By Kayla Zastrow
Johnny and the Motones
THURSDAY 8/18 | TIKI BEACH BAR AND GRILL, MOSINEE
Hometown musical heroes John Altenburgh and Mitch Viegut’s bluesy rock band takes the beach. Mosinee-based musician and producer John Altenburgh has recorded and performed jazz, blues, rock, Latin and even classical music. His Christmas concerts at the Grand Theater are annual sellouts, and his performances at Concerts on the Square tend to attract the biggest crowds of the season. Get ready to hear these local legends perform a variety of genres including blues, rock, and R&B at one of the most beautiful beach bars in the state. 6 pm. 715-342-2232.
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
FRI.-SAT. 8/19-8/20 | FERN ISLAND, WAUSAU
This high-volume, high-energy affair has anchored Wausau summers for decades. The iconic event also happens to be the longest-running blues festival in the state, and still runs hot, attracting a huge crowd year after year. Each act brings their own style—ranging from roots, to gospel, to rock. Music plays under the large tent, while the park is filled with food and drink vendors. Shuttles run between Blues Fest and several hotels located in Wausau as well as the Marathon Park campground. A shuttle runs about every 30 minutes on Fri. 3:30-11 pm and Sat. 11:30 am-11pm. No carry-ins allowed, except a cooler of ice. Bring your own lawn chair and a blanket. No smoking under tents, no firearms/weapons or pets. Music plays rain or shine, except in severe weather. $60 both days; $160 VIP. Details at Wausauevents.org.
Main Stage Music Lineup
Friday
5 pm | Madtown Mannish Boys
7 pm | Mark Cameron
9 pm | Gabe Stillman
Saturday
1 pm | Avery Grouws Band
3 pm | Ally Venable
5 pm | Robert Jon & The Wreck
7 pm | Curtis Salgado
9 pm | Tommy Castro & Painkillers Featuring Deanna Bogart
The Tempest
FRI.-SUN. 8/19-8/20 | PANKOWSKI FAMILY AMPHITHEATER AT SCHMEECKLE RESERVE, STEVENS POINT
Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater presents William Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at Schmeeckle Reserve. Directed by UW-Stevens Point Acting Professor Elizabeth Parks, the play follows the story of Prospero, the banished Duke of Milan, and his journey back into the good graces of King Alonzo of Naples. It’s a story filled with magic, betrayal, love, and reconciliation. Bring chairs as space is limited. Fri.-Sat. at 6 pm; Sat.-Sun at 2 pm. $15 adult, $10 children 10 and under, seniors and military. Tickets at showtix4u.com.
Movie in the Park
THURSDAY 8/18 | MARATHON JUNCTION, MARATHON PARK, WAUSAU
Outdoor movies are a quintessential summer experience. As summer comes to an end, bring the entire family to spread out blankets or camp chairs to watch Disney’s Luca under the stars on a 35-foot screen. The animated movie is about a young boy named Luca who experiences an unforgettable seaside summer on the Italian Riviera filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the ocean’s surface. Presented by Wausau and Marathon County Parks Department. Rain/wind site at East Gate Hall, Marathon Park. Starts around 7:30 pm. Details at co.marathon.wi.us.
Central Wisconsin State Fair
TUES.-SUN. 8/23-8/28 | MARSHFIELD FAIRGROUNDS
Before the summer’s end, be sure to check out the fair for deliciously greasy food, rides, art contests, live music, rides, tractor pulls, a demolition derby and more. Also take a tour of the World’s Largest Round Barn, which was constructed 100 years ago this year. $30 season pass for adults, $15 season pass for children, and free for children 5 and under. Details at Centralwisconsinstatefair.com.
Entertainment
Tues. | Johnny Wad. 7:30 pm
Wed. | Hotel California. 7:30 pm
Thurs. | Hairball. 7:30 pm
Fri. | Gary Allan. 7:30 pm.
Sat. | Monster Truck Show. 2 pm
Sun. | Demolition Derby. 2 pm
Central Wisconsin Military Show
FRI.-SAT. 8/19-8/20 | MOTORAMA AUTO MUSEUM, ANIWA
The Central Wisconsin Military Show is the largest event of its kind in Wisconsin and aims to increase awareness and education about the U.S. military while honoring past and present veterans. Attendees can get up close and personal with military vehicles and memorabilia, meet veterans and veteran service groups, and watch historic reenactments. You’ll see a military vehicle show, soldier encampments with battle reenactments, a militaria and gun swap meet, guest speakers, veterans service organizations, weapons demonstrations, live music, and more. Friday 9 am-6 pm; Saturday 8 am-6 pm. Details at Alfaheaven.com.
