Explore special events, festivals, and event series happening throughout the year at the Union.
Special Events
Join Us
Current & Upcoming Special Events:
Sett Recreation Bowling League
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Looking for something fun to do this fall semester?
Make & Mingle
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Let Make & Mingle be your next fun outing. Each event features a different activity or theme, and all the materials are provided.
Badger Bash Tailgate Party
Join us 2½ hours before kickoff, every football home game, for gameday's best tailgate. Just steps from Camp Randall Stadium at Union South, Badger Bash offers food, drinks and entertainment—indoors and out.
Ready to Find Your People?
Everyone on campus has struggled at one time or another with feeling lonely or making friends -- it's okay and it's normal. Check out these events that have been designed to help you make connections!
Outdoor Explorer Series
Join us to learn new outdoor skills, improve upon your existing knowledge base, and/or develop new leadership techniques to expand your influence!
Outdoor UW Special Events
Outdoor UW offers seasonal events that your family and friends can enjoy!
Black Box Sessions
In the 2026–2027 Black Box Sessions, come hear what’s now next in R&B and neo-soul in intimate, club-style performances.
Classical Series
In the 2026–2027 Classical Series, world-class masters of their craft rub elbows with fresh-faced up-and-comers and tradition mingles with innovation across a mix of orchestral, chamber, and vocal music.
Jazz Series
Discover the vibrant panoply of jazz today in the 2026–2027 Jazz Series, where Grammy Award–winners enter new eras and established masters team up with the next generation.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile Ordering Made Easy with the Transact Mobile Ordering app.
Free Art Fridays
Free Art Friday events are completely free to join and no registration is required. Drop in, express yourself, and take home something memorable!
Game Watch
The Sett is becoming your new home to watch sports on campus! From Badger basketball and hockey to Love Madison pro volleyball, Milwaukee Brewers baseball, Milwaukee Bucks matchups and all things March Madness, we've got you covered!
Dance
Be moved by movement at Wisconsin Union Theater.
WUT Special Events
Our Special Events are just that: special. These performances defy categorization with undeniable artistry.
Theater & Storytelling
Spoken word and theatrical experiences you're sure to remember.
Limited-Edition Mini Terrace Chairs
The Wisconsin Union regularly releases a limited-edition mini version of its Terrace sunburst chairs, donating a portion of the proceeds to a charitable cause on campus. Wisconsin-based Wisco Industries crafts the 4-inch-tall chairs.
Past Special Events:
UW Homecoming Events
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We cannot wait for another week of festivities and Badger-filled fun! On, Wisconsin!
Oktoberfest at Memorial Union
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At Oktoberfest, there's fun for everyone, so be sure to bring all your friends and family! Enjoy traditional food and fare, live music, German games, stein decorating and much more.
Wisconsin Welcome Events
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The Wisconsin Union welcomes you back to campus with a ton of fun activities to help you get to know our spaces & places that make the Union a home-away-from-home for all students.
Irish Fest
Take advantage of food and drinks at the Union and grab a seat at the Terrace to enjoy performances from Tom Dahill, The Kissers, and The Young Dubliners.
Terrace Country
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Grab your boots and head to the Union for Terrace Country from July 9-12. Performances will begin late afternoon and extend into the evening.
Americana Music Weekend
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Stop by the Terrace for Americana Music Weekend on July 3 & 4! Enjoy performances from The Shabs, Nicole Lawrence, Brett Newski, and Scott Damgaard.
Terrace Art Zone & Art Cart
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Terrace Art Zone is a free, drop-in art-making experience for all ages and skill levels. Each week throughout the summer, we will feature a new activity with all supplies and instructions provided.
Graduation Week
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Celebrate with us! Enjoy free, live music on the Memorial Union Terrace, and multiple on-site dining options with ample first-come, first-served seating.
All Out! presented by Hoofer Ambassadors
All Out! is a FREE day of programming focused on introducing UW-Madison students to the outdoors.
WUD World Wide
WUD World Wide is an international festival celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our campus community! Immerse yourself in a showcase of performances, hands-on activities, displays from student orgs, and food from around the world.
Union South: 15th Anniversary
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Come and enjoy special moments at Union South all month long, as we celebrate 15 years of the newest Union South building.
Winter Carnival
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Come and enjoy all of the wonderful winter festivities our Hoofers students put together for us each and every season. Whether you want to cozy up inside with some crafts or come and explore a new outdoor activity there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Snowburst Bash
Explore activities throughout Sett Rec, Sett Pub, Varsity Hall, and the third floor. Enjoy games, live entertainment, great food, and plenty of ways to relax and connect with friends as you head into a new semester!
Frosty Feast
Usher in the season with the Wisconsin Union at Frosty Feast! Start your evening listening to holiday music before you are called to dinner in our iconic Great Hall.
Family Night on Lake Mendota
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Summer is too short to stay onshore, so bring your family to the Memorial Union Terrace for a fun evening on Lake Mendota!
Holiday Events, Gifts & Activities
Gifts and experiences for the holiday season.
Madison Jazz Festival
The festival’s weekend finale includes FREE performances at the Memorial Union Terrace with world-renowned headliners.
Wisconsin Union Summer Camps
Our weekly camps for children ages 8–16 offer something for everyone, with engaging programs designed to inspire, challenge, and support each camper’s growth.