Capitol / Downtown
Madison's Capitol and Downtown neighborhood packs more live music into a few blocks than anywhere else in the city. The anchor is the Overture Center for the Arts, which houses multiple performance spaces including Overture Hall and the Capitol Theater, handling everything from orchestral programs to touring productions. A half-block from the Capitol, the Majestic Theatre is a 600-capacity venue that opened in 1906, making it Madison's oldest theater. Having once hosted Harry Houdini, it now runs live music, standup comedy, theme parties, and the occasional burlesque show in an intimate setting. High Noon Saloon, at 701 E. Washington Ave., is a 250-capacity general-admission room featuring rock, metal, alternative, punk, alt-country, pop, indie, bluegrass, blues, and folk, with national acts, smaller touring bands, and local groups. It offers live music seven nights a week, including free summer patio shows on Thursday evenings. The Orpheum Theater, centrally located on State Street, has hosted nationally renowned musicians. On the Capitol lawn itself, Concerts on the Square is put on by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and has been going strong since 1983, drawing crowds for Wednesday evening orchestral concerts each summer. Bars like Genna's Cocktail Lounge, Essen Haus, and The Cardinal Bar fill out a neighborhood where a live set is rarely more than a short walk away.
Venues34
- Camp Trippalindee601 Langdon St, Madison
- Capitol Theater – Overture Center for the Arts201 State St, Madison
- Come Back In508 E Wilson St, Madison
- Concerts on the Square10 S Pinckney St, Madison
- Essen Haus514 E Wilson St, Madison
- Gamma Ray Bar121 W Main St, Madison
- Genna's Cocktail Lounge105 W Main St, Madison
- High Noon Saloon701 E Washington Ave, Madison
- Ivory Room Piano Bar116 W Mifflin St, Madison
- Jay's406 N Frances St, Madison
- Kohl Center601 W Dayton St, Madison
- Liquid624 University Ave, Madison
- Lucille101 King St, Madison
- Madison's Restaurant & Bar119 King St, Madison
- Maduro Cigar Bar117 E Main St, Madison
- Majestic Theatre115 King St, Madison
- Mansion Hill Inn424 N Pinckney St, Madison
- Merchant121 S Pinckney St, Madison
- Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center1 John Nolen Dr, Madison
- Naples 1515 N Butler St, Madison
- Nattspil211 King St, Madison
- One Social Food Hall123 E Wilson St, Madison
- Orpheum Theater216 State St, Madison
- Overture Center for the Arts201 State St, Madison
- Overture Hall – Overture Center201 State St, Madison
- Red Rock Saloon222 W Gorham St, Madison
- Roxxy327 W Gorham St, Madison
- Sotto Night Club303 N Henry St, Madison
- Tavernakaya27 E Main St, Madison
- Tempest Oyster Bar120 E Wilson St Ste 3, Madison
- The Cardinal Bar418 E Wilson St, Madison
- The Post24 S Carroll St, Madison
- The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Space119 E Main St, Madison
- Tornado Steak House116 S Hamilton St, Madison
Upcoming shows200
Today · Sunday, September 13 · 1 show
Tomorrow · Monday, September 14 · 3 shows
Tuesday, September 15 · 2 shows
Tuesday Line Dancing
Every Tuesday!
Wednesday, September 16 · 3 shows
Thursday, September 17 · 6 shows
The Capitol Social Presents: La Combi
Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue with dance lessons and live/DJ music
$10
Friday, September 18 · 7 shows
Saturday, September 19 · 8 shows
Sunday, September 20 · 3 shows
Monday, September 21 · 1 show
Tuesday, September 22 · 2 shows
Patti Smith: Songs & Stories Book Bundled Event by A Room of One's Own
Punk · Rock · Singer-songwriter
Doors 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 23 · 6 shows
Thursday, September 24 · 7 shows
Capitol Social Presents: Latin Pride Orchestra
Twelve piece band specializing in Latin music with salsa lessons and DJ Fogon
$10
Fellow Travelers
Mark your calendars for a major debut. Fellow Travelers bring their new album "Don't Fail Me Now" to The Rigby this Thur
Friday, September 25 · 6 shows
Saturday, September 26 · 8 shows
Stabbing Westward: 30 Years of Wither Blister Burn + Peel
, ,
Industrial rock · Alternative rock
Doors 7:00pm
R&B Night Party w/ DJ Pain 1 hosted by Cupcake & Laughmaster
4th Saturday of the month - Playing the best R&B, Dance Jams & more all night! Limited $15 Advanced Tickets. $20 Door Cover. 21+ only.
Sunday, September 27 · 4 shows
Tuesday, September 29 · 1 show
Wednesday, September 30 · 2 shows
Thursday, October 1 · 5 shows
Capitol Social Presents: Charanga Agozá
Cuban dance music in the charanga tradition with salsa lessons and open dance
$10
Mt. Joy: UW Student Event Benefiting Local Mental Health Organizations
Americana · Indie folk
Doors 6:00pm
Friday, October 2 · 6 shows
Hot Flash: An Early Dance Party
Club hits from the '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s with DJ Millbot & rotating guest DJs
Saturday, October 3 · 3 shows
Monday, October 5 · 1 show
Wednesday, October 7 · 1 show
Thursday, October 8 · 3 shows
The Capitol Social Presents: Rebulu
Progressive salsa dance lessons and live music with DJ Francis
$10
Friday, October 9 · 9 shows
The Bill Roberts Combo
Blues-jazz ensemble with tight, nuanced, rhythmically powerful presentation
Dreaming of a Disco
Disco, house, and soulful dance music with rotating DJs from Madison, Chicago, and Midwest
$5
The Leftovers
A night mixing intimate vocals, full‑band arrangements, and fresh talent, capped by a headlining set from The Leftovers!
Saturday, October 10 · 6 shows
The Capitol Social Presents: La Rumba
Latin dance spot with 2 hours of Latin dance lessons and DJ Luis
$10
Sunday, October 11 · 4 shows
Monday, October 12 · 1 show
Madison StorySLAM
Doors 6:30pm
Tuesday, October 13 · 1 show
Wednesday, October 14 · 2 shows
Thursday, October 15 · 5 shows
Friday, October 16 · 5 shows
Saturday, October 17 · 5 shows
Freak Show – Dance Fitness Party
Doors 12:00pm
Medium Build Presents The King of Having Fun on Tour
,
Indie pop · Singer-songwriter · Indie rock
Doors 7:00pm
Sunday, October 18 · 2 shows
Episodic Memory, Dog Logic & More
A stacked night of live music featuring touring acts and local favorites, all delivering loud, inventive sets! 📅 Oct 1
Tuesday, October 20 · 2 shows
Wednesday, October 21 · 2 shows
Thursday, October 22 · 3 shows
Capitol Social Presents: Latin Pride Orchestra
Twelve piece band specializing in Latin music with salsa lessons and DJ Fogon
$10
BEAT: Belew/Vai/Levin/Bozzio Performing the Music of KING CRIMSON
Tribute to King Crimson
Doors 7:00pm
Friday, October 23 · 3 shows
Saturday, October 24 · 6 shows
Sunday, October 25 · 3 shows
Monday, October 26 · 1 show
Tuesday, October 27 · 2 shows
Wednesday, October 28 · 2 shows
Thursday, October 29 · 2 shows
Friday, October 30 · 5 shows
Mood Medication, No Limit & 20 Minute Mission
Put on your best costume for this Halloween Eve concert! This is the perfect prep for Halloween weekend!
Saturday, October 31 · 4 shows
Sunday, November 1 · 2 shows
Monday, November 2 · 1 show
Tuesday, November 3 · 1 show
Wednesday, November 4 · 3 shows
Thursday, November 5 · 5 shows
Capitol Social Presents: Charanga Agozá
Cuban dance music in the charanga tradition with salsa lessons and open dance
$10
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox - The Future Is Vintage World Tour
Swing · Jazz · Covers
Doors 7:00pm
Friday, November 6 · 4 shows
Hot Flash: An Early Dance Party
Club hits from the '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s with DJ Millbot & rotating guest DJs
