Ifdakar opens new Faraway Place | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau area events for the weekend of April 29-May 5, 2026
Faraway Place, the new evolution of what was Malarkey’s Pub, holds a Grand Opening with funky-rock jam band Ifdakar. Plus a ladies powerlifting meet, a popular pianist and a teacher comedy coming to the grand, a mineral show and so much more in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
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Faraway Place Grand Opening with Ifdakar
Saturday, May 2: Grand openings don’t usually make the list on Your Wausome Weekend Guide because the guiding principle is entertainment - but the band headlining the grand opening party is so good that it deserves to be on the list! Madison-based Ifdakar is like if you took Primus and Phish and combined them while dialing down the obnoxious factor. Think a rock-funk mixed all rolled up into a jam band and you get a sense of what Ifdakar is about. (Though it won’t do much to illuminate that name.) With special guest Rugg. And if you’re wondering what Faraway Place is - it’s the new evolution of the Malarkey’s Pub space. 8 pm. See the event page for more.
Robin Spielberg
Thursday, April 30: You don’t hear about a lot of famous pianists these days, but Robin Spielberg is definitely on that list. With more than 500 streams of her music to date, and her inclusion on the Steinway Artist Roster, Spielberg is one of the top pianists around these days and her appearance at the Grand will be a show to see. Spielberg will delight with both well-known piano solos from her repertoire and some of her originals. 7:30 pm. $34-$64. See the event page for more.
WausaUltra
Fri.-Sat., May 1-2: Some people like to run. And some people like to run far. REALLY far. If you’re in that last camp, this race is for you, and you have until today to sign up. WausaUltra turns running into a boxing match in which runners start a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour at Sylvan Hill Park. Runners go until only one can complete the next loop. Once the race gets down to the last few, things get pretty intense! There are shorter (Read: Not short, but short-ER) for those of the more sane variety. Kicks off at 9 am Friday. See event page for details. (Registration today only)
Heart of Wisconsin Mineral and Gem Show
Sat.-Sun., May 2-3: Many who are already fans of all things minerals and gems likely have this on their radar. But even for those who aren’t, these shows are really fun. So many colorful “rocks” (but trust me, don’t call them that to the serious enthusiasts!). Besides all the rows of gem and mineral vendors at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center, expect a silent auction and kids activities. 10 am-5 pm Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday. See the event page for more.
Bored Teachers “Is it Friday Yet?” Comedy Tour
Sunday, May 3: If you’re like me, you haven’t heard of “teacher humor” but as the Bored Teachers comedy group can attest: it’s a thing! Bored Teachers has thrilled audiences for ten years with their comedy and amassed millions of followers while doing so. They’ve performed for 200,000 teachers worldwide, sold out more than 200 theaters and have never stopped making people laugh. And note the earlier time. Since it is, after all, a school night. 3 pm. $40.75-$79.75. See the event page for more.
Judy Collins
Wednesday, May 6: This show was delayed twice now — but it’s back on the books with tickets still available! Judy Collins was pretty much already a legend when I first heard her songs on the radio as a child in the 80s. Many of her most famous songs are those of other artists she popularized — probably the most-known is her version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” released on her sixth studio album. Collins now has a remarkable 55 albums to her name, part of an absolutely incredible career. This show has moved a couple of times, so if you didn’t already get tickets, you’ve got another chance! 7:30 pm. $44-$84. See the event page for more.
Ladies of Iron
Saturday, May 2: Women are hitting the weights in record numbers, and so Franck’s Gym is planning to host an event just for them. This event will feature women competing in the sport of powerlifting — the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. If you’re a powerlifting woman and think you have what it takes to compete, check out the link. And they seem to imply an audience is welcome as well. Lifting starts at 9 am. $10 per spectator, family pass $20. See the event page for details.
The Yawpers w/ Graham Parsons
Friday, May 1: Lamplight Sessions shows are starting to sell out again, which means you need to get your tickets early if you want to see their small, intimate shows featuring some of the top indie groups in the country. The latest is The Yawpers, which is a departure from the country/bluegrass bands that often come to Lamplight. The Yawpers are more like a straight-up rock band, done in the modern style with carefully curated sounds and textures. The announcement for the show is written in PR speak, shedding light on the creative humor the band employs on stage and in its music videos. Joining The Yawpers is Graham Parsons, the frontman of The Go Rounds, a great indie rock band that has appeared on the Jam in the Van series. 7 pm. $38. See the event page for more.
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In Brief
Riding the Storm Out: REO Speedwagon Tribute, 7:30 pm Wednesday, April 29 at the Grand Theater
Mini Renewal Wellness Retreat, 5:30 pm Thursday, April 30 at Monk Gardens
Brad Emanuel, 8 pm Friday, May 1 at The Garage
Mike Maher, 7 pm Friday, May 1 at Uncommon Pints
First Friday Blues w Jon Peck and the Bad Dogs, 7 pm Friday, May 1 at Reservoir Dogs Saloon
Brett Westgrove, 8 pm Saturday, May 2 at The Garage
Music Bingo with Caleb and Emily, 7:30 pm Saturday, May 2 at The Glass Hat
Brad Emanuel, 1 pm Sunday, May 3 at Cheek’s Bar
Ladies Garden Tea Party, 11:30 am Sunday, May 3 at Willow Springs Gardens
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