Event details
When and where
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 | 4–10 p.m.
Memorial Union
Overview
Join us for a fun-filled night on the Memorial Union Terrace as we kick off a yearlong celebration of UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary (officially, a demisemiseptcentennial)! Let’s celebrate together with an evening of music, memories, and a few surprises.
Cost: Free to attend, no registration needed
Event contact: celebrate175@wisc.edu
Featured events
Wisconsin Alumni Association ice cream truck and tent
4–6 p.m. | Alumni Park
Stop by the ice cream truck to grab free ice cream and snap a selfie with Bucky. See full details.
5th Quarter performance by members of the UW Marching Band
6:30–6:45 p.m. | Memorial Union
Come dance along during a special 5th Quarter performance. See full details.
Fireworks display
9:30 p.m.
Join us for fireworks over Lake Mendota as we cap off the 175th launch day celebration. See full details.
Full schedule of events and activities
Wisconsin Alumni Association ice cream truck and tent
4–6 p.m.
Lake Front Green, Alumni Park
The Wisconsin Alumni Association will be handing out free Babcock ice cream to the first 1,175 guests to visit the ice cream truck! Then stop by the central green and snap a selfie with giant inflated Bucky!
Collection for The Open Seat
4:30–7 p.m.
First floor, Memorial Union
Donations of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products will be collected for The Open Seat, UW’s Student Food Pantry. Bins will be placed on the first floor of Memorial Union.
Live music: The Mersey Brothers featuring Sean Michael Dargan
4:30–6 p.m.
Terrace Stage, Memorial Union
Enjoy ’80s new wave and college rock covers performed by a favorite local band.
Bucky Booth
5–8 p.m.
In honor of the 175th anniversary, a new Bucky on Parade Statue will be debuted! Photo opportunities with the new Bucky will be available throughout the evening.
Badger Buffet
6 p.m.
Sunset Lounge, Memorial Union
Come grab some Wisconsin themed snacks from Babcock Dairy and Varsity Meats while supplies last!
5th Quarter performance by members of the UW Marching Band
6:30–6:45 p.m.
Terrace Stage, Memorial Union
Dance and sing along as members of the UW Marching Band play some of your 5th Quarter favorites!
Open Mic Night - presented by WUD Music
7–9 p.m.
Terrace Stage, Memorial Union
WUD Music’s Weekly Open Mic Night welcomes performers from our local community to perform their music, spoken word, poetry, dance, and more.
Fireworks display
9:30 p.m.
Keep your eyes on the skies around 9:30 p.m. for a beautiful fireworks display over Lake Mendota.
More information about the evening’s opportunities and activities will be shared closer to the event. The schedule of events is subject to change and will be updated as needed.
Parking and transportation
Parking
Campus and City of Madison ramp parking is available at a regular rate near Memorial Union. Please see the parking resources below.
Bus
Plan your trip using the Madison Metro Transit. Bus schedules are available to plan your route.
Bike
Bike racks are available in front of and near to Memorial Union. There are also numerous BCycle electric-assist bike stations located within walking distance.