Last call at Malarkey's | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the weekend of March 18-23, 2026
This week marks the final music show at Malarkey’s Pub. At least as Malarkey’s Pub. And while that is absolutely don’t miss, there are plenty of other things going on this weekend including an early Easter egg hunt, a musky expo, a Linda Ronstadt tribute and much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Local Heroes and Malarkey’s Farewell
Friday, March 20: This isn’t just another Local Heroes show - it’s actually a goodbye party for Malarkey’s Pub. It also means I am giving away some news I had planned to share in the business section tomorrow: that Malarkey’s Pub will no longer be called that after Friday, as the name is being retired. More on that in Wednesday’s edition. But if you love Malarkey’s Pub, you’d best get down to see the Local Heroes’ last show at the place known as Malarkey’s with a lineup including Malarkey’s founder Tyler Vogt, Justin Zoepel, Justin Turney, Aaron Zeplin, Matt Rhyner, Jordan Mile, Dave Kallaway, Dave Keeffe, Sam Stapels and many more. 8:30 pm. See the poster for more.
Wisconsin Musky Expo
Fri-Sun., March 20-22: As I’ve heard it described to me, there are two types of fishing. Regular fishing and musky fishing. While I think there are more kinds of fishing than that, musky fishermen do think of musky fishing as a category on to itself. If you’re in that camp, there is a good chance you’re well aware of the Wisconsin Musky Expo coming to the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center this weekend. Featuring seminars from experts in the field, dozens of vendors and plenty of advice to be had, this is the Super Bowl for musky fishermen. 2-8 pm Friday, 9 am-6 pm Saturday and 9 am-2 pm Sunday. See the event page for more details.
The Linda Ronstadt Experience
Sunday, March 22: Linda Ronstadt is one of those 60s artists who sometimes get overlooked by later fans of the era. But not only did she record 24 of her own albums during her decades-long career, and chart 38 Billboard Hot 100 singles, but she also lent her vocals to 120 albums, including a long list of greats such as Bette Midler, Frank Zappa, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Warren Zevon, Neil Young… you get the idea. This tribute performance to Ronstadt comes courtesy American Idol star Tristan McIntosh, who faithfully recreates the 60s-era Ronstadt in both look and sound. If you’re a fan of the music of the late 60s, this is an act to check out. 7 pm. $34-$66. See the event page for more.
Katie McMahon
Monday, March 23: You may or may not have heard of Katie McMahon, but you’ve probably heard of Riverdance. McMahon came to fame through her soprano solo in the original Riverdance production, but this Dublin-native has not stopped performing worldwide. McMahon will appear at the Merrill High School Auditorium with her group Celtic Celebration, bringing top-notch Irish music to the Northwoods. Part of the Merrill Area Concert Association series. 7 pm. See the series page for more details.
Brad Emanuel and the Groove Men
Friday, March 20: Brad Emanuel has built a career after launching from the Wausau area on two things - a voice of gold and the ability to work a crowd. And here the musician will be joined by legendary musicians in their own right including Charlie Strong on bass and the two Allens of The Allen Brothers fame — guitarist Bob Allen and drummer Brandon Allen. The group collected should fill out the confines of the Reservoir Dogs Saloon quite nicely. 7 pm. See the event page for more.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 21: Easter is a little ways off, but there is already an option for the kiddos to see the Easter Bunny! Hopeful Hearts Clothing Company is hosting this free Easter Egg hunt, which also features a bunny dance, timed Easter egg dances throughout the day, photos and a visit with big bunny himself, live bunnies and more. If your kids are already asking about the Easter bunny or you just need an excuse to get them out of the house, this is a great option. 10 am-2 pm. See the event page for more.
Old Pine Road Band
Saturday, March 21: The Old Pine Road Band has pretty typical bluegrass instrumentation, but they use that combined with lead singer David Walters’s vocals to create a sound that can be enjoyed both by fans of the genre and even plenty who aren’t normally bluegrass fans. This class act group is making its way to The Garage on Saturday, and promises to be a great time for fans of the genre and even just fans of good music. 7 pm. See the event page for more.
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In brief
Classic Albums: The Eagles, 7:30 pm Friday, March 20 at the Grand Theater
CVA Family Day, 10 am Saturday, March 21 at the Center for the Visual Arts
Craft Day and Maker’s Retreat, 9 am Saturday, March 21 at Willow Springs Gardens
The Body in Bloom, a Spring Equinox Ritual, 6:30 pm Friday, March 20 at the Wausau Club
Schmittkicker Duo, 7 pm Saturday, March 21 at Rock Ridge Orchard
Wool Felted Bunny Class, 6 pm Thursday, March 19 at Grand Avenue Artifactory
Brewery Comedy Tour, 7 pm Friday, March 20 at Mosinee Brewing Company
Geoff Landon, 3 pm Sunday, March 22 at Bullhead’s
WDSD Fashion Show, Dance and Bowling Celebration, 11 am Saturday, March 21 at the Wausau Elk’s Lodge
Whiskey and Lace, 7:30 pm Saturday, March 21 at Charlie’s Bar
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