Gigi’s 5k Glow Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, June 10 | YMCA Aspirus, Weston
City Pages wrote one of the first stories about Gigi’s Playhouse when it first opened its doors in 2020. The organization helps provide a safe space for children with Down’s Syndrome, as well as a resource center. This 5K and glow event is part of the national GigiFIt acceptance challenge. There’s something for all ages here: s 5K run/walk, a kids’ dash, an all abilities, all ages obstacle course, music, glow team competitions and even their famous foam launcher. Have a great time with the kids and support a great cause. 6 pm. gigisplayhouse.org/wausau for more.
Whiskey and Lace at Tiki Beach
Thursday, June 8 | Tiki Beach Bar and Grill, Mosinee
Tiki Beach’s summer concert series are something unlike anything else around the Wausau area. The Lake du Bay-based bar brings music to the waterfront for a beach-like party atmosphere that is a true summer gem in the central Wisconsin area. Some folks even paddle kayaks up to the shore to listen to the music, and larger boats will pull into the bay to hear the music too. This Thursday’s show features Whiskey and Lace, a band primarily focusing on the 90s country music scene but also playing modern hits. I don’t know if your cowboy boots will fit inside your kayak, but it’s worth a shot. 6 pm. tikibeachllc.com.
Concerts on the Square: Steem
Wednesday, June 14 | 400 Block, Wausau
Steem created its own poster for its upcoming Concerts on the Square appearance — included in that poster is a tagline that reads: Music that’s not in your face; it’s in your soul. That’s probably a pretty good way to describe the kind of music Steem plays — anything I could find online included covers of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. With a huge band — I count 10 total members on the poster cover, which is much more than video of their past appearances would suggest — Steem’s COTS appearance ought to make for a chill evening. 6-8 pm. No smoking, no pets, no tents or large tables and no blankets down before 4 pm each day as it kills the grass on the 400 Block per Wausau Events. Rain location: Whitewater Music Hall. wausauevents.org.
Man of Honor
Fri.-Sun., June 9-11 | Wausau Eagles Club, Wausau
Most of the time a raffle wouldn’t make the City Pages’ highlights section, but the Man of Honor event fits the bill, with three days of music, fun, fireworks and raising money for veterans. There are food and games during the day Saturday, music by KT Country on Friday and Knock Point on Saturday, and fireworks at dusk. There’s also a Man of Honor motorcycle ride leaving out of Cruisin 1724. On Sunday, The Polish Connection will play, plus a $5 chicken dinner and the raffle drawing will be held at 6 pm. Proceeds go to help members of the military, veterans and their families. Check out manofhonorsociety.org for more details.
Ironbull Solstice Summit Challenge
Saturday, June 10 | Granite Peak, Rib Mountain
Rib Mountain is a pretty challenging place to run or hike whichever part of the mountain you decide to try. But one of the great summer training places for elevation is on the ski mountain side, and even a walk up the ski trails will leave most people’s hearts pounding. But this new event, the Solstice Summit Challenge, ups the intensity even more (I mean, it is Ironbull afterall!). The Solstice Challenge will present athletes with three options: A recreational untimed climb on an easier (note: not “easy,” just “easier”) part of the trail; the competitive timed run on a more challenging part of the mountain; and a ruck climb in which participants will carry at least 10 pounds on their backs. For the really hardcore, there is a Triple Bypass that includes three up and downs on the mountain. Also interesting, it’s an evening event with waves starting at 5:30 pm. Registration and more details at ironbull.org.
The Driftless Revelers
Saturday, June 10 | Malarkey’s Pub, Wausau
Describing The Driftless Revelers as a bluegrass band just doesn’t come close to hitting the mark on these guys. With influences from blues to jazz, The Driftless Revelers’ sound is like if a group of talented musicians had never heard bluegrass before, which gives them the freedom to create without adhering to the conventions of the genre. Armed with an arsenal of quirky songs full of Wisconsin references, The Driftless Revelers have a lot more in common with a Lou and Peter Berryman than they do the typical bluegrass act, and that makes them a unique talent in the state worth checking out. 7 pm. Malarkeyspub.com
