Artrageous Weekend
Sat.-Sun. 9/9-10 | Downtown Wausau
The size of this festival, with hundreds of artists from the around the country, is truly a local marvel. Bring the whole family down to check out art in four different locations around the city, with the center of activity happening downtown, including art classes, live music, kids activity and plenty of food options.
Art in the Park at Marathon Park. The Wisconsin Valley Art Association hosts this indoor show featuring more than 100 juried artists and fine craft exhibitors in the East Gate Hall and Historic Exhibition Building. Find affordable handcrafted items such as pottery, wearable art, paintings, photography, and more that are perfect for gifts. Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 9 am-4 pm. Wivalleyart.org.
Festival of Arts, downtown Wausau. Along Third Street and on the 400 Block find work by over 120 juried artists representing a variety of mediums. It’s a lively atmosphere with live music, a family art tent with children’s art activities, art classes, a Young Collector Market, entertainment on the Family Stage, and food stands. Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-4 pm. Wausaufoa.org.
Center for the Visual Arts, downtown Wausau. Experience artist demonstrations, including ceramics, digital art, painting, and more. Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-4 pm. Cvawausau.org.
Birds in Art at the Woodson Art Museum. Join the opening celebration of this acclaimed annual exhibit. View all-new original avian artworks and meet dozens of artists during the opening festivities on Saturday 9 am-noon. Special Artrageous Weekend hours Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm. Lywam.org.
Birds in Art
On view Sept. 9 through Nov. 26 | Woodson Art Museum, Wausau
Since 1976, the Woodson Art Museum has organized Birds in Art, an international juried exhibition to present the best contemporary artistic interpretations of birds in two- and three-dimensional artwork. The internationally renowned display features new interpretations in original paintings, sculptures and graphics all created recently by 112 of the world’s most talented artists. Many of these pieces are truly inspiring and fascinating – and there are plenty of activities throughout the exhibit for kids to learn about art creation as well. Open Tues.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm; open until 7:30 pm on Thursdays during Birds in Art; Sat.-Sun. noon-5 pm. Free. Details at lywam.org.
Hooten Hallers
Saturday, 9/9 | Lamplight Sessions, Mosinee
The Hooten Hallers are one fascinating band. This bluesy-rock outfit out of Missouri really packs a mean punch with a rockabilly style that makes you want to get out of your chair and boogie. They’re coming to Lamplight Sessions this Saturday with Mall Crawler opening for them. 7 pm. $34. lamplightsessions.com
Arilya at Intermission
Saturday 9/9 | Intermission, Wausau
Airlya is an interesting singer-songwriter duo. Their vocalist has a powerful voice, with a skilled guitarist behind her. It looks like they have a powerful musical connection and have the ability to play multiple instruments. They’ve already played Summer Fest, on the WAMI stage. They will be bringing those skills to the Intermission, which has always been a great location for up and coming musicians. 9:30 pm. Intermissionbar.com
Beth Bombara
Thursday, 9/14 | Grand Theater, Wausau
If you had to describe Beth Bombara with one concept it would be this: Songwriting first, with all else to follow. Bombara studied music in college and after graduating, played in multiple bands on multiple instruments before starting her own project. Her pop-rock single Everything I Wanted has a cool vibe, with the accompanying video including a fun Midwest greasy spoon theme. Her brand of pop-rock has a breezy 90s vibe to it. 7:30 pm. $10. grandtheater.org
Riff Raff Fest
Saturday, 9/9 | The Polack Inn, Wausau
The Polack Inn has been one of the go-to places for music of the harder underground variety, so this lineup of bands coming down this Saturday ought to delight music fans of that genre. Combining local up-and-coming bands such as Passion Aggression, and Karma Bloody Karma with the Michigan-heavy sound of Grave Next Door and Cleen, Riff Raff Fest ought to be a raucous good time getting down to some heavy music. 7 pm. Polack Inn on Facebook.
