Editing Madison, Wisconsin (section)

==Arts and culture==
{{See also|List of public art in Madison, Wisconsin}}

===Attractions and museums===
[[File:Olbrich thai elephant1.jpg|thumb|[[Sala (Thai architecture)|Thai sala]] at the [[Olbrich Botanical Gardens]]]]

The [[Memorial Union (University of Wisconsin–Madison)|Memorial Union]] is a central gathering place on [[Lake Mendota]]. Memorial Union Terrace is home to uniquely designed "terrace chairs" with a sunburst design that have become a symbol of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uwunionstory.org/story/34/sunbursts-on-the-lake |publisher=Wisconsin Union |title=
Sunbursts on the Lake: The History of the Terrace and its Iconic Chairs |access-date=September 2, 2024 }}</ref> The Memorial Union hosts concerts, plays, and comedy and is home to multiple restaurants and ice cream shops serving both the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and the greater city.

[[Henry Vilas Zoo]] is a {{Convert|28|acre|adj=on}} public [[zoo]] owned by Dane County which receives over 750,000 visitors annually.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moe |first1=Doug |title=Zoo Gig Adds to 'Amazing Life' |url=https://madison.com/news/local/zoo-gig-adds-to-amazing-life/article_2664042b-213c-5273-a02f-49e63000c1b3.html |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=[[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date=July 23, 2009 |location=Madison, Wisconsin |page=A2 |language=en |id={{ProQuest|391531838}}}}</ref> It is one of ten remaining free zoos in North America.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Us|url=https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/about-us/|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Henry Vilas Zoo|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Axelrod |first1=Emma |title=Henry Vilas Zoo falls short on conservation mission, raising questions on place in Madison community |url=https://badgerherald.com/opinion/2021/09/21/henry-vilas-zoo-falls-short-on-conservation-mission-raising-questions-on-place-in-madison-community/ |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=[[The Badger Herald]] |date=September 21, 2021 |quote="It also prides itself on being one of ten zoos in the U.S. that remains free to the public."}}</ref>

[[Olbrich Botanical Gardens]] contains a 16-acre outdoor [[botanical garden]] and 10,000-square-foot [[conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Clark|first=Brian E.|title=Wisconsin botanical gardens and arboretums are a tropical escape in winter|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/weekend-getaway/2019/12/27/wisconsin-botanical-gardens-arboretum-winter/2740841001/|access-date=December 12, 2020|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|language=en-US|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204020039/https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/weekend-getaway/2019/12/27/wisconsin-botanical-gardens-arboretum-winter/2740841001/|url-status=live}}</ref> Founded in 1952 and named for its founder, [[Michael Olbrich]], the gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Noteworthy is the [[Sala (Thai architecture)|Thai sala]], a gift to the University of Wisconsin–Madison from the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and the government of [[Thailand]] through its king, [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Splinter |first1=Heron |title=Olbrich's Royal Thai Pavilion Needs Repair |url=https://www.wortfm.org/royal-thai-pavilion-repair-nearly-underway/ |access-date=March 18, 2023 |work=WORT-FM 89.9 |date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128105847/https://www.wortfm.org/royal-thai-pavilion-repair-nearly-underway/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Next to Olbrich is the Garver Feed Mill, a former industrial mill that is now home to  various restaurants, an event space, artisan markets, and an assortment of festivals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/garver-feed-mill/185207/|title=Garver Feed Mill &#124; Madison, WI|website=www.visitmadison.com}}</ref>

Art museums include the University of Wisconsin–Madison's [[Chazen Museum of Art]] and the [[Madison Museum of Contemporary Art]], which annually organizes the Art Fair on the Square. Madison also has independent art studios, galleries, and arts organizations, with events such as [[Art Fair Off the Square]]. Other museums include [[Wisconsin Historical Museum]] (run by the [[Wisconsin Historical Society]]),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Historical Museum |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050930233830/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/ |archive-date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Wisconsinhistory.org}}</ref> the [[Wisconsin Veterans Museum]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Veterans Museum |url=http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016071235/http://museum.dva.state.wi.us/ |archive-date=October 16, 2006 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Museum.dva.state.wi.us}}</ref> the LR Ingersoll Physics Museum,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.physics.wisc.edu/ingersollmuseum/|title=L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum|website=L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum}}</ref> and the [[Madison Children's Museum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Madison Children's Museum |url=http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050924230423/http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com/index.php |archive-date=September 24, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Madisonchildrensmuseum.com}}</ref>

===Architecture===
[[File:Madison 1-3-2011 019 (6793958672).jpg|thumb|[[Monona Terrace]] convention center as seen from [[Lake Monona]]]]

Madison's architectural landmarks reflect a wide range of styles, ranging from the first [[Usonia]]n house designed by modern architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] to imposing [[brutalist]] buildings on the campus of UW–Madison and [[art deco]] towers interspersed through the downtown. Some of the most prominent buildings on the skyline include the Beaux-Arts [[Wisconsin State Capitol]], the Renaissance Revival [[University of Wisconsin Memorial Union]], the Wright-designed [[Monona Terrace]], and the postmodern [[Overture Center for the Arts]] designed by [[César Pelli]].

The height of Madison's skyline is limited by a state law that restricts building heights in the downtown area. All buildings within one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) of the Wisconsin State Capitol have to be less than {{Convert|1032.8|ft|}} above sea level to preserve the view of the building from most areas of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 12, 1990 |title=1989 Wisconsin Act 222 |url=http://www.legis.state.wi.us/acts89-93/89Act222.pdf#search=%22site%3Awi.us%2016.842%22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011104440/http://www.legis.state.wi.us/acts89-93/89Act222.pdf#search=%22site%3Awi.us%2016.842%22 |archive-date=October 11, 2006 |access-date=October 3, 2006 |publisher=[[State of Wisconsin]]}}</ref> The State Capitol dome was modeled after the dome of the [[United States Capitol]] and was erected on the high point of the isthmus. Capitol Square is located in Madison's urban core.

[[File:Jacobs First House - living room 02.jpg|thumb|The [[Herbert and Katherine Jacobs First House|Jacobs First House]] is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]]]

Madison is [[List of Frank Lloyd Wright works|home to eight buildings]] by renowned Wisconsin-born architect Frank Lloyd Wright, more than any city outside the Chicago area. Wright, who spent much of his childhood in Madison and briefly attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, worked from his [[Taliesin (studio)|Taliesin studio]] in nearby Spring Green. Notable designs in Madison include Monona Terrace, the city's lakefront convention center, and Wright's first Usonian house, the [[Herbert and Katherine Jacobs First House]], which is a [[The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref name="Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture by City and State">{{Cite web |title=Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture by City and State |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-by-frank-lloyd-wright-3573373 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615195747/https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-by-frank-lloyd-wright-3573373 |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |publisher=[[ThoughtCo]]}}</ref><ref name="The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright" />

Other prominent prairie style and Usonian architects, including [[Louis Sullivan]] and [[Claude and Starck]], also have notable works in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI5802|title=3219 TOPPING RD &#124; Property Record|date=January 1, 2012|website=Wisconsin Historical Society}}</ref> The [[Harold C. Bradley House]], located in University Heights, was a 1908–1910 collaboration between Sullivan and [[George Grant Elmslie]].<ref name="sigma">{{Cite web |title=Our House, Sigma Phi of Wisconsin |url=http://sigmaphi.startlogic.com/sigmaphiofwisconsin/house.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620060820/http://sigmaphi.startlogic.com/sigmaphiofwisconsin/house.html |archive-date=June 20, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2008}}</ref> Claude and Starck designed over 175 buildings in Madison, many still standing, such as [[Breese Stevens Field]], Doty School (now condos), and many private residences.<ref>"[http://www.madisonmagazine.com/article.php?story_id=152147&xstate=view_story Behold&nbsp;... The Genius Of Claude And Starck] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929164757/http://www.madisonmagazine.com/article.php?story_id=152147&xstate=view_story |date=September 29, 2008 |publisher=Madison Magazine}}</ref>

Downtown Madison features numerous examples of art deco and [[art moderne]] styles. Notable examples include Quisling Terrace, with its rounded corners and terracing, and [[Tenney Building|Tenney Plaza]], distinguished by lake views, marble and brass lobby details, and vertical lines, marking the city's first steel-frame high-rise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geiger |first=Ally |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Architecture Styles in Madison, WI |url=https://608today.6amcity.com/architecture-styles-madison-wi |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=608today |language=en}}</ref>  The art deco [[State Office Building (Madison, Wisconsin)|State Office Building]], the tallest office building in Madison, was built in 1931 and is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2015 |title=1 West Wilson Street: History of the State Office Building {{!}} Wisconsin Department of Health Services |url=https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/1ww/history.htm |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=www.dhs.wisconsin.gov |language=en}}</ref> The [[Orpheum Theatre (Madison, Wisconsin)|Orpheum Theater]], also on the National Register, is located a block from the state capitol on State Street and is recognized as the city's best-surviving [[movie palace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR2316|title=Orpheum Theater|date=January 2012 |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=August 28, 2023}}</ref> The UW–Madison campus has numerous buildings in the brutalist style, including the George L. Mosse Humanities Building designed by [[Harry Weese]] and the [[Chazen Museum of Art]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMahan |first=Kip |date=April 20, 2021 |title=The Mosse Humanities Building: An Unfortunate History & Future |url=https://d1t7dpw65z19lw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/04/Mosse-Humanities-Badger-Talks-Live.pdf |website=Badger Talks LIVE}}</ref>

===Cuisine===
[[File:World's Largest Brat Fest Midway 2010 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Brat Fest]], a festival centered on the [[bratwurst]] sausage, has been held every [[Memorial Day]] weekend since 1983.]]

Madison's cuisine is deeply influenced by its agricultural surroundings and ethnic history. The city's proximity to numerous [[dairy farms]] has made dairy a central element of its food culture, with notable cheesemakers like [[Uplands Cheese Company]], Hooks Cheese Company, and Landmark Creamery contributing to local offerings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin's Award-Winning Cheese{{!}} Travel Wisconsin |url=https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/cheese-factories/six-ways-to-enjoy-wisconsins-award-winning-cheese |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=TravelWisconsin |language=en}}</ref> Popular dishes include [[cheese curds]], often served fried or "squeaky," and [[hot and spicy cheese bread]], made by some Madison bakeries and available at farmer's markets around the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siciliano-Rosen |first=Laura |title=Wisconsin's To-Die-For Spicy Cheese Bread |url=https://www.ozy.com/good-sht/wisconsins-to-die-for-spicy-cheese-bread/81821 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403183438/https://www.ozy.com/good-sht/wisconsins-to-die-for-spicy-cheese-bread/81821 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |website=Ozy.com}}</ref> Morning Buns, a variety of [[sticky bun]] made with [[croissant]] dough, were invented in Madison at the former Ovens of Brittany restaurant by chef [[Odessa Piper]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Phyllis C. |author1-link=Phyllis Richman |title=Flour Children |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/food/1984/06/03/flour-children/38bc8cd5-8daf-4171-bbd1-7687358ff0d1/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=September 3, 2024 |date=June 2, 1984}}</ref>

Additionally, Madison's culinary scene is enriched by local produce, including [[cranberries]], snap beans, and potatoes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Agriculture & Farms {{!}} Travel Wisconsin |url=https://www.travelwisconsin.com/things-to-do/entertainment-attractions/animals-agriculture |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=TravelWisconsin |language=en}}</ref> On Saturday mornings in the summer, the [[Dane County Farmers' Market]] is held around Capitol Square, the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Market |url=http://dcfm.org/about-the-market/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212115437/http://dcfm.org/about-the-market/ |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |publisher=Dane County Farmers' Market }}</ref> The city's [[farm-to-table]] culture is reflected in its many [[James Beard Award]] award-winning restaurants and gastropubs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.madisonfarmtofork.org/|title=Check out have we have developed and nurtured a local food system in Ennis Montana|website=www.madisonfarmtofork.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allman-Baldwin |first=Lysa |title=Madison, Wisconsin - A Delicious Destination |url=http://travelsquire.com/madison-wisconsin-a-delicious-destination/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411033056/http://travelsquire.com/madison-wisconsin-a-delicious-destination/ |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Travelsquire}}</ref>

Madison is home to numerous Wisconsin-style [[supper club]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/04/17/top-chef-wisconsin-episode-5-recap-supper-club-showdown-in-madison-the-harvey-house/73291208007/ |title='Top Chef: Wisconsin' Episode 5 recap: It's a supper club showdown at Madison's Harvey House |author=Bernhard, Rachel |publisher=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]] |date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }}</ref> An all-you-can-eat Friday night [[fish fry]] is particularly common at Wisconsin supper clubs, as are [[Old fashioned (cocktail)|old fashioned cocktails]]. Some restaurants in Madison follow the general Wisconsin supper club practice of restaurants serving "Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib special, Sunday chicken dinner special."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conklin |first=Aaron R. |date=February 21, 2013 |title=6 fabulous fish fries in the Madison area |url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/9-fabulous-fish-fries-in-the-madison-area/161936741 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327221832/https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/9-fabulous-fish-fries-in-the-madison-area/161936741 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |website=Channel3000.com}}</ref>

Madison's food culture also embraces its ethnic diversity. German immigrants introduced rich culinary traditions, influencing local restaurants and [[beer hall]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Society |first=courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical |last2=Allen |first2=Terese |title=The Stuff of History: Sausage in Wisconsin |url=https://ediblemadison.com/stories/the-stuff-of-history-sausage-in-wisconsin |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Edible Madison |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Topbas |first=Zehra |date=2022-10-07 |title=Prost! brings Munich to Madison |url=https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/dining-and-drink/prost-brings-munich-to-madison/article_01aca9d1-8c18-51ed-ab24-597f29a61f66.html |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Channel3000.com |language=en}}</ref> Madison is also home to a large [[Hmong people|Hmong]] population, leading to a variety of [[Laos|Laotian]] and Hmong restaurants that make the city a "national hub of [[Hmong cuisine]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://608today.6amcity.com/culture/celebrating-hmong-heritage-month-in-madison#:~:text=There%20is%20plenty%20of%20Hmong%20cuisine%20to%20consume%20in%20the%20608.&text=The%20Asian%20grocery%20store's%20deli,a%20sweetened%20coconut%20dessert%20drink.&text=Pork%20laab%2C%20spring%20rolls%2C%20steamed,other%20offerings%20can%20be%20had |title=Celebrating Madison's Hmong culture through food |author=Shipley, Jonathan |publisher=608today |date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }}</ref> The city offers unique foods such as the large [[spring rolls#United States|spring rolls]] sold from the food carts on Capital Square and State Street, particularly in warmer months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Broudy |first=Julia |title=Spring roll cart offers ideal dining experience for busy UW students on a budget |url=https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2018/07/27/spring-roll-cart-offers-ideal-dining-experience-for-busy-uw-students-on-a-budget/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403183440/https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2018/07/27/spring-roll-cart-offers-ideal-dining-experience-for-busy-uw-students-on-a-budget/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |website=The Badger Herald }}</ref>

Madison is home to the World's Largest [[Brat Fest]] which sells over 200,000 [[bratwurst]] sausages annually during [[Memorial Day]] weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wmtv15news.com/content/news/Multiple-counties-in-viewing-area-under-tornado-watch-510409701.html |title=The history of Brat Fest |publisher=[[WMTV]] |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2024 }}</ref> The Great Taste of the Midwest craft beer festival, established in 1987 and the second-longest-running such event in North America,<ref>{{Cite news |title=FAQ |language=en-US |work=Great Taste of the Midwest |url=https://greattaste.org/faq/ |url-status=dead |access-date=October 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025031231/https://greattaste.org/faq/ |archive-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> is held the second Saturday in August. The highly coveted tickets sell out within an hour of going on sale in May.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2011 |title=Madison Home Brewers and Tasters Guild |url=http://mhtg.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028081352/https://mhtg.org/ |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Mhtg.org}}</ref>

===Music===
[[File:Concerts on the square.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Concerts on the Square]]]]

Madison's music scene covers a spectrum of musical culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Madison Music Events, Shows & Things To Do |url=http://www.zvents.com/z/madison-wi/music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225202932/http://www.zvents.com/z/madison-wi/music |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=Zvents}}</ref> Several venues offer live music nightly, ranging from Barrymore Theatre and High Noon Saloon on the east side<ref>{{Cite web |title=Live Music Venue Madison WI – High Noon Saloon |url=http://www.high-noon.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007022904/http://www.high-noon.com/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=High-noon.com}}</ref> to small coffee houses and wine bars. The biggest headliners sometimes perform at the Orpheum Theatre, the [[Overture Center]], [[Breese Stevens Field]], the [[Alliant Energy Center]], or the UW Theatre on campus. Other major rock and pop venues include the Majestic Theatre, the Sylvee, and The Bartell. During the summer, the Memorial Union Terrace on the University of Wisconsin campus, offers live music five nights a week. The Union is located on the shores of Lake Mendota.

In the summer, Madison hosts many music festivals. [[Concerts on the Square]] is a weekly Madison tradition during the summer. On Wednesday evenings, the [[Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra]] performs free concerts on the capitol's lawn,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra |url=http://www.wcoconcerts.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050202183020/http://wcoconcerts.com/ |archive-date=February 2, 2005 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Wcoconcerts.com}}</ref> and spectators can listen to the music while picnicking on the grass. Other annual music events include the Waterfront Festival, the Willy Street Fair, Atwood Summerfest, the Isthmus Jazz Festival, the Orton Park Festival, 94.1 WJJO's Band Camp, Greekfest, the WORT Block Party and the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, and the Madison World Music Festival. One of the latest additions is the [[La Fete de Marquette]], taking place around [[Bastille Day]] at various east side locations and celebrating French music with Cajun influences. Madison also hosts an annual [[electronic music]] festival, Reverence, and the Folk Ball, a [[world music]] and [[Folk dance]] festival held annually in January. Madison also plays host to the National Women's Music Festival.<ref name="National Women's Music Festival">{{Cite web |title=2008 National Women's Music Festival |url=http://www.wiaonline.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308021644/http://www.wiaonline.org/home.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2008}}</ref> UW-Madison also hosts the annual music and arts festival, Revelry, on campus at the Memorial Union each spring. The festival is put on by students for students as an end of the year celebration on campus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=revelryfest |url=http://www.revelryfest.com/ticketing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326061431/http://www.revelryfest.com/ticketing |archive-date=March 26, 2015 }}</ref>

The [[Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps]] is a competitive [[Drum and bugle corps (modern)|drum corps]] group based in Madison that competes and tours across North America as part of [[Drum Corps International]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.forwardperformingarts.org/madison-scouts/about/about-us |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=www.forwardperformingarts.org}}</ref> The [[University of Wisconsin Marching Band]] performs at various local concerts and parades.

Madison has an independent rock scene, with local [[independent record labels]] including [[Crustacean Records]], Science of Sound,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Science of Sound – Independent Record Label – Madison Wisconsin |url=http://www.scienceofsound.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127135613/http://www.scienceofsound.com/ |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |website=scienceofsound.com }}</ref> Kind Turkey Records,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kind Turkey Records |url=http://www.kindturkeyrecords.com/about1/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121234339/http://www.kindturkeyrecords.com/about1/ |archive-date=November 21, 2016 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |publisher=Kind Turkey Records }}</ref> and Art Paul Schlosser Inc. Madison was home to [[Smart Studios]], [[Butch Vig]] and [[Steve Marker]]'s longtime studio where many alternative rock records of the 1990s and 2000s were recorded and/or produced. A [[Dr. Demento]] and weekly live [[karaoke]] favorite is [[The Gomers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=High Noon Saloon |url=http://www.high-noon.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007022904/http://www.high-noon.com/ |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=High-noon.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Scene Newspaper – the Online Magazine for Everyone |url=https://www.scenenewspaper.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123033447/http://scenenewspaper.com/cdreviews.html |archive-date=November 23, 2008 |website=scenenewspaper.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 1986 |title=The Gomers |url=http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/artist_details.aspx?ArtistID=2883 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204001940/http://themadmusicarchive.com/artist_details.aspx?ArtistID=2883 |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=Themadmusicarchive.com}}</ref> They have performed with fellow [[Wisconsin]] residents [[Les Paul]] and [[Steve Miller (musician)|Steve Miller]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Foundation for School Music : 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=http://www.wsmamusic.org/foundation/news/achievement_award.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930010448/http://www.wsmamusic.org/foundation/news/achievement_award.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref>

Madison is also home to notable artists such as [[Paul Kowert]] of [[Punch Brothers]], [[Mama Digdown's Brass Band]], [[Clyde Stubblefield]] of [[Funky Drummer]] and [[James Brown]] fame, and musicians [[Roscoe Mitchell]], [[Richard Davis (double bassist)|Richard Davis]], [[Ben Sidran]], [[Sexy Ester and the Pretty Mama Sisters]], [[Reptile Palace Orchestra]], Ted Park, [[DJ Pain 1]], [[Killdozer (band)|Killdozer]], [[Zola Jesus]], [[VO5 (band)|VO5]], [[Caustic (band)|Caustic]], [[Phox (band)|Phox]], [[Masked Intruder]], and [[Lou & Peter Berryman]], among others. The band [[Garbage (band)|Garbage]] formed in Madison in 1994, and has sold 17 million albums.<ref name="behindthemusic">{{cite episode | title = Garbage | series = Behind The Music | series-link = Behind The Music | credits = Jim Forbes (narrator) | network = [[VH1]] | airdate = March 31, 2002}}</ref>

===Nightlife===
Much of the city's nightlife is centralized to the downtown area which includes a variety of bars, restaurants, and performance venues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauge |first=Ruthie |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Madison nightlife, redefined |url=https://madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/madison-nightlife-redefined/article_bfd8f096-9a04-11ea-800b-abc7315efc5e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519185842/https://madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/madison-nightlife-redefined/article_bfd8f096-9a04-11ea-800b-abc7315efc5e.html |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 |website=madison.com |publisher=[[The Capital Times]]}}</ref> [[State Street (Madison)|State Street]] and the surrounding area are popular with tourists and University of Wisconsin-Madison students.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Lucas |title=NIGHTLIFE AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON |url=http://www.gobeyondthebrochure.com/nightlife-at-university-of-wisconsin-madison/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331000738/http://www.gobeyondthebrochure.com/nightlife-at-university-of-wisconsin-madison/ |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Go beyond the brochure}}</ref> Venues in the Capital Square neighborhood are popular with local young professionals and provide many [[happy hour]] specials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidoff |first=Judith |title=When the Clock Strikes 4 |url=https://isthmus.com/food-drink/drinks/happy-hour-discount-food-booze/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325175245/https://isthmus.com/food-drink/drinks/happy-hour-discount-food-booze/ |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=Isthmus.com}}</ref> Another center of nightlife is the Williamson (Willy) Street Neighborhood.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neighborhood |url=https://willystreetcentral.com/neighborhood/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519185843/https://willystreetcentral.com/neighborhood/ |archive-date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 |website=willystreetcentral.com}}</ref> Madison is also home to a number of [[nightclub]]s, [[gay bar]]s and live music venues. The [[Mifflin Street Block Party]] and the [[State Street Halloween Party|Freakfest Halloween Party]] also attract thousands of partygoers.

===Performing arts===
[[File:Yost’s Department Store Building, State Street and Fairchild Street, Madison, WI (52734293705).jpg|thumb|[[Overture Center for the Arts]]]]

The [[Madison Opera]], the [[Madison Symphony Orchestra]], Forward Theater Company, the [[Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra]], and the [[Madison Ballet]] are some of the professional resident companies of the [[Overture Center for the Arts]]. The city is also home to a number of smaller performing arts organizations, including a group of theater companies that present in the Bartell Theatre, a former movie palace renovated into live theater spaces, and [[Opera for the Young]], an opera company that performs for elementary school students across the Midwest. Music Theatre of Madison is a professional musical theater company that performs new and lesser-known musicals in a variety of venues. The Wisconsin Union Theater (a 1,300-seat theater) is home to seasonal attractions and is the main stage for Four Seasons Theatre, a [[community theater]] company specializing in [[musical theater]], and other groups. The Young Shakespeare Players, a theater group for young people, performs uncut [[Shakespeare]] and [[George Bernard Shaw|George B. Shaw]] plays.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Community-based theater groups include Children's Theatre of Madison, Strollers Theatre, Madison Theatre Guild, the Mercury Players, and [[Broom Street Theater]] (which is no longer on Broom Street).{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Madison has one [[comedy club]], Comedy on State (which has hosted the Madison's Funniest Comic competition every year since 2010), owned by the Paras family. Madison has other options for more alternative humor, featuring several improv groups, such as Atlas Improv Company, Monkey Business Institute, and [[open mic]] nights.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Madison is home to a large entertainment industry archive at the [[Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research]], part of the [[Wisconsin Historical Society]].<ref>Directors Guild of America, [http://www.dga.org/Craft/VisualHistory/Resources.aspx Visual History Resources] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018175919/http://www.dga.org/Craft/VisualHistory/Resources.aspx |date=October 18, 2012 }}. Retrieved December 3, 2012.</ref>

===Other cultural events===
Madison was host to [[Rhythm and Booms]], a large fireworks celebration coordinated to music. It began with a fly-over by [[F-16s]] from the local [[Wisconsin Air National Guard]]. This celebration was the largest fireworks display in the Midwest in length, number of shells fired, and the size of its annual budget.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhythmand Booms - San Francisco Real Estate Photographer |url=http://www.rhythmandbooms.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917193004/http://www.rhythmandbooms.com/about/index.php?category_id=696 |archive-date=September 17, 2009 |website=Rhythm and Booms}}</ref> Effective 2015, the event location was changed to downtown and renamed Shake The Lake.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2015 |title=New fireworks show to replace Rhythm and Booms |url=http://www.channel3000.com/news/report-new-fireworks-show-to-replace-rhythm-and-booms/32148558 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229180144/http://www.channel3000.com/news/report-new-fireworks-show-to-replace-rhythm-and-booms/32148558 |archive-date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Severson |first=Gordon |title=Rhythm & Booms replaced with Shake the Lake in downtown Madison |url=http://www.wkow.com/story/28704047/2015/04/02/rhythm-booms-replaced-with-shake-the-lake-in-downtown-madison |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052333/http://www.wkow.com/story/28704047/2015/04/02/rhythm-booms-replaced-with-shake-the-lake-in-downtown-madison |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2015 }}</ref>

There are several cooperative organizations in the Madison area, ranging from grocery stores (such as the [[Willy Street Cooperative]]) to housing co-ops (such as [[Madison Community Cooperative]] and [[Nottingham Housing Cooperative]]) to worker cooperatives (including an engineering firm, a wholesale organic bakery and a cab company).{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Every April, the Wisconsin Film Festival is held in Madison.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Film Festival {{!}} Madison |url=http://www.wifilmfest.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908122947/https://wifilmfest.org/ |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |website=www.wifilmfest.org}}</ref> This five-day event features films from a variety of genres shown in theaters across the city. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arts Institute sponsors the Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Arts Institute |url=https://artsinstitute.wisc.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531233133/https://artsinstitute.wisc.edu/ |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |website=artsinstitute.wisc.edu}}</ref>

Madison's official bird is the [[plastic flamingo]], a type of lawn ornament.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Council Makes Plastic Flamingo Madison's Official Bird |publisher=WISC-TV |url=http://www.channel3000.com/news/20678416/detail.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903083954/http://www.channel3000.com/news/20678416/detail.html |archive-date=September 3, 2009}}</ref> The city council adopted the plastic flamingo in 2009 following a campaign by a local newspaper columnist in reference to a 1979 prank by UW–Madison students who planted 1,008 plastic flamingos on Bascom Hill.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Madison, Wis., names the lawn flamingo its official bird |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/la-unleashed/story/2009-09-02/madison-wis-names-the-lawn-flamingo-its-official-bird |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Rosario |date=May 31, 2017 |title=UW exhibit pays tribute to 'man behind the pink flamingos' |url=https://captimes.com/entertainment/city_life/uw-exhibit-pays-tribute-to-man-behind-the-pink-flamingos/article_d380105a-3272-5b13-a7dc-d3a2e5661870.html |work=The Capital Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}</ref> The flamingo appears in the logo of the city's professional soccer team, [[Forward Madison FC]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Joyce |first=Jason |date=November 26, 2018 |title=A fierce flamingo: The making of Forward Madison F.C.'s team identity |url=https://captimes.com/news/local/city-life/a-fierce-flamingo-the-making-of-forward-madison-f-c-s-team-identity/article_de1d1671-bc2e-573c-9fdd-68f22d0d475f.html |work=The Capital Times |accessdate=October 29, 2024}}</ref>