Howard "Guitar" Luedtke returns to Cheeks | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau Events for the weekend of June 3-9, 2026
This weekend brings the legendary Howard “Guitar” Luedtke to town. Plus Pride Fest activities, the start of the Concert on the Square series, a dairy breakfast, a birding hike and so much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Howard “Guitar” Luedtke
Saturday, June 6: Howard “Guitar” Luedtke doesn’t live in the Wausau area, but growing up I thought he did. That’s because Luedtke was a mainstay of Scott Street Steak and Pub and a regular of the Wausau music scene. People got excited when he came to town. And he’s been playing for five decades now, all over the Midwest and even on the international stage. Luedtke is known for fast, crisp solos and always puts on a stellar show. Luedtke will knock your socks off on the deck of Cheeks Bar and Grill this weekend (or inside, depending on the weather; bring lawn chairs). 2-5 pm. See the event page for more.
Concerts on the Square kickoff
Wednesday, June 3: It’s that time of year again! Nothing says summer quite like the summer Concerts on the Square series. The lineup is a little more cover band-oriented than it used to be, but a night outside sitting on the grass, sipping your favorite beverage and listening to some tunes in downtown Wausau is always a treat, and a quintessential downtown Wausau experience. Week one features The Now. 6 pm. See the event page for the rules and what food vendors will be there. And after the show, Faraway Place in downtown Wausau is hosting an afterparty show with BAMM starting at 8 pm. See the event page for more.)
Pride Fest
Saturday, June 6: This event is divided into the all-ages event held at the 400 Block from 11:30 am to 2 pm, featuring informational booths, bounce houses and other kids’ activities plus live entertainment; and a more adult-oriented night event at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center in Rothschild, which features Bosco of RuPaul’s Drag Race. See more details about both events, and tickets for the evening show, at the event page.
Wausau Holistic Expo
Saturday, June 6: If you’re into the metaphysical, crystals and tarot cards, then you probably already know about the Wausau Holistic Expo. Held at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild, it features 30 vendors including everything from psychic readings to metaphysical merchandise, plus live tarot readings. 10 am-5 pm. $5. Gift bags for the first 30 people, and children 10 and under enter free with an adult. See the event page for more.
June Dairy Breakfast
Sunday, June 7: Much like Ron Swanson, I am a big fan of breakfast food. And so June Dairy Breakfast is a good event in my book. Scrambled eggs, pancakes with maple syrup, sausage patties, cheese curds, and… ice cream? All for $10. Plus, there are plenty of educational items around the farm to learn about the dairy industry and its impact on Marathon County, and children can participate in interactive events. You know, once you’ve had your fill of pancakes. Held at the NTC Agricultural Center, but park at NTC and take the shuttle since there is no parking at the center. $10, children 6-11 $5, children 5 and under eat free. See the event page for more.
Birding Hike
Saturday, June 6: Burn a few calories and get yourself ready for June Dairy Breakfast with this birding hike from the Friends of Rib Mountain. Join Wausau Bird Club members as they take you on a hike through Rib Mountain State Park’s hiking trails in search of some feathered friends to see and get photos of. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours, and bring water and bug repellant. 7 am. See the event page for more details.
The Wedding Singer
Thurs.-Sat., June 4-6: River and Woods Theatre is back with another production — and this time, they’re tackling The Wedding Singer. The story: Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer and the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. He then meets the love of his life, but when she is slated to marry a Wall Street banker, he must put on the performance of his life to win her over. This cast brings together some of Central Wisconsin’s best performers to the James Veninga Theatre at UWSP—Wausau, so don’t miss it! 7 pm. $20, children and seniors $15. See the event page for more.
Whitewater Recreational Release
Sat-Sun, June 6-7: These are just a blast to watch. Kayakers from around the region come for these recreation releases where the gates are open, creating a churning whitewater rapids course right in the middle of downtown. For the average Joe, they’re just fun to check out while the kayakers practice their turns, dips and even flips. Head on down to Whitewater Park on River Drive (right behind the Farmers Market) and see for yourself. 10 am-4 pm both days. See the event page for more.
The Billy Bronsted String Band
Friday, June 5: Billy Bronsted is local to Wausau, and he’s become one of the top country singers in the state. He’s got two albums to his name: 2017’s This Bed of Mine and the subsequent Rhythm, Racket & Romance. He’s played the stage at Mile of Music in Appleton (not an easy event to get into), played plenty of other festivals and has been featured more than once on Bard Sessions. Here Bronsted is joined at the new Faraway Place by Jordan Kroeger, Ernest Brusubardis IV and Ryan Ogburn. They’ll make ample use of Faraway’s new, larger stage. 9 pm. See the event page for more.
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In Brief
Sonic Circus, 6:30 pm Thursday, June 4 at Tiki Beach Bar and Grill
Yoga in the Sculpture Garden, 5:30 pm Thursday, June 4 at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
School’s Out Party, 7 pm Friday, June 5 at The Bar—Wausau
Brady Luke Band, 7 pm Friday, June 5 at The Garage
Catastrophic Heroes, 9 pm Friday, June 5 at Nevermore on Third
Hyde in the Biergarten, 5 pm Friday, June 5 at Bull Falls Brewery
Pizza in the Orchard: Southbound, 5 pm Friday, June 5 at Rock Ridge Orchard
Summer Solstice Market, 9 am-4 pm Saturday, June 6 at St. Vincent de Paul
Golden Hour Music: Pop Vocals, 5-8 pm Saturday, June 6 at Stoney Acres Farm
Cozy Gamer Afternoon, noon Saturday, June 6 at The Story Cellar
Downtime Acoustic, 2 pm Sunday, June 7 at The Garage
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