Wings over Wausau
Fri-Sat 6/21-22 | Wausau Municipal Airport, Wausau
The Balloon Rally and Rib Fest was one of the biggest events in Wausau and it took place right at the Wausau Municipal Airport. That event was replaced with the Taste N’ Glow Balloon Fest in the town of Stettin, so now Wausau Events started a new event: Wings over Wausau. A professional airshow on both days is buttressed by fireworks at night for the event in the Southeast Side neighborhood. Plus a car show, drone demos, kids activities and much more. Update: Wausau Events is making this event free because of conditions. Gates open at 4 pm Friday, and 11 am Saturday. (But with a Run the Runway run at 8 am.) www.wausauevents.org for more details. And going on on the same weekend is…
Chalkfest
Sat-Sun 6/22-23 | 400 Block, Wausau
When the City Pages offices were downtown, it was almost a required ritual to take a lunch-time walk to the 400 Block to check out the transformation of the space into a concrete gallery. Some of the pieces artists downtown create are truly incredible. (And it only lasts for a few days because they come along and spray it off – otherwise the chalk dust gets everywhere.) Chalkfest is back and kind of gets its own weekend now. Now you have no excuse to make your way downtown to check out the amazing creations our local talent pull off. For those of you who are aspiring artists, you can check out wausauevents.org for online registration (Cost is $25). There are also children’s chalkfest options. Wausauevents.org.
Wausau Night Market
Thursday 6/20 | 400 Block, Wausau
The Wausau Night Market is one of the newer things going on in our community, and it’s a great excuse to get down to the 400 Block on a Thursday evening. The night markets are held three times every summer, with one event in June, July and August. This Thursday’s event kicks off the series – find plenty of local makers, farmers selling food items, and live music. Check out items ranging from Indian baked goods to sipping vinegars to candles, eggs, artwork and much more. 5-9 pm. wausauriverdistrict.org
The Wizard of Oz
Thursday-Sun 6/20-23 | UW Center for Civic Engagement, Wausau
Don’t be fooled by the fact that these productions are put on by children – the Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre group is renowned for putting on some truly top-notch productions. This version of The Wizard of Oz, an adaptation of Frank Baum’s classic (it’s actually a series of books and goes in some interesting directions) tells the tale of Dorothy and her journey through the land of Oz with her new friends, where she ultimately meets the Wizard. Only the Wizard (as many of you by now probably know) isn’t exactly who he claims to be. They added a Thursday show so now you can walk the yellow brick road on one of five showings over four days. Thursday-Saturday 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday 2 pm. $15 adults, $13 children/seniors. mycwct.org
Joyann Parker
Friday 6/21 | Stoney Acres Farm, Athens
Saturday 6/22 | Malarkey’s Pub, Wausau
Joyann Parker might be based out of Minneapolis these days, but she’s a Wisconsin Girl through and through. In fact, she’s got a song to that tune! Called Sconnie Girl, Parker uses the track to celebrate some of the joys of being a Wisconsin gal while including the obligatory line about cheering the Packers and how much the Bears still suck. Parker’s latest album, Roots, has charted at No. 10 on the Billboard Blues charts and her southern blues style will draw you in with its sincerity. You’ll have two chances to see her this weekend: one is with a slice of pizza and beer at Stoney Acres Farm, a great way to spend a summer evening (music generally runs 5-8 pm) ; and Saturday at Malarkey’s Pub, where she’s joined by Matt Lamoir. (Music starts at 7:30 pm.)
Lamplight Sessions presents
Sunday 6/23 | Isherwood Hall, Plover
Before Lamplight Sessions owner Logan Erickson opened his new music venue, he organized shows at another venue: Isherwood Hall in Plover. It’s a cool, out-of-the-way venue and has featured some great folksy, bluegrass acts and has a great band coming this Sunday. Joe Kaplow is currently touring the country to support his third album Posh Poodle Krystal and Toe. Kaplow’s is a vintage folk sound, with the kind of songwriting that makes you feel chill but has interesting harmonies and sounds swirling beneath the surface. Think of a bluegrass aesthetic with modern recording and layer capabilities that make it transcend the genre. Suggested donation of $10. Food by Hanuman Express. Bring your own beverages. Food trucks at noon, show starts at 2 pm.
