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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January 19
Monday
Educational/Talks, Free Events 41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance
The Rotunda & Capitol Theater
The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan the official City of Madison and Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday along with other events to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.
5:00 PM -
January 24
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Magic Morgan & Liliana
Rotunda Stage
Magic Morgan & Liliana blend the art of illusion and comedy to create wholesome family entertainment. Expect humor, magic, mime and more as they dazzle the audience.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 31
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Angela Puerta
Rotunda Stage
Angela Puerta and her band bring a unique blend of entertainment and education to young audiences by incorporating small instruments that kids can play along with during the show. The interactive experience not only keeps kids engaged but also fosters a love for music in both English and Spanish.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 7
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Drum Power
Rotunda Stage
The Drum Power advanced performing group features local youth ages 12-16, showcasing drumming and dance from Guinea, Senegal and Mali in West Africa and Salvador Bahia and Rio, Brazil.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 14
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute
Rotunda Stage
Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X
Rotunda Stage
L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 28
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Fringe Festival, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward
Rotunda Stage
Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 28
Saturday
Free Events, Fringe Festival Fringe Festival
Overture Center
Our weekend-long mini fringe festival is a celebration of creative energy from around the globe. Inspired by the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival—the world’s largest arts festival, our festival features six one-of-a-kind performances, including improv, magic, theater and comedy. Join us for one performance or delight in the entire weekend.
11:00 AM -
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
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 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