The fall activities continue this weekend with Wausau Events’ Harvest Fest. And we have a couple of Oktoberfests on the docket as well, plus a new original local blues band, a book reading event, a program about civility in politics and so much more. All in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Harvest Fest
The 400 Block
Saturday, Oct. 3: There’s something about the fall slate of activities that seems more fun to write about than any other — maybe it’s the celebration of things farm-related (pumpkin patches, corn mazes, etc.) And the annual Harvest Fest downtown is a good marker of the start of that season, which includes a number of events this weekend. Bring the kids down to the 400 Block on Saturday to see those very satisfying rows of pumpkins, one of which children 12 and under will receive for free, plus a petting zoo, kids’ activities and crafts, local food vendors and more. 11 am to 1 pm. See the event page for more information.
Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times
UW Center for Civic Engagement
Thursday, Oct. 1: If there is one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we’re definitely living in polarizing times. And while that’s not new (read up on some of the early presidential races, such as between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, for instance), it’s not great either. The Wisconsin Institute of Public Policy and Service is hosting this talk with that in mind, featuring former Milwaukee Mayor and ambassador Tom Barrett; former Gov. Tommy Thompson; and former Congressman Tom Petri. They’ll talk about the impact polarization has on governance, and how to address that. 6:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Blues Garden
The Garage
Saturday, Oct. 3: You know in our Wausome Weekend Guide, we love to highlight original music as much as possible. And especially when we can shout out local acts. So it’s great to have Blues Garden, a Schofield-based original blues outfit, in our guide this week. The group plays some cool-sounding blues, complete with gritty slide guitar riffs over a bumping rhythm section and even a saxophone, at least on the recording I listened to. They’ll be worth checking out as they make their way to The Garage, one of Wausau’s music hotspots. 6 pm. See the event page for more.
Bull Falls Oktoberfest
Bull Falls Brewing Co.
Saturday, Oct. 3: I love that the Germans have a festival built around beer. Good enough for me! Bull Falls Brewery is about to have its own Oktoberfest this weekend, and with polka music from Die Musikmeisters Band, traditional German food and Bull Falls Brewing Co.’s very own Oktoberfest beer, it’ll be a great time to celebrate your German roots or to just have a good time. 11 am, goes “all day.” See the event page for more.
Forever & Always Bridal Expo
Central Wisconsin Expo and Convention Center
Sunday, Oct. 4: I’m going to start off by telling you this is very much not my domain. But if you’re a bride-to-be, this should be a valuable resource for you! Besides several local vendors available to help you plan your big day, there will be past brides with gently used bridal items to perhaps save you a few bucks. And it’s hard not to like that. And did we mention admission is free? 11 am-2 pm. See the event page for more.
Shhh I’m Reading
The Story Cellar
Monday, Oct. 5: We got a chance to look at The Story Cellar during the second Wausau Night Market, its opening day, and the new store looks fantastic! It’s bigger than the former location, with more space for books and some cool little nooks and crannies for reading. And so this event from the burgeoning bookstore should be a great time for readers. Your $10 ticket gains you entrance and one drink ticket, and you’ll socialize from 5-6 pm, and then it’s quiet reading time! I think it’s cool that we have book-themed events and this one should be fun. 5 pm. $10. See the event page for more.
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In Brief
Wausau: Play & Learn, 9:30 am Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
Pizza on the Patio, 6 pm Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Willow Springs Garden
Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Oct. 1 at The Glass Hat
Jerry Schmitt Band and Trail Blazers, Friday, Oct. 2 at The Bar
Brad Emanuel, 8 pm Friday, Oct. 2 at The Garage Wausau
Oktoberfest, noon Saturday, Oct. 3 at Mosinee Brewing Co.
Elastic Bandit, 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 3 at Faraway Place
Harvest Cider Sessions: Jackson Taylor, Saturday, Oct. 3 at Rock Ridge Orchard (Cider Bar)
Mattea Joy, 1 pm Sunday, Oct. 4 at The Garage Wausau
Harvest Cider Sessions: Brandon Todd, Sunday, Oct. 4 at Rock Ridge Orchard (Cider Bar)
Wausau: Family Story Time, 10 am Monday, Oct. 5 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
Tuesdays at the Library: All About Apples with Rock Ridge Orchard, 6 pm Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library
Wausau: Introduction to Beekeeping, 6 pm Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
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