The bustling shoppers on State Street, the roaring crowd at Camp Randall stadium, playing Frisbee on Bascom Hill'all uniquely Madisonian endeavors, true, but none represent this fair city as well as the Memorial Union Terrace.
Simultaneously a place to relax for the college student and middle-class family alike, the Memorial Union is a true manifestation of the originality of Madison. Year-round, students convene in and around the building to relax, see movies, look at art or eat ice cream, but during the summer months, the Terrace is the part of the Union that comes alive.
Once an important gathering place for the Winnebago tribe'pre-colonial days, of course'the Terrace becomes a hub of activity when the summer sun comes out, and with good reason.
Both laid back and lively, the brightly colored tables are perfect for solitary reading, a quick nap or a get-together with a number of friends. And did someone ask about refreshments? The Terrace Brat Stand comes through with the cheap eats, and beer and soda also abound.
At night, though, the Terrace really shows its true colors. Three nights a week'Thursday, Friday and Saturday'the Terrace hosts big name musical guests free of charge. A full schedule of acts is provided below, though that is not all there is to offer. The Terrace hosts an open mic Wednesday, free and open to the public, from 8 to 11 p.m. And if the calm lakefront wasn't relaxing enough, the Terrace puts on Behind the Beat, an evening jazz show, every Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m. Always free and always fun, the Terrace never fails to disappoint.
