UPCOMING EVENTS

JAZZ ON THE RIVER 2024

Events running from July 14th-August 18th

Jazz on the River is returning to Kickbusch Plaza, located directly behind the Marathon County Downtown Library, for our fifth FREE summer music series! The concerts kick off at 5:00 PM and continue until 7:00 PM. Conveniently, the music is just a few steps away from parking in the lot right behind the library building. And guess what? The food trucks will be back too!

Before and after the concert, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. As you walk or bike, you’ll pass by some of Wausau’s best sites, including Oak Island, the White Water Park, Washington Island, and RiverLife Park. Last summer, we boasted that the 2023 schedule might have been our best lineup of concerts yet. But hold onto your hats because in 2024, we’re taking it up a notch! We’ve booked a wide variety of jazz styles from performers drawn from across the Midwest.

Don’t miss out! Join us for what’s quickly becoming Wausau’s favorite way to cap off a summer weekend!

image credit: www.rivervalleyjazz.org

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LOGJAM FESTIVAL 2024

August 9th-11th, 2024

The LogJam Festival in Mosinee, Wisconsin, offers an admission-free experience for the whole family. Enjoy diverse events and activities throughout River Park, just two blocks from the historic downtown area. Don’t miss the chance to ride in a 28-foot voyager canoe—an exact replica of those used on the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers.

image credit: Mosinee Logjam Festival Facebook page

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RIVERFRONT RENDEZVOUS FESTIVAL 2024

July 4th-6th, 2024

The 40th Anniversary Stevens Point Riverfront Rendezvous Festival promises an exciting blend of entertainment, free activities, and lively bands. Visitors can enjoy thrilling tournaments, including pickleball, corn hole, horseshoe, and a carp fishing contest. The musical lineup features Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Gin Chocolate and Bottle Rockets, and Miss Myra and the Moonshiners. Additionally, carnival rides, inflatable games, a musical instrument petting zoo, and a vibrant parade add to the festive atmosphere.

image credit: www.stevenspoint.com

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RUBBER DUCK REGATTA 2024

July 14th, 2024

Come Make a Splash for a Great Cause! Purchase a raffle ticket with a chance to win $2,000!

Join the Children’s Imaginarium for their first fundraiser, “Rubber Duck Regatta” – all proceeds will benefit the Children’s Imaginarium.

Grab your tickets at the Children’s Imaginarium, 195 N. 2nd Street, Wausau. Purchase or adopt individual ducks for $20 or a flock of six for $100. Only 1,000 ducks will be sold!

All tickets must be purchased in-person at the museum or at the event table at “Concerts on the Square” on June 5th & June 19th. Duck Launch is July 14 at 4:15 PM at Wausau Whitewater Park, 200 River Drive. Winners need not be present to win.

image credit: www.childrensimaginarium.org

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BIG BULL FALLS BLUES FEST 2024

August 16th-17th

Wisconsin’s longest running Blues Fest is back! Located on Fern Island in Wausau, Wisconsin, this venue is one of a kind. Bring a lawn chair to listen to some of our favorite Blues artists! Food and Drinks will be sold at the fest. There will be a variety of vendors. There are no carry-ins allowed.

Image credit: www.wausauevents.org

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CENTRAL WISCONSIN WATER SKI SHOW TEAM THE WATER WALKERS 2024

Shows run June-August

All ski shows are FREE to attend and donations are appreciated! You can expect to hear talented announcing, toe tapping music, and skiers of all ages in dazzling costumes all combined to provide free entertainment for you and your family!

Every Tuesday on Lake Wausau at 6:30pm: Bluegill Bay Park 153030 Oriole Ln Wausau

We provide a full concession stand with brats, hotdogs, beverages, chips, popcorn, and candy. Bleacher seating is provided.

Every Thursday on Lake Dubay at 6:30pm: South Bay Beach 4480 Park Road Lake Dubay (off the DB Exit)

We provide a full concession stand with brats, hotdogs, beverages, chips, popcorn, and candy. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and don’t forget your sunglasses! The sunset over Lake Dubay on the final pyramid is a beautiful photo opportunity!

Image Credit: www.cwwaterwalkers.com

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KWAHAMOT WATER SKI SHOWS 2024

Shows run May-August

Join The Kwahamot Water Ski Club for free live shows starting at 7:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays located on Kwahamot Bay in Tomahawk.

We have over 40 members and performs over 45 shows per year.

We have a fully stocked on-site Concession Stand and seating for over 1000.

Plus our recently updated “Alumni Terrace” enhanced viewing patio. Pub tables, picnic tables, and park benches with FIVE new public restrooms in our clubhouse!

Image credit: www.kwahamot.org

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JACKSTON FREESTYLE CLINIC 2024

August 15th-16th 2024

Join Wausau Whitewater for an exciting adventure where you’ll advance your freestyle skills. Over the course of two days, our expert coaches will provide 3 hours of on-river instruction each day. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn spins, cartwheels, loops, godzillas, and tickywoos, or an experienced paddler looking to refine your technique, this clinic caters to all freestyle levels.

The cost for this enriching experience is $175 per person. But that’s not all! As a bonus, your clinic fee includes a free entry into the Midwest Freestyle Championships. This thrilling competition allows you to put your newfound skills to the test alongside fellow paddlers. Don’t worry if you’re new to freestyle kayaking—the beginner competition welcomes participants of all levels.

So, reserve your spot now and get ready to ride the waves with us!

Image credit: www.wausauwhitewater.org

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MIDWEST FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024

August 17th-18th 2024

Come join Wausau Whitewater for the chance to become the 2024 Midwest Freestyle Champion. All skill levels are welcome!

Around 100 kayakers and canoeists from across the Midwest gather in Wausau for the Midwest Freestyle Championship to compete in various classes including Beginners, Intermediates, Experts, Masters, Canoe, and Women. During the competition, participants showcase their skills by performing as many tricks as possible within a 1-minute timeframe. The individual with the highest points moves on to the next round. In addition to the freestyle competitions, the event features other exciting activities on Sunday, such as a downriver race, a team event, and a thrilling big wave trick. Participants can register for the weekend at an entry fee of $50, which includes 3 days of practice water. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, recreational paddling is also available for $50 for all 5 days, with the caveat to avoid areas where clinics or competitions are in progress.

Image credit: www.wausauwhitewater.org

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USA FREESTYLE NATIONALS AND TEAM TRIALS – SELECTION FOR 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 24th-25th 2024

Wausau Whitewater is hosting the USA Whitewater Freestyle Team Trials. Top freestyle kayakers and canoeists from across the country will compete in Wausau, WI for a chance to join Team USA. The highest-scoring participants will represent the United States at the 2025 World Freestyle Championships in Germany. Tricks will be performed within a 1-minute timeframe, and the individual with the most points advances.

The $60 entry fee covers both K-1 and C-1 classes. Practice is on August 21-23, and the competition is on August 24-25. Spectating is free. T-shirts can be purchased for $20, benefiting the USA Freestyle Committee. Free camping is available, with nearby hotels also an option.

Image credit: www.wausauwhitewater.org

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Know Before You Go

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Safe & Smart

Check the weather and water temperature before going paddling.

Wear a Lifejacket

Don’t be a statistic.

Know Your Limits

There are old paddlers and bold paddlers, but no old bold paddlers! Know your skill level.

Don’t Drink and Paddle

Water and booze don’t mix.

Have the Right Gear

Footwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, trail map, water, snacks, water tight bag for personal items and your cell phone, bilge pump, and first aid kit.

File a Float Plan

Communicate to family and friends your put-in and take-out, and when you are paddling.

Water Levels & Obstacles

Be aware of water levels, rapids, and dams before you get into the water.

In Case of Emergency Call 911

Remember your mile markers and landmarks.

Have a Map or App

Take a map or download an app to know where you are at on the water.

No Glass on the Wisconsin River

It is illegal to have glass on the Wisconsin River. If you are caught, the DNR will fine you up to $749.

Know Before You Go

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Safe & Smart

Check the weather and water temperature before going paddling.

Wear a Lifejacket

Don’t be a statistic.

Know Your Limits

There are old paddlers and bold paddlers, but no old bold paddlers! Know your skill level.

Don’t Drink and Paddle

Water and booze don’t mix.

Have the Right Gear

Footwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, trail map, water, snacks, water tight bag for personal items and your cell phone, bilge pump, and first aid kit.