Frequently Asked Questions

Concerts on the Square Returns!

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square returns home to the Capitol Square in Madison on Wednesday evenings from June 26 - July 31, 2024. Concerts begin at 7 PM. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Concerts on the Square?

Concerts on the Square will be held each Wednesday June 26 through July 31 at the King Street corner of the Wisconsin Capitol Square. Food vendors, beverage, the Kids' Area, merchandise and information open at 5:00 PM. Each concert begins at 7:00 PM and lasts approximately one and a half to two hours. 

Do I need a ticket to attend Concerts on the Square? 

Concerts on the Square is a free, public event and you do not need tickets to attend. If you would like to sit at a reserved table please visit our table reservation page.

When should I arrive to attend Concerts on the Square?

While concerts begin at 7:00 PM, many guests find it best to arrive early to get a good spot for their blanket or lawn chair. Blankets placed on the Capitol Lawn before 3:00PM will be removed unless someone is occupying the blanket the entire time.

Where is everything at CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE?

There are things all over the King Street corner, please explore all of our vendors and booths! 

Can I bring food and drink to Concerts on the Square?

Yes! We encourage you to bring a picnic basket, cooler, and food and drink to share with friends. There will also be many great food vendors with tents and food carts for you to choose from. While beer and wine are welcome on the lawn, Wisconsin State law prohibits the consumption of hard liquor on Capitol grounds. So don’t forget to visit one of the beverage tents for a beer or a glass of Wollersheim wine, and our signature wine cocktail (created in partnership with Wollersheim Winery). 

Please remember that the Capitol Square is a beautiful public space. Do not dump alcohol on the lawn, clean up after yourself, and please be courteous to all other concert-goers around you.

Can I bring a lawn chair?

Please only bring seating that is low to ground and does not have sharp feet that dig into the ground. The use of plastic tarps, rocks and/or stakes is prohibited by the State Capitol. Only low-height chairs (6" or less) with tubular, U-shaped legs may be used on the Capitol lawn. All other chairs must be placed on the pavement between the sidewalk and the street.

Is Concerts on the Square suitable for children?

Of course! Concerts on the Square has been a favorite destination for families and people of all ages for decades. Make sure to visit the Kids' Area for musical activities before or during the concert.

Can I bring my dog or other pet to Concerts on the Square?

Please do not bring your pet or any other animals to Concerts on the Square. We love animals, but it is unfortunately against the policies of the State Capitol. Also, a classical music concert often has noises that may scare your pet.

Patrons who utilize service animals that are trained to do a specific task related to their disability are allowed to bring those trained animals. Please note that service animals refer to any animal that has been trained to perform specific tasks to benefit an individual with a disability. 

Where should I park?

Parking at any event hosted on Capitol grounds can be tricky. We would recommend leaving ample time to find a parking spot or using an alternate option like biking or taking the bus. You can find live parking availability here.

What if it rains? 

Every Wednesday concert has a rain date of the immediate next Thursday. The decision to postpone or cancel a concert will come no later than 3:00 PM the day of the concert. Join our email club to be the first to know about any updates. You can also watch our website, Facebook page, and Instagram page to see any weather-related announcements. 

As an alternative to postponing or cancelling a concert, the orchestra may also decide to present a short version of the program or delay the program to beat the rain.

I am a person with special mobility needs who has trouble sitting on the grass or a low lawn chair. What options are available to me?

Limited chair seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the sidewalk at the end of the Concerts on the Square table area, nearby to the statue of Hans Christian Heg: the Capitol building side intersection of South Pinckney and Main Street. Please contact the WCO staff at [email protected] or 608.257.0638 for more information.

HOW DO I RESERVE A TABLE AT CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE?

Table reservations are open to the public starting in April. To learn more, please visit the Concerts on the Square table reservations page. Table reservations at Concerts on the Square are the benefit of generous charitable contributions in support of our mission.

How does WCO approach safety and security at Concerts on the Square?

The WCO has had longstanding safety protocols and communication planning for Concerts on the Square. We have an EMT first responder team, State Capitol law enforcement team, and City of Madison police team that we connect with before the season and during each night of Concerts on the Square. Our priority is the safety of our guests, musicians, staff, volunteers, and our event partners, and should a situation arise that requires support from these groups, staff and leadership of the WCO will be in direct contact with these teams to address and try to resolve the situation.

How can i become a concerts on the square sponsor?

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Concerts on the Square, please contact our CEO Joe Loehnis or call us at 608.257.0638 for more information.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE: TALKING

For the enjoyment of others around you, please refrain from talking while the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is performing.

Concert Etiquette: Recording

In compliance with copyright laws and contractual agreements with artists, audio and visual recording of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performances are prohibited.

Accessibility Needs

For patrons with disabilities that need reasonable accommodations to enjoy the Concerts on the Square, please contact the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at 608.257.0638 or [email protected]. It is preferred that requests be made in advance.