The Wisconsin Union team will begin removing the Memorial Union Terrace’s 2,000 yellow, green and orange sunburst chairs Oct. 26, marking the end of the 2026 Terrace season.
The annual chairs removal signals a seasonal transition at the Lake Mendota gathering space where events, activities, outdoor recreation, seasonal dining options and the outdoor space draw approximately 1 million visitors each year.
The Wisconsin Union will continue to offer dining options, events and activities after Terrace season ends, including at its buildings Memorial Union, the Fluno Center and Union South.
“Every year, people make the Terrace part of their workdays, social lives and celebrations,” said Shauna Breneman, Wisconsin Union public relations and communications officer. “There’s still time to enjoy these last 2026 Terrace season days, and there are plenty of reasons to come back to Wisconsin Union spaces after the chairs leave.”
The Terrace opened in 1928, with its first full season taking place in 1929. Memorial Union and the Terrace are approaching their 100th anniversary in 2028.
After Terrace season ends, Wisconsin Union programming continues to include free art exhibitions, performing arts events, free lectures, outdoor recreation events and workshops, free concerts, free game watches, free film screenings and more. Visitors can also enjoy art-making at Wheelhouse Studios, outdoor adventures with the Wisconsin Hoofers, and bowling, billiards and board and video games at Sett Recreation in Union South.
Guests can also look forward to winter programming at the Terrace and other Union locations during the Union’s annual winter-themed event series, Winter Carnival, which is anticipated to take place Feb. 4-6, 2027.
The Wisconsin Union team anticipates that the seasonal dining option the Brat Stand will be open Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, after which it will close until spring 2027.
Memorial Union’s year-round dining options include der Rathskeller, Strada, Carte, the Daily Scoop, Peet’s Coffee, Badger Market, der Stiftskeller and Lakeview Lounge. Visitors can find menus and current hours at union.wisc.edu/dine.
Purchases at Wisconsin Union dining locations and the online Terrace Store help support free and low-cost experiences, Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) student leadership opportunities and community gathering spaces. Some student leadership positions provide academic stipends of up to 80% of students’ in-state tuition.
WUD student leaders plan most Terrace season programming and most of the Wisconsin Union’s more than 1,000 events each year.
“Through Wisconsin Union student leadership roles, students gain hands-on experience in event planning, finance, marketing, communications, teamwork and leadership,” Breneman said.
A calendar of Wisconsin Union events is available at union.wisc.edu/events.