Max is back | Your Wausome Weekend Guide

Wausau area events for the weekend of Dec. 17-24, 2025

Sponsored by

Max Koepke

Saturday, Dec. 20: I remember seeing Max Koepke play a small gig a number of years ago and being pretty blown away by this kid who was then only in high school. He hasn’t stopped since, becoming a regular working musician while still in high school. He’s since moved out of town, but plays around whenever he’s back and this Saturday he will bring his talents to Sawmill Brewing Co. Did you know he has two albums now? It’s been fun watching his career. 5 pm. See the event page for more.

Museum Trivia Tour

Thursday, Dec. 18: The people who like trivia seem to REALLY like trivia. And the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is offering a new way to participate in trivia while providing an excuse to check out the art museum at the same time. The Museum Trivia Tour includes topics such as “feathered facts, art history, and pop culture,” according to the event description. Throw in some refreshments and light snacks, and that sounds like a good evening to me. 6 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Steve-O: The Crash and Burn Tour

Thursday, Dec. 18: I was a little surprised to see Steve-O pop up on the Grand Theater’s schedule - but perhaps even more surprised to see that it didn’t instantly sell out. I nearly added it to the upcoming list, but there were still plenty of seats left. They’re thinning now, but still enough seats left for Steve-O. For those not in the know, Steve-O became famous for his time on MTV’s Jackass, and went on to become a best-selling author and stand-up comedian. Expect wild, jaw-dropping humor told through his gravely voice in a show that you won’t forget. 7 pm. $39.95-$75.75. See the event page for more.

A Christmas Carol

Fri.-Sun., Dec. 19-21: It’s one of those classic tales, told by the always-readable Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol is the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a skinflint businessman who seems to have forgotten his humanity. He is then visited by three ghosts of Christmas Past who convince him to mend his ways. (Never mind that I am usually the bah-humbug of most offices I’ve worked in, for my stance on Christmas decorations and commercials before Thanksgiving.) This tale, put on by the Wausau Community Theatre group at the James Veninga Theater, is sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit. $27.64, discounts for teens, seniors and children. 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 2 pm Saturday and Sunday. See the event page for more.

Dueling Pianos Holiday Special

Saturday, Dec. 20: What’s better than one piano? Of course, it’s two pianos! Seriously, if you’ve never been to a piano bar, they’re really fun. There is something about the tradition of the piano entertainer - part comedian, part showman, and usually an incredible musician. This piano show at Bantr in Rothschild includes singing along, interaction and an ugly sweater contest, because hey, holidays. 8 pm. $35, tables $160. Check out the event page for more.

Sweating with Santa 5K

Saturday, Dec. 20: It might seem obvious and yet this is the first time I recall seeing an event like this - why wouldn’t you combine running with Christmas? (I’m sure some of you are answering under your breath right now.) First cool thing about this - it takes place INSIDE the Greenheck Turner Community Center. But it gets better. Entry comes with a dri-fit shirt, a photo with Santa, hot chocolate from The Pinery Coffee Co., a cookie to decorate from Trina’s home treats, among other goodies. Not bad! 8 am. $30. Check out the event page for full details.

In Brief

Local Heroes, 9 pm Friday, Dec. 19 at Malarkey’s Pub

Mia and Jordan, 6 pm Friday, Dec. 19 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

Caleb and Emily, 9 pm Saturday, Dec. 20 at Malarkey’s Pub

Jingle Ball Rock the Hall II, 7 pm Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Grand Theater

Still Reckless, 7 pm Friday, Dec. 19 at The Garage

Holiday Party at Uncommon Pints, 6 pm Saturday, Dec. 20 at Uncommon Pints

NOTE: Next week Your Wausome Weekend Guide will be paired with the Weekly Wausonian, coming out on Wednesday instead of Thursday because of the Christmas Holiday.

Sponsored by

Sharing is caring! Share this with your friends and family as you plan your weekend.