Madagascar for Thanksgiving | Your Wausome Weekend Guide

Wausau area events for the weekend of Nov. 26-Dec. 3, 2025

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Madagascar

Nov. 28-29: I have kind of a canned line I used when I start a paragraph about the Central Wisconsin Children’s Theater - and that’s because it’s true and bears repeating. Don’t underestimate these productions because they’re children’s theater. These are top-notch shows and they’ll knock your socks off! This time the crew is tackling Madagascar, the story of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and those loveable penguins (I’m partial to Kowalski, no reason) as they attempt to escape the zoo. Held at the James Veninga Theater. 2 pm and 7 pm shows on both days. $15 adults, youth and seniors $13. See the event page for details and tickets.

Elvis Christmas Concert and Museum Grand Opening

Saturday, Nov. 29: Despite rumors to the contrary, Elvis is not alive and well and making his way to Willow Springs Gardens. But this impersonator is, bringing with him a treasure trove of the King of Rock and Roll’s music. Besides the two shows with Elvis impersonator Chris Lonsdorf, the gardens will be holding a grand opening for their Christmas Museum. Find old memories of Christmas past, vintage toys, sample cookie baking and more at this Christmas-themed event. 1 pm and 3 pm. $5 includes concert and museum tour. See the event page for more details.

Meet Santa

Saturday, Nov. 29: The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Wausau’s hidden gems, with art of a caliber not expected for something in a city the size of Wausau. More people need to visit it! And now a new generation of people will get to experience it with this meet and greet with Santa. Come bring the kids to enjoy art activities, hot chocolate, and meet and have their photo taken with the man from the North Pole himself. 11 am-3 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Comedy Night at Les and Jim’s

Saturday, Nov. 29: Many miss the old days of the Koo Coo’s Nest Comedy Club, so it’s good to see these shows pop up in various places. Les and Jim’s Lincoln Lanes will host this comedy show featuring a nice slate of comedians, including headliner Matt Torkelson and Trever Anderson, both Merrill natives, along with Dana Ehrmann, Judd Reminger and Ethan Pedersen. Prepare to laugh your socks off. 7:30 pm. $20. See the event page for more.

Brad Emanuel

Saturday, Nov. 29: Brad Emanuel has become quite the musical force in the Wausau area and beyond, and has been a past winner with his band at Hodag. The singer who came up in Wausau has grown a tremendous following, puts together a group of extremely talented musicians for his band and knows how to work a crowd. He’s a professional through and through and often wins area reader survey awards. Check him out at The Garage, which has continued to feature a strong regular line-up of music. 8 pm. See the event page for more.

Pawliday Market

Saturday, Nov. 29: People love holiday markets. But even better? When they’re pet-themed. The Pawliday Market at the Marathon County Humane Society fulfills both of those ideas with its pet-themed market. Check out vendors including pet-themed apparel, pet-friendly candles, Christmas decor and more. The event also helps support shelter pets, so it’s a win all-around. 10 am to 4 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Jerry Schmitt Band

Saturday, Nov. 29: When it comes to country, Jerry Schmitt is one of those bands you might be surprised is based around here. Schmitt has done his time in Nashville as a recording artist, he’s had successful albums and he’s opened for the likes of The Oak Ridge Boys and Merle Haggard. And even better, you can enjoy the country tunes at Mosinee Brewing Company while hoisting one of their delicious beers, brewed right on site. 7 pm. Check out the event page for more.

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In Brief

The Trigger Trippers, 6 pm Wednesday, Nov. 26 at The Palms Supper Club

Quenten Brown, 9 pm Friday, Nov. 28 at Malarkey’s Pub

Jordan Bain, 6 pm Saturday, Nov. 29 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

Hyde, 8 pm Saturday, Nov. 29 at Arrow Sports Club

Country Line Dance Lessons, 6 pm Monday, Dec. 1 at Aftershock Bar

Dean and Terry Band, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the LT Club

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