By Jessica Steinhoff | Photography by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade (Pictured: Clue)
Here’s what to do in May and June.
CLUE
May 13-18, Overture Center
It’s a mystery, a comedy, a board game and a movie-to-musical adaptation rolled into one. No matter what you call this genre, you get to solve a murder sordid enough for a true crime podcast. overture.org
WORLD’S LARGEST BRAT FEST
May 23-May 25, Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center
Come for the food, stay for the entertainment. This sausage-themed fundraiser is the place to travel back in time through music. For maximum nostalgic fun, cheer on Digital Underground at the Everlight Solar Grand Stage (May 25). You might even see Grandma do “The Humpty Dance.” bratfest.com
MEGAN MORONEY WITH CLINT BLACK
June 6, Breese Stevens Field
Instead of an afterparty, the American Family Insurance Championship has a post-golf concert. This year’s performance stars two country hit-makers who write their own material: Grammy Award winner Black and chart-climber Moroney, whose 2024 single “Am I Okay?” showed off her pop chops. breesestevensfield.com
JERRY SEINFELD
May 30, Overture Center
Whether you’re a dyed- in-the-wool “Seinfeld” fan or a casual binge- watcher, here’s a chance to laugh with a living legend. overture.org
WATCHHOUSE
June 18, The Sylvee
Bluegrass meets psychedelia when this North Carolina folk duo hits the stage. thesylvee.com
HYE-JIN YOUR BETS
June 20, UW Hamel Music Center
Enjoy a Dvořák-centric program starring virtuosic violinist Hye-Jin Kim. artsticketing.wisc.edu
“DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY”
June 27, Overture Center
Don’t miss this hilarious show highlighting mind-boggling uses for plastic bowls and a saleswoman you’ll never forget. overture.org
SLEIGH BELLS
June 15, Majestic Theatre
Squeeze the last ounce of fun out of your weekend at this blissfully noisy all-ages concert filled with pop hooks and electronic beats. You’ll be among the first to hear the live rendition of the band’s new album, “Bunky Becky Birthday Boy.” majesticmadison.com
NATE BARGATZE
June 21, Alliant Energy Center, Coliseum
Need a Father’s Day present? You’re welcome. This eminently likeable comedian proves that you don’t have to be mean-spirited to be funny. After breaking 20 arenas’ attendance records and hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2024, Bargatze visits Madison to share his first book, “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind” — another great dad gift. alliantenergycenter.com
CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE: DANCING IN THE STREET
June 25, Capitol Square (King Street corner)
Motown comes to Mad City by way of Sin City. Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra teams up with Las Vegas tribute act Radiance to present soulful mega-hits such as “Respect” and “Heatwave” al fresco. wcoconcerts.org
MARQUETTE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
June 14 & 15, Yahara Place Park
Festival season is upon us! Celebrate with two stages of local and national music acts, plus beloved traditions like Fools’ Flotilla. The River Alliance of Wisconsin’s wild and crazy boat parade sets sail at Tenney Lock on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. marquette-neighborhood.org/festivals
