Friday starts warm -- low 70s, partly sunny -- but don't get comfortable. Rain rolls in Friday afternoon, and by Saturday you're looking at highs in the upper 30s with a chance of snow. Sunday clears out but stays cold. Layer up, plan accordingly, and know that the indoor stuff this weekend -- live theater in Ironwood, art classes in Eagle River, bluegrass in Tomahawk -- is worth showing up for regardless.
Friday
Exploring Tiny Worlds: Mosses with Alex Graeff -- North Lakeland Discovery Center, free, 10:00 AM CT
An educational deep-dig into the overlooked world of mosses, led by naturalist Alex Graeff at the Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. Pre-registration required -- space is limited.
Iron County Historical Museum -- Iron County Historical Museum, free, 10:00 AM CT
The museum in Hurley is open for visitors Friday and Saturday this week. Free admission, donations appreciated. Worth a stop if you haven't been -- the mining and logging history in there is the real deal.
ArtStart Gallery Exhibitions -- ArtStart Gallery, free, 11:00 AM CT
Rotating exhibitions at ArtStart in Rhinelander. The gallery's mission is community through arts education, and the current displays are worth a walk-through.
Antigo Ice Arena Gun Show -- Antigo Ice Arena, $8 (kids 14 & under free), 3:00 PM CT
Bob and Rocco's Gun Shows brings the three-day gun show to Antigo, running Friday through Sunday. All federal and local firearm laws apply.
Fiddler on the Roof -- Theatre North, tickets at theatrenorth.org, 7:00 PM CT
Theatre North in Ironwood opens their run of the classic musical this week. Directed by Maggie Hill, this community production runs through April 26 with Thursday/Friday evening shows and Saturday/Sunday matinees. A full orchestra, a dedicated local cast, and one of the great American musicals.
Saturday
Composting Workshop -- Trees for Tomorrow, $30/person ($45/couple), 9:00 AM CT
Pre-registration required for this hands-on composting class at Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River. Add $60 for a composting bin to take home. Runs 9-11 AM.
Felted Landscapes with Mary Burns -- North Lakeland Discovery Center, $45, 9:00 AM CT
A craft workshop on creating felted landscapes with artist Mary Burns at the Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. Space is limited -- registration was due by April 15, but check with the center if you missed it.
Lakeside Yoga Stretch -- North Lakeland Discovery Center, $12, 9:30 AM CT
Weekly lakeside yoga at the Discovery Center. All levels welcome, held in the Main Lodge or amphitheater depending on weather.
Nic Roc Twister Trot -- Boulder Lake Campground, $25, 10:00 AM CT
A 5K trail run/walk through Nicolet National Forest starting at Boulder Lake Campground near Antigo. Proceeds benefit the Nicolet Roche Trails. Register at lambatrails.com.
Oil Painting 201 -- The Warehouse Community Arts Center, $45, 11:00 AM CT
Faster-paced oil painting class in Rhinelander covering color mixing and brushstroke technique. Some experience recommended. All supplies provided.
BBQ, Bluegrass, Bourbon & Brews -- Rondele Ranch, $25, 11:30 AM CT
This is the Saturday headliner. Live bluegrass from The MilBillies, a live taping of Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill'n for TV, BBQ brisket, local bourbon from Northern Waters Distillery, and brews from Rhinelander Brewing Company -- all at the Graham Center at Rondele Ranch. Doors at 11:30 AM, show at noon. Reserved tables of four and eight available.
StoryWalk Trail Program: When Spring Comes -- North Lakeland Discovery Center, free, 1:00 PM CT
A family-friendly trail program where kids follow along with Kevin Henkes' "When Spring Comes" at the Discovery Center. Register the child's name only -- space is limited and registration was due by April 17.
bELIeve15 Betting for a Cause -- Casino Night -- Swartzendruber's Supper Club, $100 ($150 for 2), 6:00 PM CT
Casino night at a supper club to raise funds for childhood cancer treatment in Wisconsin. Doors at 6 PM, games at 7 PM. Your ticket includes food and $100 in fun money. That's a Northwoods fundraiser done right.
Pineapple Express -- Historic Ironwood Theatre, $8, 7:00 PM CT
Seth Rogen and James Franco on the big screen at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. A movie ticket, popcorn, and soda for $10 -- toss in another $5 for the upgrade with free refills.
Sunday
St. John's Spring Fling with a Taste of Wisconsin -- St. John's Church, free admission (food $1-$3), 10:00 AM CT
Spring Fling in Antigo featuring raffles, bingo, and food with a Taste of Wisconsin theme. Located in the lower level of the church with elevator access. Great food, low prices, and the kind of community gathering that small towns do better than anywhere.
Antigo Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner and Sportsmen's Raffle -- Northstar Lanes, raffle tickets $10 (3 for $20), 11:00 AM CT
The 37th annual Lions Club spaghetti dinner at Northstar Lanes. Meat raffle, gun raffle, cash raffle, and all the spaghetti you can handle. Raffle tickets available at the door.
Muddy Hands Clay Handbuilding Class -- The Warehouse Community Arts Center, $50, 2:30 PM CT
Beginner-friendly hand-building clay class in Rhinelander. Learn to roll slabs, add textures, and form vases, cups, or bowls. All supplies provided.
The Full Lineup
These are our picks, but there's more happening across the Northwoods this weekend. Check the full calendar at /events/ for everything we're tracking.
Got an event we missed? Email [email protected]
