Expensive Entertainment
Madison's "Concerts on the Square" sure are expensive. I'm not referring to money -- admission is free, after all -- but to time. Patrons sit on the lawn of the State Capital. Seating is first come, first served. Anyone can reserve a spot by simply placing a blanket on the ground. There's a catch, however: no blankets are allowed on the ground until 3pm. To reserve a seat, patrons must show up before 3pm, wait, and then spread out their blankets once 3pm arrives.
All of that waiting and uncertainty is as much of a cost as an actual ticket would be. It's just a different kind of cost. Instead of spending money, patrons spend time. In my opinion, time is much harder to get than money is. Thus, these concerts are far more expensive than traditional concerts would be.
Do they cost too much? Well, that's up to each individual. There are benefits to this kind of cost: enjoying the outdoors, sitting and talking with other early-arrivals, taking advantage of a day off to enjoy some culture without sacrificing some cash. I think the entire thing sounds like fun -- provided I come equipped with enough sunscreen. (There's another non-monetary cost for you.) I just won't make the mistake of calling it a "free concert".