Turn up your Tuesdays at Olbrich After Hours, where the gardens stay up late and the good times roll in! Each week offers a fresh blend of live music, surprise pop-ups, crave-worthy food carts, and the perfect pour (think cocktails, mocktails, and brewskis). Stroll the gardens during the golden hour, soak in the sounds, and connect with inspiring eco-friendly groups making a difference for the planet. It’s summer – turned all the way up!

Concerts are FREE to the public; a $5 suggested donation is appreciated.

No tickets required. Please carry out all trash.

Olbrich Concerts in the Gardens 2026 Schedule:  

(All concerts are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.)

June 23

Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos—From a galaxy far, far away, yet oddly close by, Adam Greuel & the Space Burritos bring some type of musical mischief to stage’s here, there, and everywhere! Rooted in country, blues, bluegrass, and show music, as Levon Helm put it, you could just call it “rock n’ roll”. They specialize in having a damn good time.

June 30

The Grand Groove Hotel—The Grand Groove Hotel is a Rhythm and Jazz band based in Rockford, Illinois. The band features award-winning vocalist Gina Meeks with an eight-piece ensemble focusing on improvisation, syncopation, and a powerful rhythm section. The group brings a mix of the energetic swing of big bands and the evolving sounds of contemporary music.

July 7

Smart Cookie—Smart Cookie is an ensemble of talented Madison musicians including former members of several MAMA award winning projects. Currently they are nominated for WAMI awards in R&B/Funk Band and Vocal Ensemble categories. The group has spent time in the studio crafting original material built on foundational drum and bass grooves, rooted in funk and soul, enhanced by percolating melodies and powerful vocals, with a pop sensibility that will leave you humming these songs well after the show.

July 14

The Burroughs—Hailing from Greeley, Colorado, The Burroughs are a high-energy 9-piece soul-funk band known for their “sweaty soul music” and electrifying live shows that turn crowds into one big dance party. Led by frontman Johnny Burroughs, the group blends blazing horns, deep grooves, and joyful, communal vibes to create nights of release, connection, and celebration.

July 21

Obi Original & The Black Atlantics—A powerhouse collective led by the enigmatic Obi Original. In their music, you can hear echoes of West African percussion, Caribbean rhythms, and the spiritual depth of the blues—all woven together into a tapestry of sound that celebrates the resilience and creativity of the African spirit. With each performance, they invite listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment, solidifying their status as one of the Twin Cities’ most exciting and essential musical acts.

July 28

Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee—Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee was born from a singular vision: to preserve, share, and elevate the rich tradition of Mexican mariachi music in the heart of the Midwest. The ensemble’s name draws inspiration from the monarch butterfly (a timeless symbol of migration, endurance, and transformation) reflecting the spirit of the immigrant community and the remarkable journey of carrying culture, language, and identity across borders.

August 4

Do The Needful—Chicago based music ensemble Do The Needful features Hindi vocalists, Indian flute, guitar/fuzz organ, electric bass, drums and percussion. The band interprets classic Bollywood anthems from the 60s and 70s through the prism of its myriad influences that includes not only Indian pop and Bollywood music , but also garage pop, surf, rockabilly, ghostly jazz, South Asian classical music and raw blues.

August 11

Brandon Santini—A 25-year veteran of the blues whose sound stretches from the Piedmont roots of his North Carolina childhood to the storied stages of Memphis’ Beale Street, where he forged his explosive harmonica work, commanding voice, and dynamic songwriting. With seven Blues Music Award nominations and shared stages with Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Beth Hart, and Charlie Musselwhite, he has earned his reputation as one of today’s leading modern blues performers.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

608/246-4550 or www.olbrich.org for details.