Today's theatre organs entertain audiences with music from various decades, but these magnificent instruments were originally designed to accompany silent films. At Dairyland, we honor this heritage by presenting silent film showings besides our concerts. 
Here are our upcoming events, along with other silent film screenings featuring organ accompaniment in the region. We would love for you to join us!

Some events are open to the public, while others are exclusive to DTOS members. If you're interested in attending a members-only event, that's a great reason to join! Membership provides access to these special experiences and connects you with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for this unique art form.
Please note that not all performances listed below are sponsored or endorsed by the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society. We maintain this calendar to help you discover silent films with live organ music throughout the state and region, whether or not we are hosting them.
If you have never seen a silent film, watch the late Scott Fappiano accompany a silent film at Carma Labs!

Upcoming Silent Films With Organ Accompaniment

February 13, 2026 - DTOS Members Only Event - Sold Out

Join us for a special screening of Harold Lloyd's classic 1925 comedy, The Freshman, featuring live organ accompaniment at the Jonas residence. This film, one of Lloyd's most successful works and selected for the National Film Registry, tells the humorous story of a college freshman trying to gain popularity through football. The renowned organist Jelani Eddington will perform the musical score on the Jonas Wurlitzer.
Event Details:
  • Date: Thursday, February 13, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Jonas Residence, W3120 Preserve Drive, Elkhorn, WI 53121
  • Organ: The ex-El Capitan Organ (San Francisco)
  • Organist: Jelani Eddington
  • Film: The Freshman (1925) starring Harold Lloyd
  • Running Time: 76 minutes
  • Admission: Members only
  • RSVP: Required - email 
This intimate home concert setting offers a rare opportunity to experience silent film as it was meant to be seen—with live musical accompaniment in a private installation.
This is a DTOS members-only event. Not yet a member? Join today!

​February 21, 2026 - Madison, WI

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Experience the classic 1924 silent film Peter Pan with live organ accompaniment at the Overture Center's nationally recognized Duck Soup Cinema series. Enjoy vaudeville-style entertainment in the authentic atmosphere of a 1920s movie palace at Madison's beautifully restored Capitol Theatre using the theatre's original organ!
Event Details:
  • Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Showtimes: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Location: Capitol Theatre at Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison, WI
  • Organ: 1928 Grand Barton Theatre Organ
  • Organist: R. Jelani Eddington
  • Tickets: Under $15 (available at overture.org)
  • Extras: Vaudeville entertainment, door prizes, and emcee
  • You can purchase tickets and get more info at the Duck Soup Cinema website. 
Note: This event is not sponsored by the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society but is included on our calendar for your enjoyment.

March 28, 2026 - Burlington, WI

Join the congregation at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Burlington, WI, as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our silent film series! To commemorate this milestone, we are excited to bring back our inaugural film, The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ, a classic French Pathé production (U.S. release with English intertitles). 
 
To kick off the 2026 series, we will present the Pathé comedy short *Spring Fever*, featuring Harold Lloyd, Snub Pollard, and Bebe Daniels. Enjoy live classical organ accompaniment for this timeless silent film experience!
Event Details: This film is a wonderful way to begin Holy Week with the story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection on screen.
​Note: This event is not sponsored by the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society but is included on our calendar for your enjoyment.

March 29, 2026 - Franklin, WI - DTOS Event

Join us for a special Palm Sunday presentation of Cecil B. DeMille's monumental 1927 silent film epic, The King of Kings, accompanied live on the world's largest symphonic theatre organ. This powerful and reverent portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, starring H.B. Warner, is celebrated as one of cinema's greatest biblical films. Organist Mike Jacklin will provide an unforgettable musical accompaniment, enhancing this unique worship experience through silent film.
Event Details:
  • Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026 (Palm Sunday)
  • Time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Carmex Warehouse, 9750 South Franklin Drive, Franklin, WI 53132
  • Organ: Carmex Wurlitzer/Hybrid 4/90
  • Organist: Mike Jacklin
  • Admission: Free and open to the public
  • NOTE: Bring a chair; seating is limited, but the space is not.

An excellent way to celebrate Palm Sunday with the world's largest symphonic theatre organ, paired with one of cinema's greatest biblical epics.

June 13, 2026 - Madison, WI

Experience the classic 1924 silent drama The Signal Tower with live organ accompaniment at the Overture Center's nationally recognized Duck Soup Cinema series. Directed by Clarence Brown and starring Virginia Valli, Rockliffe Fellowes, and Wallace Beery, this Universal Pictures production tells a gripping story set along the railroad. Enjoy vaudeville-style entertainment in the authentic atmosphere of a 1920s movie palace at Madison's beautifully restored Capitol Theatre using the theatre's original organ!

Event Details:
  • Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
  • Showtimes: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Location: Capitol Theatre at Overture Center, 201 State Street, Madison, WI
  • Organ: 3/14 Barton Theatre Organ
  • Organist: R. Jelani Eddington
  • Tickets: Under $15 (available at overture.org)
  • Extras: Vaudeville entertainment, door prizes, and emcee
  • You can purchase tickets and get more info at the Duck Soup Cinema website.
Note: This event is not sponsored by the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society but is included on our calendar for your enjoyment.