by Kayla Zastrow
Winter Fest and Winter Brew Fest
WINTER BREW FEST: FRIDAY 1/27 | JEFFERSON STREET INN, WAUSAU
WINTER FEST SATURDAY 1/28 | 400 BLOCK & DOWNTOWN, WAUSAU
The best way to chase away the winter blues is to get outside and have fun with a day of free activities for all ages during Wausau Events’ annual Winter Fest. The majority of the outdoor action—the ice skating, sled dog demonstrations, and ice castle building—happen right on the 400 Block. Other events are spread throughout downtown. On Third Street find Monk Gardens animal tracking, REGI bird demonstration and ice carvers. Inside Washington Square there will be crafts and projects as well as free pizza slices being served from The Clay House Pizza Kiln and cookies. Event held 10 am-1 pm. Details at wausauevents.org.
On the eve of Winter Fest, it’s a Friday night adults-only celebration with food and craft beer at the Jefferson Street Inn. Try beer samples from local breweries including Mosinee Brewing, Sawmill Brewing, Hinterland Brewery, O’so Brewing and more. Enjoy a full brat bar and live music to go along with your drinks. Must be 21+. This is a ticketed event with proceeds raising money for Wausau Events’ free programs year-round. Winter Brew Fest on Friday is 6-9 pm. $30 advance, $40 at the door. Details at wausauevents.org.
Rising Phoenix
SATURDAY 1/28 | CORAL LANES BOWLING CENTER, ROTHSCHILD
This five-member band, formed by seasoned local musicians, plays the biggest rock hits from 70s and 80s crammed into one full
show that keeps everyone singing and dancing. You’ll hear songs from Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Motley Crüe, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnack, Aerosmith and more. With two shredding guitars, bass, drums and vocal harmonies, these guys provide fun, high energy that is guaranteed to make you dance. Starts at 8 pm. $5 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Marathon County. 715-359-5300.
Brady Luke Band
FRIDAY 1/27 | THE GARAGE, WAUSAU
The Brady Luke Band’s passion is bringing quality country music to local communities. The band began in late 2018 when singer and songwriter Brady Luke recruited like-minded musicians to form a band that performs tunes from their favorite, and most influential country artists. The setlist has evolved over time but stays true by playing great songs, including a few of Brady’s own originals, that people want to hear and that get them out on the dance floor. The Brady Luke Band has shared the stage with national acts including Darius Rucker, Craig Morgan, and many others. In 2020 they were among a short list of nominees for best new country artist by the Midwest Country Music Association. 7 pm. 715-393-4495.
The World of Musicals
WEDNESDAY 2/1 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU
If you love musicals, this is the show for you. In this captivating production, take an emotional journey through the great world of musicals, featuring all the hits you already know and love. With beautiful and emotional ballads from Evita, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera, as well as exciting and upbeat favorites from Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages, and Mamma Mia, this show has something for everyone. Get ready to sing along to all your favorite tunes during this unforgettable spectacle. Starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. Details at Grandtheater.org.
Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
SUNDAY 1/29 | UWSP ALLEN F. BLOCHER PLANETARIUM AND ARTHUR J. PEJSA OBSERVATORY, STEVENS POINT
For thousands of years, humankind thought that the Earth was the center of the universe. Thanks to our curiosity, imagination and urge to explore, we now know that planets like our Earth are not special in the cosmos. In this planetarium program viewers will learn that the Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in our galaxy, the Milky Way. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, we explore more and more of the Universe. What we have found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets—it turns out they are more common than we thought. Starts at 2 pm. Free but donations welcomed. Details at uwsp.edu.
