In September 2024, Project North returns to downtown Rhinelander, Wisconsin, promising a dynamic fusion of live music, interactive art, and eco-conscious initiatives. This immersive event aims to unite tourists and locals, showcasing Rhinelander’s artistic community, celebrating its natural beauty, and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. As a catalyst for progress, Project North solidifies Rhinelander’s status as a forward-thinking hub for local and global artists.

This lively event, rain or shine, offers a delightful mix of music, culinary delights, shopping, family fun, and more! Transforming four blocks of historic West Wisconsin Avenue into a showcase for up to 300 show cars from across the greater Northwoods and beyond, visitors can journey through automotive history or marvel at cutting-edge technology. With over 50 trophies up for grabs, including the esteemed Best Of Show and Peoples Choice awards, as well as unique honors like Youngest Participant and Mayors Choice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beloved downtown tradition. Best of all, admission for spectators is always free!

Tomahawk, Wisconsin, gears up in the second weekend of September for their annual Northwoods Fall Ride that draws motorcycle enthusiasts from across the nation to their scenic town. What started as a charity fundraiser in 1982 by the North Country Riders Motorcycle Club, supported by Harley-Davidson Inc, has evolved into a cherished event that raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and attracts record attendance, like the milestone 2006 gathering of 45,000 riders. The Northwoods Fall Ride promises a weekend filled with music, food, vendors, and thrilling bike-related activities.

Attend an unforgettable weekend of western family fun at the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo in Merrill, WI. Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the nation compete to showcase their talents, while attendees indulge in delicious food, live music, and shopping for all ages. As a 100% volunteer-run committee, they take immense pride in hosting this premier event, attracting over 14,000 visitors annually to central Wisconsin.

For over fifty years, Wausau’s Festival of Arts has been a beacon of artistic celebration, offering exceptional artwork, free entertainment, and engaging activities for all ages. From its inception in 1965, this outdoor extravaganza has become a cherished tradition in downtown Wausau, featuring over 120 juried artists showcasing diverse styles and price ranges. With food courts, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and hands-on art activities, it’s a festival that caters to everyone. Recognized as American Style Magazine’s #1 art festival in 2009, Artrageous Weekend, including Wausau’s Festival of Arts, continues to captivate audiences with its enduring charm and artistic flair.

Get ready to get your Blues on with Wisconsin’s longest running Blues Fest! Located on Fern Island in the heart of Wausau, Wisconsin, this venue is one of a kind. Join the locals and enjoy big names Like Eric Gales & Mike Zito and local artists alike.

Come and see what all the buzz is about at the event voted THE Favorite Event in Wausau for 5 years in a row. The Wausau Downtown Airport hosts the annual Balloon & Rib Festival. While you enjoy the live music, your kids can put all that the extra energy to good use in the Kids Zone. There are typically close to 20 hot air balloon vendors, 7 rib vendors, and other delicious food & drink vendors. There will be other fun and entertaining activities for everyone to enjoy. Finish the night with a beautiful fireworks show. Admission is free but food, drinks, and entertainment are not.

Spend your evening relaxing listening to free music, enjoying the local community, and the people of Wausau. Concerts are held Wednesdays in the summer months starting mid-June. The concerts normally start at 6pm and run until 8pm. The concerts are located on the beautiful 400 Block and are very popular! Keep an eye out for food trucks to satiate your hunger. Bring your friends or family to the square for night of music and fun.

Wausau’s Big Weekend is packed with events for everyone to take part in. Over the weekend in late June, you can enjoy amazing chalk artwork done by both amateur and professional members of the Wausau community in the 400th Block. Traffic is blocked as pedestrians and food trucks take up the streets. Walk in any direction from the 400th Block and you’ll run into the sidewalk sales from local businesses. Here you’ll find clothes, shoes, sports equipment, cafes, restaurants and way more!

If this isn’t quite your style, you can head over to the Wausau Airport and enjoy the Wings Over Wausau – an airshow and fireworks. The Big Weekend may also include a 5k and a car show. If you are looking for a 360 experience when you come to paddle, this is a great time to plan for!

Since its establishment in 1997, the Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team has been dedicated to delivering top-notch entertainment, fostering the sport and skill of water skiing, and nurturing team camaraderie in a family-friendly environment. Watch their exhilarating water ski shows, free for the whole family, every Tuesday at 6:30pm on Lake Wausau and every Thursday at 6:30pm on Lake DuBay. Experience the thrill as they showcase their passion for water skiing from June 4th through Labor Day.

The Little Bull Falls LogJam Festival, a nonprofit event organized by a dedicated volunteer board, channels all proceeds towards approved festival expenses through Friends of LogJam, Inc. This initiative not only supports numerous clubs and community organizations but also creates a vibrant venue attracting thousands of attendees. They offer free admission to an entertaining, and educational family event, while simultaneously contributing to their local community organizations. Led by an all-volunteer board sharing a deep passion for the festival’s success, the Little Bull Falls LogJam Festival has evolved into a premier family event for Central Wisconsin, boasting a diverse array of interactive, educational, and free activities for all ages. From captivating interactive displays to thrilling canoe rides reminiscent of Wisconsin River history, this festival promises a unique experience for everyone to enjoy.

The Badger State Games are an annual multi-sport event in Wausau Wisconsin. They feature a variety of competitions including basketball, volleyball, and winter sports. Athletes of all ages and skill levels come together to celebrate athleticism, sportsmanship, and community spirit in this exciting showcase of Wisconsin’s sporting talent.

Iron Bull Wausau is a nonprofit organization in Central Wisconsin dedicated to promoting outdoor adventure sports. Their events range from thrilling adventure races like the Rib Mountain Challenge to scenic gravel rides such as the Pickerel Buck40. They also host free events like the Kids Run on Armed Forces Day and the Solstice Summit. Through partnerships with local organizations, they aim to improve outdoor recreational facilities and trail systems, inviting all to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and excitement.