Festivals, Fairs, Concerts: Events around Northern Wisconsin

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – From the country’s largest car show to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, here’s what the Northwoods are up to this weekend.

Fun activities across the state are underway as summer settles in. Here’s some things you can check out nearby this weekend.

The 52nd Annual Iola Car Show, marked as the largest in the country!

Packed with fun and activities for all ages. Organizers say there are more than 2,500 cars on display and over 4,000 swap meet spaces. Plus, Happy Days stars Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, and Donny Most will be on hand to sign autographs. Prepare for it to be busy, with more than 120,000 people expected to stop by throughout the weekend. Gates open at 6 a.m. each day. One day admission costs $20 and you can get a 3 day for $30.

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair in the Chippewa Valley is underway with plenty of entertainment. North American Midway Entertainment brought 27 rides in total which range from the Ferris wheel, slides and carousels. Performing tonight is Ludacris, with Charlie Berens taking the stage on Saturday.

Admission to the fair is $10 for the day or $25 for a wristband. Children under 5 are free as well as veterans. Parking on site costs $5. General admission does not include carnival rides or concerts.

In Wausau this weekend, hot air balloons will be lighting up the sky at the Taste N Glow Festival featuring balloon rides, live music, food and more. In fact this year, a new drone show has been added alongside all brand new balloons from out of state. Enjoy lumberjack competitions, blacksmithing and wood carving there as well.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12-15. Under 12, you’re free! Weekend passes are also available for $5 more.

Rhinelander’s Hodag Country Music Festival is also this weekend, featuring headlining concerts by Bailey Zimmerman Friday, Walker Hayes Saturday, and Chris Janson on Sunday. Tickets are only being sold at the gate now for $100 a day or $180 for Saturday and Sunday or $200 for the rest of the fest.

With the hot and humid weather blanketing the state this weekend, remember to stay hydrated and keep cool. Beware of heat exhaustion that can sneak up on you. Look for signs of extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, heavy sweating and nausea or weakness. This is the time to get cool, fast. Otherwise, heat stroke can occur with extreme confusion and becoming unconscious. Health experts say that children’s bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, so keep an eye on them.

Civic Media and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot are certified Ambassador’s for a Weather Ready Nation.