Taste ‘N Glow
Fri-Sun, July 7-9 | 141678 Stettin Drive, Stettin
For decades, the Balloon Rally and Rib Fest were stalwart events of the year, held every year at the Wausau Airport. But for the past few years, after the festival was canceled because of COVID, organizers took the concept and moved it out to Stettin, which means far less congestion for the Southeast Side Neighborhood near the airport and easier parking with more space out in Stettin. The Taste N Glow has become a landmark event of the year itself, adding lumberjack competitions, local food vendors replacing the out-of-town rib vendors and plenty of fun to go around the weekend. Plenty of parking or take the shuttle for service right to the front of the event. See tasteandglow.com or your copy of the Summer Fun Book for the full schedule.
Sara Rifleman Trio
Sunday, July 9 | Kickbusch Plaza, downtown Wausau
Before the pandemic reared its ugly head, there was a pretty chill event downtown on Sundays. Jazz on the River brought a variety of jazz artists to the Kickbusch Plaza downtown behind the library. Now, it’s back! Kicking off the series is the Sara Rifleman Trio. This Wisconsin Rapids-based trio consists of piano, upright bass and drums, and promises fresh and inventive arrangements to some timeless jazz standards as well as some original music. It’s a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, Pizza Kiln will be on hand with wood-fired pizza available for purchase. Free. 5 pm. Rivervalleyjazz.org.
Tae and the Neighborly
Thursday, July 6 | Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Stevens Point
Tae herself has a much deeper and bolder voice than you might expect when you first see her — it’s pretty impressive how she can fill up a room. Tae is the front of this R&B soul pop band. The Ripon-based quintet got their start, interestingly enough, because they all loved cake baking and were neighbors. During the pandemic sugar shortage found themselves knocking on each other’s doors. That led to them playing music together and ultimately performing and recording their groovy tunes. Part of the Levitt Amp music series in Point, which has brought some truly incredible music to the city south of Wausau. 6 pm, headlining bands start at 7 pm, 5 pm for yoga. More information and even a Spotify playlist at www.createportageounty.org/levittamp
Iola Car Show
Thurs-Sat, July 6-8 | Iola Car Show Grounds, Iola
If you’re a car person – heck, even if you just kind of think cars are cool — there’s just nothing quite like the Iola Car Show. Each year has a theme and this year’s theme is Unforgettable 50s. Each year usually sees some celebrities make their way to the grounds, and this year is no exception with Jerry Mathers, who played “The Beaver” on Leave it to Beaver; Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster on The Munsters; and Emily Reeves of Flying Sparks Garage, which boasts a sizable YouTube channel. Car shows are always kind of fun but this one is just gigantic, with programming, parts vendors and education. Plus, bring your pocket book because the Iola locals figured out it was a pretty good idea to set up garage sales and lemonade stands along the walk to the car show. iolaoldcarshow.com
Woodturning Open House
Wednesday, July 12 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau
Ever wanted to try woodturning? If you’ve never seen it done, it’s pretty cool to watch people work these huge devices that cut wood into interesting shapes as they spin. Now is your chance to watch demonstrations and even try it out for yourself as the Wisconsin Valley Woodturners bring a few of their machines to Whitewater Music Hall. The event is their July meeting but will also double as an open house of sorts. The club will also be displaying some of the crafts made with their machines and be available to answer questions, have some woodturned bowls for sale and some of the members will be offering to let members of the public briefly try out turning a project.
New exhibit: International Biennial Portrait Competition
July 7-Sept. 2 | Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Wausau
Ever since Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors, the museum has brought some top-notch national and international artists to the city. This time it’s no different, with artists from around the world competing in this portrait competition. The opening reception is 6 pm Friday, with Canadian artist Aaron Sidorenko serving as the juror. Winners will be announced at 7 pm. Free admission. Wmoca.org.
Tour de Briq’s
Saturday, July 8 | Aspirus YMCA, Weston
This event, called Tour de Briq’s not only combines both, but it supports a good cause. Rides will stop at between two and five of the area’s Briq’s ice cream stores, offering rides for all abilities. Donations (suggested minimum of $20) go toward the Cycling without Age program, in which volunteers pilot large trishaw bicycles that seniors can ride in. Aspirus YMCA, noon (registration starts at 11:30 am). Check out the Facebook event for more.
