7 things to do around Wausau this week

26th annual Blues Cafe

March 13-14 | Rothschild Pavilion, Rothschild
One of the Midwest’s premiere blues festivals returns to the Rothschild Pavilion for its 26th year this weekend. The all-star blues jam, organized by the Great Northern Blues Society, features a satisfying lineup of exciting up-and-comers and must-see established stars. Performers include D.K. Harrell, the Stephen Hull Experience, Leilani Kilgore, Big Al Dorn & The Blues Howlers, the Blue Notes featuring Jay Stulo, the Birddog Blues Band and special sets from Alexander Craig between shows. Doors open Friday at 5:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for both nights are $45 in advance or $55 at the door. Friday-night-only tickets are $10. midwestblues.org

 

Drum Tao

Sunday, March 15 | The Grand Theater, Wausau
Established in 1993, Drum Tao‘s one-of-a-kind show is created through phenomenal performances and expressions using the incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. Many talented artists have gathered to join this creation from all over the world, making Drum Tao a peerless form of modern Japanese entertainment. Starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $44-$74. Grandtheater.org

 

Murder Mystery Dinner

March 13-14 | Willow Springs Gardens, Wausau
Don’t just go to a thrilling show, be part of it! The murder mystery dinner at Willow Spring’s Gardens invites guests to participate in a murder mystery plot by assuming a character and helping discover the killer, all while enjoying a lavish buffet of appetizers, dinner and dessert. This mystery is set at a 17th century tavern, where bands of pirates gather for merriment. Tickets are $60. Arrive no earlier than 5:15 for character assignments, dinner and mystery begins at 6 p.m. willowspringsgardens.com

 

2026 Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Friday, March 13 | Dale’s Weston Lanes, Weston

Form a team and go bowling to help improve the lives of local kids. Bowl For Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral WI’s signature fundraiser. Each year hundreds of people across central Wisconsin come together to have fun and raise money to support this important cause. All funds remain in the community and keep the agency’s programming available to the hundreds of local children who need the help of a mentor relationship. Each team registered receives event t-shirts, two games of bowling with shoes, alley cash and lots of fun! Starts at 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. $80 adults, $60 high school, $30 child & $30 matches. bbbsncw.org

 

Live Music at the Garage

Saturday, March 14 | The Garage, Rib Mountain
Enjoy some rock covers and originals from Through Crimson at The Garage in Rib Mountain. Their set starts at 7 p.m.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Tuesday, March 17 | Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional corned beef dinner with cabbage, potatoes, carrots and dessert. Proceeds from the event will support youth events at the parish. Dinner is $15 for adults, $10 ages 12 and under. There is also a $6 hot dog dinner available, which includes chips, soda and dessert. Dinner is 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Simmons Hall.

 

Judy Collins

Tuesday, March 17 | The Grand Theater, Wausau
Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. Starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $44-$84. grandtheater.org