Left Lane Cruiser returns | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the weekend of Feb. 25-March 3, 2026
This week Left Lane Cruiser, the Fort Wayne, Ind. band with a long history of playing in Wausau, including at the legendary Scott Street Steak and Pub, returns for a performance at Nevermore on Third. Plus the musical Chicago, a free snowshoe hike and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide!
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Left Lane Cruiser
Friday, Feb. 27: Wausau has a strong appetite for gritty blues-rock. Just look at the success of home-grown 20 Watt Tombstone. Another great example of this genre is Left Lane Cruiser. The Fort Wayne, Ind. band is making its way back to Wausau via Nevermore on Third, a gothic-themed bar and restaurant that is also upholding the music legacy of the Polack Inn before it. This power duo has been rocking for more than a decade and writes hard-driving, swampy blues rock with a ton of guitar grit driving it. They’re no strangers to Wausau, having played often at the now-legendary Scott Street Steak and Pub. Joining them will be Genoa-based Old Wolves, who combine folk, electronica and Americana (and doom, according to the description). It’ll be a show worth attending. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 9:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Hot Club of Cowtown Celebrates Elvis Presley’s Sun Studio Records
Friday, Feb. 27: Somewhere buried in a closet somewhere I have a yellow guitar pick from my childhood visit to Sun Studios, probably most famous for producing some of Elvis Presley’s greatest records. This show from Hot Club of Cowtown features performances of songs from those recordings, performed by Tyler Hilton, who played Elvis in the movie Walking the Line. Celebrate those classic recordings from The King with this lively show. 7:30 pm. $34-$64. See the event page for more.
History Speaks: US Bicentennial in Marathon County
Saturday, Feb. 28: As we’re approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Woodson History Center thought it might be a cool idea to look back at how the 200th anniversary, or the bicentennial, was celebrated. It was actually kind of a big deal. There were parades, fireworks, time capsules, 1776-themed plays and even a few beard contests. Join historian Ben Clark in exploring how Marathon County celebrated the 200th year of the country’s founding. 2 pm. See the event page for more.
Chicago
Tues.-Wed., March 3-4: OK, so I admit every time I see Chicago come up at the Grand I get a little excited that my favorite 70s band is coming to town. But this is Chicago, as in, the musical. Chicago is a Broadway musical that has endured the test of time, highlighting the Windy City’s Jazz Age via the rivalry between two murderesses. Vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart compete to garner headlines as fierce rivals. This musical has endured for nearly three decades, collected a truckload of awards and is a classic in the genre. 7:30 pm. (March 4 starts at 7 pm.) $84-$146. See the event page for more.
Candlelight Snowshoe Hike and Walk
Saturday, Feb. 28: Despite the recent warm temperatures that briefly showed up in the central Wisconsin area, it’s still snowshoe season. And while there are plenty of expensive wine and hike walks these days, it’s nice to see an organization put on one that’s free. Edgar High School will host this snowshoe walk at the Edgar School Forest. Hike the 1.3-mile, candlelight-illuminated path, and then enjoy s’mores, refreshments and other snacks at the new outdoor classroom facility. 5-8 pm. See the event page for more.
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Soul Asylum Acoustic
Thursday, April 2: One of my favorite songs off the Clerk’s soundtrack (where my GenX folks at?) is Misery by Soul Asylum. It caps off one of the most raunchy indie films of the 90s and Soul Asylum is one of those bands that seems iconic for the decade. (And isn’t Misery a perfect icon of 90s angst?) It’s far from their biggest hit — Runaway Train probably comes to mind for most people, as it played on MTV constantly. So their coming to the Grand Theater is not to be missed. In this show, Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith of the Minneapolis band will deliver an acoustic performance of many of their classic songs. GenX for sure, as well as other generations, won’t want to miss this rare opportunity. 7 pm. $44-70. See the event page for more.
In Brief
Tailwater, 7 pm Friday, Feb. 27 at The Garage
Downtime Acoustic, 6 pm Friday, Feb. 27 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.
Night Shift, 8 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at Arrow Sports Club
49 Deluxe, 4 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at Reservoir Dogs Saloon
Marathon County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Benefit: The Petty Kings, 6 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Grand Theater.
Chili Cookoff, 5 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at Glass and Grain House
Jason and the Old Trucker Band, 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at Cheeks Bar and Grill
Glow Games, 4 pm Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Greenheck Turner Community Center
Full Moon Hike, 6 pm Tuesday, March 3 at Monk Botanical Gardens
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