International Festival

Banner reads: "International Festival. Sat, Mar 7, 2026 - Free!"

Saturday, March 7

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.

Upcoming Free Events at Overture

  • 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