31 things to do in Wausau this summer

This list has been updated to include admittance charges for one event. 

School is about to let out, trees are in bloom and bicycles are hitting the road once again. That can mean only one thing: Summer is making its return to Wausau. From baseball games to parades to Balloon and Rib Fest, there won't any shortage of events to keep the community busy all summer long.

Of course there isn't any way to know everything happening all summer long, so if you notice an important event missing from our list, let us know in the comments or by emailing us so we can add it.

Ongoing Events 

1. Catch a Woodchucks game, May through August, Athletic Park

Get your tickets and make your way to the ballpark for some old-fashioned summer fun. The stadium is newly remodeled and ready to open for the season. Visit the concession stand for a hot dog and cheer on your Wisconsin Woodchucks as they play. Tickets are $6 for general admission tickets and $8 for reserved seats.

For more information visit northwoodsleague.com/wisconsin-woodchucks

2. First Thursdays, May through September, downtown Wausau

Visit downtown Wausau to experience musicians, entertainers and more from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Help support local businesses and enjoy what Wausau businesses have to offer. Participate in a scavenger hunt as well!

For more information and to find which businesses will participate visit wausauriverdistrict.com.

3. State Park Speedway races, May through September, State Park Speedway

Watch cars speed around the oval track at the State Park Speedway. The quarter-mile track is a great place to watch late models, street stocks and mini stocks race. Fan gates open at 3:30 p.m. and qualifying begins at 4:00 p.m. with the race beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for ages 13 and up, $5 ages 6-12 and free for those under five.

More information and a full schedule, visit stateparkspeedway.com.

4. The Art of Seating, June 4 through August 28, Woodson Art Museum

Visit the Woodson museum to see a display of chairs as art. The chairs will be both functional and sculptural as it details the last 200 years of design. See just how beautiful and historical chairs can be.

For more information, visit lywam.org.

5. Concerts on the Square, Wednesdays, June through August, The 400 Block

Enjoy 10 weeks of summer concerts located in the heart of downtown. All are welcome at the concerts, which start at 6 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. Come together for a night of music with your family and friends. Check out wausauevents.org for more information.

6. Water Walkers ski show, June through August, Lake Wausau

Enjoy a free show on the lake as the Water Walkers show off their skills with skis. A concession stand is available at the event, serving brats, hotdogs, beverages, chips, popcorn and candy. Bleacher seating is available or you can bring your own seating. There will also be a 50/50 raffle at every event this summer.

For specific dates and more information visit cwwaterwalkers.com.

7. Farmers markets, May through late fall

Get some fresh produce, support local artists by purchasing jewelry or enjoy lunch from a food truck at one of Wausau's farmers markets. The Farmers Market of Wausau is up and running on River Drive every Wednesday and Saturday through November. Stop by for fresh, local fare at a great price. Fifty vendors bring together a variety of products ranging from baked goods to produce to meats and cheeses. The market starts at 7 a.m. and runs until all products are sold out. For more information on the Farmers Market of Wausau, visit farmersmarketofwausau.com.

Beginning on June 23 and continuing until Sept. 22, Marketplace Thursdays will return to The 400 Block in downtown Wausau. Wausau-area farmers proudly provide healthy fruits and vegetables and other vendors sell soaps or show cooking. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. making it the perfect stop for lunch. For anyone interested in becoming a vendor, fees are $75 for the whole season or $10 for a single Thursday. More information is available at wausauevents.org.

May

8. Monk Gardens Guided Bird Tour, May 21, Monk Gardens

Make your way to Monk Gardens at 6:30 a.m. to get more acquainted with birds of the central Wisconsin area. This walk is a celebration of Migratory Bird Day, and the Wausau Bird Club will be leading the walk. Bring your own binoculars and field guide if you have one. Quiet children are welcome, but no dogs. After the walk make sure to stick around for the Saturday plant sale and flea market.

More information at rwmonkgardens.org.

9. Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, May 28, Nine Mile recreation area

Put together a group of two to four and challenge yourself to an adventure race through the central Wisconsin wilderness. The second annual running of this race will include running, biking and paddling. You’ll navigate your way using only a compass and a map, no electronics allowed. Choose from the three hour or eight hour challenge and put yourself and your friends to the test. Everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals are able to participate. Cost ranges from $170 to $400.

For more information visit ribmountainadventurechallenge.com.

10. Wausau Memorial Day Parade, May 28, downtown Wausau

Honor the fallen from Wausau by watching the Memorial Day parade. It will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Stewart Avenue entrance to Marathon Park. It will travel into downtown and to the VFW on River Drive. Following the parade, there will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. with remarks from a city representative and an exercise of Military Rites and Taps.

June

11. Wisconsin Woodchucks Opening Day, June 3, Athletic Park

Enjoy a game of baseball as the Woodchucks open their season for the summer against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m.  All fans entering the ballpark will receive a magnet schedule, while supplies last. Make sure to enjoy some old fashioned ballpark food while you’re there! Stick around after the game for fireworks. Tickets are $6 for general admission and $8 for reserved seats. Children 2 and under are free.

More information about the Woodchucks is available at northwoodsleague.com/wisconsin-woodchucks.

12. Run for their lives 2106, June 4, Immanuel Baptist Church, Rib Mountain

Sign up and run a 5K to support the Humane Society of Marathon County at 9 a.m. Bring your canine companion on the run through Rib Mountain. The course is easy enough for beginning runners yet still offers a challenge for seasoned runners. Kids are welcome as well and will have their own 1K relay race at 10 a.m. Cost is $30 for the 5K and $6 for the children’s relay.

For more information visit catsndogs.org/run-for-their-lives.

13. Raptors in the Garden, June 11, Monk Gardens

Get up close and personal with birds of prey from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as the Raptor Education Group Inc. team teaches participants about raptors. There will be opportunities for pictures with the birds for $2, activities and food for sale. Door prizes will be available as well. The event charge will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.

More information is available at rwmonkgardens.org.

14. “Little Shop of Horrors,” June 16-18, The Grand Theater

Visit The Grand Theater to see “The Little Shop of Horrors,” a play about Seymour, a nerdy floral clerk with a knack for plants but not much else. See what happens when one peculiar plant that he tends becomes his ticket to fame, but with one problem, the plant has an unquenchable thirst for blood. This play mixes Motown, B-movies and the American dream to create a hit musical. The show will be performed by the Wausau Community Theater at 6:30 p.m. June 16 and 7:30 p.m. June 17 and June 18. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for students or seniors, $14 for ages 7 through high school and $7 for ages 7 and below.

For more information visit wausaucommunitytheater.org.

15. Summer Kickoff Weekend, June 17 and 19, Oak Island Park and The 400 Block

Take time during Father’s Day weekend to celebrate the beginning of summer. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 17, enjoy kids games, a kids fun run, food, music and crafts at Oak Island Park, followed by an outdoor movie. All is free except the kids fun run, which costs $5 to enter.

On Sunday, make sure to grab your dad and check out the classic car show on The 400 Block to celebrate Father’s Day.

For more information visit wausauevents.org.

July

16. Beer around the Bases, July 1, Athletic Park

Come see the Woodchucks take on the Duluth Huskies as you sample unlimited tastings of over 20 craft beers in the new Ministry Health Care terrace. There will also be a ballpark food buffet available. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of the game. Designated driver tickets will be available for $20. Limited numbers of tickets are available to this new event.

For more information visit northwoodsleague.com/wisconsin-woodchucks.

17. Fourth of July festivities, Wausau

Celebrate America’s birthday with events all over central Wisconsin, from fireworks and parades to car shows and live music. Keep an eye out for a more comprehensive guide as the holiday approaches.

18. Balloon & Rib Fest, July 7-10, Wausau Downtown Airport

Enjoy hot air balloons, six different rib vendors, kites, pig racing, bounce houses, food and fireworks at the Balloon & Rib Fest.

Balloons are launched at 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, along with an 8:30 p.m.balloon glow. Saturday and Sunday there will also be 6 a.m. launches as well. Keep in mind that weather will play a large part in balloon launching, though.

The weekend will also include a Balloon Chase 5K on July 9, live music and a petting zoo.

For more information, visit wausauevents.org.

19. Downtown sidewalk sale, July 7-10, Downtown Wausau businesses

Take advantage of sale prices as downtown stores take to the sidewalks with their sale inventory. Part of the big weekend that includes Balloon & Rib fest and Chalkfest, the weekend is sure to be busy.

For more information visit wausauriverdistrict.com.

20. Chalkfest, July 9-10, The 400 Block

Watch the 400 Block be transformed into a work of art as chalk artists display their abilities on the sidewalks. More than 300 artists will participate in the festival. If you’re interested in participating, the cost of early registration is $20. The price increases July 6, and the price increases to $25.

For more information visit wausauevents.org.

21. Screen on the green, July 22, The 400 Block

Leave all your electronics at home and join the community for a free movie outside at dusk. “The Intern” will be playing on the giant screen, the perfect option for date night. You’re welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets, just no tents or awnings please! Food vendors will be available, but you can pack your own picnic if you prefer. Please leave pets at home though, due to the large number of people that attend.

Event depends on weather, so stay up to date at wausauevents.org.

August

22. Wisconsin Valley Fair, August 2-7, Marathon County Agricultural Society

Take in the 4H projects, visit the animals, pig out on fried food and ride the rides at the annual Wisconsin Valley fair. Check out concerts by Kelsea Ballerini and Cheap Trick along with others throughout the week. Tickets for admission to the fair at $6 before 12 p.m. and $9 after 12 p.m. Children ages 10 and under are free. General admission to concerts is free with fair admission.

For more information visit wisconsinvalleyfair.com.

23. Wausau Triathalon, August 6, Woodson YMCA Wausau

Watch the 36th annual Woodson YMCA triathlon or test your own strengths by signing up. There are three course options: the long course, the short course or the mini tri. Anyone 16 and older is able to the register. No registrations will be accepted the day of the race. The fee to enter is $50 per individual and $90 per team.

For more information visit woodsonymca.com

24. Screen on the green, August 12, The 400 Block

Get the kids outside for a showing of “Inside Out” at dusk. Set up blankets and chairs and enjoy food from vendors or a picnic you packed yourself. Leave your furry friends at home though, because the crowds to get large.

Event depends on the weather, so stay up to date at wausauevents.org.

25. Little Bull Falls LogJam Festival, August 12-14, City of Mosinee

Step back in time and revisit Mosinee’s logging history. Live entertainment, historical displays and activities, lumberjack shows, Civil War and re-enactment camps, artisans will be part of the weekend as you learn more about the area. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Other activities include a 5K run/walk, hatchet throwing competition and much more.

For more information visit logjamfestival.org.

26. Big Bull Falls Blues Fest, August 19-20, Fern Island Park

Now in it’s 25th year, the Big Bull Falls blues fest is the longest running blues fest in the state. Performers include Elvin Bishop, John Mayall and Guitar Shorty. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the event. Bringing your own lawn chair is recommended if you plan to enjoy the music from a seat. Ticket prices are $15 for Friday only admission, $40 for Saturday only admission, or $45 for two-day admission. If you choose to buy your tickets day of, they will have a slightly higher price.

For more information visit wausauevents.org.

27. August-Oh Fest, August 19-21, Wausau 525 Track

Enjoy three days of food, beverage and entertainment from Wisconsin. Friday catch performances by Michael Alexander & Big Whiskey and Get Bent from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. along with quad racing and motorcycle practice starting at 6 p.m. Come back Saturday for the tractor and truck pull put on by the Wisconsin Tractor Puller Association at 6p.m. Sunday is all about motorcycles at the AMA motorcycle racing takes the track at 12 p.m.

All funds will go towards Flip’s Fund, a charity that donates funds to local families with critically-ill children, local high school scholarships, the Boy Scouts, the Lions Club, and others.

More information is available at augustohfest.com.

28. Wausau Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run, August 20, Marathon County Park

This is the fifth annual running of the Wausau marathon. Register to run or simply come out and support friends or family running the race. The course is certified by USA Track & Field, which makes it a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. After running the Wausau marathon, qualified runners will be able to enter in the Boston Marathon.

For more information visit wausaumarathon.com.

29. Rock the 400 Block, August 26, The 400 Block

Get your family together, grab the lawn chairs and head down the center of Wausau to listen to live music, enjoy Pepsi beverages and food from local trucks. Pets are permitted for this event. Music will continue rain or shine.

For more information visit cool-drinks.com.

September

 30. Artrageous Weekend, September 10-11, Marathon Park, The 400 Block, Woodson Art Museum

Get together in Marathon Park to see the works of over 120 artists. Affordable artwork will be available for purchase. There will be a children’s craft area to keep the kids busy and a food court for anyone who gets hungry.

The 400 Block will also join in the festivities with regional and national artists showing off their works of art. This is a buy or browse event that will include live entertainment, a silent auction and food and drink available for purchase.

The Center for Visual Arts will also be open with a display of “Roots- The Ties that Bind” highlighting artwork inspired by artists’ perspective of their roots and artistic journeys. The CVA will be admission free, and artwork will be available for purchase.

Finally stop at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum for the Opening of “Birds in Art,” the renowned showcase of creative displays of birds in art. Saturday morning there will be a meet and visit with 60+ artists from around the world. In the sculpture garden, watch as artists demonstrated varied techniques.

For more information visit lywam.org/wausaus-artrageous-weekend/.

31. Beer & Bacon Festival, September 24, Fern Island Park

Enjoy samples of local bacons, and wash it all down with craft beers from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. There will be over 25 breweries at the event giving out samples, and 10 bacon samplers. While you enjoy your bacon and beer, enjoy live music from the Spicy Tie Band. All those in attendance must be 21+. Tickets are $30 until June first, and after that will go up to $35. The ticket price includes a commemorative mug as well as the beer and bacon tastings.

More information is available at wausauevents.org.

Contact Going Out Reporter Laura Schulte at (715) 297-7532 or leschulte@gannettwisconsin.com, on Twitter @schultelaur