40th Season of Concerts on the Square

We're celebrating in a big way this summer as we mark our 40th Season of Concerts on the Square. This anniversary season features three-time Grammy nominated Latin band Tiempo Libre, trombone virtuoso Joël Vaïsse, the 17-year-old winner of our Young Artist Concert Competition, the return of the 1812 Overture to the Capitol Square, a variety of works by Dr. Bill Banfield, a return of Jeans 'N' Classics with your favorite hits from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, and rounding out the season is Bridget Kibbey on harp and a special collaboration with Madison Ballet.

Plan Your Visit

RAIN CALL

The decision to continue or cancel a concert due to weather conditions will be made at 3 PM on concert days. The official announcement will be made on wcoconcerts.org and on the WCO’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Email will also be sent to WCO subscribers. If the concert is postponed at that time, it will be held the following day at 7 PM. If the concert is not postponed by 3 PM but is subsequently canceled due to poor weather conditions, that week’s concert will not be held or may be cut short.

Stay in the loop on schedule updates or rain cancellations. Sign up for our emails or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

FOOD VENDORS

We're proud to partner with some of Madison's favorite vendors for this season of Concerts on the Square. Check back for more information

Frequently asked questions

History of Concerts on the Square

In the winter of 1983, Madison businesswoman Pleasant Rowland saw the opportunity to improve access to the arts and create a sense of community while gathering on the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol lawn. By the summer of 1984, that idea evolved into the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's first season of Concerts on the Square. Like today, the series was completely free of charge for the entire community. It has grown into a gem of Madison, and annually over 200,000 patrons come together on the Square for this six-concert series.