If you have a music-loving kiddo, there are lots of amazing opportunities to fuel that enthusiasm in Madison. Concerts, performances, theater, and so much more.
Get ready to dance, sing and cheer along at 5 of our favorite places to enjoy live music and performances with kids in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.
KIDS IN THE ROTUNDA
Head downtown to the Overture Center for the Kids in the Rotunda series, a music program designed to captivate families of all ages. The carefully selected lineup features a diverse range of entertainment, from folk musicians and drum performances to entertaining kid-friendly improv and energetic Indian dance. Designed specifically for children aged nine and under, these performances promise to captivate audiences of all ages. While you’re here, take a moment to savor a snack or coffee at the Rotunda Café and browse the small library to pick up a complimentary book to enjoy at home.
Unless noted, there are three show times to choose from: 9:30am, 11am and 1pm. Kids in the Rotunda is a free, family-friendly event. No tickets required.
Check out the Kids in the Rotunda website for the schedule and performer lineup.
Photo credit – overture.org/engage/kids-in-the-rotunda/
CHILDREN’S THEATER OF MADISON
Children’s Theater of Madison is a jewel of the Madison Theater community. Productions are selected to captivate, delight, or spark dialogue for a diverse span of age ranges (from the very young, up to young adults). The season includes classics, new and contemporary works, and musical theater. This coming season, music-loving kids will be delighted to see numerous options that are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Get your tickets and get ready to give these very talented performers a standing ovation!
2024 – 2025 Season
- The Magical Forest
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical
- A Christmas Carol
- Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
- Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play”
- The Trials
CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE
Concerts on the Square® has been bringing music to the Capitol Square for over 40 years, becoming a favorite Madison tradition for tens of thousands each year … including kids! These free concerts are held for six weeks every summer at the King Street corner of the Wisconsin Capitol Square. The food vendors and the Kids’ Area open at 5:00 PM. The Kids’ Area offers musical activities before or during the concert. Each concert begins at 7:00 PM and lasts approximately one and a half to two hours. Bring your picnic blanket, snacks and prepare to enjoy one of the most iconic Madison traditions.
MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS
The Madison Youth Choirs welcome students with a desire to sing, of a variety of ages. The ensembles value every voice and provide specific instruction to nurture each instrument in an environment comfortable for the student. There are choirs for students ages 7-18 and new members can enrollin the fall, spring and summer. Want to check out a performance? Check out the Events calendar!
MSO AT THE MOVIES
The best movies are backed by incredible music and there is something really special about seeing one of your favorite films with a live orchestra playing the score. The Madison Symphony Orchestra has two spectacular concerts coming up in this season, both perfect for kids.
- November 23, 2024 – Coco in Concert, Live to Film
- February 22-23, 2025 – Star Wars: A New Hope
Concerts are held at The Overture Center and tickets are available to purchase HERE
These are just a handful of the many opportunities for young music-lovers in Madison! We’d love to hear about your favorites as well.
