Your Guide to May 2026 in Madison

Happy May! While UW-Madison commencement is the big event this month, there's plenty going on for townies and students alike. Here's your guide to the events you shouldn't miss.

😆 Charlie Berens Gets a Wisconsin Welcome

How popular is Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens? He’s sold out three of his four shows at Overture Hall on May 8 and 9 – only a few seats for the late show on May 8 remain. Listen to him on the City Cast Madison podcast talk about what makes Wisconsin funny, and his surprisingly serious stance against data centers.

📰 Extra! Extra! Newsies Hit Madison!

Children’s Theater of Madison is putting on the hit Broadway musical about a group of ragtag newspaper boys who rally against their greedy publishers May 2 through 17 in the Starlight Theater at MYArts.

🎉 The Center for Black Excellence’s Grand Opening

Madison’s long-awaited Center for Black Excellence and Culture will open its doors on May 6, with a free grand opening celebration and open house, so you can explore all three levels of this testament to Black resilience and creativity.

📚 Jane Smiley Brings Back ‘Lidie’

Former Wisconsin author Jane Smiley (“A Thousand Acres”) will close out the Wisconsin Book Festival’s spring series with a free May 6 event at Madison Central Library to talk about her new book “Lidie,” which revisits the main character from her 1998 novel “The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.”

🌭 Brat Fest Cuts the Mustard

It’s three days of food, music, and fun at Brat Fest on Memorial Day Weekend, May 22 through 24 on Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center. Headliners for the music stages include The Lovin’ Spoonful and Great White.

🎸 Courtney Barnett is Back!

Acclaimed indie-rock singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett took a few years off, but she’s back with a new album and tour. She’s playing The Sylvee on May 15.

🌷 Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Parrfection Produce Farm Market near Monticello is hosting its Tulip Fest 2026 on May 8. There’ll be over 100,000 tulips (minus any that the deer get into), plus food trucks, bouncy houses, and opportunities for lots of beautiful photos.