The 2,000 yellow, green and orange chairs across the Wisconsin Union’s outdoor space, the Memorial Union Terrace, will begin leaving the Terrace at 8 a.m. on Oct. 27, marking the end of the annual outdoor entertainment and dining season, called Terrace season.
Terrace season, which began this year on April 18, includes free concerts, summertime outdoor recreation opportunities, free film showings, low-cost and free art activities, and seasonal dining options. The Terrace opened in 1928, and the first full Terrace season occurred in 1929. Terrace season draws approximately 1 million visitors each year.
“The Terrace is a place where people connect, relax and celebrate,” said Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell. “We hope community members and visitors will join us during the remaining days of the 2025 Terrace season and continue to enjoy all the Wisconsin Union has to offer year-round.”
Following the end of Terrace season, the Wisconsin Union continues to offer numerous dining options and hundreds of events indoors as well as some outdoor events and activities, such as the winter revelry celebration, Winter Carnival. Memorial Union year-round dining options include der Rathskeller, Strada, Carte, Daily Scoop, Peet’s Coffee, Badger Market, der Stiftskeller, and Lakeview Lounge.
The Wisconsin Union team anticipates that the seasonal, outdoor dining option, the Brat Stand, will continue to be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26.
Indoor events and activities that continue inside throughout the fall, winter and early spring include art exhibitions, performing arts events, free and low-cost art activities, talks by thought leaders, outdoor recreation learning opportunities, bowling, billiards, culinary events, free concerts, free film showings, and free video and board game use. A full list of events is available at union.wisc.edu/events.
Purchases at Wisconsin Union dining locations and the online Terrace Store help support the Union’s efforts to provide free and low-cost experiences, student leadership opportunities and community spaces. Some Wisconsin Union student roles include academic stipends of up to 80% of students’ in-state tuition.
Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu for information about Wisconsin Union experiences for a lifetime.