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 28 - August 2, 2023. 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 28 through August 2 at the King Street corner of the Wisconsin Capitol Square. Each concert begins at 7:00 PM and lasts approximately one and a half to two hours.

Will I need a ticket to attend Concerts on the Square this year? Where can I buy tickets?

Concerts on the Square is a free, public event and you do not need tickets to attend. We do suggest you arrive early to get a good spot on the Capitol Square lawn.

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.

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. Lastly, don’t forget to visit one of the beverage tents for a beer, a glass of Wollersheim wine, our brand new 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' Zone 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.

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. The WCO may only ask if the service animal is needed for a disability and if the animal has been trained to perform a specific task. The WCO may not ask for documentation unless the animal is in training and is accompanied by a trainer.

What if it rains? 

Every concert has a rain date of the immediate next day. The decision to postpone or cancel a concert will come no later than 3:00 PM the day of the concert. Watch our website, our 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 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 streets. 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 or contact our Development Manager, Elliott Valentine. Table reservations at Concerts on the Square are the benefit of generous charitable contributions in support of our mission.

WILL CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE BE LIVE-STREAMED ONLINE LIKE IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST?

At this time, the WCO is not planning on livestreaming Concerts on the Square. If there’s something we can do to make the in-person concerts more accessible to you, please let us know at [email protected] or 608.257.0638.

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, staff, musicians, 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 Claudia Holen at 815.977.1234 and [email protected]. It is preferred that requests be made in advance. For day-of requests, please call 608.257.0638. For other accommodations that are already provided, this would be the section to describe those.