Music all Summer Long
Enjoy summer nights with great music here in Middleton.
Whether spreading out a blanket for an evening under the stars, or gathering friends around picnic tables, Middleton’s outdoor summer music scene is casual, comfortable and generally, free.
Nothing is quite like listening to live music, and performances outdoors are just so much better. There are three main outdoor spaces in Middleton to enjoy music this summer: Stone Horse Green, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, and Hidden Cave Cidery, but also this summer, don’t forget to check out Craftsman Table & Taps Tunes & Taps series and the festivals in town that bring their own bands. So much of what Middleton has to offer is also FREE, so there are no excuses. Start planning now!
Stone Horse Green
From July to August, visitors and community members can come together each Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for Summer Fun Concert Series programming at Stone Horse Green, a downtown green space with a stage, seating and more. Check their calendar to see what’s in store this summer for live music, trivia and more. Stone Horse Green was created as a centralized location in downtown Middleton for people to gather together. The space is ADA accessible and includes an outdoor stage and band shell, bistro tables, art installations, a fire pit, electric fire place, public restrooms (open during business hours), and a beautiful green space for guests to enjoy. Picnics in Stone Horse Green are highly encouraged, pack your own or order takeout from one of the many nearby restaurants. All programming at Stone Horse Green is free to the public, thanks to the Community Development Authority, Downtown Middleton Business Association, Visit Middleton, and many other sponsors throughout the year.
For the most up-to-date music and entertainment schedule, visit Stone Horse Green’s calendar.
Dogs are not allowed in Stone Horse Green. Alcohol may be brought in (unopened) in plastic or aluminum containers. Many of the surrounding bars have drinks available for purchase that can be brought into the space. Glass and pre-opened beverages are not allowed.
Capital Brewery & Bier Garten
On Friday nights, head on over to Capital Brewery & Bier Garten for award-winning beer and live music in the Bier Garten. In addition to being known for their award-winning German-style lagers, Capital Brewery’s Bier Garten is a summertime favorite in Middleton. Kicking off in mid-May and going through the first week in October (or when the snow starts), the Bier Garten hosts live music on its outdoor stage. The nighttime ambiance is made even better with the option to bring in food from Middleton restaurants or enjoy vendors and food trucks when available on site.
View the 2025 Bier Garten music lineup here. Check out the schedule for cover charges (usually no more than $5).
Hidden Cave Cidery
Throughout the year, Hidden Cave Cidery offers live music most Saturday nights. When the weather gets nice, performers are moved from the indoor tasting room to the outdoor patio space. Performers range in genres but typically specialize in jazz, bluegrass, folk and acoustic. See full schedule here. Often times, there isn’t a cover charge for the live music, and there is usually a food truck the same night!
Hidden Cave Cidery was founded by a local Wisconsinite and award-winning cider maker, Walker Fanning, a University of Wisconsin-Madison grad with a dream to support local Wisconsin agriculture. Every bottle of Hidden Cave cider is packed with Wisconsin apples and often sweetened with honey from Mount Horeb.
Craftsman Table & Tap
Craftsman Table & Tap has made a vibrant entry into Middleton’s outdoor music scene with its Tunes & Taps music series. Every other Thursday, from mid June to August join from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a relaxing summer evening on the patio while enjoying your favorite drinks. Don’t worry about the weather stopping the fun; if conditions aren’t ideal, the event will be moved indoors. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure your spot. As a special treat, the restaurant will offer $2 off pints from a featured brewery. And while you’re here, be sure to try the award-winning cheese curds, which are celebrated as the best in the Madison/Middleton area!
Looking to enjoy more live music this summer? Check out these upcoming events:
- Capital Brewery & Bier Garten events calendar here
- Hidden Cave Cidery summer schedule
- National Mustard Day Festival, live stage, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Aug. 1, 2026, FREE
- Good Neighbor Festival, multiple stages live, Aug. 28 – 30, 2026 (check schedule for beer tent/stage admission)
- Strollin’ Middleton Jazz Festival, Downtown Middleton locations, Sept. 11 – 12, 2026