August 7–9in & around the Wisconsin Northwoods

This is the warm-up act for the full Jamboree on Sunday, and it's a good one. Main Street shuts down between Coontail Clothing/Lakewood Market and Sauter Builders for live music and dancing from 6 to 10 PM. The American Legion Post 451 is pouring beverages and running limited food. Admission is free -- beer is not -- and seating is tight, so bring a chair.

Flashback plays lakeside at Pipke Park in Presque Isle. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, or grab one of the picnic tables -- the sound carries across the water if you want to stay on the far side. Food and beverages are available on site. If storms move in early (watch that Friday forecast), the show shifts to the Presque Isle Community Center.

The Warehouse in Eagle River opens its stage to comedy, music, poetry, film, storytelling, theater -- pretty much anything creative goes. Eight performers get roughly 10 minutes each, and spots fill fast, so register online if you want to perform. If you just want to watch, show up, grab something from the Inspiration Bar, and settle in. Family-friendly, free, and consistently worth the drive.

The Northwoods Ukers are a ukulele group that plays everything from Tin Pan Alley to country to rock -- all of it on ukes, all of it with enthusiasm. Friday afternoon sessions run 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Warehouse, and new people are genuinely welcome to join in, not just watch.

Friendly afternoon mah-jongg games at the Presque Isle Library, running 1 to 3 PM every Friday. All experience levels are welcome -- if you've never played, this is a low-pressure place to learn.

The Presque Isle Farmers Market runs Friday mornings -- a good early-day stop before the afternoon storm window opens up.

Wisconsin's oldest marathon, named after legendary Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi, sends full marathon and relay runners off from Upson and half marathoners from Gile at 7:30 AM. Pre-registration is required -- no late sign-ups at the trailhead. The Post Paavo Party runs on Silver Street from 10 AM to 3 PM, so even if you're not racing, Hurley is worth a stop Saturday morning. Friday evening has lead-in events at Hurley K-12 School: a kids race at 6 PM, a Twilight 5K at 6:30 PM, and a torch lighting ceremony at 8 PM at the corner of 5th Avenue and Silver Street.

Wild Instincts Wildlife Rehabilitation is set up at the Hodag Farmers' Market in Pioneer Park, selling baked goods to fund the rescue and rehab of injured and orphaned wildlife. Runs 8 AM to 1 PM. Good cause, and it's at the farmers' market anyway, so easy to swing through.

Farm and flea market at Qualheim's True Value in Tomahawk. Free to browse -- what you spend on vendors and food is up to you. A solid Saturday morning errand with a little extra.

46 years in, the Tater Trot is about as Northwoods as it gets. Runners and walkers choose from a 2K, 6K, or 10K through Antigo, starting at City Park. What started as a fundraiser for the high school cross country team now supports organizations promoting running and healthy living across the area. Easygoing atmosphere -- a great option if you want to be active on what looks like the best weather day of the weekend.

The Lincoln County Sports Club in Merrill hosts a light rifle match Saturday morning at 9:30. Check their event page for the specifics on format and equipment.

The main event. Downtown Boulder Junction fills up with 130+ art and craft vendors, a car show, a Lions Club flea market, a kids' casting contest, live entertainment, and food and beverage vendors -- all free to attend from 9 AM to 3 PM. If you came for the street party Friday, Sunday is the reason the whole weekend exists. Sunday's forecast calls for a slight chance of morning showers clearing to mostly sunny, so conditions should be fine by the time the crowds settle in.

Cap the weekend with a free Sunday evening water ski show at Hodag Park. Runs 7 to 8:30 PM -- bring the family, bring a blanket, and watch people do impressive things on water.

The Lakeland Sharing Foundation hosts a charity golf outing at Trout Lake Golf Club in Woodruff. A good excuse to get on a course on what should be a solid weather day.