Wausau’s Favorite Event Back for Another Fun-Filled Weekend
One of Wausau’s Favorite Evens, Balloon and Rib Fest coincides with Chalkfest and Sidewalk Sales for an epic weekend. A complete schedule of events can be found here.
The free festival has something for everyone. From July 12-15, test mouth-watering ribs from seven vendors and vote for the best, watch hot-air balloons take to the sky, then settle down for the largest fireworks show in the region all three nights.
There will also be pancake breakfasts, other food vendors, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like camel rides and petting zoos. The fun begins 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Wausau Downtown Airport.
The first balloon launch of the festival will occur starting 6:30 p.m on Thursday. A favorite part of the rally is the Balloon Glow, when all the balloons light up around 8:30. Wind conditions and rain determine whether the balloons will get to launch, but there are several opportunities over the course of the festival in case one day doesn’t work out.
A free shuttle service will be circling through Chalkfest, Sidewalk Sales, and Balloon and Ribfest Thursday and Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 11-11 p.m.
The 5k run/walk is Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the airport. Participants can view the balloons take off between 6-6:30 a.m. and follow the race with a complimentary pancake breakfast included in their registration.
