Wausau events worth checking out for the week of Oct. 27, 2022

By Kayla Zastrow

TAE & The Neighborly

THURSDAY 10/27 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

Tae and the neighborly wausau

The five members of the Ripon, Wis.-based band Tae & The Neighborly really were neighbors who started playing and writing music together during the 2020 pandemic thanks to a shared passion for baking cake. Since everyone knows all good rhythms begin in the kitchen, it wasn’t long before the group began to perform together across the nation. The band calls their shows “inspiration fuel for self lovin’ [and] world changin’.” Enjoy a spirited evening of music as you join the neighborhood with Tae, Daniel Pingrey, Kelvin Kaspar, David Blessent and Andy Welsch. 8 pm. Tickets $10 in advance. Details at grandtheater.org.

Spongebob The Musical

FRI.-SUN. 10/28-30 & 11/4-5 | SENTRY THEATER, STEVENS POINT

In this musical based on the iconic animated Nickelodeon Series, the stakes are higher than ever, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. Presented by Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater. Fri.-Sat. Fri-Sat. 7 pm; Sun. at 2 pm. $20 adults, $10 children, $18 seniors. Details at Cwact.org.

Unity the Band

SATURDAY 10/29 | THE BAR-WAUSAU, ROTHSCHILD

Unity band wausau

With high energy and funky reggae tunes, this wildly popular, feel-good band from the Fox Valley has become a Wausau favorite. With positive party vibes, the band plays old roots and reggae favorites along with original music that blends the influences of roots, rock, blues, funk and reggae into their own unique sound. Fronted by the energetic and charismatic Kai “Pita” Kotobalavu on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, he draws you in with island-smooth sound and gets the crowd up on their feet. 9 pm. 715-355-7001.

Haunted Corn Maze

THURS.-SAT. 10/27-29 | WILLOW SPRINGS GARDEN, WAUSAU

willow springs corn maze

This annual haunted corn maze is a Wausau Halloween favorite. Prepare to travel through the corn in the dark, unsure of what lurks around the corner. In between frightening acts of bizarre and unusual, you will be tasked with a quest you must complete before departing the maze. The spooky adventure begins at the round barn at Willow Springs. No flashlights allowed. Recommended for ages 10 and older. 7-10 pm on Thursday and Friday and at 6:30-10 pm on Saturday. $15 per person. 715-675-1171.

The Candlelight Hike Festival “Lights of the Night”

FRIDAY 10/28 | SCHMEECKLE RESERVE, STEVENS POINT

Walk trails lit by torches and hundreds jack-o’-lanterns through the autumn woods and around Lake Joanis of Schmeeckle Reserve. It’s an entire evening of fun with live raptors,  hand-on activities, s’more and more. During the family-friendly character program “Lights of the Night” at 6:30 & 7:30 pm at the amphitheater, Hike runs 6-9 pm, arrive and leave when you like. Suggested donation of $2 per person of $5 per family.  Starts at 6 pm. $2/person or $5/family. Details at uwsp.edu. 

American Ballet Theatre Studio Company

SATURDAY 10/29 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

The rising stars of one of the nation’s most prestigious ballet companies make their Wausau debut with an evening of incredible artistry. The repertoire features a mix of classical and neoclassical works, contemporary works, and new custom pieces commissioned each season, all showcasing the vibrancy of these young dancers. Over 80% of American Ballet Theatre’s dancers are alumni of ABT Studio Company, including superstars like Misty Copeland! It’s your chance to see the future of dance right here close to home. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $35. Details at grandtheater.org.

Young Frankenstein

THURS.-SAT. 11/3-5 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU

The celebrated West End Version of the hilarious Mel Brooks Musical electrifies the stage. The legendarily funny film turned brilliant stage creation tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein, as he inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor and leggy lab assistant Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Evenutally, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity ensues. 6:30 pm on Thurs.; 7:30 pm on Fri.; 2 pm & 7:30 pm on Sat. $22 adults, $18 seniors, $14 youth in advance. Details at wausaucommunitytheatre.org.