Blossom of Lights
Through Oct. 26 | Monk Botanical Gardens, Wausau
OK, so get something out of the way: Yes, the Monk Botanical Gardens earned itself some controversy earlier this year after it announced it would change its name. People did not like that, and eventually the board changed the name back. But you shouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying this colorful festival at the gardens. The gardens during this time period will become a garden of light, bringing something to the area it otherwise hasn’t seen. Plus there are a number of special events such as Pet Night, Trick or Treat Night and Sensory-Friendly Night. Wednesdays through Saturdays 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. blossomoflights.org or on Facebook.
Food Trucks in the Park
Thursday, Sept. 12 | Doepke Park, Rib Mountain
There has been a decided lack of food truck rallies in the Wausau area in the past. Now, there’s two in less than a month? That’s right, following right on the heels of the food truck rally and makers market downtown last week, Rib Mountain will feature its own food truck. This one is in the evening hours and features half a dozen food trucks at the lovely Doepke Park in Rib Mountain. Besides the food trucks, the village will have on hand Marathon County’s K9 program and Section 715 Throwing Co. But they had me at food. 4:30-8:30 pm. See ribmountainwi.gov for more.
Wausau Welcoming Week
Multiple events, dates and locations, Wausau
This one is super interesting. A couple of things to note about the new Wausau Welcoming Week: One, it’s a little more than a week! The events stretch out through Sept. 22, with plenty for Wausau folks to do. And, it’s not just for those new to Wausau – everyone can enjoy it! The big two events are a reception for the artists behind The String Project 6 pm Friday at WMOCA and a Welcoming Week Kickoff Fair 10 am Saturday at The Grand Theater. Other events throughout the week and beyond are a book display at the Marathon County Public Library Wausau Branch; a Fiesta Party at Community Partners Campus; and an open house at the ECDC center in Washington Square. See the full list of events (19 in all) at wausome.com/experience/welcoming-week
Melissa Carper
Thursday, Sept. 12 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
Carper’s music can be best described as mountain music – a particular set of bluegrass that, as she puts it (borrowing from the documentary Down from the Mountain), just needs to be “borned in ya.” At least that’s how she would describe it. Throwing on the track “Making Memories,” the song evokes a mix of old school country with a little bit of a jazz element. Other songs like “No Home” sound a little more like traditional bluegrass but of the style one might hear on an old country radio station. And her track “Borned in ya” has a gospel call-and-answer element to it. Carper’s voice is unique, and it’ll be a treat to see at Lamplight Sessions. 7 pm. $36. lamplightsessions.com.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Friday, Sept. 13 | Grand Theater, Wausau
Ok, I admit I didn’t realize who the Ozark Mountain Daredevils were, but listening to the first song that came up on Spotify — Jackie Blue — reminded me that I absolutely have heard their music. The groups that date back to the 70s have that loungy, jazzy, post-psychedelic rock sound many of the bands had back then, like Alan Parsons Project, Electric Light Orchestra or Blue Oyster Cult. It’s truly incredible that the band has continued to record and tour all this time, but this year and next is their farewell tour. So if you’ve always enjoyed this band and wanted to see their last hurrah, this is your chance! 7:30 pm. $35-$68. grandtheater.org.
Beer and Bacon Fest
Saturday, Sept. 14 | Oak/Fern Island, Wausau
Most of you probably like beer. And I’m sure a good number of you like bacon too. Well, then have we got an event for you! This event, started nearly 10 years ago, is one of the newest events at Wausau events. Sample from 14 different beer vendors and six different bacon vendors at Fern Island Park. 1 pm. $50 advance, $60 at the gate. Wausauevents.org
