What’s Happening this Week!

What’s Happening in the Chequamegon Bay for the next week

• 01/15-17/2026
  18th Annual Big Water Film Festival – Bay Theater. You’ll see a great roster of short, feature, documentary and animated films from all over the globe, with this year adding more options. The Festival will take place at Honest Dog Books, 38 S 2nd St in Bayfield on Thursday, January 15; at the Bay Theater, 420 Main St W in Ashland on Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17, 2026, and online from January 18 to February 1. Go to https://18thbigwaterfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome to see all the information and plan out your weekend of film!
• 01/16-18 & 22-25/2026
  The Chequamegon Theatre Association presents: Rehearsal for Murder.  An exhilarating mystery by the creators/writers of “Murder She Wrote” and “Columbo,” which promises to leave you laughing and guessing “who did it” all the way through!  Evening shows 7pm. Sunday matinee shows 2pm. For tickets and more information visit www.ctatheatre.org
• 01/17/2026
  Dribbling Dockers at the Ashland Elementary School Gymnasium, 9-10am. Dribbling Dockers registration is FREE for all K-2 students. This is an introductory basketball program.  The goal of this program is to teach fundamental skills of the game of basketball to youth in fun, organized and educational ways.  This class is taught by adult coaches and High School students-athletes from the Ashland High School boys’ and girls’ basketball programs under the direction of the Ashland Athletic Department.  Other dates are January  24th and 31st.  Any questions email Ricky Bretting at rickybretting@gmail.com. Halftime performances are February 5 when the Girls Varsity takes on Cumberland (7pm start time) and February 6 when the Boys Varsity takes on Ladysmith (7pm start time).
• 01/17/2026
  Home Expressions  Local Love Days at Home Expressions Saturday, January 17th.  A Portion of Every Purchase made at Home Expressions Will Be Donated to Docker Basketball, LLC. Shopping local is about more than a transaction — it’s about supporting neighbors, families, and the kids growing up in our community. Local businesses reinvest dollars close to home, helping sustain jobs, strengthen downtown Ashland, and support programs that make a difference. During Local Love Days, your purchase at Home Expressions supports Docker Basketball by investing in local youth and the values of teamwork, confidence, and community pride. Shop with Heart • Support Local • Give Back Home Expressions • 116 Main Street West • Downtown Ashland • 715-682-2455.  OPEN 6 days a week Monday- Friday 10am-5:30pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. 116 Main St W.   theexpressionsshop.com
• 01/17/2026
  Cable Natural History Museum – Collections Lab: Butterfly Pinning. 11am-12pm at the Museum. Explore behind-the-scenes of the Cable Natural History Museum’s entomology (insect) collection! Watch a butterfly pinning demo with the opportunity to test out your own skills. All ages welcome, but adults are encouraged to stay with children during activities. Donations welcome. 13470 County Hwy M, Cable.
• 01/17-25/2026
  Dark Sky Star Bright Festival, Bayfield.  For more information on the week long list of events please visit friendsoftheapostleislands.org or bayfield.org.
• 01/17/2026
  Dark Sky Dinner – Event by Good Thyme Restaurant and Catering, 77180 State Hwy 13, Washburn. 5-10pm. Join us as we celebrate with Bayfield & the Apostle Islands & the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from January 17th – January 25th as the night sky features the brilliant planet Jupiter, the late-setting planet Saturn, and the prominent winter constellations. The moon will be waxing making it an excellent time to observe the dark sky. Please call 715-292+5033 to place your reservation. For more information on the week long list of events please visit friendsoftheapostleislands.org or bayfield.org.
• 01/17-18/2026
  Wisconsin State Free Fishing Weekend, no license required. For more information visit www.dnr.wi.gov.
• 01/17/2026
  Iron River Annual Fishin’ Chicks Ice Fishing Contest, at Moon Lake Park, from 8am-4pm. Only women compete, men can attend and assist. Proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness efforts. Check-In: Community Center ~ 8275 East Mill St, Iron River. Fishing: Moon Lake Park ~ County Hwy H. For more information on the contest go to: https://www.fishinchicks.org  Contact us at fishinchicks@fishinchicks.org 
• 01/18/2026
  Ashland Ice Racing at Maslowski Beach (pending ice conditions). Registration: 10-11am.  Pit Meeting: 11:15am. Non-Studded Class: 11:30am. Regular Racing Starting at 12noon. See you all there! For weekly updates please refer to our Facebook Page. Thursday evening prior to the scheduled race day.
• 01/18/2026
  Guided Snowshoe Hikes – Copper Falls State Park. 1-4pm. Visitors are invited to experience the beauty of winter at Copper Falls State Park through a series of guided snowshoe hikes led by the Friends of Copper Falls State Park.  Participants will park and gather at the Red Granite Parking Area. Each hike will cover approximately 2–4 miles, depending on conditions, and will traverse hilly forest terrain and deep snow areas. Attendees are encouraged to dress for winter weather, bring a water bottle, and wear snowshoes. Snowshoes are required. Hot cocoa will be provided following each hike. If weather or trail conditions require cancellation, a decision will be made by 9am on the morning of the hike and announced on the Friends of Copper Falls State Park Facebook page. An admission pass is required for vehicles entering the park. Park location: 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen. These guided snowshoe hikes are sponsored by the Friends of Copper Falls State Park. For more information about these events and other park activities, visit the Friends’ website at: https://sites.google.com/friendsofcopperfallssp.org/focfsp
• 01/20/2026
  Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Bingo, 5:30pm doors open – 6:30pm Games Begin. Progressive Black Out! Get out of the cold and enjoy some fun and warm company!
• 01/20/2026
  Science on Tap: CSI Lake Superior: Using Environmental DNA to Monitor Aquatic Invasive Species. Deep Water Grille. 6:30pm.  Science on Tap happens every third Tuesday of the month at the Alley Restaurant in Ashland. There’s a 30-45 minute presentation from a speaker followed by an audience Q&A. We recommend arriving early to secure your beverage/food and a seat.  808 W Main St.
• 01/21/2026
  Cable Natural History Museum – The Afterlife of Plants. (Master Naturalist Advanced Training). 1-2pm. A tree may be more alive when it’s dead. From microbes to forest managers, ecosystems depend on rotting wood. Scientist Dr. Amy Zanne examines the fate of carbon stored in plants, including dead wood, and how factors such as temperature, moisture, fungi, termites, and differences in construction influence carbon emissions as plants decompose. She will share her research over Zoom. Attend from home on your own device or watch the talk from the Museum’s classroom. You don’t have to be a certified Master Naturalist to participate! Any adult learners are welcome. Register by: January 20. Cost: $5 member/$10 non-member. 13470 County Hwy M, Cable. Get tickets here!
• 01/22/2026
  Loom Beading – New Day Advocacy Center. 2-4pm. Join us, survivors of Domestic Abuse or Sexual Assault, in the empowering journey of beading. Discover the therapeutic power of creating intricate patterns with your hands while connecting with a community of resilient individuals. Unwind, express yourself, and acquire a valuable new skill in a supportive environment. Let’s weave together resilience and beauty as we embark on this transformative journey. 301 Ellis Ave S.
• 01/22/2026
  Sushi Rolls Class – Chequamegon Food Co-Op. 5-6:30pm. Instructor: Lars Dukowitz. This favorite Japanese dish made with vinegar, rice and seafood was originally a fermented meal to preserve fish. Now a staple, try putting together this dish for a great sour-umami combo flavor. Cost: $15. 700 Main Street West. Register here: https://www.chequamegonfoodcoop.com/news-events/events/
• 01/22-24/2026
  Cable Natural History Museum – Wild about Winter Ecology. (Master Naturalist Advanced Training) Graduates of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program and others are invited to spend a weekend learning about nature in winter with Master Naturalist Instructor Emily Stone and other experts. The training begins at 1pm on Thursday and will engage students in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities with experts near Washburn, WI. We’ll end by 1pm on Saturday. Check our website for updates on this year’s topics. All meals are included. Cost is $180 for commuters and $240 with two-night stay at a private lodge near Lake Superior. You don’t have to be a certified Master Naturalist to participate! Any adult learners are welcome. Register by: January 7 Cost: $180 Commuter /$240 Residential. Members use code MEMBER to get a 10% discount. Sign up here!
• 01/22-25/2026
  The Chequamegon Theatre Association presents: Rehearsal for Murder.  An exhilarating mystery by the creators/writers of “Murder She Wrote” and “Columbo,” which promises to leave you laughing and guessing “who did it” all the way through!  Evening shows 7pm. Sunday matinee shows 2pm. For tickets and more information visit www.ctatheatre.org
• 01/23/2026
  Winter Frame Up – White Winter Mead, Cider & Spirits. $50. 6-8pm. Choose from over 10 printed Winter Scenes. Bring it to life creating a 3D effect using crushed glass and glitter. 68323 Lea St A, Iron River. Purchase tickets here: www.wyldcreekboutique.com
• 01/24/2026
  30th Anniversary Bouchet Experience – White Winter Mead, Cider, and Spirits.  Join us in celebrating our monumental milestone as we commemorate 30 years of excellence in Mead with the unique and experiential opportunity. We are thrilled to offer an exciting chance for 4 lucky winners to spend the day creating our celebrated Bouchet. Bouchet, a style of mead where the honey has been caramelized before fermentation. This labor intensive process can take hours to achieve the perfect consistency in color and flavor. Winners will work with Meadmaster Jon to craft this special 2026 Bouchet that truly embodies our passion for mead. 68323 Lea St A, Iron River. More details and registration here: https://whitewinter.com/events/30th-anniversary-bouchet-experience/
• 01/24/2026
  Dribbling Dockers at the Ashland Elementary School Gymnasium, 9-10am. Dribbling Dockers registration is FREE for all K-2 students. This is an introductory basketball program.  The goal of this program is to teach fundamental skills of the game of basketball to youth in fun, organized and educational ways.  This class is taught by adult coaches and High School students-athletes from the Ashland High School boys’ and girls’ basketball programs under the direction of the Ashland Athletic Department.  Other dates are January 31st.  Any questions email Ricky Bretting at rickybretting@gmail.com.  Looking forward to seeing all the kids in the gym!  Halftime performances are February 5 when the Girls Varsity takes on Cumberland (7pm start time) and February 6 when the Boys Varsity takes on Ladysmith (7pm start time).
• 01/24/2026
  Throw ‘N Go Pottery Date Night – Hatch Clayworks. 4pm Join us for a one-time, all-inclusive, workshop! Great for curious beginners and visitors to Chequamegon bay! You create it, we finish it! A perfect date or friends night out! All you need to bring is closed toes shoes, a hair tie, and a good attitude. Here’s what you can expect: – 20 minutes of settling in, introductions and instruction – 2 hours, hands-on session at the wheel with small-group instruction – 10 minutes of light wrap up & clean up – All clay, tools & materials included – Select your glaze and we finish your piece for you! – Follow-up pickup of your finished piece in 2-4 weeks (shipping available at cost) – $50 per person. Visit www.hatchclayworks.com to register! 209 Main St East.
• 01/24/2026
  Landmark Conservancy & Mt. Ashwabay: Candlelight Snowshoe Hike and Nordic Ski. 6-8pm. Bring your friends and family for a magical adventure in the Northwoods! Candlelit luminaries will guide your way along a one-mile loop, groomed for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Participants are encouraged to grab a bite to eat or a beverage after their hike and enjoy a bonfire! Please bring your snowshoes or Nordic skis, warm winter clothing and footwear. There are bathrooms, snowshoe and ski rentals, food and beverages available at Mt. Ashwaybay.  Suggested donation: $10 per adult, $5 per child under 18 years of age, or $20 per family.   32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield. For more information or to volunteer to set up and collect luminaries call Sara at 715-235-8850.  For more information and to pre-register visit https://landmarkwi.org/events/
• 01/25/2026
  Ashland Ice Racing- at Maslowski Beach (pending ice conditions) Registration: 10-11am. Pit Meeting: 11:15am. Green flag flies at 11:30.  See you all there! For weekly updates please refer to our Facebook Page. Thursday evening prior to the scheduled race day.

For a list of all the events happening in the Chequamegon Bay go to https://www.visitashland.com/calendar/