Scotty Austin rocks Q&Z Expo Center | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the weekend of May 20-26, 2026
Scotty Austin is one of the musicians who doesn’t quite sound like how he looks - but he definitely will be rocking the roof off the Q&Z Expo Center this weekend. Plus, your guide to Memorial Day, a hot new house band at Faraway Place, a nostalic look at Wausau and much more in YOUR Wausome Weekend Guide.
Sponsored by
Scotty Austin w/ Yellow No. 5
Thursday, May 21: If you took one look at Scotty Austin, you would immediately think he’s a punk act. Guy has the mohawk, the tank top showing off his tattoos, and the attitude to match. When you search him, however, you get a lot of covers of 80s rock anthem “Rebel Yell,” and his sound seems to be much more melodic hard rock than punk. Formerly of Saving Abel, Austin is now a solo artist headlining stages, including this one at the Q&Z Expo Center. Joining him on this stop of the Rise Against the Monsters Tour is Yellow No. 5, Greater Than Human and Thornbush for what should be an epic hard rock show. 7 pm. $15. See the event page for more.
Days Gone By
Saturday, May 23: You may know Bob Becker. He founded Becker Communications and ran it for over 50 years, growing it from film production and commercial photography into the powerhouse communications firm it is today. Becker loves to share Wausau as it was in the 1950s and 60s, and in this presentation he’ll tell the story of his illustrations of nostalgic Wausau at the Marathon County Public Library in Wausau. This Friends of Historic Wausau Landmarks presentation is free and open to all. 2 pm. See the event page for more.
Wausau Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23: It’s Memorial Day, a national day to remember those who died serving our country. One way to commemorate is to watch the Memorial Day parade downtown, leaving from Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue at 11 am Saturday and making its way to Opportunity Inc. on River Drive. Two tips: One, the farmers market is right there on River Drive, so why not make a morning of it? Two, I like the spot where Stewart Avenue makes its way to River Drive for good parade viewing and photos. And don’t forget the Memorial Day Ceremony Monday at Restlawn Cemetery, starting at 11 am.
Jet Pack Stereo
Saturday, May 23: We don’t often highlight cover bands on the Wausome Weekend Guide, because a healthy music scene includes a lot of original music. But the opening weekend of music kicks off with Jet Pack Stereo at the Tiki Beach Bar and Grill, and the place is so unique it’s worth pointing out. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Tiki Beach is like a big beach party with live music, and people enjoying the music on shore and in the water, some with pontoon boats and others in kayaks. And with a five-piece band featuring a female lead singer and female bass player, Jet Pack Stereo will make for a fun weekend at the beach, and kicks off summer in style (Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer in my book). It might not actually be a tropical beach, but it’s the Wisconsin version and still plenty of fun. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Moonbadger
Wednesday, May 20: Ok, this one is pretty cool. The new Faraway Place (the former Malarkey’s Pub) is really dedicating itself to music, it seems, and this latest idea is to make Wausau band Moonbadger the official house band! You might not have heard of Moonbadger, as it’s pretty new, but the band that originated from The Mish features a rotating cast of characters including country singer-songwriter Billy Bronsted, bassist/keyboardist Jordan Miles, drumming phenom Erk Juvonen and bass funk specialist Zach Soczka. These guys are laying down the funk with a wholly unique sound, and they’ll be well worth checking out on a Wednesday night. 8 pm. See the event page for more.
Rockin’ for Ringle w/ The Bad Downs
Friday, May 22: Coral Lanes doesn’t always have music, but this weekend the lanes will be rocking! The Bad Downs will be kicking off this fundraiser for Ringle, with proceeds benefiting people who lost homes or had homes damaged in the April tornado that touched down in the town. According to the poster, the funds will be going to Ringle homeowners through the Ringle Fire Department. 7 pm. See the event page for more details.
Sponsored by
In Brief
Jerry Schmitt Band, 7 pm Friday, May 22 at Mosinee Brewing Co.
Caleb and Emily, 8 pm Saturday, May 23 at The Glass Hat
EDM Night, 8 pm Saturday, May 23 at The Intermission Bar
49 Deluxe, 6 pm Saturday, May 23 at Bull Falls Brewing Co.
Creator of Nightmares book launch, 1 pm Saturday, May 23 at The Story Cellar
Outlaw’D, 8 pm Saturday, May 23 at The Garage
Farewell to Dallas of Unbroken/Dying Poets Tour, 6:30 pm Saturday, May 23 at Coral Lanes
Juan Solo, 7 pm Saturday, May 23 at Homestead on 52
Kurt Schweers, 1 pm Sunday, May 24 at The Garage
Thanks for reading The Wausonian! If you haven’t subscribed yet, check out the free and paid options below to help support local journalism covering Wausau news: