Wisconsin Valley Fair
Tues.-Sun., 8/1-8/6 | Marathon Park, Wausau
It’s getting to be that time of year again! Starting next week is the Wisconsin Valley Fair with all of those carnival rides and games, plus music and demolition derbies. Here’s what the schedule looks like starting next week: Tuesday (Aug. 1): Mitchel Tenpenny; Wednesday (Aug. 2): Rick Springfield; Thursday (Aug. 3): Jo Dee Messina; Friday-Saturday (Aug. 4-5): PCRA Rodeo; Sunday (Aug. 6): Demolition Derby. All grandstand events except the demolition derby are included with gate admission; reserved seats are $25 prior to the start of the fair, $30 afterward. Tickets before 1 pm $6; after 1 pm $10. Children 10 and under admitted free.
Hmong Wausau Festival
Sat.-Sun., July 29-30 | Peoples Sports Complex, Wausau
This annual event celebrating the Hmong people has become a staple of the Wausau area. Every year, the event brings thousands of Hmong people to Wausau from around the Midwest. What can you expect? There are numerous sporting competitions going on throughout the day including soccer, flag football and volleyball; fireworks in the evening; Hmong dances; politician speeches; and plenty of Hmong and other food vendors, and vendors selling other wares including clothing. $8 per day, $15 for both days.
Max Koepke
Friday, July 28 | The Garage, Rib Mountain
I remember seeing Max Koepke play a small gig a number of years ago and being pretty blown away by this kid who was only in high school. He hasn’t stopped since, becoming a regular working musician while still in high school. He’s since moved to Chicago, but plays around whenever he’s in town. A great example of his talent? Watch Koepke play the piano and harmonica part at the same time on Piano Man, before launching into the song with his powerful vocals. This coming Friday he’ll be gracing The Garage with his musical talents. 6 pm. thegaragewausau.com
Nick Anderson and the Skinny Covers
Saturday, July 29 | Malarkey’s Pub, Wausau
Good things have been happening for Nick Anderson and the Skinny Lovers. The trio played in the Concerts on the Square a few years ago, and since then has amassed quite a following and accolades, including from Marky Ramone of The Ramones and from Kansas. For this show they’ll call themselves Nick Anderson and the Skinny Covers, because they mostly will play covers in this Malarkey’s Pub set. (They have a few different names based on what kind of set they’re playing.) This band brings the energy, so be sure to be ready for a high-octane show. 7 pm. malarkeyspub.com.
Something Rotten
Thurs.-Sun., July 27-30 | Creske Center Auditorium, Mosinee
Ever want to travel back to the Renaissance era? This latest musical put on by the Mosinee Community Theatre group aims to do just that, with a farcical touch. Something Rotten is the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, who in the 1590s are attempting to write a hit play. But, they’re stuck under the shadow of a Renaissance rock star known only as The Bard. But inspiration hits, and they come up with an idea to add music, creating the world’s first musical, full of some of the wackiest, over-the-top characters this side of the Mona Lisa. This show was a huge hit on Broadway, and now you can watch it right in the confines of the Creske Center in Mosinee. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7 pm; Sunday 1 pm. Tickets $20, Seniors/armed service $18, Students $15. mosineecommunitytheater.com
