Your Daily Guide

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.

🤔 So What Is Phish, Anyway?

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) to experience their live concerts.

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.

🎟️ Can I Get a Miracle?

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.

🚗 How To Get There

There are several parking garages around the Kohl Center operated by UW Athletics, but they can fill up fast. Lots open at 5 p.m. 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.

As another option, 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!

🌱 What’s the 411 on 420?

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 possession is decriminalized in Madison, and police won’t pursue charges without a reason. Similar products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC are also legal (for now).

⚽ Game Over For Edgewood Field Dispute? After years of acrimony between Edgewood High School and some of its neighbors over a proposed athletics field expansion, a solution may be in sight. Two neighborhood associations approved a two-page joint statement with the college in support of a targeted sound system and other upgrades to the fields. [ 🔒WSJ]

💻 Epic Systems President Stepping Down: Sumit Rana, the president of health records titan Epic Systems, told staff in an email Friday that he will leave the Verona-based company in August to spend time with his mother in India following his father’s death. Rana was seen as the eventual successor to company founder Judith Faulkner, who is 82. [InBusiness Madison]

🇨🇺 A New Cuban Restaurant is Coming: The Cubarican’s Cocina food trailer will become a sit-down restaurant on Cottage Grove Road next month, offering a mix of Cuban and Puerto Rican Food. It will be the first Cuban restaurant in Madison since Guantamara closed on South Butler Street in 2005. [ 🔒WSJ]

🚨 Police Fix Crime Data Errors in Report: After errors were discovered in its crime statistics, the Madison Police Department has corrected its annual report. The report had transposed liquor law violations in the Central District and the North District. [Cap Times]

🖼️ Rare Virgil Abloh Prints To Benefit UW: Four rare Wisconsin-themed prints designed by the late fashion designer and UW grad Virgil Abloh are going up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York City. The proceeds will go to a scholarship in his name. [Wisconsin Alumni Association]

🎥 UW Police Taking Down Flock Cameras: The UW-Madison Police Department will take down controversial Flock surveillance cameras on campus and will not renew its contract with the company. The department is following similar moves in local and county government over concerns about privacy issues.

• On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling talk about the latest push against Flock cameras. They also talk with Mike Smale of the Clean Lakes Alliance about why Madison’s lakes are so stinky this summer! [News 3, 🎧City Cast Madison, Clean Lakes Alliance]

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

Known as “The Spirit of Greenbush,” this statue on Regent Street honors Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood!

🎉 Congratulations to Julie R., Doug O., and Rachel S. for being the first three people to guess correctly!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

Where is this mural located? A few clues:

• It’s on State Street
• It’s in a restaurant known for its sandwiches and wraps
• It’s mentioned in today’s article on Phish!