Departure of sunburst Terrace chairs from Memorial Union Terrace anticipated to begin Oct. 28
Posted: 10/14/24
The nonprofit Wisconsin Union anticipates that the 2,000 yellow, orange and green Terrace chairs and 431 tables will begin to make their exit from the Union’s outdoor dining and entertainment space, the Memorial Union Terrace, on Oct. 28. This date is subject to change based on multiple factors, such as staffing.
The Terrace chairs’ and tables’ departures mark the end of the Wisconsin Union’s outdoor film, music, and art entertainment series, known as Terrace season. The first full Terrace season occurred in 1929. Each year, the Union welcomes about 1 million patrons to the Terrace.
The Memorial Union Terrace opened for the 2024 Terrace season on April 17. Terrace season usually takes place from late spring to early fall each year. The season features free film showings, free concerts, free and low-cost art activities, seasonal dining options, and low-cost outdoor recreation experiences.
“We, at the Wisconsin Union, host experiences for a lifetime year-round, and, even though our event venues and restaurants are on a college campus, we are a community union that welcomes hundreds of thousands of community members and tourists throughout the year,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said.
The Wisconsin Union’s indoor dining options remain open after Terrace season ends. Indoor dining choices at Memorial Union include: the pub food destination der Rathskeller; the pasta and pizza eatery Strada; the sandwich and salad shop Carte; the desserts cafe Daily Scoop; the house-made baked goods and beverages stop Peet’s Coffee; the snacks, meals and beverages stop Badger Market; and the snacks and beverages restaurant der Stiftskeller.
In addition, for the first time since it opened in 2017, Lakeview Lounge is anticipated to remain open throughout the year. Lakeview Lounge features house-made pizza, shareables, a beer lineup with more than a dozen selections, and a Friday fish fry with hand-battered, wild-caught cod, house-made coleslaw and a side choice of waffle fries, potato salad, or cheesy hashbrowns.
Concerts, art events and activities, and free film showings continue at the Union’s indoor event venues post-Terrace season. Additional, upcoming events and activities include free art exhibitions, performing arts events, talks by thought leaders, bowling, free video and board games use, billiards, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and activities. Visitors can find a full list of Wisconsin Union events, which grows throughout the year, at union.wisc.edu/events.
Patrons’ purchases at Wisconsin Union dining locations and at the online Terrace Store help the Wisconsin Union provide free and low-cost experiences, its spaces, and student leadership opportunities, some of which provide academic stipends of up to 80% of in-state tuition. Patrons can also support this work through donations.
Guests can visit union.wisc.edu for information about Wisconsin Union dining options, events, services, and activities.