There’s no better time to explore downtown Madison than in the summer, and no better place to start than Capitol Square. Whether you're heading there for live music, fresh produce, or an afternoon of local art and food, the Square offers something almost every day of the week this season. Here's what to know, and what not to miss, this summer on the Square.
Art Fair on the Square
Saturday, July 12 – 9 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, July 13 – 10 AM – 5 PM
The 67th annual Art Fair on the Square returns this July with over 500 artists from across the country. Hosted by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), this two-day event attracts nearly 200,000 people and showcases a diverse range of art forms, including sculpture, jewelry, photography, and handwoven textiles.
In addition to art, there’s live music, plenty of food vendors, and a Beer and Wine Garden open from 11 AM to 9 PM Saturday and until 5 PM Sunday. Admission is free, and whether you're buying or just browsing, it's one of the best ways to experience Madison’s creative community and the energy of summer downtown.
Concerts on the Square
Wednesdays in July – 7 PM
Capitol Lawn
A Madison staple since 1984, Concerts on the Square returns for its 2025 season with four weeks of free, open-air performances by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. The concerts take place on Wednesday evenings on the Capitol lawn and regularly draw thousands of locals and visitors alike.
This year’s lineup includes:
July 9 – American Song, featuring soprano Angela Brown
July 16 – Mozart & Mahler, with guest soloists
July 23 – Dark Side of the Moon tribute with Jeans 'n Classics
July 30 – Shostakovich & Beethoven, featuring pianist Sylvia Jiang
You can bring a blanket and snacks, or reserve a table in advance if you want a more structured setup. Either way, it’s a great midweek break and an easy way to enjoy downtown Madison in the summer.
Saturday on the Square: Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through November 8
6:15 AM – 1:45 PM
No summer list is complete without a mention of the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-only market in the country. On Saturday mornings, vendors line the Capitol Square with farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and local specialties. Everything you see is grown or produced by the seller, making each purchase feel that much more special.
Get there early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best selection. And don’t forget your reusable bags, you’ll leave with more than you planned for (in the best way).
Downtown Sounds of Summer
Sundays through August 31
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Rotary Plaza & N Francis Plaza
If you’re downtown on a Sunday, you might hear live music coming from unexpected places. That’s part of the charm of Downtown Sounds of Summer, a series of pop-up performances happening weekly at two locations: Rotary Plaza near the Children’s Museum and N Francis Plaza near State Street. The performances feature a rotating lineup of local musicians, including acoustic sets, singer-songwriters, and jazz duos. It's casual, family-friendly, and pairs well with a stroll through the city or a stop at a nearby coffee shop.
Some upcoming acts:
July 13: Wendy Markus & Benjamin Scully
July 20: Dana Perry & Jordan Kowalski
July 27: Artists TBD
Living at West Madison Apartments means you’re never far from the action, and this summer, Capitol Square is where you’ll want to be. Whether you’re spending an afternoon at the Art Fair, grabbing produce on Saturday mornings, or winding down your Wednesday with a concert under the stars, Capitol Square has something for you.
Summer in Madison is here, and it’s happening on the Square.