Downtown Performance Spaces

A permit is required for amplified sound in downtown Madison, as regulated in Madison General Ordinance (MGO) 24.04. Performance Space Permits are often used for music, speakers, rallies or performances and permitted locations, hours and guidelines are detailed on this page.

Permit Details

• Locations cannot be reserved more than 3 weeks in advance.
• The cost for the reservation is $15 for the permit plus $0.25/hour. 
• No amplification is allowed outside of the given timeframes listed below specific for each space.
• There cannot be any significant setup in these spaces with this permit.
• At this time, we cannot guarantee that public electricity at these sites will be available or reliable. If electricity is required for your event, you should plan to have your own power source - generator, battery, etc. - as a back-up to electrical.

Bake sales, fundraisers or any activities with vending are not allowed with the Downtown Performance Space permit. All vending in the Mall/Concourse is carefully regulated and licensed vendors must go through a rigorous process to be granted a license. See City of Madison General Vending for more information.

If the location or timeframe of your event falls outside the above list, you will need to apply for a STREET USE PERMIT. Please be aware that the Street Use Permit application requires a minimum of 30 days advance submission and a $100 non-refundable application fee.

How to Reserve a Downtown Performance Space:

1. Online - Click here to complete your reservation.
2. Call - Phone the Madison Parks Administration office, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:15 pm at (608) 264-9289 to check on time availability and make a reservation.

Locations and Times:

• Confluence at Library Mall (formerly State Street Mall, Podium)

  • 700 - 800 State St. Map
  • Available daily - 1:00-2:00 pm OR 6:00-8:00 pm

• Peace (Elizabeth Link) Park

  • 452 State Street Map
  • Mon. - Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm OR 5:00-7:00 pm
  • Thu. - Sun. 12:00-1:00 pm, 1:30-2:30 pm, 3:00-4:00 pm, 4:30-5:30 pm OR 6:00-7:00 pm

• The Forum (formerly 30 On the Square, Top of State)

  • Top of State St., next to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Map
  • Sun. - Fri. - 12:00-1:00 pm OR 5:00-9:00 pm
  • Sat. - 9:30-11 am, 11:30-1:00 pm OR 5:00-9:00 pm

• Rotary Plaza

  • 100 N Hamilton St., next to the Madison Children's Museum Map
  • Sun. - Fri. - 12:00-1:00 pm OR 5:00-7:00 pm
  • Sat. - 9:30-11 am, 11:30-1:00 pm OR 5:00-7:00 pm

• Concrete Park/Frances Plaza

  (There is no electrical access at this location.)
  • 500 N. Frances St., where N. Frances meets State St. Map
  • Available daily - 12:00-1:00 pm OR 5:00-9:00 pm

Questions?

Phone (608) 264-9289 or email Madison Events