This week’s events worth checking out. Doublecheck times with the event organizers as they can change due to weather or other factors.
Together, we can
FRIDAY 6/24 | WHITEWATER MUSIC HALL, WAUSAU
Russia’s war against the Ukraine has left devastation and destruction across parts of the country — no matter one’s view on the situation, it’s hard not to feel for the impacts on ordinary people in the country. Whitewater Music Hall is partnering up with guitarist Harold Melo to put on this show with other area musical artists. The evening will include bands The Station, The Short Pay Riders and Substyle, the latter two for which Melo plays guitar. An immigrant of Peru, Melo has been wowing audiences with his guitar playing — the guy is a virtuoso and an encyclopedia of guitar and music theory knowledge. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the show will go toward supporting humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine. $10. 6:30 pm.
Wings Over Wausau
FRI.-SAT. 6/24-25 | WAUSAU DOWNTOWN AIRPORT, WAUSAU
The Balloon Rally and Rib Fest held annually at the downtown airport used to be considered Wausau’s Big Weekend – it drew thousands to the city’s Southeast Side neighborhood. That even became Taste n’ Glow Balloon Fest and is now held in the town of Stettin just outside of Wausau. So Wausau Events came up with a new event starting this year: Wings over Wausau. The two-day event will see a vintage car show, drone demonstrations and flying, an airshow featuring local pilots and planes, kids activities, food vendors and live entertainment all day. Wausau Events moved Chalkfest to coincide with the weekend too, so it’s the city’s best attempt at another big weekend. $5 per family, or free with donation of non-perishable food item to The Neighbors’ Place.
Chalkfest
SAT.SUN. 6/25-26 | 400 BLOCK, WAUSAU
Every year around this time (and now a little earlier, to coincide with Wausau Events’ new Wings Over Wausau event) the 400 Block downtown becomes a little more colorful! Once again artists will pay their fee, get their buckets of chalk and head down to the 400 Block to create sidewalk art. And really, the talent of some of the artists who participate is truly outstanding. In fact, it’s not uncommon on a Sunday or even Monday morning to see folks taking a stroll to admire all the artwork before it’s washed away. (The city pressure washes it at some point because otherwise the residue causes some real problems.) Paired with Wings Over Wausau, Wausau Events is aiming to make this its Big Weekend. $22, less expensive options for children. Free to observe.
Event in Bevent
SAT.-SUN. 6/25-26 | ST. LADISLAUS PARISH, BEVENT
Maybe planes and chalk aren’t your thing, or you’re just in the mood for something a little more old-fashioned and out in the country. Then the Event in Bevent is just the right thing for you. Blessed with perhaps the best event name around (to this day it still amuses me), the event features polka masses, food, train rides for the kids, raffles, a bounce house, beer bar and pull-tab games. There’s a charcoal chicken dinner and they sell their famous homemade noodles. Plus polka music. If you’ve never, ever been to Bevent, this is your jam. Starts at 4 pm.
Copperbox
SATURDAY 6/25 | BULL FALLS BREWERY
Speaking of polka related music, you probably already know of Copperbox from their many appearances on the 400 Block during Concerts on the Square. The zydeco, accordion-armed band has delighted audiences for a long time now. They’ve shared the stage with some truly big names, including The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton and Robby Krueger from The Doors and Huey Lewis, to name a few. Their members individually have been nominated for multiple Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards. It’s more typical to see them performing on big stages and at festivals, so this is a chance to see them a little more up close and personal. 7 pm.
31st Annual Midwest Renewable Energy Fair
FRI.-SUN. 6/24-6/26 | MREA HEADQUARTERS, CUSTER
The Midwest Renewable Energy Fair is one of the largest such fairs around. You never quite know what, or who, you’re going to encounter at the energy fair but you’ll meet some of the most interesting characters. It’s an experience. But besides that, if you have any questions about setting up any kind of renewable energy system or the like, this is the place to go to talk to people who have a lot of experience. Plus there is always a unique selection of food vendors, and all kinds of exhibits and keynote speakers. This is actually the first fair since 2019. The theme in 2020 was to be “The Future is Electric” but post pandemic/global supply challenges, the MREA chose “Powering the Just Energy Transition.” $45 weekend pass, $20 for one day, discounts for youth, seniors, members. Mrea.org for more details.
