Bluegrass, jazz, architecture, and so much more this weekend

Jackpine Jamboree 

Thurs..-Sun. 8-29-9/1 | Wildlife Campground, Birnamwood 

If you’re into bluegrass, there is a good chance that you already know about Jackpine Jamboree. It’s a classic, and it attracts some of the great local, regional and national acts in the bluegrass scene to the Birnamwood area. This year the lineup includes the Stevens Point-originated, nationally touring act Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, as well as Chicken Wire Empire, Joseph Huber, Dig Deep, Kevin Troestler and so many more acts. This full weekend event is always a blast for those who love to camp out and spend an entire weekend listening to great music. $100 for the weekend in advance, $120 at the gate; $45 per day in advance, $50 at the gate. Children 12 and under free. Camping is available and included with admission. jackpinejamboree.com

Architectural Amble: Longfellow Neighborhood

Thursday, Aug. 29 | Longfellow Neighborhood, Wausau 

Wausau is full of history and the city’s Longfellow Neighborhood is no exception. The Friends of Wausau Landmarks group has been putting these ambles on for some time, and they’re a great way to learn about the historic buildings - and the people who occupied them - in neighborhoods around Wausau. Come take a walk, learn all about the architecture of the neighborhood from a historical expert and have some fun. Free. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks on Facebook. 

Riverfront Jazz Festival 

Sat.-Sun. 8/31-9/1 | Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Stevens Point 

If you’re a lover of jazz, this is where you want to be this weekend. The Riverfront Jazz Festival is one of the biggest ones in the state, and it always brings a wealth of talent to the Stevens Point area. Find a great mix of big-name artists along with some of your favorite central Wisconsin musicians all in one festival. From the Point of Jazz Quintet, made up exclusively of former UWSP students, to Davina and the Vagabonds, who have played all over the world and earned high praise from NPR and the Chicago Tribune, you’ll find plenty of great music to listen to. One more artist you’ll want to watch: Zach Finnegan playing at 5 pm Sunday - he’s a former Wausonian whose career skyrocketed when he started touring with Grammy winner Michael Buble last year. 3 pm Saturday and Sunday.  https://www.createportagecounty.org/jazzfest

Movie in the Park 

Thursday, Aug. 29 | The 400 Block, Wausau 

It might seem hard to believe, but summer is already starting to wind down! Pretty soon the leaves will be turning colors and falling, football will fill TVs on Sundays, and the oppressive humidity will transition into crips coolness. But there is still some time to capture that summer magic, including another chance to catch a movie on the 400 Block. This week’s movie is Disney’s Wish, the story of a girl who meets a falling star in her moment of need. Together they work to take back the kingdom from a devious ruler and restore peace. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the show. 7 pm. Free. Wausau/Marathon County Parks and Rec on Facebook for more or to see the full lineup. 

The Mill Creek Cowtippers 

Friday Aug. 30 | The Garage, Rib Mountain 

There might be a more Wisconsin name for a band than The Mill Creek Cowtippers, but if there is, I haven’t heard it yet. This fun bluegrass band has been playing around the area, with shows at the state fair and the Edgar Steam Show among others. A recent gig had them playing a bluegrass version of the late Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and otherwise their bluegrass style is upbeat and energetic, complete with fiddle, bass and guitar. They’re a fun band, and should be really fun at The Garage, which has quickly established itself as one the top music venues in the area. 7 pm. thegaragewausau.com