Whitewater, music on the farm, movies in the park and more

Wausau Rec Release 

Sat.-Sun. 8\3-8\4 | Whitewater Park, Wausau 

One of the cool things about Wausau is you can be walking around on a late Sunday morning downtown and suddenly find yourself watching whitewater kayaking right in the middle of downtown! During these rec releases at Whitewater Park, the water is turned into that gushing, churning variety that attracts kayakers from around the world. They also attract plenty of folks to the park to watch kayakers do all those cool flips and twists and go underwater momentarily before emerging. (Not to mention, plenty of photogs to get it all on “film.”) Kayakers also camp out along the shore but feel free to swing down and watch them practice. 10 am-4 pm. www.wausauwhitewater.org. 

Community Thank You Cookout 

Tuesday 8/6 | The 400 Block, Wausau 

The Wausau Police Department has been holding this cookout for a number of years now - it’s a great excuse to head on down to the 400 Block, meet some of the K9 cops, bring the kids to check out the police and fire vehicles, and have some free eats cooked up by the boys and girls in blue (with some help from the fire department too). The police put on this event to express their support for the community, and hey, food is always appreciated. 11 am. Free. See more on the Wausau Police Department’s Facebook page. 

Movie in the Park: Wish

Thursday, 8/1 | The 400 Block, Wausau 

Taking the kids to a movie is a time-honored tradition - but did you know that doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in the air conditioning? The Wausau/Marathon County Parks Department is hosting another movie in the park. This time, the featured film is Wish, a Disney animated film from last year. Wish is the story of 17-year-old Asha, a girl who is surprised when she wishes upon a star while in need and as a result meets a real-life, magical falling star. Together they work to defeat the evil sorcerer and restore peace to the world. 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. 

Matt and Jody from the Station/Local Heroes 

Fri-Sat 8/2-8/3 | Stoney Acres Farm, Athens 

Let’s face it, Pizza on the Farm at Stoney Acres Farm is always a joy even when there is no music. Enjoying a pizza on a sunny Friday evening with a beer in hand and friends around is just a good time waiting to happen. Add in some live music, even better. This weekend has an interesting double header - Matt and Jody from The Station will kick things off on Friday, and Tyler Vogt and the Local Heroes (of Malarkey’s fame) will make Saturday something special the following day on Saturday. Pizza runs 4-8:30 pm, and music typically starts at five. stoneyacres.net. 

Leon Timbo 

Thursday 8/1 | Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Stevens Point 

Leon Timbo was born in the south to a preacher’s son, and so much of that informs Leon Timbo’s music. Remarkably, Timbo manages to channel that southern soul while blending it into something more pop-oriented and modern. Timbo struggled early in his career - his first record didn’t sell very well - but he persisted and ended up playing 150 shows that year, and hasn’t slowed down since. He recently signed with producer Kenny Edmonds, who has worked with Celine Dion, Beyonce and Michael Jackson among others. For a blend of modern and bluesy southern soul, Timbo is your man. Free. 6 pm, headlining bands start at 7 pm, and come at 5 pm for yoga. More information and even a Spotify playlist at www.createportageounty.org/levittamp