Here are 8 events you don't want to miss this summer in the Wausau area (2024)

Looking to fill your calendar with a variety of summer fun in the Wausau area? Check out these 8 events.

WAUSAU − Whether you like live music or live animals, hot air balloons or airplanes, classic fair foods or traditional Hmong fare, there are events and activities for everyone in the Wausau area this summer.

Check out a few of the biggest events nearby.

Concerts on the Square

Concerts on the Square kicked off last week with music by HYDE, and due to anticipated rain and storms it was moved to the Rothschild Pavilion. Organizers say the initial event was a success with a "packed" crowd.

It (hopefully) returns to its regular venue this week with live music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday on the 400 Block in downtown Wausau. The 12-week series offers a variety of music free of charge through Aug. 28. There is no concert on Aug. 21.

This is the event's 31st year, and according to its website about 2,500 people gather each week to listen to live music, eat and drink with family and friends. Carry-ins are allowed and food trucks are available on-site.

For a line-up of performers and additional information, visit wausauevents.org. For weather-related changes and cancelations and other updates, follow the organization's Facebook page.

Wings Over Wausau

The entire event area has been expanded for this year's Wings Over Wausau to allow attendees to get up close and personal with the airplanes, pilots, drones and other activities, according to the Wausau Events website.

The two-day event will take place June 21-22 at the Wausau Downtown Airport. A shuttle will run between downtown Wausau and the airport on Saturday.

The event offers children's games and activities, bounce houses, zip lines, a petting zoo, drone demonstrations, static plane displays, pilot meet and greets, food vendors, a beer garden, live entertainment and more. A professional daytime airshow will be offered both days, along with a night airshow leading into a fireworks show both nights.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will be part of the airshow lineup.

Admission is $5 per person; children 12 years and younger are free.

For event updates and additional information, visit wausauevents.org/events/wings-over-wausau or find the event on Facebook.

ChalkFest

Artists of all ages will transform Wausau's 400 Block into a creative wonderland of drawings June 22-23 during ChalkFest.

The annual two-day art festival offers both a contest for those 12 years and older, and a Children's ChalkFest for youths 11 years and younger.

Artists will begin creating their masterpieces at 8 a.m. Saturday and work throughout the day and into Sunday. Judging will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, with the award ceremony to follow at 4 p.m.

Visitors are welcome to watch the creative process unfold and enjoy the finished pieces.

For event updates and additional information, visit wausauevents.org/events/chalkfest or find the festival on Facebook.

Wausau Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate the history and strength of the Black community during Wausau's Juneteenth event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 22 at Whitewater Music Hall, 130 First St.

The celebration will include food, drinks, music and speakers. Reggie Jackson, a nationally and internationally recognized race relations expert, speaker and published writer, will be featured.

Local Black business owners also are invited to attend to promote their products and services.

This is a free community event. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, email kayleymccolley3500@gmail.com or find the event on Facebook.

Taste 'N Glow Balloon Fest

There was some disappointment and confusion earlier this year about the future of the Taste 'N Glow Balloon Fest, but there is no question now that the event will be back this year.

The hot air balloon festival will be held July 12-13 at 140914 Stettin Drive in the town of Stettin, about 10 miles west of Wausau. It will feature live music, activities for kids, food, craft and resale vendors, lumberjack and log rolling shows and the dragon lion dancers. The event's car show is also returning due to popular demand. And you won't want to miss the new professional drone show.

Each evening the hot air balloons will be tethered and lit up against the night sky and set to synchronized music.

For event updates and additional information, visit tastenglowfest.com or find the festival on Facebook.

More about the balloon festival: Taste N Glow Balloon Festival will return to Stettin this summer after questions had been raised about its future

Hmong Wausau Festival

Experience the rich traditions of the Hmong community during the sixth annual Hmong Wausau Festival July 27-28 at Peoples Sports Complex, 602 E. Kent St.

Presented by the Hmong American Center and the Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitor Bureau, the festival features dance and singing competitions, sports tournaments, food, crafts and merchandise vendors and more. Another highlight is the Mr. Hmong Royalty Talent Pageant.

Since the festival started, it has attracted about 14,000 attendees from throughout the Midwest, according to the CVB.

For updates and additional event information, visit www.hmongwausaufestival.org or find the festival on Facebook.

Wisconsin Valley Fair

The Wisconsin Valley Fair returns to Marathon Park July 30-Aug. 4 with fun and activities for all ages.

This year's events includes live music, animal judging, a carnival all six days provided by North American Midway Entertainment, fireworks, classic fair food favorites, a variety of vendors in the Exhibition Building and much more.

Gabby Barrett, LOCASH and Night Ranger will headline the grandstand. The lineup also includes the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo Aug. 2-3 and a demolition derby Aug. 4.

For more information about the Wisconsin Valley Fair or to purchase tickets, call 715-261-1539, visitwisconsinvalleyfair.com or find the fair on Facebook.

More about the Wisconsin Valley Fair: Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau announces 2024 headliners including Gabby Barrett, LOCASH and Night Ranger

Big Bull Falls Blues Fest

Billed as Wisconsin's longest-running blues festival, Big Bull Falls Blues Fest returns to Fern Island Park, 500 River Drive in Wausau, Aug. 16-17.

This year's festival lineup includes Howard "Guitar" Luedtke, Reverend Raven & Westside Andy with the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys and Lamont Cranston on Friday; and Tommy Bentz, Ivy Ford, Mark Hummel, Robert Jon & The Wreck and The Blood Brothers on Saturday.

A beverage tent and food will also be available. Festival apparel will be sold on-site.

General admission tickets are $60 each and include both days of the festival. VIP tickets are also offered for $160.

For festival updates and more information, visit wausauevents.org/events/big-bull-falls-blues-fest or find the event on Facebook.

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Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached atjrokus@gannett.comor follow her on Twitter at@Jamie_Rokus.