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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Madison Events Lineup for October 8-11, 2026
From concerts and plays to art exhibits and sports, Madison is hosting a variety of events for all interests between October 8 and 11, 2026. Here’s a curated guide to the best local happenings around the city this weekend.
Madtown Doubledown: International Curling Tournament
Kick off your weekend with Madtown Doubledown, a mixed doubles curling bonspiel at the Madison Curling Club. Running October 8-11, this tournament includes both amateur and international competitors, such as McFarland Olympians Rebecca Hamilton and Matt Hamilton. The games start at 8 a.m. on October 8 and 9, and 8:30 a.m. on October 10 and 11. Tickets are available at the door.
Live Madison Music and Benefit Concerts
- Pause and Play (Thu, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m., Atwood Music Hall): This benefit concert supports “The People’s Film,” a documentary about the Fight for Our Lives Democracy Tour. The event features marimbist Eric De Los Santos, jazz-fusion trio Spacetime, bilingual rock band The Bridge, and performances from Def Sonic and The Earthlings. Attendees will also see documentary footage and can suggest final titles for the film. Tickets at theatwoodmusichall.com.
- Watershed Year Reunion (Sun, Oct. 11, 6 p.m., High Noon Saloon): Early 2000s Madison band Watershed Year returns for a one-night tribute to drummer Matt Hahn, joined by Things Fall Apart, Big Fat Ass, Warhawks, and Minneapolis's Loss Leader.
- Quintron & Miss Pussycat (Sun, Oct. 11, 8 p.m., Gamma Ray): The New Orleans duo headlines a lively show with music and puppetry, featuring local support from Wristwatch.
- Smashing Pumpkins (Sun, Oct. 11, 8 p.m., Kohl Center): The band brings "The Rats in a Cage Tour" to Madison, featuring a full set of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and tracks from their full catalog. Tickets at uwbadgers.evenue.net.
Madison Theater: Plays and Performances
- The Wiz (Through Oct. 11, Overture Hall): Experience the Broadway revival of The Wiz with choreography by JaQuel Knight. Performances are set for October 8–9 at 7:30 p.m., October 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and October 11 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets at overture.org.
- The Poisoner (Oct. 8-10, 7:30 p.m., UW Memorial Union-Play Circle): Inspired by Flint's water crisis, this new play follows a journalist’s investigation into his hometown’s water issues. Directed by Lee Sunday Evans, proceeds benefit the André De Shields Fund. Tickets at artsticketing.wisc.edu.
- Taking Sides (Oct. 9-24, Bartell Theatre): Madison Public Theatre presents Ronald Harwood’s dramatic account of conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, accused of Nazi collaboration. Performances Thursday–Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Tickets at bartelltheatre.org.
- Eurydice (Through Oct. 17, Bartell Theatre): Madison Theatre Guild revives Sarah Ruhl’s modern retelling of the Orpheus myth. Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., and October 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at bartelltheatre.org.
Madison Art Exhibits and Cultural Events
- GLEAM: Art in a New Light (Wed-Sat through Oct. 24, Olbrich Gardens): Experience art installations using light, with entry starting at 6:30 p.m. October 8 is Adults Only Night for ages 21 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance at olbrichgleam.org.
- Pressing Issues: Printmaking as Social Justice in 1930s United States (Through Dec. 13, Chazen Museum of Art): Explore New Deal-era lithographs highlighting social realism. A reception is set for Oct. 8, 5–7 p.m., with a talk from UW faculty. Register at eventbrite.com.
- Faust (Sun, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Arts + Literature Lab): Watch a screening of F.W. Murnau’s Faust with live musical accompaniment by Minneapolis duo ten thousand lakes. Tickets at artlitlab.org.
Cultural Festivals, Book Events, and More
- Decomposium (Oct. 9-11, Park Hall, Sauk City & Free Congregation Cemetery, Prairie du Sac): This eclectic symposium by Wormfarm Institute blends art, agriculture, and discussions on decay and green burial, featuring installations, workshops, and live music. Most events are free; advance registration required at wormfarminstitute.org.
- David McGlynn Book Release (Sat, Oct. 10, 5 p.m., Lake City Books): Madison author David McGlynn discusses his novel Liberal Arts, set at a small Wisconsin college. This free event encourages RSVPs via lakecitybooks.com.
- Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra: "Transcendence" (Fri, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., Overture-Capitol Theater): The Orchestra launches its 66th season focusing on works by living composers of color, including Stewart Goodyear’s Piano Concerto. Tickets at overture.org.
Plan Your Weekend in Madison
Whether you’re seeking Madison concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, or sports, the city’s vibrant calendar offers something for everyone. For more details and schedules, visit the official event websites.
Source: isthmus.com.
