Madison Events to Check Out This Weekend: Oct. 22-25, 2026

an empty wooden stage in a cozy local event venue, featuring a microphone stand and an acoustic guitar resting on a stand, exposed brick walls, and scattered em

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Your Guide to Madison Events This Weekend

This weekend, Madison is packed with a diverse range of events. From live music and theater to science and cultural festivals, locals and visitors will find plenty of entertainment and enrichment opportunities between October 22 and 25, 2026.

Wisconsin Science Festival Highlights

The Wisconsin Science Festival continues through October 25, offering hundreds of events throughout the state. In Madison, noteworthy happenings include the WhySci Variety Show, hosted by Ben Rush at Majestic Theatre on Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m., and the SoundWaves program, "The Beginning of Everything," at Hamel Music Center on Friday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. Find the full listing of programs at wisconsinsciencefest.org.

Klez Fest Midwest Brings Klezmer Music to Madison

Klez Fest Midwest takes place October 22–25, with events centered at the UW Hamel Music Center and other venues. The festival focuses on klezmer music, featuring The Klezmatics as the headliner with an anniversary performance of their "Wonder Wheel" project on Sunday, October 24 at 2 p.m. The festival also includes a dance party and WORT-FM benefit at the East Side Club on Sunday evening. Most events are free; more details can be found at klezfestmidwest.org.

Live Music Across Town

Andy Moore, Whitney Mann, JT Spartz: The "Harmonious: A Songwriter’s Showcase" series comes to Harmony Bar on Thursday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m.
The Rousers: Rock out at Atwood Music Hall on Friday, October 23 at 8 p.m. with a rare performance from this Madison classic.
Leo Sidran: The accomplished musician and Madison native celebrates his 50th birthday at Bur Oak Friday, October 23 at 8 p.m.
The Evil Twins: Reunite for a special concert at Atwood Music Hall, Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
Flying Fuzz and Zipper album releases: Celebrate new albums from two Madison bands at Crystal Corner Bar, Saturday, October 24 at 8 p.m.

Theater, Art, and More

GLEAM at Olbrich Gardens: The annual light art installation runs Wednesday–Saturday with the final regular hours on October 24. Timed entry tickets are available in advance at olbrichgleam.org.
Annie: The beloved musical returns with performances by Children’s Theater of Madison at Overture-Capitol Theater, running from October 24 through November 1.
The Compass: University Theatre's interactive play about AI ethics is at UW Vilas Hall-Mitchell Theatre through October 25, inviting audiences to act as a jury in each performance.
Taking Sides: Madison Public Theatre stages the Ronald Harwood play through October 24 at Bartell Theatre.
The Green Room: Behind-the-scenes theater comedy runs through October 31 at Martin Street Theatre.

Special Events and Festivals

Nobel Prize Celebration: Join the tribute for UW-Madison physics professor Francis Halzen, recent Nobel winner, on Friday, October 23 at UW Memorial Union. The in-person event is full, but a livestream is available on YouTube, with watch parties at Memorial Union and Union South.
National Mustard Museum 40th Anniversary: Celebrate in Middleton on Saturday, October 24 from noon to 3 p.m. with free hot dogs, special mustards, a new exhibit, and a baseball-themed program starting at 1 p.m.
DeltaWeen: Enjoy the Halloween-themed Madison Makers Market pop-up at Delta Beer Lab on Saturday, October 24 from 3 to 8 p.m., featuring costumes, trick-or-treating, and crafts. Note: The brewery ends regular operations after October 25.
August Lamm Book Event: Discuss strategies for low-tech living at Lake City Books on Sunday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m., with the author of "You Don’t Need a Smartphone."