Things to do in Stevens Point: Outdoor Music Abounds

One staple of summertime fun in Wisconsin is enjoying live music al fresco. With the temperatures balmy and a cool drink in hand, it's great to kick back and listen to your favorite tunes with friends, whether that's country, jazz, blues or rock. A wealth of spots in and around Stevens Point offer live outdoor music throughout the summer months, and sometimes beyond.

Here are five prime venues favored by locals that make a great addition to any visitor's itinerary.

PJ's Restaurant

PJ's Restaurant is part of SentryWorld, a world-class golf course and boutique hotel that is also home to three restaurants offering tasty fare. PJ's is the casual spot, offering dishes such as handmade burgers, wood-fired pizzas and a classic Friday fish fry. Its bar features more than 25 tap beers, plus an extensive wine list and a wealth of cocktails.

Head to the restaurant's patio on a Wednesday evening in summer to catch PJ's Live, an event that features some of the hottest bands in the area. This might mean a performance by the eight-member Boogie and the Yo-Yoz, which features a live horn section, or Feed the Dog, which describes its sound as a mix of bluegrass, jam, rock, folk, Americana and soul. Bring along friends, family and lawn chairs to soak up the sounds of summer while surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

Notes@Night Downtown

Notes@Night is a weekly live music event held seasonally on the square in downtown Stevens Point. The featured bands cover a wide variety of musical styles, so there's something for every taste. During the concerts, which run Wednesday evenings from June to September, the city relaxes its open-beverage laws so you can duck into a restaurant or bar for some take-out, then wander around the square, enjoying the music and your meal. But that doesn't mean you need to leave the kids at home. The family-friendly event also features local vendors selling food, artwork and other goods, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all.

O'so Brewing Company

O'so Brewing Company is a beloved brewery in the Stevens Point area, producing popular craft beers such as Night Rain, an oatmeal porter, and Infectious Groove, a sour blonde ale. Located just south of the city in Plover, O’so’s Amore Kitchen also serves appetizers, sandwiches and pizzas (on homemade crust made with their own beer!), plus offers wine and spirits.

Every summer, the brewing company hosts live music on its outdoor patio, the perfect spot to enjoy summer’s balmy temps. So grab some friends—plus your favorite beverage and perhaps a Hot Hillbilly pizza with pulled pork and jalapeños—then groove to the tunes of groups such as October Tree, Copperhead Country or Derek Lind.

Guu's on Main

Guu's has been around since 1996, serving lunch and dinner to hungry locals and visitors alike. The restaurant carries an innovative selection of several dozen tap beers, plus wine, spirits and unique cocktails—think drinks such as a refreshing watermelon mojito or cucumber gimlet mocktail.

Every Wednesday during the summer, Guu's features live music on its dog-friendly patio. Featured bands run the gamut from funk, jazz and bluegrass to acoustic covers, Americana, indie and alt rock. Bring your whole crew to enjoy the tunes and the tasty menu that includes four different types of cheese curds!

Tiki Beach Bar & Grill

What makes enjoying live music with your favorite people even better? A beautiful location, of course. And that's just what you'll find at the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill in Mosinee, just north of Stevens Point.

This waterfront spot sits on the Little Eau Claire River, right as it feeds into the Wisconsin River. Twice a week during the summer, live music is on tap for those looking to make amazing summer memories. Grab a burger, or maybe some of their signature Cajun alligator bites, then sit back and enjoy the music. If you prefer listening to the tunes while playing beach volleyball or kayaking on the water, you’re in luck—you can do either at this one-of-a-kind summer spot.

Searching for more summer fun? Enjoy even more live music at these outdoor summer music festivals in Wisconsin.