Monona Terrace aerial view of rooftop

Elevate Your Summer Gatherings at Monona Terrace

There may be no better place to be than Madison, Wisconsin on a beautiful summer day as a gentle breeze fans across Lake Monona. Imagine hosting an event at Monona Terrace as your guests enjoy a refreshing beverage and take in the spectacular views from our rooftop gardens. While some event spaces in Madison, WI might offer a view and amenities, only Monona Terrace can boast the most magnificent outdoor event venue in Wisconsin combined with such comprehensive services and indoor options for events of any size or occasion.

Versatile Event Spaces for Every Occasion

From a family celebration or corporate gathering to an opulent wedding or massive multiday expo, Monona Terrace is the Lake Monona event venue. Our premier outdoor event venue in Wisconsin, the William Evjue rooftop gardens center circle can accommodate up to 3,000 guests. Or if you require an indoor private event space in Madison, we offer 30 versatile event spaces on 5 levels ranging in size from 350 sq ft to 37,000 sq ft. Each room can be customized with the latest technology, and our culinary offerings are second to none.

For small corporate events, consider the Dane Room, Wisconsin Room or Hall of Fame Room. For larger groups choose from a range of banquet halls, ballrooms, and terraces that can be partitioned for breakout sessions. If you require an open-air setting on a smaller scale, our West Circle is perfect for 200-350 guests.

We pride ourselves on our wide range of spaces and the support our staff provides regardless of the size or requirements of your event. See a complete floor plan of the various event spaces at Monona Terrace.

Monona Terrace is Ideal for Summer Events

Monona Terrace owes its stunning footprint to Frank Lloyd Wright, the designer of Monona Terrace. His signature principle of organic architecture insisted that a building would be in harmony in its natural setting. His designs emphasized simplicity, open spaces, and a symbiotic relationship between form and function. Monona Terrace rises majestically out of Lake Monona and revels as the crown jewel of downtown Madison. It’s no surprise that Monona Terrace has become the most coveted Lake Monona event venue.

On top of our stunning visuals and location, our facilities offer state-of-the-art technology including rock solid wi-fi connections, customized A/V services, on-site support, exhibitor electrical services, and an infrastructure to handle complex events with hundreds of vendors and thousands of attendees. Check out our A/V Showcase.

And no event would be complete without catering services. Our catering team provides a delectable and diverse menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From tasty hors d’oeuvres and baked treats to sandwiches or lavish wedding dinners, our team will work with you to ensure every appetite is satisfied.

Hosting Outdoor Events at Monona Terrace

Outdoor events are a specialty of ours thanks to our lakeside location and the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. The scenic views, combined with the mild summers of Madison, there may be no better place to host an open-air event than the rooftop at Monona Terrace. Throughout the summer we host weddings, live concerts, art shows and a range of other public and private events. So, if your heart is set on having an outdoor space for your wedding, family reunion or you just want the best scenic view Madison has to offer, look no further than Monona Terrace.

Our rooftop gardens offer flexibility as well. Our West Circle has 5,430 sq ft of space and can accommodate 200-350, as mentioned above. For large-scale events, the Center Circle offers nearly 35,000 sq ft of space and can be combined with the West Circle for an even larger event footprint. For banquets, this area can handle up to 1,548 guests and 3,043 for a reception-only event (some restrictions apply). A Monona Terrace Event Coordinator can help with any questions to ensure your open-air event meets and exceeds your expectations.

We also understand that inclement weather can impact outdoor events. You will work with an Event Coordinator to include an indoor option, just in case.

Ready to Start Planning a Summer Event? It’s easy!

We pride ourselves on our concierge-caliber treatment of our clients when planning events. You will work with a dedicated Event Coordinator who will serve as your point of contact at all stages of your event, from initial planning and scoping to the day of your event where they will be on-site to make sure all goes according to plan.

We have literally staged thousands of events over 28 years, so we have the expertise and knowledge to handle virtually any request or requirement. Our departments work in sync during the planning process to include technology, catering and special needs you or your guests may have. We also have relationships with many local, trusted vendors and suppliers, which helps us maintain a high level of satisfaction for our clients.

It is not uncommon for our clients to require multiple breakout rooms, electricity for 100+ booths, or culinary needs for a wedding of 1,000 guests. We are confident that our facilities and team can collaborate with you to achieve whatever goals you have for your event.

In addition to the Hilton Hotel attached to Monona Terrace by a climate controlled walkway, there are many high quality hotels in downtown Madison, several within walking distance or a short ride away. Check out this recent article regarding Hotels Near Monona Terrace for some booking tips.

Finally, our commitment to sustainability is paramount in all we do. Learn more about our sustainability initiatives.

Secure Your Summer Event Space Today!

Events at Monona Terrace often reserve space 18-24 months in advance, especially for weddings or corporate conventions with multiple vendors and specialized requirements.

The first step is to start with our Contact Us form. This allows us to gather basic information about your event and get the ball rolling. If you would like to Request a Proposal from Monona Terrace to host your event, we are happy to oblige!

Of course, you are always free to contact us directly via email.