July 17–19in & around the Wisconsin Northwoods

A 57-year Northwoods institution from the Lakeland Gem Club -- rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and demonstrations filling the school Friday and Saturday. Great for kids and rockhounds alike, and an easy air-conditioned break from the heat.

The free lakeside summer concert series rolls on with Tom Katalin at Pipke Park -- music, the water right there, and an easy Friday-evening crowd. Bring a chair and a cooler and settle in by the shore.

The community-theater production of the Disney favorite runs all weekend at the Campanile -- an all-ages night out under the lights. Check the box office for Friday-through-Sunday showtimes.

The Dave Theis Memorial Pontoon Palooza turns 32 this year -- a full flotilla of pontoons rafting up on Lake Nokomis for one of the Northwoods' most beloved summer traditions. A pure only-up-here Saturday; head to the lake and see it for yourself.

Tomahawk's own water-ski team runs its Saturday-evening show on Kwahamot Bay -- pyramids, jumps, and slalom runs at golden hour. Free, family-friendly, and about as Northwoods-summer as it gets. Bring a chair for the shore.

The Hodag Water Ski Show Team takes the water for its free Sunday-evening show at Hodag Park in Rhinelander -- pyramids, jumps, and the kind of small-town spectacle that's pure Northwoods summer. Get there a little early for a good spot.

Close the weekend with a proper small-town family day out at Quig's in Pickerel -- games, food, and the kind of easygoing summer afternoon the Northwoods does best.