Inspiring 'Make Music Day' Event Happening Across Wisconsin

A massive music festival will be sweeping more than two-dozen Wisconsin cities in June as a way to commemorate the summer solstice and local, talented individuals.

"Make Music Day" is a worldwide celebration of music across the United States, and once again, it'll be taking Wisconsin by storm. On Saturday, June 21st, 27 cities and towns across the state (more than any other in the country) will present hundreds of free musical events to celebrate the summer solstice. "Make Music Day" is positioned as a global music celebration that brings people of all ages and skill levels together to "embrace the joy and camaraderie of making music," per a press release from Make Music Wisconsin.

The following cities and towns will be participating in Make Music Day in Wisconsin on Saturday, June 21st:

Amery
Appleton
Ashland
Baraboo
Beloit
Cable
Cambridge
Cross Plains
DeForest
Dodgeville
Green Bay
Hayward
Kenosha
Land O' Lakes
Madeline Island
Madison
Marshfield
Middleton
Milwaukee
Monona
Oshkosh
Platteville
Shell Lake-Spooner
Stevens Point
Sun Prairie
Superior
Verona

In our neck of the woods, Platteville will be a hub for music on June 1st. This is the city's tenth year participating in Make Music Day, and a litany of fun is planned:

Photo Credit: Make Music Platteville

Make Music Platteville will present many returning favorites – including Piano in the Park, Flute Choir Mass Appeal, a handbell ringing lesson, Prairie Lights String Band, The Plucky Strummers Ukulele Group, and artists in a plethora of styles throughout the community – as well as two new featured initiatives. Sousapalooza at Smith Park will bring area community band members together to play the music of John Philip Sousa. Also new is “Grown Up Solo & Ensemble – No Judgment,” a take-off on the Wisconsin School Music Association festival, for adult alumni of the spring festival. Participants will learn a piece from a specific list, and accompanists will be on hand to sight-read the music with their soloist! - per Make Music Wisconsin's press release

Make Music Day originated in France back in 1982 as the "Fête de la Musique." Regardless of location, the event is free to attend, and anyone willing can perform, teach, learn, or simply enjoy the music.

In 2024, Wisconsin collectively presented 1,037 free musical events, and even more are planned this year. Furthermore, Wisconsin has its own rich musical history to celebrate, including being the birth place of stars like Bon Iver (Eau Claire), Eric Benét and Tank (Milwaukee), and guitar innovator Les Paul (Waukesha).

Find out more about Make Music Day in Platteville on their website.