July 10–12in & around the Wisconsin Northwoods

The big one. Four days of national country on the Hodag grounds, headlined by Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, and Nate Smith, running Thursday through Sunday. It's the single biggest annual event in the Northwoods and it pulls from all over the region, so plan your camping, your rides, and your Saturday around it.

If a festival field isn't your speed, the Grammy-nominated Appalachian Road Show brings its acclaimed bluegrass and roots music to the Campanile Center the same night -- a seated, listening-room evening from one of the best touring acts in the genre.

ArtStart unveils a new Iron Hodag sculpture at the little pocket park across from Mel's -- a permanent bit of hometown public art dedicated to the town's favorite mythical beast. A quick, free, only-in-Rhinelander stop to fold into your festival morning.

The Saturday market in Pioneer Park -- Northwoods growers, bakers, and makers, the reliable morning stop before the day heats up. An easy, wholesome start whether or not you're headed to the festival grounds after.

Close the weekend on the water: the Hodag Water Ski Show Team runs its free Sunday-evening show at Hodag Park -- pyramids, jumps, and the kind of small-town spectacle that's pure Northwoods summer. Bring a chair and get there a little early for a good spot on the shore.