Blues, Buckcherry and more Wausau events this weekend

Big Bull Falls Blues Fest 

AUG. 16-17 | Fern Island, Wausau

Did you know that not only is Wausau’s Big Bull Falls Blues Fest one heck of a good time, but that it’s the longest-running Blues Fest in Wisconsin? Some great blues legends have come through this festival and if you love yourself a good 12-bar blues track, this is your place to be. Kicking things off this year is a Wisconsin legend, Howard Luedtke. With a main stage featuring eight different blues acts over Friday and Saturday, plus a side tent with two more, you will get your money’s worth having a drink and watching some blues. $60 for both days, $160 VIP. More at wausauevents.org

Friday 

5 pm — Howard Luedtke 

7 pm — Reverend Raven and the ChainSmoking Altar Boys

9 pm — Lamont Cranston

Saturday 

1 pm — Tommy Bentz

3 pm — Ivy Ford

5 pm — Mark Hummel

7 pm — Robert John and the Wreck

9 pm — The Blood Brothers

Wausau Night Market 

Thursday 8/15 | Downtown Wausau 

It’s the very last night market of the summer! Come browse local vendors while downtown streets are closed off, providing a cool downtown walkable experience. Stroll the numerous local vendors downtown as they set up on the length of Third Street and turn downtown into a festival atmosphere. This is the last one of the year, so if you haven’t visited this downtown event yet, be sure to give it a try. Check out items ranging from Indian baked goods to sipping vinegars to candles, eggs, artwork and much more. 5-9 pm. wausauriverdistrict.org

EgoCon

Saturday 8/17 | Sentry Curling Center, Plover 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions typically come and go, but EgoCon has been around for decades now. The convection, which says they are interested in everything but has a major focus on Dr. Who, is back and now is being held at the Sentry Curling Center. Come meet genre authors, podcasters, see a lightsabre demo, games run by the Evercon folks, artists, miniature enthusiasts and more. Plus, plenty of vendors will be on hand to help you add to your collection. In the past, the life-sized Daleks were always a treat. 10 am to 4 pm. $15. Check out https://sites.google.com/site/egoconevent/ for the full schedule. 

Buckcherry 

Saturday 8/17 | bantr, Rothschild 

Buckcherry seemed like your typical 90s rock band’s story: Come seemingly out of nowhere, have a ton of commercial success, put out a couple of albums and break up. But that’s only the start of Buckcherry’s story — the band after a three-year hiatus reformed in 2005 and they’ve been going strong ever since. It’s hard to classify Buckcherry - imagine Aerosmith mixed with 90s Rage-style guitar licks and numetal-style lyrics and I think you kind of get close. The band just never really stopped touring and now they’re coming to Wausau! You can come see them at bantr, the fancy millennial living place that’s been hosting comedy and music too. 6 pm. bantrrothschild.com/events for tickets. 

Midwest Freestyle Championships 

Sat.-Sun. 8/17-18 | Whitewater Park, Wausau 

It’s usually noteworthy enough when Whitewater Park has its rec release events, since they themselves always turn into little mini-events as people gather and watch kayakers practice on the downtown course. But this is even better - one of the actual competitions! Watch more than 100 kayakers and canoeists take to the rapids to compete for a spot on the podium. It’s truly impressive what these guys can do and it’s right downtown, with plenty of options to make a day of it. Starts at 8:30 am both days. wausauwhitewater.org.