It’s long been one of Wausau’s biggest parties of the year, and it always has a cool theme. The 11-11 Party this year mixes vintage fashion with futuristic style, and the outfits it inspires promise to be legendary. But that’s hardly all this weekend, with a funky Friday at Faraway, a comedic caretaker, a puzzling competition and more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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11-11 Party
Grand Theater
Saturday, Nov. 14: This is always one of the biggest parties of the year, and it always has a very Instagram-worthy theme. This huge bash at the Grand Theater, held for the benefit of the Grand Theater, this year features a Cosmic Cocktail Party theme, combining vintage with futuristic aesthetics for what is sure to inspire some wild combinations. You always know when the party just happened because your social media feeds are filled with the appropriate costumes. Music from [Boogie and the Yo-yoz, with a video dance party led by Scott King of Miami and the Underground DJs, and the famous balloon drop. There are only 1,111 total tickets, so if you haven’t gotten yours yet, you might want to get on that. 7:30 pm. $69. See the event page for more.
(Want the fun to continue? Intermission Bar will host a Lost in Orbit dance party at 9 pm, where you can keep the party going with DJ BreKind and HadeUSA.)
Wonderfunk w/ Funkyard Dealers
Faraway Place
Friday, Nov. 13: Faraway Place reimagined the Malarkey’s Pub space in downtown Wausau, and this weekend it is bringing the funk. Wonderfunk will make its Faraway debut Friday. The band is led by Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie, who many readers might be familiar with, and Trevor Northsoul, joined by a rotating cast of musicians. Opening the night will be Funkyard Dealers out of Stevens Point. Their progressive funk is built around interlocking grooves and rhythms. Either way it’s sure to be a funky Friday at Faraway. 8 pm. See the event page for more.
Nurse Blake
Grand Theater
Tuesday, Nov. 17: It’s crazy that we haven’t had Grand Theater shows to feature on here for months. But they’re back, and one worth highlighting here is Nurse Blake. You might be thinking this is some kind of play or something, but Nurse Blake is a unique standup comedian whose premise is based on the world of medical drama. Blake is a former ICU nurse, and is now a comedian and healthcare advocate. His show will leave you in stitches… oh, OK, I see how that was a poor choice of words. But you get it. 7 pm. Call The Grand for availability; see the event page for more.
Wausau Area Hmong New Year
Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 14–15: The end of the harvest season marks the Hmong New Year, and the good news is everyone can celebrate it. Come check out this two-day festival at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center, full of Hmong traditional dance, competitions, a variety of vendors, Hmong food and so much more at this wonderful cultural event. 7 am–8 pm. $6. See the event page for more.
Intergenerational Puzzle Competition
Marathon County Public Library, Wausau
Thursday, Nov. 12: Putting a puzzle together is usually a slow, relaxing activity to do in your spare time. But this competition does the opposite of that. The Marathon County Public Library is looking for participants to join intergenerational teams to compete in this Intergenerational Puzzle Competition. Teams will work to put together as much of a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle as possible in 60 minutes. Participants from age 6 on up to seniors are encouraged to participate, and children under 12 must register with a parent and will stay paired with them. Meet other people of all ages and have fun assembling a puzzle together. 5:30 pm. Free; registration required. See the event page for more.
Guest Artist Talk: Tyler Vouros
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Thursday, Nov. 12: Birds in Art is known internationally for bringing some of the top artists to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. In this event, Birds in Art artist-in-residence Tyler Vouros is giving a talk. Vouros will talk about his artistic process, his interest in nature and his experience producing art by observing live birds. His work includes his 2026 piece Raven’s Landing, a stunning piece using charcoal, shellac and oil on panel. Want to see him actually work? The museum is also hosting open studios with Vouros (1–4 pm Friday and Tuesday in the Glass Box Studio) where you can watch the artist work and ask him questions about his process. 6 pm. The talk and open studio sessions are free. See the event page for more.
Sponsored by
In Brief
The Billy Mills Story, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Nov. 11 at UW Center for Civic Engagement
Trivia Night, 6 pm Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Oasis Arcade
Vinyl and Vibes, 5 pm Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Glass and Grain
Friendsgiving, 5 pm Thursday, Nov. 12 at Grand Avenue Artifactory
Open Mic with Caleb, 8 pm Thursday, Nov. 12 at Faraway Place
Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Nov. 12 at The Glass Hat
2026 Women’s Leadership Summit, 9 am Friday, Nov. 13 at Northstar Restoration Services
Mattea Joy, 7 pm Friday, Nov. 13 at The Glass Hat
Evan Garski, 8 pm Friday, Nov. 13 at The Jim
Piano Bar, 4 pm Friday, Nov. 13 at The Lounge
Indie Author Meet: K.L. Novitzke, 5 pm Friday, Nov. 13 at The Story Cellar
Blindside, 7 pm Friday, Nov. 13 at El Tequila Salsa
Caleb and Emily, 7 pm Saturday, Nov. 14 at Uncommon Pints
The Bad Downs, 7 pm Saturday, Nov. 14 at Homestead on 52
Soul Whiskey, 7 pm Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Garage
Blindside, 7:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 14 at Cheeks Bar and Grill
Wausau Hmong New Year Afterparty, 8 pm Saturday, Nov. 14 at CW Fly Bags
Open Mic, 9 pm Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Nevermore on Third
Gather Round Storytelling Open Mic, 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 17 at The Wausau Club
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