By Lenah Helmke | Photo courtesy Overture Center
“DISNEY’S NEWSIES THE MUSICAL”
Through May 17, MYArts
The Childrens Theater of Madison presents the Tony Award-winning Disney musical based on the 1899 newsboys strike in New York City. This lively story inspires young voices to speak up through spectacular music and dance. ctmtheater.org
“DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”
May 12-17, Overture Center
Catch the 30th anniversary production of this beloved story. The original Tony Award-winning artistic team reunited to bring this special production to life, featuring new costumes and sets. overture.org
“CHARLIE BERENS: THE LOST AND FOUND TOUR”
May 8-9, Overture Center
Comedian, Emmy-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author and Wisconsin native Berens will share poignant tales about growing up in the Midwest and other funny, slice-of-life observations. overture.org
ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION
June 13, The Orpheum Theater
After a 14-year hiatus, Alison Krauss & Union Station are back with a new album, “Arcadia.” The group is known as one of the most influential and celebrated acts in bluegrass and roots music, winning multiple Grammys and debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Country, Bluegrass and Folk Album charts with its LP “Paper Airplane.” madisonorpheum.com
A COMMUNITY GIFT AND DREAM – FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC
June 13-14, Overture Center
This two-day festival celebrates the conclusion of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s centennial season. The free, two-day event includes an organ concert, MSO performance, family-friendly activities and more. madisonsymphony.org
WOMEN GUITARISTS
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Barnett makes a stop in Madison on her “Creature of Habit Tour” at The Sylvee (May 15, thesylvee.com). Barnett is known for her witty musical style and her debut album, “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit.”
Among many other notable works, Barnett played guitar for the Melbourne band Rapid Transit and supported The Rolling Stones at their concert at Hyde Park in London. This January, Barnett released her new single, “Site Unseen” featuring Waxahatchee.
Guitarist Marisa Anderson will perform at the Arts + Literature Laboratory as part of the Auricle New Music Series (May 28, artlitlab.org). Anderson blends expression and tradition through her exploration of American folk music. She has been recognized and celebrated by The New Yorker, NPR and The New York Times for her distinct talent and masterful performance.
THERE’S A FESTIVAL FOR THAT
Syttende Mai
May 15-17, Stoughton
Celebrate Norwegian heritage and Norway’s Constitution Day at Stoughton’s annual festival. The weekend is packed with arts and crafts, food, a canoe race, half-marathon and much more. stoughtonfestivals.com
Brat Fest
May 22-24, Alliant Energy Center
Enjoy music, games, animals and, of course, brats at this fest that celebrates sausages. Bands including Great White, Slaughter, The Lovin’ Spoonful and C&C Music Factory are set to perform. bratfest.com
Festa Italia
May 30-31, McKee Farms Park
Presented by the Italian Workmen’s Club of Madison, this annual picnic and music festival at McKee Farms Park celebrates Italian culture in Wisconsin. Get ready for some amazing Italian food! iwcmadison.com
Marquette Waterfront Festival
June 13-14, Yahara Place Park
Kick off Madison summer’s music scene on the city’s near East Side with local and touring performances at Yahara Place Park. marquette-neighborhood.org/events/marquette-waterfront-festival
Make Music Madison
June 21, various venues
Every year on the summer solstice, Madison celebrates Make Music Day, featuring live musical performances at over 100 locations across the city. makemusicmadison.org
MADISON READING PROJECT: READ(Y) TO WEAR
June 11, The Sylvee
Support the Madison Reading Project’s Books for Educators program by attending this fabulous fashion show. Design teams create garments from paper and showcase their talents to help bring books to local students and classrooms. madisonreadingproject.com
CREATIVITY IN DANCE AND SOUND
“Innovation II”
May 8-10
Madison Ballet’s final performance of the 2025-2026 RE:Define season showcases the ballet dancers’ creative potential through choreography. madisonballet.org
Katie Kadan + Logan Metz
June 4
Musician, writer and composer Metz joins forces with soul singer and songwriter Kadan for an evening of character, storytelling and authenticity. theburoakmadison.com
Muse at MMoCA
June 21
Commemorate the summer solstice at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Grab a drink, listen to DJ BP Lar, watch the sunset and hang out in the rooftop sculpture garden. mmoca.org
