Events in Oneida County, WI

This 5K and 10K+ run, walk, and bike event raises funds for Wild Instincts, Inc., a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center in Rhinelander, Wisconsin that serves wildlife across the state. All proceeds support the care and rehabilitation of wild animals. Participants can choose from the 5K or the 10K+, which covers 6.8 miles. The event is non-timed, yet prizes are awarded to the top two finishers in the 5K run, 10K+ run, and 10K+ bike categories. Parking and the start and finish are located at Newbold Recreation Area. Entry is $30 for the 10K+ and $25 for the 5K, plus a $3 service fee. Children 12 and under can participate at no cost, with registration required for a liability waiver. Wearing a shirt that shows support for nature or wildlife will enter participants into a drawing.

The Rhinelander District Library presents the 4th Annual Local Author Fair at Rhinelander High School, highlighted by a keynote talk from Wisconsin writer Michael Perry. In the RHS commons, 25 Wisconsin authors will meet readers, sign and sell books, and chat about their work. The featured talk takes place in the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center, with general admission seating on a first come, first served basis and no tickets needed. Admission is free and open to the public. Presented by the Rhinelander District Library, sponsored by the Rhinelander District Library Foundation, and offered in partnership with the Friends of the Rhinelander District Library. Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author and humorist, a corporate speaker and volunteer firefighter and first responder from rural Wisconsin, known for wry, heartfelt reflections on Midwestern life, and he has even been known to drive a snowplow for fun.

IV Play performs live at Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Flying Blind makes a return appearance at Three Lakes Center for the Arts, bringing fresh energy to classic rock favorites. This group of seasoned musicians from northern Wisconsin delivers spirited renditions that keep the music lively and familiar. Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for children under 13.

Huffledork's Open Recovery Night offers an open AA/NA meeting in a zero tolerance safe space. The focus extends beyond sobriety to overall wellbeing with attention to lifestyle, mental health, and creativity. Snacks are provided, and the meeting concludes with a 10 minute meditation.

After nearly a decade away, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra returns to Rhinelander for a special ticketed concert at the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center inside Rhinelander High School. Associate Conductor Ryan Tani leads the program, offering a rare chance to hear a world-class orchestra in the Northwoods. Tickets are $25. A planning committee with representatives from ArtStart, Nicolet College, the School District of Rhinelander, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and community members is working together to support a meaningful cultural and educational experience that broadens access to orchestral music and encourages engagement with the arts.

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra makes its first appearance in Rhinelander since 2017 with a chamber ensemble performance in the Nicolet College Theatre. Musicians from the orchestra will appear in about three ensembles of three to five players. This event follows a separate performance at Rhinelander High School. Tickets are $20. The project is a collaboration among ArtStart, Nicolet College, the Nicolet College Foundation, the School District of Rhinelander, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and interested community members, working together to provide a cultural and educational experience for the community and to encourage engagement with the arts.

Cranberry Fest at Lake Nokomis Cranberries celebrates Wisconsin’s cranberry harvest with four days of activities suitable for all ages. Guests can take complimentary guided tours of the working marsh to see how cranberries are grown and harvested. An open-air tasting tent features no-cost samples of gourmet cranberry foods, wines that have earned awards, and other seasonal specialties. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase in the Grain Bin. Live music fills the weekend. Spend time exploring the marsh, browsing the gift shop, sampling local flavors, and enjoying the height of cranberry harvest season. Admission and guided tours are free.

Downtown Three Lakes comes alive with First Friday, featuring evening shopping and dining along with a vendor market at The Gathering Place. Look for handmade goods and specialty items from A Beautiful Calling, Big Lake Creations, HA Crafting Boutique, Pampered Chef, Pic Magnets, Sacred Goddess Toe Rings, and Sparked by Shyla. A community scavenger hunt invites exploration of local history and notable locations around town. Participants can begin at Redman Realty, where clue sheets are available outside the entrance or inside during business hours. Businesses taking part include American Legion Post 431, Black Forest Pub & Grille, The Brew Station, The Cheese Market, Claytons 1881 Room, Golden Pear, Lick-a-Dee Splitz, Little Dipper, Maple Lake Shinery if weather allows, Mind Chimes Bookshop, Northland Clothing, Patriot Baits & Jigs, Pi Pizza, RevIV Aesthetics & Wellness, The Supply Station, Three Lakes Center for the Arts, Three Lakes Hardware, Three Lakes Mercantile, and Three Lakes Winery. The evening offers plenty of ways to discover new spots, browse, and enjoy a bite or a drink in the heart of town.

The Bloodhound Band brings outlaw country grit, rock and roll punch, and a streak of blues in a raw, no-frills set. Formed in 2025, this three-piece outfit delivers pounding grooves, searing guitar work, and vocals made for hard truths and heartache. The performance shifts from barroom burners to road-worn ballads to high-octane anthems, channeling the spirit of honky-tonks and open highways. They close out with sweat, smoke, and a crowd eager for more.

Expect a lively run filled with bursts of color and plenty of smiles. Hosted by Tri-County Council on DV & SA, this color run supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The celebration keeps going after the finish line with live music, tasty food, bounce houses, face painting, a bubble party, and lots of family-friendly fun. Open to everyone, the cost is $20 per adult, and kids run free. Attendees may want to bring a change of clothes, along with lawn chairs or a blanket to relax and enjoy the festivities. The fire department will be on site to provide an optional rinse after the run.

The Pumpkin Patch Event returns to Wildwood Wildlife Park with a full lineup of fall fun for all ages. Visitors can pick a pumpkin, take seasonal photos, enjoy refreshments, play games, and hop on a tram for a safari ride with chances to see animals along the way. It is a welcoming outing for kids, parents, and pumpkin enthusiasts alike. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

Happy Daze hosts a meat raffle to raise funds for American Legion Post 318. Attendees can gather with friends and try their luck at winning meat prizes, all in support of local veterans. Expect a lively, purpose-driven celebration. The Meat Market has contributed a generous donation to bolster this effort.

The Bloodhound Band brings a gritty fusion of outlaw country, high‑octane rock, and soul‑steeped blues to Happys Pub. Founded in 2025, this tight three‑piece drives hard with propulsive grooves, scorching guitar leads, and vocals that hit squarely in the heart. The set moves from whiskey‑soaked honky‑tonk romps to ballads built for the backroads and on to surging rock anthems, all delivered with a raw, unfiltered edge. Expect an intense, sweat‑raising show that tends to leave the crowd shouting for more.

Wildwood Wildlife Park presents a family-friendly pumpkin patch celebration with plenty to enjoy. Choose a pumpkin to take home, capture seasonal photos, snack on refreshments, play games, and hop on a tram for a ride through the safari, where animals can be seen enjoying the fall. It is a festive outing for kids, parents, and pumpkin fans alike. Additional details will be shared as the event gets closer.

A monthly team-based game takes place on the first Tuesday, featuring four rounds with twenty questions each. Participants may arrive with their own group or join an existing team. Prizes are awarded to the winning team.

An informal acoustic jam takes place in the program room at the Minocqua Public Library, welcoming players who want to make music together. Expect a relaxed mix of old-time, bluegrass, and folk tunes, with participants invited to lead a couple of numbers. Bring an acoustic instrument and a tuner, and consider preparing simple three-chord songs. All are welcome, and no registration is required.

Craft a Halloween themed mini garden suited for children and anyone young at heart. Bring your own container or choose one on site, with options priced $1.99 to $5.99 and up. The class fee is $15.00 plus tax and includes instruction, soil, landscaping supplies and fertilizer. Decorative stones, moss and similar materials are provided. Plants and miniatures are purchased separately, with plant selections ranging from $0.65 to $3.39. Pick from tiny furniture, accessories, figures and fairies, and browse additional Halloween themed pieces available to buy. Participants may also bring their own miniature items to personalize the planter. Create your design during the class and take it home the same day.

A discussion of Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak will take place in the History Room. This free gathering is open to everyone and does not require registration.

Everyone is welcome for a returning night of knitting, crocheting, and stitching at Catalyst Wine LLC. Work on a current project or start something new, learn the basics if you are just getting started, or simply watch. Enjoy a casual setting where you can stitch while you sip.

Rhinelander HS World Language is hosting its second annual mattress sale fundraiser at James Williams Middle School. Browse a wide showroom selection of high-quality mattresses that are made to order after the event. Brands include Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, and Helix at discounted pricing, with many options manufactured in Wisconsin. Options cover all sizes, and adjustable bed and split king systems are available. Warranties of 10, 12, 15, or 20 years are offered, and financing is available. Orders are produced and delivered in the weeks following the sale. Proceeds support RHS World Language trips. This is a one-day sale.

John Stano and John Higgins make a return appearance at Three Lakes Center for the Arts with an acoustic concert showcasing two local artists from the Northwoods. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children under 13.

Poetry Connects gathers readers and listeners for an evening presented by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. This installment features Joan Wiese Johannes and Jeffrey Johannes with a 30-minute reading, followed by a community open mic. Poet Nancy Austin, Regional Vice President of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, hosts the program. Everyone is welcome, admission is free, and no registration is required. Complimentary sweet and savory snacks and refreshments will be available. For questions, call 715-356-4437.

The Three Lakes Center for the Arts hosts a live jazz concert featuring The Walden Jazz Project. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children under 13.

Food For Kidz Northwoods presents its annual food packaging event at Lakeland Union High School, benefiting 23 area food pantries and backpack programs. The goal is to assemble 300,000 meals this year while reaching the milestone of the 3 millionth meal packaged. The effort seeks 600 volunteers and offers opportunities for set-up, packaging during the event, and clean-up afterward. All ages are welcome, and there will be multiple volunteer shifts. Participation helps supply meals for local pantries and for children facing hunger.

This spooky Halloween race serves as the season finale. It offers a final opportunity to take part before the season comes to a close.

Sapphire Lounge’s First Thursday live music series features Amanda Anderson, a California native now rooted in Wisconsin who blends evocative originals, soulful indie-leaning covers, and nostalgic sing-alongs. At the keyboard she adjusts the feel to match the room, keeping it mellow for conversation or lifting the energy with upbeat favorites as the crowd warms up. Craft cocktails and premium wines round out the atmosphere, while themes of personal growth, community, and the Midwestern landscape shape her songwriting. With intentional creativity guiding each performance, every set offers a fresh experience.

A welcoming book discussion centered on To Save the Man by John Sayles will take place in the History Room. All are welcome to take part. It is free to attend, and no registration is needed.

ArtStart's annual Holiday Artisan Market gathers high-end artists for festive holiday shopping. Enjoy a seasonal drink, browse the bake sale, take in live holiday music, and explore distinctive artisan creations. This annual tradition offers a warm, creative way to find gifts and celebrate the season.

Diversion returns to Happy's Pub for a two-night run of fun. After a long week, unwind with back-to-back evenings featuring Diversion at Happy's Pub.

Enjoy a day of shopping and well-being at a holiday market filled with unique gifts and holistic experiences. Admission is free, with complimentary Magik Bags, hugs, and a raffle drawing available. Browse a variety of unique vendors, connect with psychic readers and healers, and take part in interactive, live holistic workshops. The setting is family friendly, and the full vendor lineup will be announced soon.

Northwoods Jazz Group brings a festive program of live Christmas jazz to Three Lakes Center for the Arts. The performance fills the theater with seasonal melodies and a bright, jingly spirit. A warm, music filled way to celebrate the holidays.