Music all Summer Long

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 Middleton Hills monthly 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

Beginning in June, visitors and community members can come together for Thursday and Saturday programming at Stone Horse Green, a downtown green space with 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. No glass allowed in Stone Horse Green, or pre-opened beverages.

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. Starting at 6 p.m. every Friday mid-May 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 2024 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.

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Looking to enjoy more live music this summer? Check out these upcoming events:

• Capital Brewery & Bier Garten summer schedule
• Hidden Cave Cidery summer schedule
• Music in the Hills: Hammock Wilburn, Middleton Hills Plaza, 6-8:30 p.m., June 20, 2024, FREE
• National Women’s Music Festival, Madison Marriott West-Middleton, June 20-23, 2024
• Make Music Middleton, Downtown Middleton, June 21, 2024, FREE
• Beetles + Beatles, Stone Horse Green, 4-7 p.m., June 22, 2024, FREE
• Summer Fun Series: Adem Tesfaye Trio, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., June 27, 2024, FREE
• Live Music: Derek Ramnarace, Craftsman Table & Tap, 5:30-7:30 p.m., June 27, 2024 FREE
• Summer Fun Series: Slip Jig Celtic Band, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., July 11, 2024, FREE
• Music in the Hills: Toco Beach Steelpan, Middleton Hills Plaza, 6-8:30 p.m., July 11, 2024, FREE
• Summer Fun Series: Exit 6, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., July 18, 2024, FREE
• Rock the Ramp, Capital Flight, 5-10 p.m., July 19, (Go online for to reserve free tickets)
• Live Music: Dana Perry, Craftsman Table & Tap, 5:30-7:30 p.m., July 25, 2024 FREE
• Summer Fun Series: Ced Ba’etch, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., Aug. 1, 2024, FREE
• National Mustard Day Festival, live stage, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 3, 2024, FREE
• Music in the Hills: Gerri DiMaggio World Jazz Unit, Middleton Hills Plaza, 6-8:30 p.m., Aug. 15, 2024, FREE
• Summer Fun Series: Ryan Mauer & Friends, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., Aug. 15, 2024, FREE
• Summer Fun Series: the 608 Acoustic Trio, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., Aug. 22, 2024, FREE
• Live Music: Seth James, Craftsman Table & Tap, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 22, 2024 FREE
• Good Neighbor Festival, multiple stages live, Aug. 23-25 (check schedule for beer tent/stage admission)
• Summer Fun Series: Back2Back, Stone Horse Green, 7 p.m., Aug. 29, 2024, FREE
• Strollin’ Middleton Jazz Festival, Downtown Middleton locations, Sept. 6-7 (details TBA)