The Night Market returns to downtown Wausau | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the week of June 17-23, 2026
The Wausau Night Market returns this week — and it’s bigger than ever. Plus, a new 400 Block event, snakes and reptiles in Wausau, a familiar band with a new name, a great music act to enjoy with pizza and so much more this week in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Wausau Night Market
Downtown Wausau
Thursday, June 18: Back for its fourth year, the Wausau Night Market is now much bigger — doubling its footprint by adding five more blocks and totaling 100 vendors! And now some downtown businesses are expanding their hours as well. 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 market’s live music will feature Old Pine Road on the 400 Block stage and Landon McMahon on Third Street. A new kids market will take place at the City Square building (many old-timers like me will remember it as the M&I building). Markets to follow in July and August. 5-9 pm. See the event page for more.
The Wausau Summer Shindig
The 400 Block
Saturday, June 20: If you’ve been clamoring for live original music on the 400 Block, this even is definitely your chance. The Wausau Summer Shindig plans to fill downtown with live music for 12 hours! Featuring live sets from The People Brothers Band, Hot Like Mars, Rare Element, BAMM, Watt Millians, Earthlight and Moonbadger, plus a late-night jam, probably well past my bedtime, hosted by local country musician Billy Bronsted, this’ll be a day on the 400 Block worth checking out! Noon-midnight. Free. Check out the event page for more info.
Snake Discovery
Oak Island Park (and others)
Monday, June 22: The event is called Snake Discovery, but this event covers reptiles from around the world. Not only snakes, but boa constrictors, geckos and other reptiles will make their way to Oak Island Park to delight your kiddos. The Oak Island Park is the main event, starting at 10 am but there are other stops as well, including in Edgar, Marathon elementary and the Marathon County Library Branch in Stratford. See the event page for a complete listing of dates and times.
Finding Feathers
Machmueller Park
Tuesday, June 23: I hadn’t heard of Finding Feathers, but I have heard of the Seth Brown Duo — and Finding Feathers is the latest incarnation of the band. The duo with roots in the Midwest, West Coast and Nashville has carved out a name for themselves with a blend of folk and rock and vagabond aesthetic, and they’ll headline the Weston Acoustic Concert Series at Machmueller Park this Tuesday. Food trucks on site. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Brad Emanuel
The 400 Block
Wednesday, June 17: I don’t highlight as many Concerts on the Square as I used to, but Brad Emanuel will always be an exception. Emanuel is like the ultimate party act, with a voice of gold and the ability to put a killer band together, which he always does for these 400 Block shows. A Hodag Music Festival winner, with events like Brad on the Sand and even a group Cancun trip planned (no, really), Emanuel is a musical powerhouse. 6-8 pm. See the event page for more details.
Mary Poppins
James Veninga Theater
Thurs.-Sun., June 18-21: Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre is bringing Mary Poppins to the Veninga Theater at the Center for Civic Engagement, and this is one of those family-friendly shows that works for just about everyone. The story follows Jane and Michael Banks, who have scared off more than a few nannies before Mary Poppins arrives with a little magic, some common sense and plenty of lessons for the whole family. CWCT is known for top notch productions, so these aren’t to be underestimated. Shows are 7 pm Thursday-Friday, 2 pm and 7 pm Saturday, and 2 pm Sunday. $15 adults, $13 children and seniors. See the event page for ticket information.
Pizza in the Orchard: Ember
Rock Ridge Orchard
Thursday, June 18: The first moment I played one of Ember’s songs on YouTube, I was hooked. The thumbnail hooked me first, honestly — a design beyond most smaller bands seem capable of. But then the music really hooked me — it’s as if you took an electronica band and told them to play country, with vocals that somehow evoke both. The result is the best combination you could hope for, with creative vocals mixed with electric guitar and keyboard but with just enough twang that the few guys in the audience wearing cowboy hats don’t seem out of place. And you get to eat pizza? I’m in. 5 pm. See the event page for more details.
Old Fashioned Downtown Tour
Woodson History Center
Saturday, June 20: The Old Fashioned Downtown Tour is back! Tour several of downtown Wausau’s historic buildings and find out how they were originally used (especially during the booming 1920s and the Prohibition era that followed) while sampling old-fashioneds or their spirit-free alternatives at each stop. What a great chance to learn some local history and to enjoy an afternoon cocktail. Starts at the Woodson History Center. Must be 21 and over. Tours at 4 pm and 6 pm. $35. See the event page for more details.
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In Brief
Solstice Under the Stars, 7 pm Friday, June 19 at Willow Springs Gardens
Music on the Patio: Chase & Cassandra Williams, 6 pm Thursday, June 18 at Sconni’s Alehouse and Eatery
Dead Man’s Switch, Hi/Jack, Zippnuts and Sleeping With The President, 9 pm Friday, June 19 at The Intermission Bar
History Speaks: The Story of Rib Mountain, 2 pm Saturday, June 20 at the Woodson History Center
Tamaraks, 5 pm Saturday, June 20 at Stoney Acres Pizza on the Farm
Through Crimson, 7 pm Saturday, June 20 at The Garage Wausau
Mattea Joy, 7 pm Saturday, June 20 at J&P’s Tippling House
Barely Breathn’, 7:30 pm Saturday, June 20 at Cheeks Bar and Grill