Past Events

December 1, 2023, 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m.

175th Concert Series and Just Bust! presents: Mereba

UW-Madison's 175th Concert Series and OMAI First Wave presents singer and rapper, Mereba , with openers Speedy Calhoun and multiple UW–Madison student artists.  This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 PM. 

Shannon Hall, Memorial Union

November 7, 2023, 12 p.m.

Celebration of Ho-Chunk Banners on Bascom Hall

Join the campus community at Bascom Hall to view new banners commissioned as part of UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary. Designed by UW-Madison doctoral student Molli Pauliot and faculty members Marianne Fairbanks and Stephen Hilyard, the banners are part of UW’s Our Shared Future initiative, representing UW–Madison’s commitment to respect the inherent sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the other Native Nations of Wisconsin.

Bascom Hall

October 27, 2023, 6-9:30 p.m.

175th Anniversary Gala

In celebration of UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary, we invite you to a gala 175 years in the making! The evening will feature inspiring speakers, musical guests, delicious food and beverages, and more. 

Registration will be available soon. In the meantime, mark your calendar! 

Discovery Building

October 21, 2023, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Flameworking at UW-Madison

Flameworking has played a significant role in the research enterprise of UW-Madison throughout its 175-year history. Today, students in the UW Glass Lab study this craft and commonly work under the mentorship of UW-Madison Department of Chemistry Distinguished Master Glassblower Tracy Drier. The alumni featured in this exhibition work in flameworking across a vast array of industries and contexts, reflecting the multidisciplinary influence of flameworking today on contemporary practice.

Gelsy Verna Gallery, Art Lofts

October 19, 2023, 5-8 p.m.

CALS 2023 Honorary Recognition

Honorary Recognition recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their communities, their chosen career fields, and the citizens of the state and the nation. During UW’s 175th anniversary, the program and banquet will highlight some of the milestone moments and honorees selected from the 113 prior CALS’ award celebrations, demonstrating the significant contributions made by CALS alumni and friends to the state of Wisconsin during the past two centuries.

Varsity Hall, Union South

October 11, 2023, All day

Sound, State, Spirit, and Sequins

In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, on view in the School of Human Ecology are three shining examples from Madison music history. Stop by the School of Human Ecology in Nancy Nicholas Hall and view a display of concert jackets from former Director of Bands Mike Leckrone. Created by Lois Levenhagen, these performance jackets were worn by Leckrone during three of the the Annual Varsity Band Spring Concerts.

Ruth Davis Design Gallery, Nancy Nicholas Hall

October 7, 2023, 10 a.m.

Multicultural Homecoming Tailgate and Watch Party

Connect with alumni, students, staff, and faculty before the Homecoming game versus Rutgers at this spirited tailgate party. Then, stick around to root for the Badgers in a comfortable, spacious setting at the fan-friendly game-watch event. This year’s festivities allow attendees to mix, mingle, and cheer while enjoying a variety of food and beverage options, yard games, and more.

Time TBD, to correspond with game time when announced

Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Madison
Also offered online

October 6, 2023, 9 p.m.

Homecoming Parade “After” Concert on Library Mall

Join us after the Homecoming Parade, After-Party, and other evening festivities for a free outdoor concert featuring The Periodicals – with opening act group Boxing Day – on Library Mall! Madison, WI favorites The Periodicals are hard to pin down to any one category, and that’s just the way they like it .   Merging elements of northern soul, classic R&B, and heart-on-the-sleeve rock, their eclectic songs catch you off-guard just as much as they catch you singing along. Opening band Boxing Day is a UW favorite, having won the Union's battle of the bands in the Spring of 2023.   This concert is proudly part of the 175th Concert Series, marking the demisemiseptcentennial of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   We can't wait to see you at the UW Homecoming Parade, After-Party and Concert! While the festivities will take place rain or shine, in the case of extreme weather, any impacts to the events will be posted by 4 p.m. Friday, 10/6.

Library Mall

October 6, 2023, 8-10 p.m.

Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show

Watch members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) showcase some of their newest step, stroll, and salute routines. These performances are part of a tradition that turns up the excitement of UW Homecoming and highlights the importance of each council. Get ready to experience an amazing show!

This event is hosted in partnership with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Memorial Union

October 6, 2023, 7-9 p.m.

UW Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally

Celebrate the thrill of UW Homecoming at this family-friendly event. With spirited activities and festivities around every turn, you’ll burst with Badger pride from the moment you arrive. Then, feel your excitement soar even higher during the pep rally featuring the UW Marching Band and UW Spirit Squad, followed by a show-stopping fireworks display (weather permitting). This drop-in extravaganza, held rain or shine, has been entertaining Badgers of all ages since 2017.

Alumni Park, 724 Langdon Street, Madison, WI

October 4, 2023, 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Family-Friendly Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Calling all sleuthing Badgers! Get in the spirit of UW Homecoming wherever you are by participating in this family-friendly, online scavenger hunt. Enjoy seeking out everyday objects (with Badger themes) and sharing your discoveries on social using #UWHC. To boost the fun quotient, wear your favorite UW red. And, who knows, you might even spy an appearance by everyone’s favorite mascot, along with other special guests who will guide you in the hunt.

Online

September 30, 2023, 7 p.m.-12 a.m.

Homecoming Kickoff Concert featuring Armani White and D.A.R.S.

Celebrate the start of UW Homecoming with a kickoff concert featuring Armani White and D.A.R.S.! This event is for UW–Madison students only. Free student tickets are available and can be requested online. The concert will take place from 7-10 p.m with doors opening at 6 p.m.

This concert is proudly part of the 175th Concert Series, marking the demisemiseptcentennial of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

5th Qtr. Studio, Union South

September 27, 2023, 9-11 p.m.

Open night at Washburn Observatory (weather permitting)

Washburn Observatory, operated by the UW-Madison Astronomy Dept., is located atop Observatory Hill, at 1401 Observatory Drive. The observatory will not open unless the sky is clear. N.B. Washburn Observatory is a historical landmark building and the telescope is not handicap accessible. Visitors learn about the distinguished work of UW astronomers dating back over 140 years.

September 27, 2023, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

MAU: A film screening and in-person “Q & A” with life-centered design leaders BRUCE MAU and AIYEMOBISI “BISI” WILLIAMS

Join us for a screening of the documentary, MAU, followed by a live “Q&A” with Bruce Mau and Bisi Williams, Co-Founders of the globally renowned design consultancy, Massive Change Network (MCN). Explore Bruce’s inspiring journey of redefining design and his most important project yet: his own life.

The M.S. Design + Innovation (MD+) program is proud to offer this event as a part of Innovate Week. Please visit our website for more details, accommodations, and to register.

August 30, 2023, 5-7 p.m.

State Tour | Wausau

Stop by the UW Center for Civic Engagement on the UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus to celebrate the partnership between Wausau and UW–Madison along with the university’s 175th anniversary. You’re sure to be inspired and entertained as you mingle with fellow Badgers, learn about the UW’s connections with Wausau-area businesses, and enjoy fun family activities.

Advance registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome.

UW–Stevens Point at Wausau: UW Center for Civic Engagement - Wausau, WI

August 30, 2023, 12 p.m.

Badger Talks: “Live from Wausau: Celebrating UW’s 175th Anniversary”

This is a FREE, 15 minute, virtual event hosted by Badger Talks that can be streamed on the Badger Talks Facebook page or at this link: https://www.youtube.com/badgertalks

Join us for Badger Talks Live from Wausau, WI and the mighty Wisconsin River! We’re celebrating UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary and the strong ties between community businesses and the university.

WFAA's Tod Pritchard will be joined by various special guests! 

Online

August 17, 2023, 5-7 p.m.

State Tour | Milwaukee

Get revved up with Bucky and Harley! Head to the Harley-Davidson Museum to celebrate the partnership between Milwaukee and UW–Madison along with the university’s 175th anniversary. You’re sure to be inspired and entertained as you mingle with fellow Badgers, learn about the UW’s connections with Milwaukee-area businesses, and enjoy fun family activities.

Registration for this event has hit capacity. Please reach out to 175WIstatetour@supportuw.org with any questions.

Harley-Davidson Museum - Milwaukee, WI

August 17, 2023, 12 p.m.

Badger Talks: “Live from Milwaukee: Celebrating UW’s 175th Anniversary”

This is a FREE, 15 minute, virtual event hosted by Badger Talks that can be streamed on the Badger Talks Facebook page or at this link: https://www.youtube.com/badgertalks

Join us for Badger Talks Live from Milwaukee, WI! We’re celebrating UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary, and the strong ties between community businesses and the university.

Tod Pritchard, Director of Media and Public Relations for the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, will be joined by a Wisconsin teacher!

Online

August 17, 2023, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Celebrate Wellness at Milwaukee Public Library!

Milwaukee Central Public Library is hosting a day (10a-1:30p) of community wellness on Thursday, August 17 in celebration of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s 175th anniversary!

The day will feature UW giveaways, light refreshments, and educational programs, all FREE and open to the public.

814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI

August 4, 2023, 4-6 p.m.

UW Law Summer Social

This event is jointly hosted by the Dane County Bar Association (DCBA) and University of Wisconsin Law School. DCBA members, UW Law alumni, current students, prospective students, faculty and staff are invited to network and celebrate University of Wisconsin–Madison's 175th anniversary on the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art's rooftop patio. Light appetizers and refreshments will be available.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

July 26, 2023, 4-10 p.m.

175th Anniversary Launch Day Celebration

UW–Madison’s 175th anniversary officially kicks off on July 26 with a spirited night on the Memorial Union Terrace. Join us at the Terrace for live music, free ice cream, a 5th quarter performance, fireworks, and more.

For a full schedule of launch day celebration activities, please visit the 175th anniversary website.

Terrace, Memorial Union

June 28, 2023,

State Tour | Sheboygan

To illustrate the relationship between Kohler and UW–Madison that dates to 1919, the 175th anniversary State Tour will stop in Sheboygan.  Enjoy mingling with fellow Badgers, learning about the UW’s connections with Sheboygan County businesses, and sharing in fun family activities. Additional highlights include a special appearance by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, Babcock ice cream, opportunities to win Badger home football tickets, and more!

Advance registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Kohler Communications, The Beacon