City Cast Madison logo

Your Guide to March 2026 in Madison

Posted on March 2
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

Three men playing musical instruments onstage

Madison’s The Kissers play their annual St. Patrick’s Day show at the High Noon Saloon on March 14. (Photo courtesy of The Kissers)

It’s that time of year when a 40-degree day feels like August after a long winter cold spell. If you’re itching to throw on a light jacket and get out to enjoy the city, I’ve got you covered in this month’s guide.

🧀 Say Cheese!

I just love the smell of cheese in the morning, and there’ll be a lot of it at Monona Terrace this week as the World Championship Cheese Contest takes over the convention center March 3-5. You can go for free to watch the judging yourself.

😺 The Cat Turns 300!

Cheshire Cat Comedy has been busy putting on unconventional shows featuring area comedians for a while now. They’re celebrating their 300th(!) show at Crucible on March 5, featuring Madison comedian Eli Wilz, some Chicago comics, burlesque and drag, and other surprises.

A crowd of people in an indoor lobby.

Overture Center will be packed on March 7 for its annual International Festival. (Photo courtesy of Overture Center)

🌎 Around the World in 8 Hours

Overture Center is bringing back its popular International Festival on March 7. Every corner of the arts center, from Overture Hall to the Rotunda, will be packed with free live performances from local groups representing every part of the world, along with cuisine and arts and crafts for sale.

⌛ Great Scott!

It is your density to see the touring musical production of “Back to the Future” as it hits Overture Hall March 10-15. The high-energy show features songs from the movie (including “Johnny B. Goode”), some new tunes and, yes, a working DeLorean.

An old man and a teenager pointing at a model of a town square.

Daniel Josefsberg and Lucas Hallauer star in the musical version of “Back to the Future.” (Photo by Evan Zimmerman)

🎤 R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means To Me

In honor of Women’s History Month, some of Madison’s best female musicians come together each year to honor their heroes at “RESPECT: A Celebration of Women in Music.” The eighth annual edition on March 7 at the Majestic Theatre features Helen Feest singing Amy Winehouse, Teresa Marie singing Etta James, and many more.

☘️ Kiss Me, I’m Irish

It just wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in Madison without Irish rockers The Kissers playing their annual show at the High Noon Saloon on March 14.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison's Best

See All
Madison's BestSeptember 8

Ann Garvin Has a Surprise in Store For Her Readers

Madison author Ann Garvin shares her glee in throwing readers a curveball with her poignant, messy new novel, hitting stores September 8.

Author Ann Garvin poses in front of a red wall.
Madison's BestSeptember 1

What To Do in Madison in September 2026

Discover the best things to do in Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2026! From vibrant fall festivals to concerts and athletic events, pla...

A post for the theater show "Steady as She Goes" by Erica Berman. An illustration of a woman with blue flowing hair that looks like ocean waves.
Madison's BestAugust 17

Madison Artist Knocks It Out of the Park With Brewers Mural

Madison artist Emily Balsley unveils her new "Seventh Inning Stretch" mural at Fitchburg’s McKee Farms Park, inspired by her Brewers T-sh...

A woman paints a mural on a wall. The mural has a cornflower blue background and is populated with people and animals in Brewers uniforms and caps..
Madison's BestAugust 6

The Best Fish Fries in Madison

Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Madison has lots of options. Here are some of our favorites, including Dexter’s Pub,...

A plate of fried fish and french fries.
Madison's BestJuly 31

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan yo...

The City Cast Madison team stands in front of a pop-up tent at the 2025 Magic Pride Festival.
Madison's BestJuly 17

An AC/DC Fan’s Guide to Madison

Get all the details for the AC/DC Power Up Tour at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison! Discover how to get tickets, show times, and where to...

Brian Johnson of AC/DC stands on stage with his arms extended out the side during a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Madison's BestJuly 7

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

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...

A crowd of people wearing colorful t-shirts and bracelets smile at a Phish concert.
Madison's BestJuly 1

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Plan your perfect July in Madison with our ultimate guide. Discover top summer events like Fete de Marquette, Maxwell Street Days, and At...

A large group of people sit at tables on a terrace overlooking the beach.

The latest in Madison

Madison, ExplainedSeptember 21

Big Changes Planned For Madison’s Breese Stevens Field

As Breese Stevens enters its second century, its owners plan to increase the number of concerts and events. But some neighbors of the fie...

A band playing on an outdoor stage in front of an audience.
Madison, ExplainedSeptember 15

The House on the Rock Is Even Weirder Than You Think

Located about an hour west of Madison, The House on the Rock is one of Wisconsin's most infamous, and certainly oddest, tourist attractio...

People in a narrow room covered in glass.
Madison, ExplainedSeptember 15

How To Guard Against Ticks in Wisconsin This Fall

Tick season isn't over yet. Learn what to expect from fall tick activity in Dane County and get expert tips on how to protect yourself an...

A close-up photo of a small eight-legged insect on a human arm.
Madison NewsSeptember 14

How the Historic Meta Settlement Will Impact Wisconsin

Get the details on Wisconsin’s $200M share of the historic $17B Meta settlement as Attorney General Josh Kaul joins City Cast Madison to...

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul stands at a podium
Food & DrinkSeptember 10

How the Essen Haus Has Avoided the Wrecking Ball...So Far

Celebrate Oktoberfest 2026 at Madison's iconic Essen Haus on Saturday, Sept. 12! Enjoy a full day of live indoor/outdoor music, German be...

The front of The Essen Haus - a grey building with gold trim. The restaurant sign is pink.
Madison NewsSeptember 9

How the U.S.-Canada Trade War Could Hurt Wisconsin Farmers

Canada has retaliated with $20 billion in tariffs against the U.S. following a breakdown in trade talks. Here is how these new trade barr...

a brown cow looks out through a holding pen.
Food & DrinkSeptember 3

Where To Eat Halal in Madison

Madison’s first-ever Halal Restaurant Week runs Sept. 4-13. Discover local restaurants offering special menu options prepared in accordan...

A plate of meat and vegetables.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 31

How Voit Farm Will Transform Madison’s East Side

For 160 years, the 65-acre Voit Farm was a Madison fixture. Explore the ambitious new redevelopment plan bringing hundreds of homes, gree...

Two large blue buildings under construction.