Terrace Season to Return with Old Favorites, New Traditions
Posted: 05/11/16
On August 31, 2015, the sun set on the Memorial Union Terrace that guests had known for decades. Away went the sunburst chairs with the Wisconsin’s Union’s promise of a reappearance in summer 2016. This May, the chairs will return along with events and dining options guests know and love plus some new Terrace activities.
“Mixing Terrace traditions with new experiences will make for an unforgettable summer at the Memorial Union,” Wisconsin Union Director Mark Guthier said. “We’re honoring our history but also building on it to create an even better experience.”
When the sun dips below the horizon on the Terrace, on most nights, a blend of music, film and other entertainment known as Terrace after Dark begins. Guests can take part in the time-honored tradition of six summer nights of free music and films each week provided by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film and Music Committees.
The Terrace After Dark music and film series includes Wisconsin Jams headliners, weekend happy hour music, open mic night and Lakeside Cinema. New to the Terrace After Dark lineup this year is the Lakeside Family Films on select Sunday evenings.
Opportunities to enjoy the Terrace expand with Outdoor UW’s new yoga classes on the Terrace. Outdoor UW will continue to offer paddlesports equipment rentals, camping and hiking equipment rentals, and standup paddleboard yoga classes. Hoofer Sailing Club members can also take sailing classes and gain access to sailboats.
Guests can also explore their inner artists through free, drop-in arts and craft projects and one night courses in painting, drawing and crafts offered by Wisconsin Union’s Wheelhouse Studios.
“Experiences are what the Terrace and the Wisconsin Union are all about,” Wisconsin Union President Jack Comeau said. “The new Terrace programs and resources will help people learn, relax and have fun.”
Summers at the Memorial Union will continue to include Terrace food and beverage staples, such as bratwurst and corn on the cob served from the much-loved Brat Stand. The Wisconsin Union team will also serve well-known Babcock Hall Ice Cream from the Paul Bunyan Room and from a kiosk on the Terrace.
On Memorial Union’s first floor, der Stiftskeller is open and will remain open throughout the summer. There, guests can enjoy bratwurst, cold beverages, and the unique atmosphere guests have admired for decades. Plus, the Shannon Sunset Lounge will feature a variety of tapas and beverages throughout Terrace season.
The Wisconsin Union team anticipates additional Terrace space will reopen in May 2016. Weather will play a significant role in the opening date.
Remaining portions of the first floor will likely open in fall 2016. The Memorial Union’s second, third and fourth floors are expected to open in fall 2017.
For more information about the 2016 Memorial Union Terrace season, including the activities schedule, visit Terracesummer.com.