Reverend Raven at Cheeks | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau events for the week of July 16-23, 2025
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Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys
Sunday, July 20: 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 the Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago and played with many of the greats of the blues scene. Reverend Raven will be featuring Westide Andy (who plays a mean harmonica) at this free event at Cheeks Bar and Grill. Bring lawnchairs or a blanket. 3-6 pm. Check out the event page for more.
Booze, Blends and Botany
Wed-Thurs, July 16-17: This interesting event is back, and it’s two separate nights! On Wednesday, participants will head to Monk Botanical Gardens for a mix of cocktails and spirits paired with food created by local mixologists, distillers and chefs. And then on Thursday, the same ticket gets you entry to the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art to check out the new event space and sip beer and wine from local connoisseurs. Non-alcoholic options available from local makers as well. One ticket provides access to both events. $65 for members, $75 for non-members. 5-8 pm. See the event page for tickets and more details.
Johnny and the MoTones
Wednesday, July 16: One of the long-time acts that have graced the Concert on the Square stage at the 400 Block in downtown Wausau is Johnny and the MoTones — made up of jazz musician John Altenburgh and Airkraft guitarist Mitch Viegut among others, this one is always a hit with crowds. 6-8 pm. See the event page for rules and other information, and keep an eye on Wausau Events’ Facebook Page for weather updates (rain location is the Rothschild Pavilion).
Wausau Night Market
Thursday, July 17: Back for its third year now, the Wausau Night Market brings together dozens of local vendors while the downtown area becomes an impromptu market during the evening hours, when people can actually attend. Think everything from candles to baked goods to scented oils to wearables — plus live music, sidewalk dining and all kinds of other downtown fun. This night market features music from Bradley Sperger and Jordan Bain. Largely on Third Street downtown from 5-9 pm. See the event page for more.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Friday, July 18: This one is nearly sold out, but there are still a few single tickets left for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on its farewell tour. They’ve been entertaining audiences for six decades and have three Grammys to their name so if you like this band, you’ll want to try to pick up one of those remaining tickets. $74-$94. 7:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Hunter’s Hike
Sunday, July 20: Local outdoor store Chase Outdoors started this event, which is no light, scenic hike. This is a pretty hardcore hike to test your endurance. Choose between the 6.5-mile tour of the mountain hike starting at 8 am, or the King of the Mountain hike, which tests hikers to see how many times they can go up and down doing hill repeats as many as you can accomplish in an hour, with a weight of your choosing. Your score on the second depends on your distance plus the percentage of your body weight you carried with you. If you like a challenge, this is for you! All proceeds donated to Friends of Rib Mountain. $25 pre-registration, $30 day of event. Check-in 7-7:30 am. See the event page for details.
Rubber Duck Regatta
Sunday, July 20: This one is just too cute not to mention briefly. It’s a fundraiser for the Children’s Imaginarium, but the main event is a race of rubber ducks down Whitewater Park. Those interested should head down to the Children’s Imaginarium and buy yourself a duck or two, for the chance to win up to $2,000. Activities start at 1 pm at Whitewater Park, with a launch at 2:15 pm to watch the little duckies make their way down the river. See more here.
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party
Sunday, July 20: Willow Springs Gardens really pulls out all the stops for this Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party. Expect everything from Mad Hatters to White Rabbits and card deck-shaped cakes and an elegant tea setting in the shaded Walnut Grove for afternoon lunch. If strawberry toadstools and cat tail marshmallows sound appealing, this is probably the family event you’ve been waiting for. $15, $8 for children 10 and below. 11:30 am to 1:30 am (no early arrivals). Check out the event page for more.
Luma Knotty
Thursday, July 17: The idea of a reggae band combined with rap might seem a little strange - but give it a listen and you will be a believer. This chilled-out reggae band has a real good groove to it, and this band will be great at Tiki Beach Bar and Grill, which has the feel of a giant beach party right here in central Wisconsin. 6 pm. Check out the event page for more.
In Brief
Weston Acoustic Series, Dustin Lee at Machmueller Park in Weston (Thursday 7 pm); Kevin Troestler at Mosinee Brewing Company in Mosinee (Saturday 7 pm); Mama Said String Band at Concerts in the Clouds, Rib Mountain Amphitheater (Saturday 6 pm); Reverend Meantooth with Keith Daniel at Nevermore on Third (Sunday 4 pm); Princess and Price Pre-Game Tea Party at Athletic Park (Sunday 12:05 pm); Jesse and the Medicine Men at Sawmill Brewing Company (Friday 6 pm).
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