Chris Acker and the Growing Boys | Your Wausome Weekend Guide

Wausau area events from the week of Sept. 24-Oct. 1

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Chris Acker and the Growing Boys

Friday, Sept. 26: Every show at Lamplight Sessions is a real event. And this one is no exception. Next up is Chris Acker, a New Orleans-based folk singer with some real chops. What’s he sound like? It’s a good mix of country and folk — think a country beat and lap steel, mixed with a folksy vocal style. Opening for Acker is Jack Klatt, an old-school country singer with some solid songwriting skills. 7 pm. $38. Check out the event page for tickets.

Saber Battle World Championship

Friday, Sept. 26: Did you know there is a world championship of lightsaber battling? Of course there is. And the Aspirus Weston YMCA is about to host such a battle. Come to the YMCA to check out some of the top lightsaber battlers in the nation (yes, really), build your own lightsaber, compete in a cosplay contest and much more at this unique event. Free. 5 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Wausau Cyclones Season Opener

Friday, Sept. 26: Hockey is back! The team now known as the Wausau Cyclones, after switching from the RiverWolves, are once again ready to hit the ice at Marathon Park. The playoff contenders from last season will take on West Bend Power this Friday to kick off the junior league hockey season. 7:10 pm. $12 for adults, $9 for students ages 5-18. Check out more at the team’s website.

Wausau Grass Drags

Fri-Sat, Sept. 26-27: One of the first writing gigs I ever got was covering snowmobile races, and that includes the Wausau Grass Drags. The event is pretty cool - it’s fun to watch snowmobiles grind over a field of grass at the Trailmates Snowmobile Club, sending that smell of fuel into the air punctuated by the sharp whine of snowmobile engines. And combined is a swap meet, so if you’re looking for parts for your sled, this is a great place to do it. But otherwise, it’s just fun. And, there is also RC racing! Opens at noon on Friday. $10 per day, children 12 and under free with adult admission. See the full schedule at the event page.

Scenic Fall Colors Chairlift Rides kickoff

Friday, Sept. 26: Now is your chance! There’s nothing like the leaves changing in fall, and now you have a chance to see it from one of the best vantage points - high atop Rib Mountain. These chairlift rides run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October, so make sure to check them out while the colors are in full bloom. And Granite Peak will have its kitchen open for goodies afterward if you want. 10 am to 5 pm. $17.50 for adults, children and seniors get discounts. Check out the event page for full details.

Up-Scaled Reptile Show

Sunday, Sept. 28: If reptiles, amphibians and even spiders are your thing, then this Scaled-Up Reptile show at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center is where you want to be. The show features some of the top breeders, keepers and educators in the space, along with plenty of vendors with everything from crickets for feeding to cages and artwork. You reptile fans know who you are, but even if you’re not yet an enthusiast, the little critters can be fun to look at. 11 am-3 pm, $5; children 5 and under, free. Check out the event page for more.

Brianna Rae Unplugged

Friday, Sept. 26: There’s just something about a nitty-gritty blues act that gets you in the mood to go out on a Friday night. And Brianna Rae and her band are just that - with a deep, raspy voice, the band brings the blues heat and here her band will bring an unplugged experience to Malarkey’s Pub. And the cool thing is you can grab a bite at Mumble Wrap while you watch the show. 9 pm. See the event page for more.

Wausau Comic Book Convention

Sunday, Sept. 28: Somehow I only first heard of this comic book convention, though apparently it is back for its fifth year! Dale’s Weston Lanes will host this comic book convention during the day Sunday and it’s free to attend. Shop comic books from the past decades, with prices ranging from a dollar to hundreds for some of the rarer books. But let’s be honest, if you’re a comic book fan, I had you at “comic book convention.” 10 am to 4 pm. Free. Check out the event page for more information.

Reverend Raven

Saturday, Sept. 27: Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys always bring the blues heat, as many may remember from the band’s blues fest appearances. Reverend Raven has opened for BB King, headlined Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago and played with many of the greats of the blues scene. Reverend Raven is back at Cheeks, along with Westside Andy (who plays a mean harmonica) at this free event. Bring lawnchairs or a blanket. 4-7 pm. Check out the event page for more.

In brief

Shrimp and Fish Boil, 6 pm Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Willow Springs Gardens

Dig Deep, 5 pm Thursday, Sept. 25 at Sconni’s Alehouse and Eatery

Hits from Across the Atlantic, Thurs-Sat Sept. 25-27, Grand Theater

The Foxfire Affair, 7 pm Friday, Sept. 26 at Uncommon Pints

Knock Point, 5 pm Saturday, Sept. 27 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

Oktoberfest, noon Saturday, Sept. 27 at Mosinee Brewing Co.

Hyde at Hoehn’s Huddle Anniversary Party ft. Hyde, 6 pm Saturday, Sept. 27 at Hoehn’s Huddle

Eric Church Tribute, 6 pm Saturday, Sept. 27 at Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center

MadLee Band, 4 pm Sunday, Sept. 28 at Nevermore on Third

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