Madison, Wisconsin is home to a thriving music scene with concerts happening almost every night of the week. As the capital city of Wisconsin and home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison attracts major touring acts as well as up-and-coming local bands. Music fans can find concerts at large venues like the Alliant Energy Center and the Orpheum Theater as well as smaller clubs and bars throughout the downtown area. Madison’s central location in the Midwest makes it a convenient tour stop for bands traveling through the region.
Major Venues for Concerts in Madison
Some of the main venues that host concerts in Madison include:
Alliant Energy Center
The Alliant Energy Center is a large multi-purpose arena and convention center located on the far west side of Madison. With a capacity of over 10,000, the Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center hosts major rock, pop, and country concerts. Acts like Elton John, Foo Fighters, and Carrie Underwood have held concerts at the Coliseum. The Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center also holds concerts for 5,000-8,000 fans.
Orpheum Theater
Located on State Street in downtown Madison, the Orpheum Theater opened in 1926 and was fully restored in 1977. It has a capacity of 2,255 and primarily hosts classic rock, jazz, blues, and comedy concerts. Artists like B.B. King, Norah Jones, and David Crosby have performed on the Orpheum’s stage.
The Sylvee
A more recently opened venue, The Sylvee can hold up to 2,500 people for concerts. Since opening in 2018, The Sylvee has quickly become one of Madison’s premier mid-sized music venues. The Sylvee brings in major artists spanning different genres like Greta Van Fleet, Kesha, and Death Cab for Cutie along with comedy acts.
Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre in downtown Madison holds 956 people for seated shows or 1,300 for standing room concerts. The historic theater opened in 1906 and has an intimate atmosphere perfect for alternative rock, folk, blues, and other genres. Artists like Modest Mouse, Of Montreal, and Shakey Graves have played the Majestic.
High Noon Saloon
If you’re looking for Shows at one of Madison’s top local venues, check out the High Noon Saloon right on the Capitol Square. With a capacity of about 600, the High Noon Saloon brings in indie bands along with some more well-known acts. Wilco, Yo La Tengo, The Jayhawks, and Violent Femmes are among past High Noon Saloon performers.
Other Notable Venues
Some other venues that host concerts in Madison include:
– Breese Stevens Field – Outdoor stadium capacity of up to 10,000 for concerts
– Barrymore Theatre – Historic theater with 900 seats downtown
– Capitol Theater – Mid-sized venue near Capitol Square with 1,100 capacity
– Brink Lounge – Intimate live music venue with craft cocktails downtown
– Bur Oak – Recently opened larger venue from same owners as High Noon Saloon
– Frequency – Nightclub hosting EDM acts and DJs near campus
– The Rathskeller at the Memorial Union – On UW campus, has shows from comedy to indie rock
Outdoor Concert Series in Madison
During the summer months, Madison comes alive with incredible outdoor concerts and music festivals. Some of the best are:
Live on King Street
This free weekly concert series takes place on King Street downtown in front of the Majestic Theatre each Wednesday night in June and July. Live on King Street features local bands and artists across many genres.
Concerts on the Square
Concerts on the Square is another beloved free weekly concert series in Madison each summer. On Wednesday nights in July and August, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performs a wide variety of music from classical to movie scores on the Capitol Square.
Orton Park Festival
This east side neighborhood festival is held each summer and centered around Orton Park. In addition to art and food vendors, the Orton Park Festival has several stages featuring performances by Madison musicians and bands.
La Fete de Marquette
This major annual music festival takes place in Madison’s McPike Park along Lake Monona’s shoreline. Held in mid-July, La Fete de Marquette is a free festival with multiple stages featuring over 40 acts ranging from indie rock to Cajun music.
Willy Street Fair
The Willy Street Fair is Madison’s biggest neighborhood fair, spanning six city blocks of the vibrant Williamson Street area. Held Labor Day weekend each September, it hosts local bands on three stages covering blues, jazz, rock, pop and more.
Music Venues in Madison by Neighborhood
Madison’s live local music can be found scattered in venues all around town. Here are some of the top spots for concerts in various Madison neighborhoods:
Downtown Madison
– High Noon Saloon – Rock, indie, funk, more
– The Sylvee – Major touring acts
– Majestic Theatre – Alternative, rock, folk
– Orpheum Theater – Classic rock, blues, jazz
– Barrymore Theatre – Broadway, comedy, well-known musicians
Williamson (Willy) Street Area
– Crystal Corner Bar – Rock, punk, alt bands
– Mickey’s Tavern – Blues and roots bands
– Wooly’s – Punk rock music club
– Weary Traveler Freehouse – Folk and experimental
– Cafe CODA – Jazz and neo-soul
Atwood Avenue Area
– Kiki’s House of Righteous Music – Folk, singer-songwriter
– The Winnebago – Diverse mix from punk to experimental
– Robinia Courtyard – Outdoor venue with reggae, rock, more
– Bos Meadery – Meadery with bluegrass music
East Side
– Communication – Indie rock and hip hop club
– The Wisco – Local and small touring bands
– Robin Room – Intimate listening room at Crucible
– Alchemy – Live music cafe with jazz, acoustic, more
Near Campus
– Der Rathskeller – On campus venue with rock, hip hop, comedy
– Nitty Gritty – Campus bar hosting rock and blues
– Frequency – EDM club near campus
– Madison Music Foundry – Music instruction studio with shows
Types of Live Music You Can Find in Madison
Thanks to Madison’s diverse music scene, you can find almost any genre of live music performing on a stage in town. Here are some of the most popular types of concerts happening regularly:
Rock Music
Rock in all its forms, from indie and alt rock to punk, metal, and classic rock, makes up a big portion of Madison’s live music. Check out High Noon Saloon, Majestic Theatre, and Crystal Corner for rock shows.
Jazz
With a long history tied back to UW-Madison, jazz thrives in modern Madison at venues like Cafe CODA, North Street Cabaret, and Camp Trippalindee. See big bands, small combos, and top area jazz players.
Blues
The blues music scene is going strong in Madison, led by top blues club Mickey’s Tavern. House of Righteous Music, Alchemy, and The Wisco also host great blues bands and artists.
Folk and Acoustic
For stripped-down folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, and acoustic acts, head to places like The Winnebago, Bos Meadery, Alchemy Cafe, and Robinia Courtyard.
EDM and Dance
Madison has a vibrant EDM and dance club scene, with main venues like Liquid, Prism, and Crucible regularly bringing DJs and late-night shows.
Country
While more predominant in the outskirts of Madison, you can catch country music at venues like The Sylvee, Majestic Theatre, High Noon Saloon, and bars on the east and west sides.
Hip Hop and Rap
Discover Madison’s great local hip hop and rap artists at Communication, High Noon Saloon, Majestic Theatre, and the basements of campus area houses.
World Music
Reflecting Madison’s diversity, concerts feature sounds from around the globe, like Afro-pop, reggae, Latin salsa, and more at spots like Robinia Courtyard and Orton Park Festival.
Music Festivals in and around Madison
Madison is also home to some incredible annual music festivals that bring thousands of fans:
Eaux Claires Music Festival
Held each summer in Eau Claire, WI (just over an hour from Madison), Eaux Claires is an indie/alternative rock festival from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon featuring a uniquely eclectic lineup.
Madison World Music Festival
A weekend each September celebrating global music and Madison’s diversity, with 10+ stages around the city. Past performers have come from Somalia, Colombia, India and more.
Madtown’s Madtown Music Festival
Free two-day festival held at Breese Stevens Field featuring local and regional alternative bands on three outdoor stages. Held in April.
Orton Park Festival
This neighborhood music festival on Madison’s near east side in August has multiple stages hosting around 30 local bands.
La Fete de Marquette
Major, free, multi-genre music festival held each July in Madison’s McPike Park near the Marquette neighborhood.
Music Resources in Madison
Beyond just concerts, Madison has many resources to help foster music education and enjoyment in the city:
Music Instruction
Madison Music Foundry and Heid Music offer music lessons, instruction, and programming for kids and adults in Madison. Ward Brodt Music also provides top-level instruction.
Music Stores
Local music stores include B-Side Records, MadCity Music, Strictly Discs, and Guitar Center for instruments, gear, vinyl, and more.
College Radio Stations
Tune into WSUM 91.7 FM and WORT 89.9 FM in Madison for local music and talk radio from UW-Madison and the community.
Open Mics
Try out material or enjoy local talent at open mic nights around Madison at venues like Robinia Courtyard, Alchemy, and Bos Meadery.
How to Find Out About Upcoming Concerts in Madison
Wondering what concerts are coming up soon in Madison? Here are some tips:
Venue Websites and Social Media
Follow the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts and email newsletters from Madison music venues to get concert announcements and on-sales. Check their websites for event calendars.
Local Music Publications
Websites like Madison.com, Isthmus, and 365 Things in Madison post calendars of upcoming shows and festivals around the city.
Radio
Madison radio stations like WORT, WSUM, WJJO, and Z104 keep listeners in-the-know about concerts and have ticket giveaways.
Concert Tracking Apps and Sites
Apps like Bandsintown, Songkick, and websites like jambase.com track your favorite artists and can alert you when they announce a nearby show.
Music Festival News
Follow music festivals in Madison and Wisconsin on social media and look out for line-up announcements in winter and spring to get pre-sale ticket access.
Conclusion
From intimate local venues to large stadium shows, Madison provides an extremely vibrant and varied live music scene. Music fans can find concerts happening almost anytime from major headliners at the Alliant Energy Center to nightly local bands in the many clubs along Williamson and Atwood Streets. Summer in Madison comes alive with free outdoor music festivals and concerts. And across dozens of venues, listeners can experience almost every musical genre from country to salsa, indie rock to blues, and more. With a little researching online, following venues and publications, and getting out to shows, you’ll have no problem staying on top of Madison’s awesome concerts and music scene.
