Blog
A New, Limited-Time Pop-Up Experience at the Terrace
A new, limited-time experience is popping up this summer: the Terrace Pop-Up. Open Wednesday-Saturday from July 20 to Aug. 5, 4:30-10 p.m., the Terrace Pop-Up is a rare opportunity to secure your seats at the Shannon Sunset Lounge deck at our iconic outdoor dining and entertainment space, called the Memorial Union Terrace; we usually only offer Terrace seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not make reservations for before July 20. Your 90-minute reservation through the OpenTable app will provide you with guaranteed...
read moreWisconsin Union Joining in on Celebration of 175 Years of UW–Madison
A singer accompanied by his ukelele performs during Open Mic Night on the Terrace stage A birthday party 175 years-in-the-making will soon begin: on July 26 from 4-10 p.m., we at the Wisconsin Union will help kick off a months-long 175th anniversary celebration of the incorporation of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. UW–Madison began in 1848, and, not long after, our organization the Wisconsin Union started in 1908 with our famous building, called the Memorial Union, an outdoor dining and entertainment destination, called the...
read moreOnstage at the Wisconsin Union: Nate Gibson & the Stardazers
Nate Gibson’s love of music runs deep – he’s an audio-visual preservation archivist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Mills Music Library, radio show co-host at WORT’s Wednesday “Back to the Country,” author of “The Starday Story: The House That Country Music Built,” lecturer at UW–Madison’s Mead Witter School of Music, and a musician specializing in vocals, guitar, upright bass and trumpet. In short, if there’s a way to study, commemorate, or celebrate music, Nate is all about it. He’s the frontman and lead vocalist of Nate Gibson...
read moreKayak, Canoe, or Sail into Summer
The long-awaited warm days are here in Wisconsin, and our Outdoor UW team is here to help you make the most of this time with outdoor recreation equipment and experiences. Headquartered at Memorial Union in downtown Madison, Outdoor UW can help you kayak, canoe, or sail into summer. Explore Lake Mendota by Kayak No need to go up Nort’ to experience Wisconsin water by kayak. We have you covered in Madison, Wis., right on the shore of Lake Mendota, where Memorial Union has been for almost a century. Kayaking with Outdoor UW...
read morePride Month 2023
We invite you to download free Pride Month-themed computer and phone wallpapers designed in-house at the Wisconsin Union. You can also celebrate by visiting our building Memorial Union on June 21 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. during which time we will bring out Terrace chairs painted purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (totaling six chairs) in recognition of Pride Month. You are welcome to take pictures with the chairs. Looking to celebrate Pride Month and the Wisconsin Union’s efforts? You can do both by purchasing a Terrace Pride...
read moreLive it Up at Lakefront Live
What do you get when you combine free live music, rental paddlecraft, and incredible lake views? Lakefront Live, our beloved lake-facing concert, back for its second year as a three-event series after its extraordinary debut in 2022. Concertgoers enjoy bobbing on Lake Mendota while savoring sweet music from the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage at Lakefront Live. Photo by the Wisconsin Union. At Lakefront Live, the band turns 180 degrees on the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage to face Lake Mendota, playing toward an audience on canoes, kayaks,...
read moreFrom Spaceship-Making to Helping Create Gameday’s Best Tailgate, Soon-to-Retire Tim Gloeckler Leaves a Legacy of Flair, Kindness, and Service at the Wisconsin Union
Over the course of his time in the Wisconsin Union team, Tim Gloeckler has helped build a spaceship to make a Badger Bash tailgate experience special, coached a bowling team, and helped make the Union’s spaces safe – to name a few of his endless contributions. After 38 years at the Union, Tim is embarking on the adventure of retirement. Tim Gloeckler is pictured second from the left with Wisconsin Union and NBC15 team members at Badger Bash at Union South. His Wisconsin Union employment story, like so many Union team members,...
read moreWeathering the Weather: Experiences for a Lifetime Rain or Shine
Puddles of rain water dot the Memorial Union Terrace chairs and tables following a passing summer thunderstorm at University of Wisconsin-Madison at sunset on June 28, 2017. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW-Madison) You planned a weekend of relaxation and exploration around the outdoor activities offered at the Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union Terrace but learned of inclement weather making its way into town. You hoped to be able to lounge outside in the brightly colored sunburst Terrace chairs that glisten in the sun but now know their shine...
read moreTerrace Season, Six Ways
There’s never been a more wonderful time to visit the Terrace than this upcoming season. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and eat, explore the outdoors, or stretch your creativity, the Terrace is back and better than ever, with even more offerings so you can celebrate summer all day long. Follow inspiration with a free or low-cost Terrace art project Creativity can take you anywhere at the Terrace Art Zone. Photo by Savanna Lee. We’ve expanded our Terrace Art Zone to offer free outdoor art projects four days a week,...
read morePlan Your Bachelorette Party
Warm weather plus smiling faces and vibrant sunburst chairs can only equal one thing: the best time of the year at the Wisconsin Union, otherwise known as Terrace season. It’s not a coincidence that Terrace season happens to coincide with wedding season, since late spring to early fall is one of the most beautiful times to celebrate love with your friends and family. Why not kick off your wedding festivities by hosting a bachelorette party at the Wisconsin Union? From customizable crafts to catered cakes, the Union has got you covered...
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