While summer stays at the Owl Ridge Cabin, one of the most luxurious cabin getaways in Wisconsin, often begins with peaceful mornings and evenings wrapped in comfort, the days offer an open invitation to explore the energy and charm of Downtown Wausau. Just ten minutes from the cabin, this vibrant heart of central Wisconsin is bursting with activity throughout the summer and fall, offering visitors a rich calendar of downtown Wausau events and unforgettable experiences.
From live music on the square to arts festivals, food trucks, and seasonal celebrations, Wausau events bring the community together in creative, exciting ways. Though these events bring something fresh and new to the 400 block of downtown Wausau, the town offers far more for couples looking for a fun, relaxed getaway. Spend your days browsing boutique shops, sipping craft cocktails, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring some of the best museums in Wisconsin, all while leaving yourself plenty of time to dance under the summer sun during one of the city’s signature outdoor concerts.
The charming city of Wausau really does cater to every type of traveler. Outdoor lovers will love kayaking on the Wisconsin River or biking the scenic trails nearby, including the Mountain to Bay State Trail, which travels 83 gorgeous miles from Rib Mountain State Park to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Take in the views from the Observation Tower at Rib Mountain State Park, where you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset view and romantic picnic, or meander the trails at Nine Mile County Recreation Area or the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Wausau, WI, but one of the best parts about this town is how seamlessly you can transition from the buzz of Wausau’s downtown scene to the quiet, private, forested comfort of our top-rated Wisconsin cabin. When you stay at Owl Ridge Cabin, you’ll feel like you’re off the grid, without actually being that far away from downtown Wausau. That perfect balance is what makes Owl Ridge Cabin stand out among other cabins in Wisconsin.
With its refined style, upscale amenities, and unbeatable location, Owl Ridge Cabin is the ultimate luxury cabin experience in central Wisconsin. Book your stay with us today!
Can’t-Miss Wausau Events This Summer & Fall
One of the best parts of visiting Downtown Wausau during the warmer months is the nonstop lineup of Wausau events that bring the city to life. From music and art to culture and food, these events celebrate the best of central Wisconsin—and offer countless reasons to venture from your private cabin in the woods, just outside of downtown Wausau, into the heart of the action. Here are just a few of the top downtown Wausau events to mark on your calendar:
- Summer Concerts on the Square are a local favorite and one of the most iconic Wausau events. These free concerts fill the 400 Block with music, food, and fun every Wednesday night from June 3 through August 12, 2026.
- Wings Over Wausau is a thrilling airshow that takes to the skies June 26 and 27, 2026, dazzling crowds with aerobatic stunts, classic aircraft, and family-friendly activities. The event lineup also includes a 5K run on June 27, with a course that winds through the Wausau Airport. Shuttle service will be available from downtown Wausau to the event gates.
- Chalkfest takes place June 26 and 27, 2026. See downtown Wausau transform into a vibrant outdoor gallery as artists of all ages take over the streets with elaborate, colorful chalk designs. This is one of the most fun Wausau events of the year!
- Join us for a slice of Americana while enjoying your cabin getaway on the Fourth of July! The city opens the airport for the best viewing of the area’s largest fireworks display! Spectators can enjoy live music, food, and drinks during the festivities.
- One of the most exciting Wausau events of the year takes place this August. The Big Bull Falls Blues Fest is the longest-running blues festival in the state, and easily one of the best things to do in Wausau, WI. National and local acts light up the stage on August 21 and 22, 2026, with soulful music on the riverfront.
- The annual Wausau Harvest Fest is the perfect way to round out the season. Held on October 3, 2026, this Wausau event features pumpkin patches, hayrides, food trucks, and a taste of everything autumnal in downtown Wausau.
- Boos & Booze is the ultimate Halloween-themed event for adults looking to show off their costumes, dance the night away, and sample brews from 12+ breweries. Held at the Rothschild Pavilion on October 26, 2026, this 21+ event features unlimited beer tastings, food, live music from a spooky DJ, and a commemorative glow-in-the-dark mug.
These Wausau events are just a taste of what makes this city such a dynamic destination in the summer and fall. Whether you’re in town for a weekend festival or planning your vacation around a signature celebration, you’ll be perfectly positioned when you stay at Owl Ridge Cabin—the top-rated choice for luxury cabins in Wisconsin. Our bookings fill quickly during peak event weekends, so don’t wait too long!
More Things to Do in Wausau, WI
Downtown Wausau, especially the 400 block of downtown, is the cultural heart of central Wisconsin and one of the top places to visit during your stay at our Wisconsin cabin. Set along the scenic Wisconsin River, this lively yet approachable city blends small-town charm with a surprising dose of sophistication, offering a vibrant lineup of Wausau events, outdoor recreation, world-class arts, and a thriving food and drink scene.
Though our luxury cabin is tucked into the woods just a short drive away, stepping into downtown Wausau feels like entering a whole new world of discovery. Whether you’re curious about things to do in Wausau, WI, or looking for ways to round out your luxury cabin getaway in Wisconsin, this city has plenty to offer. Below is a list of our favorite recommendations for things to do in Wausau, WI. We hope you enjoy our charming town as much as we do!
- Let’s start with the cultural crown jewel of the area: the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Consistently ranked among one of the best museums in Wisconsin, this remarkable museum draws art lovers from across the Midwest. It’s a must-visit during your time in the area and the perfect addition to your Wausau adventure.
- The Intermission Bar in downtown Wausau offers an eclectic yet relaxed venue for catching live music and a tumbler of Jameson whiskey. It’s a great place to meet locals or enjoy a night out in Downtown Wausau.
- History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will love a walking tour through the Andrew Warren Historic District, where you’ll find beautiful homes, including the elegant Stewart Inn, our sister property. It’s another reminder of Wausau’s unique blend of culture, comfort, and history.
- Don’t miss the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, which adds an edgy, modern flair to the area’s already impressive lineup of things to do in Wausau.
- Prefer something a bit more active? Head to the river for a kayaking session—or watch the pros take on the rapids at Wausau’s Whitewater Park.
- Shopping more to your style? Spend a few hours wandering Third Street, home to boutique shops, locally owned art galleries, and great spots to refuel at top-rated Wausau restaurants. Whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts or just window shopping, it’s the perfect way to experience the laid-back vibe of Downtown Wausau.
- Cap your evening with a show at the iconic Grand Theater, where you can catch everything from Broadway acts to national touring musicians in a stunning, historic venue. It’s yet another example of the many fantastic things to do in Wausau, WI.
No matter how you spend your time in Downtown Wausau, one thing is certain: you’ll be glad to return to the comfort and privacy of Owl Ridge Cabin, the ultimate destination for luxury cabins in Wisconsin. We offer couples the best of both worlds. Book your getaway today!
