austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Madison

Rob Thomas

This week, Madison is the exact center of the jam-band universe. The venerable rock band Phish is kicking off its 2026 summer tour with two shows at the Kohl Center, July 7 and 8.

If you’re in town for the shows and want to connect with other Phish Heads (or “phans”), here’s what you need to know – from ticket info, pre- and post-show parties, and, of course, our local weed laws.

First of all, for those locals who are wondering what all the fuss is about, Phish was formed in Burlington, Vermont back in 1983. Blending different genres and known for their lengthy improvisational jams, Phish ensures that no two of the over 2,000 shows they’ve played are ever the same, building a large and loyal audience who will travel far (

including 13 shows at Las Vegas’ Sphere

The two shows in Madison kick off a busy summer for Phish that includes 

five nights at Taylor Swift’s wedding venue

 and two nights at Boston’s Fenway Park, so it’s a big deal that they decided to start the tour here.

If you haven’t gotten tickets yet, you’re not out of luck! 

The Kohl Center opened up a bunch of $118 tickets behind the stage for both shows

, and there’s a few more tickets ($96-130) scattered here and there in the arena.

There are several parking garages around the Kohl Center

 operated by UW Athletics, but they can fill up fast. 

 A bunch of privately-owned lots will also offer spaces to park, and there is neighborhood parking, although you might have to walk a bit.

the Annex is offering a free shuttle to and from the stadium

 as part of its pre-show party. If you’re a local, expect the area around the Kohl Center and Regent Street to be busy!

Not to generalize about Phish fans or anything, but you might 

want to know about Madison’s weed laws before you come to town

. TL;DR: recreational marijuana is illegal in Wisconsin, but 

, and police won’t pursue charges without a reason. Similar products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC are also legal (

Speaking of pre-show parties, in addition to the Annex, 

Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge will be pre-gaming starting at 1 p.m.

 with themed tacos and cocktails and DJ Mars Starstuff spinning jam bands on vinyl. 

Joe Marcinek is playing a free show on the patio at the High Noon Saloon

Hungry? I’d recommend starting your Madison experience with brats, beer, and cheese curds on the 

, which is only three blocks from the Kohl Center. Closer to the arena, get an iconic Madison burger at either 

 on Frances Street, some great vegetarian tacos at 

, or head down Regent Street for some terrific fried chicken at 

After the show, head over to Liquid to see 

Pink Floyd-Talking Heads-Fish cover band Pink Talking Fish

If you’re looking for late-night eats, 

 offers sandwiches and wraps until 2 a.m.

If you’re nursing a hangover the next day, or just need to clear your head, downtown Madison has many 

 to perk you up. Or maybe head outside and enjoy the 

natural beauty of the city with a rejuvenating hike

Are you going to see Phish in Madison at the Kohl Center this week? Here’s what to know, from your chance to score last-minute tickets to the best places to hang out with other Phish fans before and after the show.


What Phish Fans Should Know About Madison

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

Almost immediately after it was announced, the “Bucky-n-Booms” Fourth of July celebration on Lake Mendota was renamed “

” after organizers decided not to host a fireworks display after all. Still, it will be a full day of fun on both the UW Memorial Union Terrace and the Edgewater Hotel, with events including outdoor yoga, live music, and a performance by the Mad City Ski Team.

 from July 9-12 is bigger than ever, with four days of live music, food and drink, kids’ activities and much more. While many of the acts have a French twist, you can also catch heavyweights like Los Lobos (July 9 and 12), Shemekia Copeland (July 10), and tons of great local acts.

Head down to State Street from July 16-19 

 and get great deals from all sorts of local businesses, from iconic State Street institutions like Jazzman to the Soap Opera to newcomers like Raygun. Restaurants will offer expanded outdoor cafe seating on the pedestrian mall.

Lake City Books is moving into a much larger space

 across the Capitol Square, and is planning a grand opening celebration on the weekend of July 17. Pick up your next favorite read, then dive into Chapter 1 on the bookstore’s new outdoor patio with a glass of vino from the new wine bar.

The Urban League of Greater Madison is sponsoring its 

 on July 25 at the Black Business Hub, featuring food and drink, live music, and lots of local vendors.

AtwoodFest returns to Atwood Avenue on July 25 and 26

, featuring three stages of live music, food and drink from local vendors and crafts from local artisans. City Cast Madison will have a table there, so swing by and say hey!

For even more events, you can always keep up with what’s going on in Madison with 

If you’re a Neighbor, you get early access to events!

Madison Magazine put together this roundup

Plan your perfect July in Madison with our ultimate guide. Discover top summer events like Fete de Marquette, Maxwell Street Days, and AtwoodFest. Click to explore live music, food, and local festivals!

Things to Do in Madison: Your July 2026 Guide

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is June 19, a chance for all Americans to celebrate the end of slavery. Here’s the origins of what some call “America’s second Independence Day,” and what’s going on in Madison to celebrate the occasion.

host Bianca Martin talks about Juneteenth in Madison

 with executive producer Hayley Sperling, and local marketer Liz Boyd as part of our weekly “Good On Ya!” segment. Also, City Cast Madison is going to be off on June 19 for the holiday, so there will be no new podcast in your feed or newsletter in your inbox that day.

Regent Street Redesign, Tourism Boom, and Juneteenth Events in Madison

A combination of “June” and “19th,” 

Juneteenth commemorates a very specific event

 during the Civil War. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, about 250,000 slaves in Texas were not freed. It took two years, until June 19, 1865, for Texas slaves to be freed after Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the proclamation.

The first Juneteenth celebrations took place the following year in Texas. As Black Texans moved across the country, they brought Juneteenth with them, and it became one of the oldest African American holidays.

During the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, organizers pushed to have Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed legislation making it a holiday the following year.

The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will celebrate in the Capitol Rotunda at lunchtime, with a keynote address from Menomonie Ald. Camden Hargrove, the first openly trans Black man elected to public office in Wisconsin.

Fitchburg Senior Center and the Wright Place are joining together to celebrate the day with a mix of musical and spoken word performances, with a keynote address from Dr. Charles Taylor, author of 

“Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom.”

 The event will culminate with a Juneteenth flag raising at Fitchburg City Hall.

Over the lunch hour, enjoy barbecue, lawn games, live music, and more at this celebration hosted by the Madison Senior Center.

Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination

 are joining together to present this TED talk-style event at the Black Business Hub, featuring a variety of storytellers, creatives and community leaders.

On the holiday itself, the Majestic Theatre is hosting this free late night dance party featuring Flame the Ruler, No Love Monday, Uchi Kinte, DJ Pain 1, and DJ Iron Mike.

 can play all sorts of genres, from Latin to funk to R&B, and they’ll play them all at this special Juneteenth Celebration at the High Noon Saloon. 

The city’s oldest and biggest Juneteenth celebration is hosted each year by the Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination. It starts with a parade at 11 a.m. at the Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St., which will head to Penn Park for an afternoon of music, food and dance to celebrate Black liberation.

The ‘Mingos’ home game at Breese Stevens Field against the New York Cosmos will also be a celebration of Black history and excellence. Last year, the team released a special pre-match top honoring Juneteenth.

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the holiday, including a parade on Saturday, concerts on Friday night, and an event at the Wisconsin Capitol.


Your Guide To Juneteenth in Madison

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison 

June is Pride Month, and Madison is a place 

that has celebrated LGBTQ+ culture since the early ‘70s

. The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, 

, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this month in Madison.

But how queer-friendly is Madison, really? 

, host Bianca Martin tackles this question with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and Sanders Weinberg, program coordinator with the Gender and Sexuality Center at UW–Madison.


Hot Takes on Madison's Queer Scene


Here are 11 ways to celebrate Pride Month in Madison.

The theme of June’s Night Market on State Street and the Capitol Square is “Celebrating Madison’s LGBTQ+ Culture.” In addition to downtown retailers and food vendors, the market will feature performances by Wisconsin drag icons and Marvelous Michelle, the Bubble Lady of Madison.

The Power Here is You: Lessons From Milwaukee’s Grassroots Response to AIDS

Historian and educator Vince Tripi will lead this free workshop at Pinney Library, looking at how Milwaukee activists responded to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and identifying strategies that can be applied to today’s community resistance efforts.

Madison’s LGBTQ+ theater company, StageQ, takes over the Bartell Theatre for a weekend of new play readings, one-act plays, and short scenes from new queer playwrights from across the country.

This family-friendly event in Stone Horse Green returns with a day of live music, food and drink, family activities, and queer-affirming businesses.

Atwood Music Hall will host this queer warm-weather event series, featuring live local DJs, drag kings, and more.

The three-day event returns to the Alliant Energy Center with queer artisans, a youth fair, a clothing swap, drag shows, and more. The Friday night event is 18+, while masks are required on Sunday.

Every month is Pride Month when you’re Damsel Trash, the Madison/Brooklyn queer punk duo. They’re celebrating their new album, “Battle Hymn of the Queerpublic,” at the Bur Oak in a joint album release show with fellow punkers Hey Ghost.

Bring your appetite and your dollar bills to the Bur Oak for this all-star lineup that includes host Bianca Lynn Breeze. Anya K Thunderkat, Bambii Banx$, Taaysty C Infiniti, and Aryiah J StKlare will be serving looks while Bur Oak serves pancakes and mimosas.

On the last Wednesday of every month, A Room of One’s Own hosts an open mic in its Reading Room. There are only 15 slots to perform, so get there early if you want a turn at the mic!

The Orpheum Theater transforms into a celebration of Madison’s LGBTQ+ community for this annual event. Get there early for “The Queen’s Court” in the lobby, featuring face painting, magic, and a pre-show soundtrack by DJ Femme Noir.

Then enjoy a high-energy drag show curated by Bianca Lynn Breeze, grab a themed cocktail at the bar, or browse for your next queer-forward read in The Smut Room pop-up bookstore. It’s a free event, although a limited number of VIP tickets are available that include access to the Pride Pit.

Come to Sun Prairie West High School for an afternoon of fun events, including face painting, drag story time and a parade, with the aim of surrounding all kids with love and support.

The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ gathering, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, isn’t actually until August, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this month in Madison.

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison, WI

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

Frank Lloyd Wright may be the most famous architect who ever lived. He called Madison home and his influence and artistic eye 

, from our most iconic buildings to hidden gems in residential neighborhoods.

, host Bianca Martin talks to March Sweitzer about Wright’s Unitarian Meeting House, which is celebrating its 

 with an array of events starting this week.

Experience One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Influential Buildings

Here’s your guide to some of his architectural feats in and around Madison, from iconic public buildings to private homes.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Wright transformed downtown Madison with his vision for Monona Terrace, with panoramic views of Lake Monona and a terrace that leads directly to the Capitol Square. He drafted the plans in 1938, but wasn’t finished until 1997, nearly 40 years after his death. Check out “Inspired by Wright,” a fourth-floor exhibit detailing Wright’s vision for Monona Terrace and for Madison.

 is this gorgeous structure Wright built for his congregation in 1946, whose triangular design is meant to evoke both a farm plow and a pair of praying hands.

Any Wright fans will plan a trip out to the Driftless Region to see Wright’s home and studio on a beautiful 800-acre piece of land near Spring Green.

One of Wright’s visions was to build affordable housing that had an uniquely American aesthetic. His first attempt (made for just $5,000) at “Usonian” (United States of North America) architecture was at 441 Toepfer St. for Herbert Jacobs, featuring natural materials in harmony with the environment and an open-plan interior. Wright would go on to build 140 “Usonian” homes, and his designs influenced ranch home architecture of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Wright won a competition in 1893, when he was only 26, to design this boathouse, featuring two towers connected by an arch. He also designed a boathouse for Lake Monona that was never built, but 

in recent years there’s been a groundswell of interest

This 1903 residence at 22 N. Butler Street was once known as the Rocky Roost, and features an asymmetrical design and a third story roof garden. Its mix of styles lead some to speculate that one of Wright’s employees, Walter Burley Griffin, actually oversaw the design while Wright was immersed in other projects.

In contrast to Wright’s sprawling Prairie homes, this private residence near Camp Randall sits on a hill and is a two-story monolith. Because it’s built across two axes converging on a central fireplace, it’s earned the nickname “The Airplane House.”

It can be hard to find this modest private home at 3650 Lake Mendota Drive, nestled on the shore of Lake Mendota in the Shorewood Hills neighborhood. The design and natural materials blend in perfectly with its natural surroundings, and features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the lake.

Wright’s passion for affordable Usonian housing for the middle class led to his interest in “prefab” housing packages. This one at 110 Marinette Place was built for a pair of married UW-Madison mathematicians.

Legendary designer Frank Lloyd Wright called Madison home and he left his mark on the city. Here's some of his most famous buildings, from the Unitarian Meeting House to some private homes worth seeing.

Visit Some of Frank Lloyd Wright's Most Iconic Madison Buildings

Your Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Madison

Just as the thawing of the lakes is proof that spring is here, the return of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s free outdoor concert series is a sign that summer is back. 

The series kicks off June 24 with a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John

🎸 This Music Festival Goes ‘TILT’!

At the other end of the musical spectrum is the two-night 

Mad With Power Fest on June 5 and 6 at the Sylvee

. Sponsored by local metal titans Lords of the Trident, it features two days of heavy metal bands and dozens of pinball machines throughout the Sylvee set to free play.

If you’re looking for a page-turner to take to the beach this summer, UW-Madison graduate Joseph Eckert is coming back to town to Lake City Books on June 11 

to talk about his new book, “The Traveler.”

 A father starts jumping forward in time, and his son tries to save him.

🎸 The World’s Skinniest Music Festival

Summer means the return of Madison’s east side neighborhood festivals, starting with the 

Marquette Waterfront Festival on the slender Yahara Place Park on June 13 and 14

. National headliners like Ratboys share the bill with local favorites like Lost Lakes, and there’s plenty of food and drink and activities for the kids.

Author Sara Gruen relied on the archives at Circus World in Baraboo when she was writing her hit novel “Water For Elephants.” So it’s fitting that 

Overture Hall is hosting the Wisconsin premiere of the new musical

June is Pride Month, and now more than ever we need inclusive and joyful spaces to be whoever we are. 

“Live on Queen” is a free event on June 26 at the Orpheum Theater

 that mixes a drag show, live music, and a little bit of magic to create a night to remember.

Does comedian Jay Leno own a pair of white jeans? He’ll need it as the headliner at the 

All-White Party, a star-studded affair June 27 at the Orpheum Theater

 to raise money for Boys & Girls club of Dane County. All-white attire is required, and Tyrese and DJ Spinderella will keep the party going.

Your Guide to June 2026 in Madison

Long before she actually saw the stage production of “RENT,” 

 was a girl listening to the cast album in her bedroom, imagining what Jonathan Larson’s romantic and iconic update of “La Boheme” would be like.

Today, Jefferson is an acclaimed director, serving as associate director for the Broadway productions of “The Wiz” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and most recently the resident director of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” This summer, she’s in Madison to bring her own vision to “RENT” as director of 

It will play at the Orpheum Theater for just four performances June 5-7

“Capital City Theatre has just been so supportive, and the cast, I couldn't have asked for a better cast,” said Jefferson while taking a break from rehearsals last week. “All of the pieces just seem to be falling into place. It feels almost too good to be true. I’m almost waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Jefferson talked about approaching such an iconic musical from a fresh perspective.

Do you think you approach “RENT” differently because you heard it well before you saw it?

I was living in New York when “RENT” came out, and I was going to a performing arts school, so I kind of had no choice but to hear it. It was everywhere! My mother was like “You’re not going to see this show as a teenager, that’s a little too young.” So I had that space to dream up what it looks like. Even in my room I’d be singing the songs and thinking, “It looks like this.” “Will I?”, “I'll Cover You,” “Your Eyes” – those numbers just spoke to me, and being able to recreate them this time in my vision? I cry every time.

How would you distill your vision for “RENT”?

My vision for “RENT” was honest. Over the last 30 years, some versions have gotten a little more heightened and theatrical than I would prefer. This was a really nice opportunity to just break it down and make it more about the story. The truth, the honesty, the rawness, the community of it all, the parallels from where we were 30 years ago and where we are now.

Maybe not using as much of that kind of Broadway theatricality of it all, and really just grounding everyone, so the story could be heard as well as felt.

It looms so large in the culture. How much do you owe to people’s perceptions of “RENT,” and maybe their memories of seeing it in the past, versus creating a vision of your own?

There were moments where I was very clear with my design team that I did not want it to look like any traditional version. I don’t want Roger in plaid pants. But then there were moments when I said “Oh, I want to keep this.” Especially because some of those moments are so important to the audience. I don’t want to rob them of that.

Is there something about the play that speaks differently to audiences in 2026 than it did 30 years ago?

Unfortunately not. It’s 30 years later, and we're still talking about housing insecurity and wealth disparity and health care access and gentrification and mistreatment of different communities. All of that is still very prevalent and that is heartbreaking.

I'm hoping that this will kind of hold up a mirror to audiences to just say, "Oh, okay. Where can I show compassion? Where can I recognize the similarities?”

Madison's Capital City Theatre is putting on a bold new version of the Tony-winning musical 'RENT' at the Orpheum Theater June 5-7. For its director, who has helmed "Stranger Things" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway, it's the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. 

Broadway Director Helms Madison Production of 'RENT'

How Madison’s Capital City Theatre is Reinventing ‘RENT’

There are many podcasts out there about writers and the writing life. But there’s likely only one where the host asks the writer who their favorite Green Bay Packer is.

 hosted by Madison writer Jeff Oloizia, which launched the first episode of its 10-episode debut season last week. Each week, Oloizia, a former New York Times editor, talks to a Wisconsin author about their work, the act of writing, and the ups and downs of making it as a writer in the Midwest, far from the publishing hubs of New York and Los Angeles.

The debut episode, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast players, features Madison essayist 

. The second episode, dropping Wednesday, features “Still True” author Maggie Ginsberg, whose next novel “Daisy Chain” will be released in 2027.

Oloizia talked to City Cast Madison recently about “Writing Forward.”

When I decided once for all that I wanted to stay put here and I wasn’t going back to New York, I thought “What can I make that will challenge me and add something to the literary community here?” I thought about starting a magazine, which in 2026 is a pretty tall order. But things have gotten to a point with podcasting that it’s pretty practical to start it up yourself.

As someone who aspires to publish books himself, I like to listen to people who are in the place that I want to be, talking about it. And I think it’s all the more powerful if they’re from the same place as I am.

Listening to the first episode, it really sounds like a conversation between two writers as opposed to an interview.

My hope is that it’s like overhearing two of your favorite writers in a bar. Which is not to say that I don’t want it to have structure and real purpose. Each of my guests I choose with some themes in mind. Sure, we’ll talk about somebody’s new book, but I really want to have a more holistic conversation about the writing life and their career.

On the new podcast "Writing Forward," Madison writer Jeff Oloizia interviews Wisconsin authors about their writing process, how to be successful as a Midwestern writer.

Madison's Best

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison

Latest articles

How to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Madison

Your Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright's Madison

Your Guide to June 2026 in Madison

How Madison’s Capital City Theatre is Reinventing ‘RENT’

Wisconsin Authors Are an Open Book on New Podcast

Your Guide to May 2026 in Madison

The Madison Mystery Tour Is Coming To Take You Away