The indie vibes of Fort Frances | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the week of Jan. 14-20, 2026
This week’s Wausome Weekend Guide includes indie band Fort Frances, River and Woods Theatre Company’s Calendar Girls, Soul Whiskey and more.
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Fort Frances
Friday, Jan. 16: There’s a brand of music that I find hard to categorize into a specific genre. Fort Frances is a good example of that type of music. The best I could describe it is a type of indie sound with a hint at rap, jazz and urban vibes. But don’t let a difficulty of description push you away - Fort Frances has a groove that’s enjoyable and worth listening to. This Chicago-based indie band has been around since at least 2011, and hasn’t stopped with 22 releases listed on Bandcamp. This is a group that’s definitely worth checking out when they stop at the Grand Theater. 7:30 pm. Tables only, $119. Check out the event page for more.
Calendar Girls
Thurs-Sat., Jan. 15-17: It’s weird for me to think of the late 90s as already more than 25 years ago. That means this upcoming production of Calendar Girls from the River and Woods Theatre Company is based on a classic. Calendar Girls is the story of a group of women who come together to raise money for the Leukemia Society by selling a calendar. But not just any calendar — it features the middled-aged and older women of the very conservative British Women’s Institute posing nude. The film version was a hit with audiences and the humor, wit and heartfelt moments are sure to come through in this local production at the Wausau East Auditorium as well. 7 pm. $20 adults, kids and seniors $15. See the event page for more.
Soul Whiskey
Saturday, Jan. 17: Something you don’t see a lot of are bands playing 90s and 2000s covers… specifically from the country world. But that’s exactly what Soul Whiskey does, and they do it well. They’ve opened at the Q&Z Expo Center, played all over the state and they also write their own original music. Don’t miss this show at The Garage, which has become a hotspot for music in the area. 7 pm. Check out the event page for more.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration
Friday, Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the great leaders of the last century, and his lessons are just as relevant today. Celebrate those lessons with a community celebration at East Gate Hall at Marathon Park. The event will feature several speakers, performances and the opportunity to learn from some of the Wausau area’s community organizations. 5:30 pm. See the event page for more.
The Wausau Club Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, Jan. 14: It’s hard to believe that the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is approaching its 10th anniversary in the not-too-distant future. Always in the works was the development of the second floor of the former Wausau Club into an events space. On Wednesday, the museum will make it official with the opening of the Wausau Club, a new premier event space. Read all about it in the linked article and come check out the restored ballroom and other areas of this 1902-built building. 4 pm. Check out the event page for more.
Midwest Seasons Exhibition Opening Reception
Friday, Jan. 16: It’s important not to forget that we have a lot of great opportunities in Wausau to take in art (or to create art yourself!). The Center for the Visuals Arts will open its Midwest Seasons Exhibition with a reception this Friday. The Midwest Seasons Exhibition has been returning since 1990 and features artists’ interpretations of the vibes and visuals of the Midwest. Browse the gallery, enjoy some light refreshments and take in one of the great art spaces of Wausau. 5-7 pm. Check out the event page for more.
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In Brief
Stayin’ Alive, 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 15 at Grand Theater
Irene’s Garden, 8 pm Friday, Jan. 16 at The Intermission Bar
Through a New Lens Community Event, 11 am-2 pm Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Central Wisconsin Expo Center; children’s games and activities
Joyann Parker Duo, 9 pm Saturday, Jan. 17 at Malarkey’s Pub
Barely Breath’n, 7:30 pm Saturday, Jan. 17 at Cheeks Bar and Grill
Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos, 7:30 pm Saturday, Jan. 17 at Grand Theater
MadLee Band, 4 pm Sunday, Jan. 18 at Nevermore on Third
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