By Lenah Helmke | Photo by Children’s Theater of Madison
There’s a full slate of arts and culture events to check out in March and April.
SPOTLIGHTS
“Recent Acquisitions”
Through April 26, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
MMoCA exhibits its permanent collection, showcasing contemporary works collected from 1964 to present day. The exhibition features a selection of the 80 artworks added to the museum’s permanent collection in 2025, ranging from large-scale paintings to sculpture by artists from around the world. mmoca.org
“ChoreograpHER”
April 3-5, MYArts
Madison Ballet presents a powerful performance that celebrates the female visual narrative with a production by all-female choreographers and dancers, including world-premiere works by Endalyn Taylor and Ilana Goldman. madisonballet.org
Wisconsin Film Festival
April 9-16, Various venues
Throughout this eight-day festival, celebrate Wisconsin filmmakers and beyond with screenings of short films up to full-length features. Multiple film genres are featured, from horror to documentaries. wifilmfest.org
“Lady Disdain”
April 9-26, Overture Center
This romantic and comedic play directed by Forward Theater Company’s Jen Uphoff Gray brings together two exes to retell a modern version of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” forwardtheater.com
Michelle Buteau
April 17, The Orpheum Theater
Actress, comedian, producer and writer Michelle Buteau is coming to Madison on her “Surviving and Thriving Tour.” Buteau is the creator of two Netflix series, “Survival of the Thickest” and “A Buteau-ful Mind” and is the first-ever woman to tape a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. madisonorpheum.com
“Tiara’s Hat Parade”
March 7-9, 14-15, 21-22, MYArts
Kelly Starling Lyons’ children’s picture book, “Tiara’s Hat Parade,” exhibits the beauty of a family business and original craftsmanship. Don’t miss this heartwarming performance produced by the Children’s Theater of Madison. ctmtheater.org
VIEW, LISTEN, CONTEMPLATE
March Watershed Reading
March 21, Arts + Literature Laboratory, artlitlab.org
“Panczenko MFA Prize Exhibition: Anne E. Stoner”
April 10-May 22, Chazen Museum of Art, chazen.wisc.edu
John Butler with Band
April 14, The Sylvee, thesylvee.com
2026 BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour
April 24-25, Barrymore Theatre, barrymorelive.com
WOMEN ON TOUR
Spring into the warmer months with these three incredible female performances. Starting with a must-see show, Overture Hall welcomes award-winning actress and Juilliard-trained soprano Audra McDonald in “An Evening with Audra McDonald” (April 4, overture.org), filled with musical magic. Are you a “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” or “Law & Order: SVU” fan? If so, iconic actress and comedian Kathy Griffin, who guest-starred in all three shows, is on tour at the Barrymore Theatre (April 26, barrymorelive.com). Not only is Griffin a fan favorite, but she also holds the Guinness World Record for writing and starring in 20 televised stand-up specials. And the talent doesn’t stop there. Allie X performs at the Majestic Theatre for her “Happiness Is Going to Get You Tour” (April 29, majesticmadison.com). The Canadian singer-songwriter is known for her artistry and dark, yet whimsical sound.
EAR PLEASERS
Marissa Nadler with Anand Wilder
April 8, The Bur Oak, theburoakmadison.com
Jammy Buffet
April 11, Atwood Music Hall, theatwoodmusichall.com
Ladies Rock Camp
April 12, High Noon Saloon, high-noon.com
