Themed Music Weekends Bring the Beat to the Terrace
The unmistakable sound of live music floating across the Memorial Union Terrace: a sure sign that summer by the lake has returned to the Terrace with a months-long festival of entertainment and seasonal, delicious dining options.
This season, the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee is making your summer soundtrack even more unforgettable with a lineup of themed music weekends, each one a mini music festival.
Curated and hosted by the our student-led WUD Music Committee, these themed music weekends are open to students and non-students alike and are part of the Wisconsin Union’s larger summer by the lake festival of music, film screenings, art, outdoor recreation, and food.
Each themed weekend brings a different genre center stage at the iconic lakefront, outdoor destination, the Terrace. Here’s what’s coming up:
- Americana Weekend, July 4–5
Celebrate July 4th with music rooted in storytelling, acoustic traditions, and American folk and roots. - Blues and Funk Weekend, July 18–19
Soulful grooves meet high-energy brass in this dance-worthy weekend that’s guaranteed to get you moving. - Country Weekend, Aug. 7–8
From honky-tonk to heartfelt ballads, this weekend brings the warmth and rhythm of country music lakeside.
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, we usually move concerts indoors to der Rathskeller, the Wisconsin Union’s cozy, beer-hall-style venue filled with history, character and great acoustics.
Live Music, Multiple Nights a Week
Beyond themed weekends, you’ll find four nights of free, live music every week, most of the year. During warmer months, performances take place at the Terrace. When temperatures drop, performances move indoors to der Rathskeller.
Expect a mix of returning Midwest and national favorites and new voices in the music scene. This summer’s lineup includes classic Terrace time ensembles like VO5, Madison Mystery Tour, and Kinfolk. With every show curated by the WUD Music Committee, each night is a chance to find music you love and maybe discover something brand new.
The Terrace is more than a stage; it’s a full-on festival experience. With eight year-round indoor dining spots and two outdoor seasonal favorites, there’s no shortage of options to pair with your evening of music. Grab a brat from the Brat Stand, treat yourself to some Babcock Ice Cream at the Daily Scoop, or explore chef-created pizza recipes at Strada. Check out all the dining options here.
Join Us by the Lake
Whether you’re dancing to funk, swaying to jazz, or singing along to country, the Terrace is where music and summer meet. It’s where campus, community and vistiors come together to celebrate the season through sound, flavor and unforgettable lakefront vibes.
Explore the full Terrace lineup and plan your visit:
terracesummer.com.
