Wausau Area Fireworks Show
Tuesday, July 4 | Wausau Municipal Airport, Wausau
Wausau and some of the surrounding communities decided to do something a little different this year, since Marathon Park won’t be available for fireworks due to construction going on around the sewer lines. Wausau this year partnered with Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield and Weston to come up with a joint community fireworks show on July 4. The fireworks will be launched from the Wausau Municipal Airport but the grounds will not be open for the event. Instead, the fireworks are meant to be viewed from around the community, and only the largest fireworks will be used to ensure they are visible for some distance. So find yourself a viewing area in town and sit back and enjoy the show. 9:30 pm. festivalfoods.com/fireworks
Independence Day Celebration and Car Show
Sunday, July 2 | Willow Springs Gardens, village of Maine
OK, so it’s not exactly on July 4, but Willow Springs’ annual Independence Day Celebration and Car Show is always worth a trip with the fam. Check out the lineup of vintage cars, characters in costume, crafts and food for the kids and adults, a tractor parade at 2 pm, and frankly the well-designed and beautiful grounds to check out. The old round barn out behind the facilities is worth the trip alone. Stick around in the evening to make sure and check out the fireworks display, a cool way to spend the holiday out in the country. 10 am to 10 pm.
Riverfront Rendezvous
June 30-July 2 | Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Stevens Point
There’s something about kicking back in a lounge chair just off of downtown Stevens Point, an extra day off ahead because of the Fourth of July weekend, and listening to a lineup of great bands right next to the Wisconsin River. Riverfront Rendezvous is a big deal in Stevens Point, and for good reason — the event combines food vendors, bands ranging from local acts to national ones, lumberjack games, and even poetry readings one year. Band lineup includes: Friday: Boo Bradley, Art Stevenson and Highwater, Ultimate Polka Band , Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; Saturday: Big Swig, Cathy Grier and the Troublemakers, Bradley Sperger, Driftwood, Scorched Waves, Annie and the Oakies, The Hype; Sunday: Listening Party, Long Mama, Alyssia Dominguez, Spicy Tie Band, Erin Krebs Trio, The Natural Talent, Adam Greuel and the Space Burritos.
Kevin Troestler
Thursday, June 29 | Sconni’s Alehouse and Eatery, Schofield
Country/blues musician Kevin Troestler mixes a blues style into his music that makes it all just a little different than you’ve heard before. But it’s not just those slide guitar pedal steel bends you’ll hear with Troestler. The musician counts Stevie Ray Vaugh and The Allman Brothers among his influences. When you hear him play it’ll make a lot of sense. Troestler will be performing at Sconni’s, known for its outstanding patio and outdoor bar, along with an extensive beer selection. 5-8 pm.
Willy Tea Taylor and the Turkey Buzzards
Thursday, June 29 | Isherwood Hall, Plover
The first thing to know about Isherwood Hall is that it’s not your typical music venue. Pop-up shows at this place are something special — really high level talent is brought out to play in this small, out in the country venue. 100% of the door goes to the musicians and the Isherwoods donate its use free of charge. Showing up for this pop-up is Willy Tea Taylor, who with his big bushy beard and over-alls looks the part of a country singer. And his Johnny Cash-deep voice sounds the part too. Isherwood Hall seems the perfect place to see an act like Willy Tea Taylor and the Turkey Buzzards. Suggested donation $10. 7 pm. Bring your own food and drinks.
