Visit Overture

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Winnie the Pooh (And His Pals Too!)

MYArts Sunrise Theater

Step into the gentle world of the Hundred Acre Wood with this delightful Theater for the Very Young production created especially for two to five-year-olds. Perfect for a first-time theater experience!

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations

Capitol Theater

Step into a powerful fusion of music and movement that goes beyond entertainment. In this deeply personal performance, Matthew Morrison—known for his standout role as Will Schuester on “Glee”—takes audiences on a musical journey into the heart of what makes us human.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Playhouse Theater

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents—or a tyrannical headmistress—hold her back.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Primal Light

Overture Hall

This concert opens with a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel. “Resurrexit” by Mason Bates will take you on a mystical pilgrimage with shimmering exotic tonalities that give way to contemplation and dramatic stirrings of rebirth.

Comedy, Family Friendly, Free Events, Improv Comedy, Kids in the Rotunda, Theater Whoopensocker

Rotunda Stage

Whoopensocker arts residency program and performing ensemble works with emergent readers and writers to create original theater pieces. This show is a combination of sketches, songs and physical theater. It is a fantastic culmination of creativity, celebrated with students, staff and community.

Comedy, Variety Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

Capitol Theater

Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off limits! 

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Overture Presents An Evening with David Sedaris

Overture Hall

Join David Sedaris, author of bestsellers “Calypso,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” for a special one-night-only event. Sedaris will bring his signature humor and sharp wit to the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Fall 2025 Exhibitions Reception

Overture Galleries

Join us for a reception and artist talks celebrating the Fall 2025 Overture Galleries. This season’s exhibitions consider the quiet forces that shape our landscapes.

2025/26 Season, Comedy, Overture Presents Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble

Capitol Theater

Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.”

Theater Rodgers & Hammerstein: From Book to Broadway

Playhouse

"Rodgers & Hammerstein: From Book to Broadway" audiences will not only enjoy wonderful music — they will also learn about how Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted novels, short stories and autobiographies into Broadway entertainment. 

2025/26 Season, Broadway The Book of Mormon

Overture Hall

This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. This international sensation is widely regarded as the funniest musical of all time.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music, Theater The Jerry Ensemble

Rotunda Stage

The Jerry Ensemble of Southern Wisconsin, a premier performance group representing the Jerry Awards, will perform Disney's "Finding Nemo KIDS!" Join us and witness the future stars of musical theater in action!

Comedy, Overture Presents, Variety Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome

Award-winning performer, charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling continues her vivacious vagabond voyages with “You’re Welcome” — a touring variety show featuring her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Wayne the Wizard

Rotunda Stage

Get ready for spooky fun and silly surprises! Wayne the Wizard brings Halloween to life with colorful magic, comedy ventriloquism and lots of audience participation.

Classical Music WSMA High School State Honors Music Project Concerts

Overture Hall

Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation's finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. This year, more than 1,250 student auditions were performed for the privilege of being one of the 429 students selected for membership in the five prestigious High School State Honors ensembles.

2025/26 Season, Folk Music, Music, Overture Presents Mariachi Rock Revolution

Capitol Theater

Get ready for a rock-fueled, Mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of Mariachi. This high-energy show unites arena-rock fans, abuelas raised on Vicente Fernández—and everyone in between.

James Watrous Galleries, Visual Arts Añamarié Edwards: The Home of Joy and Warren King: Homecoming

James Watrous Gallery

The James Watrous Gallery presents two concurrent solo exhibitions by artists Añamarié Edwards and Warren King steeped in themes of home, family, joy, identity, healing, migration, and community. 

Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Zoozort

Rotunda Stage

Do you love learning about wildlife? Then join us for Zoozort's live animal program, where you'll discover special abilities, behaviors and habitats of some of the world’s most amazing animals.

2025/26 Season, Overture Presents, Variety Cirque Mechanics: Tilt!

Capitol Theater

Enter the world of Cirque Mechanics, where breathtaking acrobatics meet mechanical marvels in a one-of-a-kind circus experience. Inspired by American ingenuity, this high-flying spectacle blends raw, real-world grit with the wonder of modern circus.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents A Pirate's Life with Archaeologist Lisa Briggs

Capitol Theater

Set sail on a thrilling adventure with archaeologist Lisa Briggs. Dive into the Mediterranean to uncover how pirates shaped the Roman Empire, meet China’s fierce Pirate Queen and step into the lab to track Blackbeard’s trail. History’s greatest treasures await—are you ready to hunt?

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Claybourne Elder: If the Stars Were Mine

Capitol Theater Stage

Broadway’s hunky gay ex-Mormon dad Claybourne Elder, star of “Company,” “Sunday in the Park…” and HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” presents a hilarious and heartfelt evening that’s part cabaret and part stand-up.

Forward Theater, Theater Gutenberg! The Musical!

Playhouse

Bud and Doug have poured their hearts (and not much research) into their brand-new, Broadway-bound musical about Johann Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. A chaotic and hilarious celebration of big dreams, bad ideas and the magic of live theater. 

Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater La Bohème

Overture Hall

The greatest love story in opera, “La Bohème” remains eternally young. Set to a ravishing score, Puccini’s classic opera tells of the lives, loves and losses of a group of young artists in a Bohemian quarter of Paris. 

2025/26 Season, Dance The Rhythm Project

Promenade Hall

TNW Ensemble Theater's “The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms. 

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Birds of a Feather

Rotunda Stage

Birds of a Feather (Little Miss Ann + Suzi Shelton) will perform classic favorites and new songs from their debut album "Rock Together," featuring themes of friendship, adventure and community.

2025/26 Season, Broadway, Six-Show Package Some Like It Hot

Overture Hall

Set in Prohibition-era Chicago, this four-time Tony Award®-winning musical follows two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they board a cross-country train, embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks I - Eroica

Capitol Theater

“Eroica” kicks off the 2025/26 Masterworks Season in Capitol Theater, encapsulating the timeless beauty of classical music.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Beni Daiko

Rotunda Stage

Beni Daiko will introduce Japanese culture through powerful Taiko drumming, traditional lion dance and modern interpretations. Get ready for an interactive experience with audience participation!

Music The MadHatters A Cappella Fall Show

Capitol Theater

With their unmistakable attire in their Wisconsin red jackets, the MadHatters A Capella Fall Shows brings everyone together to clap their hands and stomp to the beat.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Greg Zelek with Caleb Hudson, Trumpet

Overture Hall

Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.

Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Handel's Messiah

Bethel Lutheran Church

Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Radiance

Overture Hall

“Rainbow Body,” a luminous work by American composer Christopher Theofanidis, weaves ancient and modern worlds together to take us on a spellbinding journey. Inspired by the chant “Ave Maria” by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, the piece reimagines her melodies in lush, cinematic orchestration.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist

Rotunda Stage

Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.

Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety For Heaven's Sake

Capitol Theater

Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "For Heaven's Sake." Harold Lloyd plays a carefree millionaire whose misadventures with a mission—and its charming founder’s daughter—spark a chain of comedic events and unexpected transformation.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings

Rotunda Stage

The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!

2025/26 Season, Family Friendly, Overture Presents, Theater Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas

Overture Hall

Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole... his adventure begins!

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Yid Vicious

Rotunda Stage

Yid Vicious brings klezmer for all ages to the Rotunda Stage. Get ready to dance as we celebrate the wonders of the season with Yiddish dance beats, special guests and shenanigans galore.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!

MYArts Starlight Theater

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! Terrific tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics—it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs! 

Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Winter Fantasia: Reimagined

Promenade Hall

Kanopy lights up the stage for the holidays with “Winter Fantasia: Reimagined,” a dazzling dance celebration showcasing a mosaic of cultural traditions.

Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Madison Symphony Christmas

Overture Hall

This spectacular annual celebration has become a joyful way to begin the holiday season in our community for concertgoers of all ages. The Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir join us to bring this special concert to life.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Stuart Stotts

Rotunda Stage

Stuart Stotts is an energetic singer and storyteller who loves engaging audiences. In a family-friendly setting, you'll find yourself singing, moving, sharing ideas and laughing together.

Children's Theater of Madison, Family Friendly, Theater A Christmas Carol

Capitol Theater

Children Theater of Madison's signature production transports audiences into the world of Charles Dickens’ Victorian England and the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Join us as the ghosts of Scrooge’s past, present and future teach him about generosity and the joy of giving!

Theater The Hello Girls: A New American Musical

Playhouse

From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz: “The Hello Girls” chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers in this new musical inspired by history.

Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet The Nutcracker

Overture Hall

Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life with stunning choreography, lavish costumes and a dazzling cast of dancers from our company, school and community, under the glorious Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Andrew Sewell.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music The Handphibians

Rotunda Stage

The Handphibians will bring the vibrant sounds of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife, Brazil, to life with their songs and traditional drumming rhythms.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Fox & Branch's Will Branch

Rotunda Stage

Get ready to sing, dance and laugh with Fox & Branch's Will Branch! This lively duo brings families together with a high-energy mix of traditional and original songs played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and washboard.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Variety The Reset

Capitol Theater

Experience sound and music like never before at “The Reset—a transformative journey beyond the typical concert. Renowned singer and sound healer Davin Youngs layers vocals, crystal bowls, tuning forks and electronic beats into a mind-body “sound bath.”

Broadway Yorktown Tavern

Promenade Hall GA

Enjoy a revolutionary pre-show feast before evening performances of “Hamilton.” Savor a rustic three-course meal with era-inspired drinks and themed cocktails, enough to leave you satisfied. Seats are limited—don’t throw away your shot to make your night unforgettable!

2025/26 Season, Broadway Hamilton

Overture Hall

Winner of 11 Tony Awards®, a Grammy® and the Pulitzer Prize, “Hamilton” brings history to life with its electrifying score and powerful storytelling. Experience the musical revolution that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music David Landau

Rotunda Stage

David’s personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that keep children engaged and constantly thinking. The kids sing some, move some, dance some, shout just a little bit and laugh a bunch.

2025/26 Season, Overture Presents, Variety Bill Blagg: Family Magic

Capitol Theater

Enjoy 60 minutes of non-stop magical fun, specifically designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation and mind-bending magic may bring objects to life and make audience members float in mid-air!

2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee

Capitol Theater Stage

Don’t miss Broadway powerhouse Kyle Taylor Parker in a thrilling evening of soulful vocals and show-stopping storytelling. From his acclaimed turns in “Kinky Boots” and “Smokey Joe’s Café” to his celebrated solo albums, KTP is ready to dazzle and delight in this intimate cabaret concert.

2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Up Close Layale Chaker

Capitol Theater Stage

Witness the mesmerizing sounds of composer and violinist Layale Chaker who blends classical contemporary, jazz, Arabic music and improvisation.

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Panchromatic Steel

Rotunda Stage

Panchromatic Steel fuses island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that's easy to love. At the heart of their sound is the steelpan, an instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, adding vibrant Caribbean flair.

2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents Wild Cats Revealed with Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur

Capitol Theater

From towering Himalayas to dense jungles, India is home to the world’s most diverse wild cats. Join filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur as he unveils rare felines—like the grumpy-faces Palla’s cat and the fishing cat—through captivating images and video.