2024 Terrace programming — including live music, movies, outdoor recreation events, arts activities — celebrates summer by the lake
Posted: 05/07/24
Summer has almost arrived, and with it, the return of free and low-cost programming on the Memorial Union Terrace — including live music, film screenings, arts opportunities, outdoor recreation and more.
Bedecked with 2,000 orange, yellow and green sunburst chairs and tables, the Terrace will continue its legacy as Madison’s 40,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination alongside Lake Mendota.
New this year, individuals can celebrate the season with the purchase of a limited-edition Summer by the Lake Terrace Bundle, complete with exclusive Terrace-themed merch, a gift card and tickets to top Terrace season events, including a food and beverage tasting. Patrons may purchase bundles online until May 20.
“The Terrace is the place to enjoy all that summer by the lake has to offer,” said Heidi Lang, Wisconsin Union principal student engagement officer. “Whether you’re looking to catch your next new favorite band on our stage, soak in Lake Mendota from the seat of a kayak, enjoy a blockbuster hit under the stars or share a meal with loved ones around a Terrace table, we have it here for you.”
Each week this summer, the UW Credit Union Summer Stage will feature four nights of free live outdoor music performances, as well as Lakeside Cinema outdoor film screenings – all planned and presented by the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music and Film Committees. Music performances on the Terrace will begin with Madison-based-band Generation Jones on May 10 at 7 p.m. Weekly film screenings will take place Mondays at 9 p.m., starting with a showing of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” on June 3.
Terrace seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the Wisconsin Union team will aim to host music performances and film screenings in der Rathskeller in Memorial Union whenever possible.
Patrons can explore Lake Mendota and beyond with Outdoor UW’s low-cost paddlecraft rentals – including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards – and outdoor recreation events, which include family-friendly paddling adventures, guided hikes and more. Rentals open May 10.
The Terrace Art Zone will return May 29, offering a series of free art projects for patrons to enjoy on the Terrace Wednesday through Saturday from 5-8 p.m. Presented by Wheelhouse Studios, the Wisconsin Union’s open-arts studio, project options will include decorated flower pots and gift bags. Handmade works of art and DIY art kits will also be available for purchase at the Terrace Art Cart during select hours starting May 10.
The Wheelhouse team will also host Paintacular, Madison’s largest group paint experience, on Sept. 2. This instructor-led free event is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy multiple on-site dining options at both Memorial Union and the Terrace, including cookout classics from the Brat Stand, pub food from der Rathskeller, frosty treats from the Daily Scoop and pitmaster staples from the BBQ Stand.
On Lakeside Cinema nights, the Brat Stand will offer $1 hot dogs, chips and sodas starting at 8 p.m. as an exclusive film screening evening deal.
Students ages 16 and older interested in joining the Wisconsin Union team can visit union.wisc.edu/jobs to learn more about available positions.
The Wisconsin Union is a nonprofit organization that does not receive any taxpayer dollars to support its Terrace operations, Terrace season events or year-round patron services, such as its open arts studio and outdoor recreation. Purchases at Wisconsin Union dining options and online store, tax-deductible donations and membership purchases help make Terrace season, Wisconsin Union experiences and student leadership opportunities possible.
For a complete and up-to-date calendar of Terrace events, visit TerraceSummer.com. The current schedule can be found below.
In addition to Wednesday open mic nights, the Terrace season live music schedule includes:
- May 10: Generation Jones
- May 11: The Mersey Brothers featuring Sean Michael Dargan
- May 16: Echo Rays
- May 17: Frogwater, Dana Perry, After August
- May 18: Johnny Chimes and the Natch'l Blues Band
- May 23: Dogtown Hollow
- May 24: Louka Patenaude, The Cajun Strangers
- May 26: Benan
- May 30: The Cash Box Kings
- May 31: Dusty Road Duo, Ladies Must Swing
- June 1: Mr. Chair
- June 6: Northern Comfort
- June 7: The Emmylous, Pat McCurdy
- June 8: The N’achos
- June 13: Rafe Carlson
- June 14: Stephanie Rearick, The Periodicals
- June 15: Madison Jazz Festival performances, presented by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times
- June 16: Madison Jazz Festival performances, presented by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory with sponsorship support from The Capital Times
- June 20: Annie & the Oakies
- June 21: Caravan, Precarious Towers
- June 27: No Name String Band
- June 28: Los Chechos, Combo Noir
- June 29: Steely Dane
- July 4: Bascom Hill, The Mascot Theory
- July 5: B.J. Fisher, The Who Dat?
- July 6: Rare Element
- July 11: The Material Boys
- July 12: Wise Jennings, PHUN
- July 13: Son del Atlántico
- July 18: The MilBillies, The Whiskey Farm
- July 19: Inside Pocket, Linda & the ZEROs
- July 20: Joy Dragland & Louka Patenaude, The Blue Olives
- July 21: All That Jazz Big Band
- July 25: Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
- July 26: Scott Damgaard, Wristwatch, The German Art Students
- July 27: DJ Nick Nice, Kevin Willmott & Alex White, Panchromatic Steel
- Aug. 1: The Western Flyers
- Aug. 2: Ryan Meisel Quartet, BingBong
- Aug. 3: Novel Folly, STEEZ
- Aug. 4: The DB Orchestra
- Aug. 8: Madison County
- Aug. 9: Ted Hefko, Star 67
- Aug. 10: Son del Atlántico, Latin Pride Orquestra, Rebulú Group
- Aug. 15: Nate Gibson & the Stardazers
- Aug. 16: Tomato Box, Trapper Schoepp
- Aug. 17: Ida Jo, Louie & The Flashbombs
- Aug. 22: They Talk TOO Much, SpareTime Bluegrass
- Aug. 23: Strings to Roam, Brett Newski
- Aug. 24: Grupo Balança, The Handphibians
- Aug. 25: Ready Revolution
This summer’s outdoor film themes and titles include:
- Summer “Camp”!
- June 3: “Barbie,” PG-13
- June 10: “Moonrise Kingdom,” PG-13
- June 17: “The Parent Trap,” PG
- June 24: “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” R
- Summer Lovin’
- July 1: “Crazy Rich Asians,” PG-13
- July 8: “Notting Hill,” PG-13
- July 15: “The Princess Bride,” PG
- July 22: “Love & Basketball,” PG-13
- July 29: “Anyone but You,” R
- Return of the Disas-Terrace
- Aug. 5: “Jaws,” PG
- Aug. 12: “Nope,” R
- Aug. 19: “M3GAN,” PG-13
- Aug. 26: “Jurassic Park,” PG-13
Outdoor recreation events through Outdoor UW include:
- May 18, June 15, Aug. 4 and 25: Family paddling night on Lake Mendota
- May 24, June 7 and 22, July 27: Picnic Point hike and beverage on the Terrace
- June 1, July 7, Aug. 11: Paddle to Picnic Point
- June 20, July 21, Aug. 17: Stand-up paddleboarding and beverage on the Terrace
Events are subject to change. Visit TerraceSummer.com for more information.