International Festival

Banner reads: "International Festival 2025. Free!" at the top in magenta and white bold text.

Saturday, March 8

10am - 5pm

Free

Age Recommendation

All Ages

We work diligently to make our venues accessible to all. Learn more about access points for our guests and their needs via the button below:

 

Accessibility

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.

Guests may participate in person at Overture or online for select livestreamed performances.

View the full performance schedule and vendors list

Performances Market Vendors & Activities Food Vendors Printable Schedules

View mobile-friendly building maps & food menus

International Festival Building Map

Food menus

Watch select live performances on Saturday, March 8!

Watch the Livestream

Performances

Market Vendors & Activities

Printable Schedules

English Español Hmoob

Highlights from 2024

  • Limanya Drum & Dance Ensemble

  • Breckenridge School of Highland Dance

  • Žaibas Lithuanian Dancers

  • Mad Craic Irish Dance

  • Tri Bratovchedki

  • Okami Taiko

  • Guitar House of Madison

  • Sadira Middle Eastern Dance

  • Atimevu Drum and Dance Ensemble

  • Sergio El Vacilon

  • Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance

  • Meenakshi Ganesan & The Kalaanjali Dance Company

Overture Blog

UW Russian Folk Orchestra: A musical tradition at International Festival

A russian folk orchestra rehearsing on a stage. Several members are standing and playing large string instruments.

Sponsors

Thank you to our International Festival partner

Upcoming Free Events at Overture

  • 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: Day 1

    Overture Center

    All day Saturday, the Fringe spills beyond the stage as Overture transforms into a creative playground. Between performances, enjoy free pop-up acts, immersive experiences, a local art market and food carts serving festival fare to fuel your Fringe hopping—free for all!

    11:00 AM
  • March 1

    Sunday

    Free Events, Fringe Festival, Variety Fringe Festival: Day 2

    Promenade Hall

    Sunday only, enjoy additional free local talent acts The Hitterz Collective and Arclight before ticketed performances of “Baby Wants Candy” and “Shamilton.”

    2:00 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