Whether you’re into the arts or the outdoors, Wausau is an incredible place to visit throughout the year. For the avid outdoorsy type, there are few destinations in Wisconsin that match Wausau. Here, you’ll find the vast forested lands, lakes and hills that you expect from the Wisconsin Northwoods. Fortunately, Wausau matches its outdoorsy vibe with a friendly community and big-city amenities. For art and culture lovers, there’s a lot to take in in Wausau. Wausau has a variety of great museums, a vibrant arts scene, plenty of historic attractions, and an exquisite food scene. It really is a hidden gem in the state of Wisconsin, and the perfect destination to wrap up your summer plans. This August, come join us for the Artrageous Weekend, and help us kick off the annual Birds in Art exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Rooms at the Stewart Inn book up quickly for this weekend so act quickly. Book today!
Artrageous Weekend in Wausau
The Artrageous Weekend arts festival in Wausau was rated the number one arts festival by AmericanStyle, which truly should be no surprise if you’ve been to this extraordinary event before. Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend is really a combination of four different events held throughout the city. The events include Art in the Park, Festival of Arts, Center for Visual Art, and perhaps the most famous event, Birds in Art. To make it easy, there’s even a free shuttle bus between each venue
- Art in the Park – This portion of the festival is held in Downtown Wausau’s Marathon Park, and is attended by over 30,000 visitors each year. It features over 120 exhibitors, pottery, painting, photography, fine woodcraft, baskets, fabrics, florals, jewelry, stained glass, and so much more. There are also various art demonstrations at this event.
- Wausau Festival of Arts – The Wausau Festival of the Arts is celebrating its 54th year in the 400 Block in downtown Wausau. This is the place to purchase work by over 120 juried artists representing a variety of mediums. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by live music on two stages, children’s art activities, adult art classes, entertainment on the Family Stage, a Young Collector Market, a scholarship silent auction, and food stands.
Center for Visual Art – The Center for the Visual Arts has three distinct galleries, each showcasing the talented artists of Central Wisconsin. They offer art classes for children and adults, sell original artist work in its Gift Shop, and collaborate with other local organizations and businesses to enrich the community.- Birds in Art – Birds in Art is a highly anticipated and internationally acclaimed event each year at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Birds in Art has been on display every year since 1976, and features a comprehensive collection of contemporary artistic interpretations of birds. The 2018 Birds in Art exhibit opens to the public during Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend on September 8th and 9th, but will continue through November, 2018.
Though the Artrageous Weekend is certainly a wonderful time to be in Wausau and enjoying the arts, the arts can really be enjoyed any time. Beyond the Woodson Art Museum and the Center for Visual Arts, Wausau is also home to the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art. It won’t take you long to realize the town of Wausau itself is a pure work of art. Book your room at the Stewart Inn Boutique Hotel today, and come celebrate being Artrageous with us.