Photo credit: Chris Collins
As a hot summer day comes to an end, Madison’s nightlife can be as relaxed or as active as you like. There’s something to inspire around every corner: outdoor concerts on the lawns and streets of the State Capitol, bursting sunsets over the city’s lakes, intimate dining spots lining State Street, and the national pastime under the lights.
Photo credit: Jeff Miller
With a backdrop of starry skies and a glistening Lake Mendota, the Memorial Union Terrace could easily be your go-to destination every night in the summertime. Lakeside Cinema, the summer-long outdoor film series, provides the ultimate laid-back Madison experience with an opening act that never gets old: a spectacular sunset.
Photo credit: Mike DeVries, Capital Times
Free music, under the stars, on a Friday night. Held in the shadow of the state capitol, the Majestic Theater books a full spate of national touring bands, creating an intimate space for listening to music on a hot summer night.
Photo credit: David Brown
Order up a bacon-maple funnel cake and find your seat. You’re in for a charming night of collegiate league baseball courtesy of the Madison Mallards, complete with zip-lining mascots, on-field contests, and bobblehead giveaways. Just beyond right field is the popular Duck Blind, a patio where you can eat, drink, and socialize under the stars.