Wayne Newton is a living legend, and his coming to Wausau is already a pretty big deal. But the performance also marks the return of shows at the Grand after the completion of the theater’s extensive renovations. And that’s not all, with shows at Lamplight Sessions again, a piano bar night at Westsider Lounge, a local book launch party and so much more, all in Your Wausome Weekend Guide. Only in The Wausonian!
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Wayne Newton
Grand Theater
Saturday, Nov. 7: There is just no way to say it without sounding hyperbolic: Wayne Newton is a living legend. The crooner has been a staple of the Las Vegas scene for decades, and that was true when he made an appearance on the TV show Roseanne back in the early 90s. (And if you really want to get a sense of his longevity: he appeared on the show Bonanza in the 1960s!) Mr. Las Vegas, as they call him, not only is coming to the Grand Theater, but the performance marks the return of the Grand Theater to the performance scene with their renovations finished — something The Wausonian hopes to get a first look at on Friday. 7:30 pm. $74-$98. See the event page for more information and for tickets.
Piano Bar with rotating performers
Westsider Lounge
Friday, Nov. 6: One of the cooler aspects of the new Westsider Lounge, which is part of the bigger Westsider Diner concept, is that it introduced a piano bar to the Wausau area. The lounge plans to host these rotating piano performances, and while the artist is not named, it’s a really great chance to check out the new space. Conveniently, you can stop next door for a bite to eat first. 6 pm. See the event page for more.
3 Men & A Mountain Launch Party
The Story Cellar
Friday, Nov. 6: I love the return of the book store in the Wausau area. While The Story Cellar isn’t the only one (we also covered Room of Words in the south metro area) it’s cool to see the cellar host all these events. The latest is covering the debut book launch from Josh Jaeger, who also happens to be the co-owner of Evercon. And Jaeger’s book, 3 Men and a Mountain Launch Party, is the first book from his new imprint, Left Hook Books. Stop on down to The Story Cellar’s new book store in downtown Wausau (after moving into the old D. Anthony’s space from its previous location on the west side of the river) meet the author and have your book signed. 5 pm. See the event page for more.
Them Coulee Boys w/ Dig Deep
Faraway Place
Friday, Nov. 6: I think it’s fairly old news to say that bluegrass has had a resurgence — that happened more than 10 years ago and many central Wisconsin bands helped lead that charge, including Stevens Point’s Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Them Coulee Boys are one of the OGs of the space, and a visit from them is always a bonus for area fans of the genre. And for this show at Faraway Place, they’re joined by Dig Deep, who I always describe as bringing a heavy metal aesthetic to the bluegrass genre. Hardcore bluegrass fans are probably already camped out in front of Faraway waiting for it to start, but many will find it fun watching these two very talented groups. 7 pm. See the event page for more.
Wausau Antique Show
Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 7-8: Ever since Antiques Roadshow brought attention to what had become a shrinking activity, antiquing is hitting its stride. And even for those mildly curious, this is a great event to whet your appetite with more than 50 vendors displaying their vintage wares at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center. Check out antique furniture, stoneware, vintage toys, art pottery, glass, jewelry, postcards, advertising memorabilia and more all in one convenient place. $7, good for both days. Children 16 and under enter free. Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 10 am–3 pm. Check out the event page for more.
McKinley James with The Reverend Jesse Ray
Lamplight Sessions
Saturday, Nov. 7: The jams at Lamplight Sessions in Mosinee tend toward the bluegrass and alt country side, but not always. The latest act to approach Lamplight’s cozy stage is a good example of that. McKinley James has that gritty, overdrive blues rock sound that reminds one of some of those acts from the 60s where blues still played heavily into the aural landscape. Armed with a Gibson ES-335 and a pair of Ray Bans, McKinley looks young but his voice sounds seasoned and all-knowing, with a tone similar to Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers. Now the really cool thing about this Nashville-based act? His father backs him up on drums. Joining the duo is The Reverend Jesse Ray, a one-man blues man playing guitar, harmonica, foot-operated percussion and vocals. Should be one heck of a night as Lamplight Sessions appears to be coming to life again. 7 pm. $40. See the event page for more info and tickets.
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In Brief
Friends of MCPL Book Sale (members-only preview Wednesday 5–7:30 pm; open to all Thursday–Saturday, Nov. 5–7), 5 pm Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
Trivia, 7 pm Wednesday, Nov. 4 at The Glass Hat
Open Mic w/ Caleb Delaney, 8 pm Thursday, Nov. 5 at Faraway Place
Karaoke with Jim, 9 pm Thursday, Nov. 5 at The Glass Hat
An Evening at Granite Peak celebrating Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, 6–9 pm Friday, Nov. 6 at Granite Peak Ski Area
Evan Garski Live, 6 pm Friday, Nov. 6 at Homestead on 52
Black Label Trio, 7 pm Friday, Nov. 6 at The Garage Wausau
Phyl Wickham Live, 8 pm Friday, Nov. 6 at The Glass Hat
5th Annual Wausau West Gridiron Craft & Vendor Show, 9 am–3 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Wausau West High School Fieldhouse
Puzzle Swap, 10–11:30 am Saturday, Nov. 7 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
Wausau Area Alpine/Nordic Ski and Snowboard Swap (public sale), 11 am–3 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Marathon Park East Gate Hall
Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration ($5, kids under 12 free), noon–4 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at 360 Grand Ave.
Cards for Heroes (kids make Veterans Day cards), 10 am–1 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Hy-Vee Wausau, 220 S. 18th Ave.
International Games Month Mini-Con, 11 am–4 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Marathon County Public Library—Wausau Headquarters
Christmas Open House with Nick Peter Events ($5; Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 7–8) Saturday, Nov. 7 at 408 Alfred St., Athens
Maine School PTO Chili Supper, 4 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Willow Springs Garden
Diwali Festival 2026, 5–10 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center
Chef’s Dinner and Show featuring Brad Emanuel, 5:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Westsider Lounge
Andy Braun live, 6 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at Mosinee Brewing Company
Josh Oddity Live, 7 pm Saturday, Nov. 7 at The Glass Hat
Nostalgia Cartoons, 11 am Sunday, Nov. 8 at J&P’s Tippling House
Puzzles & Pizza Competition (listed as full), 11 am Sunday, Nov. 8 at Willow Springs Garden
Honky-Tonk Sundays, noon Sunday, Nov. 8 at Faraway Place
New Moon Meditation ($10), 6–7 pm Monday, Nov. 9 at Shelves of Aeaea, 404 S. 2nd Ave.
Show & Tell: Artist Meet-Up with guest artist Tanya Otto (free), 6:45 pm Monday, Nov. 9 at Center for the Visual Arts
Clue (Monday 7:30 pm, Tuesday 7 pm, Nov. 9–10), 7:30 pm Monday, Nov. 9 at Grand Theater
Guided Painting with Stephanie Kohli, 8 pm Monday, Nov. 9 at Westsider Lounge
Retiree Summit: Continue Your Legacy of Impact (United Way, free, registration required), 9:30 am–noon Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Holiday Inn Rothschild
Gather at the Table (first pop-up meal for adults 60+, $6 suggested, reserve by Friday), 11 am Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Dale’s Weston Lanes
Trivia Night, 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Uncommon Pints
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