Free events in Madison, WI

Unwind after a hectic day at a free karaoke night that puts the spotlight on you. Sip cocktails with friends or let off steam with co-workers while singing along to crowd-pleasing tracks. Whether arriving solo or with a group, settle in for a relaxed, memorable evening of music and stress relief. This event is free.

Bring your best brainpower for a free game that challenges you. Prizes are provided by The Rigby.

This event features a tango lesson presented by Madison Tango Society on the main floor at Cafe CODA, followed by a social that links up with the bachata dance crew for a lively blend of rhythms. Admission is $10, payable at the bar, and it covers one class in either tango or bachata. The social portion is free. Bachata meets in the back room.

Cafe Coda hosts a bachata night filled with lively music and partner dancing. A lesson gets things started, then the floor opens for a bachata social. In the front room there is also a tango dance and social, and guests can move between tango tunes and Latin rhythms throughout the night. Later, the front room shifts into a mixed dance social. The class is $10 per person, and payment is handled by the bar staff. Social dancing is free.

A casual west-side coffee meet-up brings together LGBTQ community members age 50 and older for conversation at Qamaria Coffee in Madison. Hosted by Madison’s LGBTQ 50+ Alliance, this recurring gathering takes place on second and fourth Wednesdays. Participants purchase their own beverages or snacks, or simply come for water and good conversation. The group might not be immediately visible, so asking if someone is there for the OutReach coffee meet-up is recommended. No RSVP is required. The 50+ Alliance is a collaborative project of OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and Madison Senior Center. Accessibility information is coming. For questions, or if you are interested in starting a social, support, or educational group for the LGBTQ 50+ community, contact the OutReach Elder Advocate, Lynn, at lynnc@lgbtoutreach.org.

Music Bingo at Baked Wings features free participation, prize opportunities, and drink specials, with wings available while you play.

Bar trivia at the Cardinal Bar features Premier Trivia. It is free to play, and prizes are awarded to the top three teams.

A free general knowledge trivia night hosted by Shelby at Sconnie Bar features questions spanning movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and scoresheets are supplied, and teams are asked to have one member arrive early for registration. Music plays between questions, and some songs may hint at answers. Prizes include $40, $20, and $10 gift certificates for first, second, and third place. A free answer is available for the game.

Enjoy a happy hour set with The Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band, widely regarded as Wisconsin’s premier Latin jazz ensemble. For over two decades, the group has kept the golden age of Latin jazz alive. The band has received 14 Isthmus Madison Favorite Jazz Band awards and has opened for Poncho Sanchez, John Santos, Giovanni Hidalgo, and John Benitez. This event is free.

Echo Tap & Grill hosts a free general knowledge trivia night featuring a wide range of categories, including movies, music, history, geography, science, Disney, TV, and more. Pens and answer sheets are provided, and teams should have one member arrive a bit early to register. Enjoy food and drinks while you play. Music plays between questions, and some songs may hint at upcoming answers. Gift certificate prizes of $30, $20, and $10 are awarded to first, second, and third place.

Discover a delicious showcase of Wisconsin cheeses at Cheese Fair Off the Square. Stroll the booths, talk with cheesemakers from across the state, and get guidance on choosing the right wedges and wheels to take home. This free, all-ages event takes place alongside the Dane County Farmers Market, creating a lively spot to taste, learn, and shop. Featured producers include Alpinage Cheese Co., Babcock Dairy Store, Carr Valley Cheese Company, Chalet Cheese, The Big Moo, The Big Cheese, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Klondike Cheese Co., Marieke Gouda, Milkhaus Dairy, Nasonville Dairy, Pine River Pre Pack, Renard's Cheese, Ron's Wisconsin Cheese, Royal Guernsey Creamery, Sassy Cow Creamery, Two Guernsey Girls Creamery, White Jasmine, and Widmer's Cheese Cellars.

Madison Vegan Fest 2026 celebrates compassion, community, and plant-powered living at Lunney Lake Farm County Park. This free festival welcomes committed vegans, the veg-curious, and anyone who enjoys great food. Attendees can look forward to flavorful vegan cuisine, exhibitors and nonprofits sharing their work, engaging talks from speakers, live music, and a warm, connected atmosphere.