Wisconsin Union Theater

Home
United States
Madison, WI
Wisconsin Union Theater

Madison Concert Venue Where Tradition Meets the Unexpected

🎻Classical, Jazz, International Music Welcome to the Wisconsin Union Theater page!

This is Madison’s historic hall, located on Lake Mendota right next to the Memorial Union’s famed Terrace. The greats have been playing and speaking here since 1939. In the 21st Century, the Wisconsin Union Theater continues to flourish with ideas and programs, energy and vision. We are proud to support Madison's performing arts scene with some of the best artists in jazz, classical music, dance,

theater, and more. Our vision becomes a reality hundreds of times each year, when the theater is reserved for use or its doors open to a lively and inquiring audience. Over and over the mission of the theater is validated by applause as an artist is celebrated, or by a significant silence as an important idea is considered or a profound experience felt. The Union Theater remains warm, lively and inviting, while the magic of great performances and the ferment of ideas continue to fill it.

06/19/2026

The Play Circle, our black box theater, offers an intimate live-music experience, perfect for experiencing this season's Black Box Sessions lineup. Highlighting R&B and neo-soul, the 2026–27 Black Box Sessions feature: anaiis, bLAck pARty and Isaia Huron.

Join us to turn down the volume and turn up the message, celebrating the rich traditions of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and jazz. Single tickets and Build-Your-Own subscriptions are on sale now at bit.ly/4oocTTY

06/17/2026

World-renowned soloists, celebrated ensembles and unforgettable live performances await in our 2026–27 Classical Series.

From beloved masterpieces to groundbreaking new works, these performances showcase the many ways classical music continues to inspire audiences today. Tap through to explore the artists coming to the Wisconsin Union Theater this season:
Cantus & Imani Winds
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Canadian Brass
Bang on a Can All-Stars: 90/90
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
Yuja Wang, piano

Single tickets, Build-Your-Own subscriptions and Classical Series subscriptions are available now at bit.ly/4tQys0W

06/16/2026

From jazz legends to boundary-pushing innovators, the 2026–27 Jazz Series brings some of today's most exciting artists to Shannon Hall and the Play Circle. 🎷 Click through to meet the artists joining us this season, and tell us in the comments which performance you're most excited to see!

Linda May Han Oh
Michael Mayo
Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science
Zohar & Adam
ARTEMIS
Joshua Redman Quartet

Single tickets, Build-Your-Own subscriptions and Jazz Series subscriptions are on sale now. Secure your seats at bit.ly/3yHCvnv

06/13/2026

Get ready to close out the Madison Jazz Festival with an unforgettable night of funk, hip-hop and jazz fusion as Ghost-Note takes the Terrace stage at 9 PM on June 27: https://bit.ly/3Qw2HN6

Led by Snarky Puppy’s Grammy-winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, Ghost-Note is known for pushing funk music into the future with explosive grooves, world-class musicianship and nonstop energy.

Join us on the Terrace for a high-powered performance that will keep the party going and close the festival out in style.

06/12/2026

Don't miss the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (DLO3) on the Terrace at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 26, as part of the Madison Jazz Festival finale weekend: https://bit.ly/4vIFV3l

Led by Hammond B-3 organist Delvon Lamarr, the trio delivers a groove-driven sound that blends funk, jazz, soul and blues. Known for their incredible chemistry and infectious energy, DLO3 brings the perfect mix of vintage soul and modern artistry to the Terrace stage.

Grab a drink, find a spot overlooking Lake Mendota and settle in for an evening of captivating rhythms at the Madison Jazz Festival.

06/11/2026

🎤 Catch the soulful sounds of Alysha Brilla at the Memorial Union Terrace during Madison Jazz Festival: https://bit.ly/3Qw2HN6
Saturday, June 27 | 2 PM

Praised by Rolling Stone for her kaleidoscopic blend of soul, folk and world beats, Alysha Brilla creates a sound that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. Joined by Sammy Duke and Jamaican reggae percussion royalty Gerima Harvey, the trio brings rich storytelling, global rhythms and laid-back vibes to the lakeshore.

Grab a seat at the Terrace and enjoy this FREE performance! More info at the link in bio.

06/10/2026

🎶 Endea Owens & The Cookout is coming to Madison Jazz Fest 2026: https://bit.ly/3Qw2HN6
Saturday, June 27 | 5 PM on the Memorial Union Terrace

Grammy and Emmy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Endea Owens is one of the most exciting voices in jazz today. Known for performing on NPR's Tiny Desk and as a member of the house band on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," she's now bringing her talent to the Madison Jazz Festival. Catch her unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk for FREE at 5 PM on Saturday, June 27, on the Memorial Union Terrace.

06/08/2026

London-based neo-soul singer anaiis brings her "Devotion & The Black Divine" tour to the Wisconsin Union Theater on Friday, September 18.

Kicking off this season's Black Box Sessions: R&B/Neo-Soul series, anaiis “can take you across the world with just one song” (Pitchfork). Experience a close-up concert with one of neo-soul's most compelling voices.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/43Adn0h

06/07/2026

As we cheer on longtime Wisconsin Union Theater supporter and Broadway legend, André De Shields - artist page at tonight's 79th Tony Awards, we're also celebrating his lasting impact on the next generation of artists.

The André De Shields Fund, established in honor of the celebrated UW–Madison alumnus and artist-activist, provides grants and mentorship to students developing original artistic work that inspires transformation. 🎭✨ Learn more about the fund and support student creativity at bit.ly/3Mj3rCN

📸: Lia Chang Photography
Pictured: Wisconsin Union staff and partners in New York City seeing De Shields in his Tony-nominated performance in Cats: The Jellicle Ball and connecting with him after the show.

06/06/2026

Catch virtuosic drummer, bandleader and composer Nate Smith live on the Memorial Union Terrace on Friday, June 26, starting at 8:30 PM.

Fresh off winning two 2026 GRAMMY Awards for his album "Live Action," the newly minted Newport Jazz Festival artistic director brings an incredible repertoire, including collaborations with everyone from Childish Gambino to Michael Jackson.

Downbeat says, “If you’re looking to satisfy your groove craving, look no further.” This event is FREE and open to the public as part of the 2026 Madison Jazz Festival: https://bit.ly/4voGeQL

Address

800 Langdon Street
Madison, WI
53706

Telephone

(608)2652787

Website

https://www.uniontheater.wisc.edu/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wisconsin Union Theater posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your establishment to be the top-listed Arts & Entertainment in Madison?