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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Highlights of Madison Events This Weekend
Looking for things to do in Madison from October 15 to 18, 2026? The city comes alive this weekend with a rich mix of art exhibitions, festivals, live performances, and cultural events. From the Wisconsin Book Festival to theater, dance, music, and more, here’s what’s happening around town.
Art Exhibitions in Madison: "How We Got It Together"
Experience "How We Got It Together," an expansive exhibition featuring over 100 artists connected to UW-Madison, on view through October 18. The retrospective is displayed across three galleries — Gallery Seven in the Humanities Building, the Art Lofts Gallery, and the Art Lofts Backspace Gallery. It offers a chronological journey through works in media such as ceramics, textiles, paintings, sonic works, photography, and more. Each gallery features its own reception and artist talks between October 15–17. Full schedule: howwegotittogether.blog.
Wisconsin Book Festival: Celebrating 25 Years
The Wisconsin Book Festival marks its 25th anniversary, presenting over 80 authors at the Central Library and various downtown venues from October 15–18. Noteworthy guests include NPR's Scott Simon, Roz Chast (with co-author Jason Adam Katzenstein), and Ben Wikler. The festival offers readings, discussions, and special sessions, with a full schedule at wisconsinbookfestival.org. Discover the works of local and national authors during this packed celebratory weekend.
Wisconsin Science Festival Expands Statewide
The Wisconsin Science Festival runs from October 15–25, with a broad range of activities across the state. The Madison kickoff, "Science on the Square," collaborates with Madison Night Market on October 15, 5–9 p.m., featuring interactive scientific displays along State Street and Capitol Square. The UW-Madison campus hosts an open house at several science venues on October 17, from 9 a.m. Full event listings at wisconsinsciencefest.org.
Madison Theater & Live Performances
- Kanopy Dance Company opens its 50th season with "Without Borders" at Overture Center's Promenade Hall, October 15–18, celebrating José Limón's choreography. Tickets: overture.org.
- "The Compass" at UW Vilas Hall-Mitchell Theatre offers an interactive play exploring ethics and AI, October 15–25. Shows Thurs–Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. (no show Oct. 23). Tickets.
- Taking Sides runs at Bartell Theatre through Oct. 24, telling the story of German conductor Furtwängler after WWII. Shows Thurs–Sat 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on Oct. 24) and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Tickets.
- Leading Ladies Of Stage and Screen from Four Seasons Theatre honors iconic voices at Overture-Playhouse, Oct. 16–18. Performances on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 17–18 at 2 p.m. Tickets.
- The Green Room at Martin Street Theatre, Oct. 16–31, offers a backstage peek at theater life. Shows Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m., and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets.
Madison Music, Film & Cultural Events
- Women Make Movies Film Festival: Oct. 15, Barrymore, 6 p.m. Six shorts by women filmmakers, including "Real Indian," with post-screening discussion. Tickets.
- Music highlights: Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel (Oct. 15, Majestic, 8 p.m.), WURKestra (Oct. 16, Barrymore, 8 p.m.), Joey Stuckey (Oct. 17, Hamel Music Center, 7:30 p.m.), Pink Halo album release (Oct. 17, High Noon Saloon, 8 p.m.), Hometown Sweethearts (Oct. 17, Crystal Corner, 8 p.m.), and Josh Joplin Group (Oct. 18, Bur Oak, 8 p.m.).
- GLEAM light installations illuminate Olbrich Gardens through Oct. 24, Wed–Sat evenings from 6:30 p.m.; final night on Halloween. Tickets (advance only).
- Zine Out Loud: Oct. 17, Communication, 7 p.m. Live zine presentations featuring Hannah Hallman and others. Tickets.
- Passing the Mic Showcase: Oct. 17, WYSO Center for Music, 6:30 p.m. Hip-hop and urban arts with UW First Wave students. More info.
- “Bird, Blood, Bone” Book Launch: Oct. 18, Arts + Literature Laboratory, 2 p.m. Poetry and performance in honor of Rene Livingston-DeTienne (R.B. Simon).
More Madison Weekend Activities
For more about Madison events, including individual picks and the full weekend calendar, visit the Isthmus events calendar and find details on specific events at their respective websites. Whether you’re interested in books, science, dance, madison theater, music, or art, there’s something happening this weekend for every taste.
Source: isthmus.com.
