UPDATED: Winter Fest canceled, Brew Fest still on | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Wausau events for the week of Jan. 21-27, 2026
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Winter Weekend… er, Brew Fest at least
UPDATED: Fri-Sat, Jan. 23-24: This was going to be the first time Winter Fest, typically held at the 400 Block downtown, would instead be held at Marathon Park Saturday. Organizers canceled the event due to the cold weather. But the Friday night Winter Brew Fest is still on, this year will be held at the Rothschild Pavilion. Enjoy samples from several breweries, a full brat bar and music from the String Cheese Band. Winter Fest is free, from 11 am-1 pm; Brew Fest is 6-9 pm and tickets are $40, $20 for designated drivers. See the event page for more.
Collin Raye
Friday, Jan. 23: This is a master of the country music genre that fans won’t want to miss. Collin Raye was active with The Wrays going back from 1983 to 1987, and he broke out on his own in 1991. Between 1991 and 2007, Raye charted 30 singles, with four of them reaching No. 1 on the country Billboard charts. With 11 studio albums under his belt, Raye is a performer you need to see if you have an interest in country music. 7:30 pm. $49-$85. See the event page for more.
Strings and Things
Thursday, Jan. 22: Billy Bronsted is a home-grown country powerhouse who has honed his craft here and in Colorado. In this new venture, he’s joined by Charlie Karls and others to form a bluegrass jam that’s a blast at Sconni’s Alehouse and Eatery. This new venture kicked off last week and saw a wide range of bluegrass-style music, even including a bluegrass version of Steely Dan’s “Do it Again.” Joining the duo this week is Scott Kirby, a prolific jazz, folk and bluegrass musician out of Rhinelander. 6-9 pm. Check out the event page for more.
Philip Dean: Architects that built Wausau’s Skyline
Saturday, Jan. 24: If you’ve never been down to one of these Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks events, they’re a great way to get a walk in while also learning about Wausau history. But since it is colder than the ice planet Hoth out there right now (Star Wars fans you know what I’m talking about), this one will be held inside at the Wausau Community Room at the Marathon County Public Library. The Friends will focus on Philip Dean and his architectural contributions to the buildings that define the Wausau downtown landscape. 1:30 pm. See the event page for more.
Reverend Raven and the Chain-Smoking Altar Boys
Friday, Jan. 23: Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys is a repeat returnee to the annual Blues Fest in Wausau and has been making some appearances in town lately. Reverend Raven has opened for BB King, headlined Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago and played with many of the greats of the blues scene. Reverend Raven will be featuring Westside Andy (who plays a mean harmonica) at this showing at Malarkey’s Pub. 8 pm. See the event page for more.
Chloe Kimes
Saturday, Jan. 24: This Nashville-based country-folk singer coming to Lamplight Sessions has Midwest roots, having grown up in Michigan. Chloe Kimes’s 2022 debut album was named a WYCE Radio Listener’s Choice Album of the Year, which earned her a spot on NPR’s Music’s Top Ten Nashville Artists on the Rise. It’s easy to see why. Her sound has the catchiness of a good pop song but with the country twang fans of the genre expect. The songwriting is clever, something the best of country music songwriting achieves. Opening for her is Sophie Coyote. 7 pm. $33.76. See the event page for more.
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In brief
Weird Wednesdays w/ Rattlesnack, 8:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Intermission Bar
Bob and Rocco’s Gun Show, Fri-Sun, Jan. 23-25 at the Central Wisconsin Expo and Convention Center
Caleb and Emily Music, 7 pm Friday, Jan. 23 at Uncommon Pints.
Songwriter Jam, 9:30 pm Friday, Jan. 23 at Nevermore on Third.
Brady Luke Band, 7 pm Friday, Jan. 23 at The Garage
Christmas Tree Bonfire, 2 pm Saturday, Jan. 24 at Sawmill Brewing Co.
Classic Albums: The Lithium Experience, 7:30 pm Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Grand Theater