craft/arts and food vendors.
Guests may participate in person at Overture or online for select livestreamed performances.
View a full schedule of performers and vendors below.
Performer Schedule and Vendor List
Saturday, April 1
Sunday, April 2
International Market & Café Vendors
Stay after the Sunday Festival for an incredible show!
YAMATO the Drummers of Japan
Sunday, April 2, 7pm
Highlights from 2022
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2022 Opening Ceremony and Yid Vicious
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Atimevu
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Hmong Showcase
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Zaibas Lithuanian Dancers
Sponsors
Thank you to our International Festival sponsors
Upcoming Free Events at Overture
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March 4
Wednesday
Classical Music, Free Events The Final Forte
Overture Hall
Four of Wisconsin's brightest young musicians compete in The Final Forte, a free concert held in Overture Hall on Wednesday, March 4th.
6:45 PM -
March 7
Saturday
Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival
Multiple Venues
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.
10:00 AM -
March 14
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company
Rotunda Stage
Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease
Rotunda Stage
One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 28
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 4
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy
Overture Hall Main Lobby
Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 11
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance
Rotunda Stage
Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 18
Saturday
Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Free Events Community Clothing Swap
Overture Hall Main Lobby
Celebrate Earth Month with a clothing swap focused on reducing fashion waste and embracing conscious consumption. Give your gently used clothing a second life—and find something new to love in the process.
9:00 AM -
April 18
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 21
Tuesday
Free Events Overture Center for the Arts Blood Drive
Overture Hall Main Lobby
Overture Center for the Arts is hosting our annual American Red Cross Blood Drive. The one-day event takes place in Overture Hall Lobby on Tuesday, April 22 from 9am-2pm.
9:00 AM -
April 25
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project
Rotunda Stage
Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 30
Thursday
Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Spring 2026 Exhibitions Reception
Overture Galleries
Join us for a reception and artist talks celebrating the Spring 2026 Overture Galleries. Centered on storytelling, our Spring Exhibitions feature artists who translate personal narrative into book-based and ceramic sculptures, symbolic mixed-media works and more.
5:30 PM