NWS has a clean Northwoods weekend: mostly sunny Friday through Sunday, temps climbing from 60°F Friday to 68°F Sunday with barely any rain in the forecast. The headliner is Saturday night at the Historic Ironwood Theatre -- Jorma Kaukonen, the Jefferson Airplane founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, sold out but waitlisting. Saturday morning also has a cluster worth showing up for across Rhinelander, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters.
Friday
Northwoods Ukers -- The Warehouse Community Arts Center, Free, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT
Weekly ukulele jam in Eagle River. Beginners are welcomed along with the regulars -- it's a group of fun-loving people who like to sing and play. No cover, no pressure. A good low-stakes way to spend a Friday afternoon if you've been meaning to pick up the instrument that's been sitting in the closet.
Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience -- The Grand Theater, 7:30 PM CT
An 80s tribute show at the Grand in Wausau -- the act recreates the sound and look of the MTV era faithfully. Note: the Grand's ticket page currently shows this show as not on sale, which often means near-sellout or members-only. Call ahead before driving in if you don't already have tickets.
Saturday
Jorma Kaukonen -- Historic Ironwood Theatre, Sold out (waitlist only), 7:00 PM ET
The headline act of the weekend is across the state line at the Historic Ironwood Theatre in the Michigan UP. Jorma Kaukonen -- founding member of Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna co-founder, Rolling Stone's #54 on its 100 Greatest Guitarists, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer -- is a proper legend show for a room that holds maybe 600. It is sold out, but Ironwood runs a waitlist through Ludus. Note the Michigan UP is on Eastern Time, so it's 6 PM Central for the drive.
Roarin' Good Pancake Breakfast -- Boulder Junction Community Center, $10, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT
Boulder Junction Lions Club fundraiser -- pancakes, sausage, juice, fruit, coffee. Proceeds benefit Little Forest School in Manitowish Waters. $10 a plate. This is the kind of small-town spring morning that makes the Northwoods the Northwoods.
Keeping Memories Pickleball Tournament -- Hodag Dome, $35 entry, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CT
All-levels Round Robin tournament at the Hodag Dome benefiting the Rhinelander Area Alzheimer's Association. Six games per bracket, randomly drawn partners each round, awards for first through third. Solid cause, legitimately inclusive format -- worth signing up even if you're middling on the court.
Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show -- Cabaret Cove, Free admission, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CT
Over 25 crafters and vendors at Cabaret Cove in Rhinelander. Framed as early Mother's Day shopping but the browsing is good either way. Free to walk in.
Lakeside Yoga Stretch -- North Lakeland Discovery Center, $12, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Last class of the season in the Discovery Center Main Lodge, Manitowish Waters. Gentle pace, all levels -- stretching, breathwork, intentional movement. Bring a mat and water, pay at the door. After this, the class breaks until it picks back up in the fall.
Sunday
Muddy Hands Clay Wheel Throwing Class -- The Warehouse Community Arts Center, $50, 2:30 PM CT
Wheel throwing workshop back at the Warehouse in Eagle River. $50 for a proper afternoon getting your hands dirty on the wheel. Good way to close out a weekend.
The Full Lineup
Find all events this weekend at northwoodslineup.com/events/.
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