Concerts on the Square

Concerts on the Square® has been bringing music to the Capitol Square for over 40 years. Since it's founding in 1984, Concerts on the Square has become a favorite Madison tradition for tens of thousands each year.

Our excitement for Concerts on the Square 2024 is building! The complete season lineup will be unveiled in March. Stay tuned for more information and prepare for another incredible season of music and community.

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.

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 250,000 patrons come together on the Square for this six-concert series.