Fire and Ice | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the weekend of Feb. 18-24, 2026
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Fire and Ice Fundraiser
Friday, Feb. 20: The Children’s Imaginarium has been a stalwart of the downtown since it opened - it’s one of the most important transformations that came following the demolition of the Wausau Center mall. This adult-only fundraiser to support the children’s center that combines discovery and learning with play looks to be a blast. Besides an evening of delicious food and beverages from the likes of local eateries including Muse at Sentry, The Chocolate Cafe and The Milk Merchant, and beverages ranging from Red Eye Brewing to Stumble Brothers, the evening includes activities to bring out your own inner child, including a photo booth with props, a sparkle seek and find, a permanent jewelry station, a massive ice sculpture and more. The fun-filled evening raises money for the Imaginarium’s Access for All program. $75. 6-9 pm. See the event page for tickets and more detailed information.
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An adults-only winter night out with sips, samples, and raffles in support of the Children’s Imaginarium. Get your tickets here.
Peking Acrobats
Thursday, Feb. 19: Tickets are already selling out fast for this show that features some of the most stunning feats you’ve ever seen. These acrobats have been performing their death-defying stunts for more than 32 years, and so you know they have this show down to an art. Combining acrobatics with traditional Chinese music, this is unlike any other show you’ve ever seen at the Grand Theater before. 7:30 pm. $45-$73. See the event page for more.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Fri.-Sat., Feb. 20-21: Willow Springs has been stepping up the events in the past couple of years, but this one is just too interesting to ignore. This Murder Mystery Dinner isn’t like any other such dinner I’ve seen - the evening involves a chaotic big top show where no one gets along and scandals are rampant. As part of the dinner, you can choose to participate or merely observe (thumbs up for accommodating introverts!) in this circus of a mystery party. Arrive no earlier than 5:15 pm for cocktails, then the three-course dinner and mystery begins at 6 pm. $60. Cash bar available. See the event page for more.
Scaled Up Reptile Expo
Sunday, Feb. 22: Reptile lovers must love that this show seems to come back often to the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center. 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, especially for children. 11 am-3 pm, $8; children 5 and under, free. See the event page for more.
Judy Collins
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Judy Collins was pretty much already a legend when I first heard her songs on the radio as a child in the 80s. Many of her most famous songs are those of other artists she popularized — probably the most-known is her version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” released on her sixth studio album. Collins now has a remarkable 55 albums to her name, part of an absolutely incredible career. It’s almost a shock to me that there are still plenty of seats left for this Grand Theater show, so scoop them up while you can. 7:30 pm. $44-$84. See the event page for more.
Dig Deep
Saturday, Feb. 21: It’s always worth highlighting when Dig Deep plays a show in town, because they’re just so interesting. If you ever wondered what would happen if a heavy metal band suddenly picked up bluegrass instruments and started going to town, Dig Deep is the answer. But that’s no gimmick - these guys are one the top bluegrass bands in Wisconsin. And they’ll be playing at the newly finished Bull Falls Brewing Co., which features a completely remodeled interior with much more space inside than its previous incarnation. 7 pm. See the event page for more.
Mark and Chris from the Big Wu
Thursday, Feb. 19: Firing up the track “Kangaroo” from the band The Big Wu (named after the name of the volcano in the movie Joe versus the Volcano), it’s hard not to get some serious Phish vibes. Phish is a rock jam band with serious Grateful Dead influence, and frankly so is this Minnesota act. Members Mark Joseph and Chris Castino will be making their way to Sconni’s for a free show and they’ll be joined by local country singer Billy Bronsted. If that’s your jam, you’ll want to be at Sconni’s on Thursday night. 6 pm. See the event page for more.
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Upcoming
Caiola
Thursday, April 2: I noticed recently that this Lamplight Sessions show is already on the verge of selling out — and I can see why. Singer-songwriter Jordan Caiola has a light, breezy voice and tone that reminds me of a lower-register Bon Iver. The Philadelphia indie singer will be joined by Mid America, a music duo that looks to elevate the mythology of the middle states of America. The combo should make an epic night of music. Tickets are already listed as low volumes remaining, so if it interests you, you’d probably best pick them up fast. 7 pm. $42.20. See the event page for more.
Brief
Ben Mulwana, 7:30 pm Friday, Feb. 20 at the Grand Theater
Raise the Woof Comedy Night, 6 pm Friday, Feb. 20 at the Holiday Inn
Forward Together for Women, 4 pm Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Bar — Wausau
Swifty and Kelce Ice Skating Night, 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 21 at Greenheck Turner Community Center
Bradley Sperger, 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 21 at Uncommon Pints
Blindside, 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 21 at Cheeks Bar and Grill
Schmittkicker Duo, 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 22 at Bullheads Bar and Grill
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