Upcoming Events at Empty Barrel
Halloween Cookie Decorating
Join us for a Cookie Decorating Class with LibbyBug Cookies on Thursday, October 22nd from 6-8 PM. Enjoy a fun, hands-on experience decorating six Spooky themed sugar cookies while sipping craft cocktails (or N/A options) in a relaxed, festive setting. Cookies, supplies and bakery boxes are provided. Perfect for all ages! Kick off Halloween weekend with Empty Barrel!
tickets available @ https://www.emptybarrelwaupaca.com/store/p/halloween-cookie-decorating-class
1 year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday
Starting at 12, doors will open. Serving full bar and food menu and special Bourbon drinks.
2pm-5pm Silent Auction for Bottles from the FIRST CASK of Bourbon. There will be a limited amount of bottles for auction stored in hand crafted boxes with 2 highball glasses. The boxes are made from original wood removed during the renovation process of our historic buildings. We will also have single bottles available as well.
6pm- 9pmLive Music with Jason Schaefer
Sunday:
Doors open at NOON. Serving full bar and food menu.
sales begin for the remaining bottles of bourbon.
Sales will go until 4pm or until sold out. which ever comes first.
due to state statutes, presales will not be allowed
Halloween on Main
A great Community Event
Join us starting at 4pm for a festive night on Main Street. We will have a spooky menu and the option to stay and enjoy the view or to grab and go.
Paint & Sip Christmas Cows
Holiday Cheer and Crafts!
This evening will be all about being creative and festive.
You will be taught step by step how to paint one of the cutest cows this side of the Wisconsin.
Come enjoy the evening painting Helga or Ellie. Top them with glitter and you have the best Christmas decor to keep for your self or give as a gift!
Doors open at 4pm and the Class starts at 5:30.
Sign-up now. Limited spots available.
Live Music with Dustin Lee
Join us for an evening of live music, drinks and a whole lot of fun! A Local Favorite. Playing all genres with his own acoustic twist.
Music starts at 6pm. Get here early to get your spot! Its sure to be a great time!
Puzzle Night
Puzzle Night at Empty Barrel Distillery!
Grab your favorite puzzle partner and join us for a little friendly competition!
- Teams of 2
- 300 Piece Puzzle
- Prizes for the top 3 finishing teams!
- 6:30 get settled, 7:00 start time
$25 per team - and the best part? The puzzle is yours to keep and take home!
Go to https://www.emptybarrelwaupaca.com/store/p/puzzlenight
for your team ticket. Tickets are limited to the first 15 teams of 2.
Join us for a fun night of laughs, and maybe a cocktail or two!
Co-Hosted by Lucky Tree & Empty Barrel Distillery. Lucky Tree gift shop has a new section called "Unplug & Unwind" - lots of great puzzles, books, crafts, and more options instead of screen time.
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating with Libbybug cookies
Join us for a Cookie Decorating Class with LibbyBug Cookies on Thursday, November 19th from 6-8 PM. Enjoy a fun, hands-on experience decorating six themed sugar cookies while sipping craft cocktails (or N/A options) in a relaxed, festive setting. Cookies, supplies and bakery boxes are provided. Perfect for all ages!
*cookies for the evening may differ from picture*
Live Music with Eli
If you were at Empty Barrel for the Speakeasy event, you had the privilege to hear this talented Teen tickle some ivory and sing some amazing tunes. He is one of a kind and is beyond excited to be back in the tasting room to set the mood for Small Business Saturday. The first time Eli set foot in the building he knew instantly he wanted to be back! Pretty sure his words were “this is my kind of place.” He will be playing a mix of holiday favorites and may take a few requests.
Take a break from shopping and come show him some love and support from 1pm-4pm.
no cover charge
Paint and Sip Wine Glasses
Join us for an evening of creative expression. Come in and paint 2 wine glasses (stem or stemless). Bring a friend, have a drink, grab a snack and let your creativity flow! No experience needed! Renee will teach you step-by-step.
Doors Open at 4pm. Class starts at 5:30
Grab your seat at inthestudiowithreneedenise.com
Christmas Cookie Decorating with Libbybug Cookies
Get creative with us at Empty Barrel Distillery! Join LibbyBug Cookies for a fun, hands-on cookie decorating class on December 10th 6-8PM. You’ll decorate six festive Christmas sugar cookies while enjoying craft cocktails in a cozy, festive setting. All cookies, decorating supplies, and bakery boxes are included—perfect for a girls’ day out or to make last-minute holiday gifts for friends and family! Great event for all ages!
*Cookies and cocktails for the evening may differ from pictures*
Read and Relax presents Craft Night
Let's get crafty, cozy and a little BOOkish in time for Halloween!
Join us at Empty Barrel Distillery for our next Read & Relax gathering: CRAFTS & COCKTAILS! We'll kick things off with a fun fall craft: decoupaging pumpkins! Create your own one-of-a-kind faux pumpkin to take home and enjoy. Easy project and we provide all the supplies.
*** Please call or email Lucky Tree to reserve your pumpkin.
Thank you! We have 25 available. 715-258-5474
luckytreedecor@gmail.com ***
Once our pumpkins are finished, the rest of the time is yours to relax, settle in with your current read, work on a craft, enjoy a drink, and connect with fellow book & craft folks!
No pressure. . . just calm vibes, reading, crafting, cocktails/mocktails, food, and good company!
6:30 Arrive & Get Settled
Order a drink and/or food, visit with friends,
browse the Book & Craft Swap Table
6:45 Craft - Decoupage Pumpkins, $10
7:15 Read, Craft, Relax & Unwind
( or continue working on your pumpkin )
8:00 Optional Read & Relax Update - what are you reading or
crafting right now?
INFO:
Whether you are deep into a great book, looking for your next read, or simply craving a little creative time and connection, there's a place for you here.
You are welcome to bring any book, ebook, magazine, or craft. Like knitting, coloring, journaling, puzzlebook, needlework, beading, etc...
Bring Earbuds / ear plugs / headphones if you need extra quiet or for your audiobook. We will not have "quiet time" since the bar is still open to the public.
Bring items (gently used) for our low key Book & Craft Swap Table, NEW - now including craft books, kits, supplies! Please limit 2 items a week. Optional but awesome!
Check Facebook for upcoming Craft & Cocktail Nights!
We will have two more this year: November 11 and December 9.
Co-Hosted by Lucky Tree & Empty Barrel Distillery.
Lucky Tree is featuring a section at the store called "Unplug & Unwind" with a variety of books, craft kits, puzzle books, watercolor, and more. Less screen time and more real time!
We look forward to relaxing with you. Come for the craft, stay for the books and the company!
Speak Easy Charity Event
Join us for a Roaring 20’s Party! live music, costumes, snacks, and best of all… raising money for our community!
Buy your tickets here!
Live Music: Tim Dorsey
Tim Dorsey is live at Empty Barrel Distillery! Enjoy Tim's vocal and keyboard skills while enjoying the best cocktails Empty Barrel Distillery has to offer! No cover charge.
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Craft Cocktails With Riley
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of shaking, sipping, and learning as our local celebrity bartender, Riley, takes you step-by-step through creating 2 Signature Cocktails + 1 Mocktail!
Your ticket includes:
All 3 delicious drinks you’ll make and enjoy
A cocktail shaker set to take home
A fun night out with friends!
Come learn some new cocktail-making tricks, enjoy your creations, grab a bite, and have a great time! No bartending experience needed—just bring your friends and your love of good drinks!
21+ event
Liquor starts Flowing at 6pm on September 23rd
get your spot at https://www.emptybarrelwaupaca.com/store/p/cocktail-class-with-riley
Bach Fest Charcuterie Night
Enjoy the music of Bach played by Heidi Corcoran, cellist from Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, and watch Sheila from The Gouda Life demonstrate the creation of beautiful charcuterie boards! This event includes sampling of the charcuterie boards that will be created before your eyes and handcrafted cocktails for purchase!
Tickets are $10
6:30PM
Purchase tickets @ https://www.tickettailor.com/events/waupacacommunityartsboard/2388191
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 29th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday September 19th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Paint and Sip
Learn to Paint Homer the Highland Cow at Empty Barrel Distillery!
Join Renee Denise for a fun and relaxing evening of painting as you learn to create your very own Homer the Highland Cow!
No experience? No problem! This beginner-friendly class includes step-by-step instruction, making it easy and enjoyable for painters of all skill levels. Leave with a beautiful 16x20 canvas masterpiece and memories of a creative night out.
📅 Date: September 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location:
Empty Barrel Distillery
219 N. Main Street
Waupaca, WI
Cost: $49 per person
Gather your friends, grab a drink from Empty Barrel Distillery, and enjoy a creative evening painting Homer, the Highland Cow!
🎟️ Register today:
https://inthestudiowithreneedenise.com
Poetry After Dark
When the sun goes down, the poems come out.
Join us for an evening of raw words, late-night thoughts, and voices that linger long after the final line.
Whether you’re a seasoned poet, a first-time reader, or simply someone who loves a good poem, Poetry After Dark is a space to listen, share, and connect.
This 18+ & FREE event is sure to give you a great time.
Held at Empty Barrel Distillery & Co-Hosted by the Waupaca Community Arts Board
September 16th 6-8pm
Waupaca Uncorked Wine Walk
Empty Barrel Distillery will be a stop for this event hosted by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce. To sign up for this event go to the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce’s website for more information.
Live Music: Thomas Dijkstra
His live music style incorporates covers and original music. Genres include outlaw country, folk, indie, and blues rock, with similar sounds to Matt Mason and Colter Wall. We are excited to have him jam out at Empty Barrel.
He will be playing 6:30-9:30pm on Saturday August 29th
Come, grab a drink, and unwind with an amazing artist.
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 29th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday August 29th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 22nd!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday August 22nd at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Vinyl Night with Back to the Vinyl
Come enjoy some music with Marty from Back to the Vinyl. He will be spinning a mix of Rock Music from all decades!
Empty Barrel will be open 4-9pm for you to come and Enjoy a mocktail or a cocktail!
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 15th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday August 15th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Live Music: Eddie Danger
They don't call him Eddie Careful! Eddie Danger is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator, author, playwright, festival and parade organizer, storyteller, sound and lighting tech, stage manager, master of ceremonies, actor, blogger, puppeteer and entrepreneur.
Eddie Danger is inspired by the great storytellers of the indie-folk music tradition of young and old. He is among the likes of Utah Phillips, Todd Snider, Arlo Guthrie, Steve Poltz, and John Craigie.
Eddie Danger started his career in music as an alto sax player in the 5th grade. In the 9th grade he was kicked out of the jazz band and stopped playing music for about 4 years. At age 18 an enlightening experience in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead concert reintroduced Ed's Love of music and he started frequenting drum circles.
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 8th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday August 8th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Live Music: Kirk Tatnall
With a "band" featuring Kirk playing all of the instruments himself on his iPad, Kirk will give a solo performance singing and playing guitar. A variety of popular tunes turn into vehicles for improvisation. Classic and modern rock, soul, pop, funk, jazz, and R&B all unite with the universal power of the blues. In other words, good time party music for all!
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday August 1st!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday August 1st at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Live Music: Sam Luna & Juna Jack
Sam Luna and Juna Jack (Emily Simon) return to Empty Barrel Distillery to perform some more amazing music! These talented musicians mixed with some Empty Barrel cocktails and mocktails make for a relaxing and enjoyable evening!
Saturday July 25th from 7-10pm they will perform inside Empty Barrel Distillery!
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday July 25th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday July 25th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Read and Relax: Christmas in July
July 22 is Christmas in July at Read & Relax! So excited to have some holiday fun!
White Elephant Book Exchange! Bring a wrapped gently used or new book. The fun part will be the unwrapping! Choose something silly or weird or fantastic - up to you - be creative and it will be super fun!
Read & Relax is quiet time for reading & crafts - followed by optional social time and fun activities!
Swap screen time for real time. . .
Wednesdays all summer at Empty Barrel Distillery!
No pressure. . . just calm vibes, quiet reading or crafting, cocktails/mocktails, and good company.
6:30-7 Arrive & Get Settled
Order a drink, browse the book swap table, chat or start
reading
7-7:45 Quiet Time
Read, Craft, Relax
7:45- Optional Social Time & Activity
Stay to visit or head home
INFO & What To Bring
All kinds of reading is welcome - paperbacks, ebooks, audiobooks, poetry, comic books, etc... or bring your current quiet craft - knit, crochet, color, journal, puzzle/crossword, embroidery. After quiet time is optional social time or scheduled activity.
Our events are free, and any fees for dessert or crafts support Waupaca local businesses. Empty Barrel offers cocktails & mocktails, wine, beer, soda, water. They also have Bavarian pretzels, and other small bites for purchase.
What to Bring:
Any book, ebook, magazine, or quiet craft ( knit, color, journal, puzzlebook, needlework )
Earbuds / ear plugs / headphones if you need extra quiet or for your audiobook.
Books (gently used) for low key book swap table, limit 2 a week. Optional but awesome!
Check Facebook for upcoming Read & Relax Wednesdays!
We will have themes throughout the summer like:
Craft Night, Dessert, Special Guests, and more!
Co-Hosted by Lucky Tree & Empty Barrel Distillery.
Lucky Tree is featuring a section at the store called "Screen Free Summer" with a variety of books, craft kits, puzzle books, and fun tote bags. Less screen time and more real time! We will have some of these items available for purchase at Read & Relax.
Live Music: In the Eyes of Bob
In the Eyes of Bob, a duo from the Waupaca area will be performing from 7-10pm on Saturday July 18th at Empty Barrel Distillery! Enjoy our incredible cocktails while listening to some great music!
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday July 18th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday July 18th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Read and Relax: Cheesecake Night
NEW Weekly Summer Read & Relax! July 15 is Cheesecake Week! Flavors: Chocolate Milkshake & Key Lime! Homemade by local baker Kendal Miskinis. $3
Read & Relax is quiet time for reading & crafts - followed by optional social time and fun activities!
Swap screen time for real time. . .
Wednesdays all summer at Empty Barrel Distillery!
No pressure. . . just calm vibes, quiet reading or crafting, cocktails/mocktails, and good company.
6:30-7 Arrive & Get Settled
Order a drink, browse the book swap table, chat or start
reading
7-7:45 Quiet Time
Read, Craft, Relax
7:45- Optional Social Time & Activity
Stay to visit or head home
INFO & What To Bring
All kinds of reading is welcome - paperbacks, ebooks, audiobooks, poetry, comic books, etc... or bring your current quiet craft - knit, crochet, color, journal, puzzle/crossword, embroidery. After quiet time is optional social time or scheduled activity.
Our events are free, and any fees for dessert or crafts support Waupaca local businesses. Empty Barrel offers cocktails & mocktails, wine, beer, soda, water. They also have Bavarian pretzels, and other small bites for purchase.
What to Bring:
Any book, ebook, magazine, or quiet craft ( knit, color, journal, puzzlebook, needlework )
Earbuds / ear plugs / headphones if you need extra quiet or for your audiobook.
Books (gently used) for low key book swap table, limit 2 a week. Optional but awesome!
Check Facebook for upcoming Read & Relax Wednesdays!
We will have themes throughout the summer like:
Craft Night, Dessert, Christmas in July, Special Guests, and more!
Co-Hosted by Lucky Tree & Empty Barrel Distillery.
Lucky Tree is featuring a section at the store called "Screen Free Summer" with a variety of books, craft kits, puzzle books, and fun tote bags. Less screen time and more real time! We will have some of these items available for purchase at Read & Relax.
Behind the Scenes Tour
🥃 Distillery Tours Saturday July 11th!
Go behind the scenes at Empty Barrel Distillery and get an up-close look at our still, our process, and what goes into every bottle we make.
Join us Saturday July 11th at 3 PM for a free distillery tour — no ticket needed, just come check it out!
📍 Empty Barrel Distillery
🗓 Saturday
⏰ 3 PM
🎟 Free Tour
Live Music: Eric H Smith & Eric Bestul
Join us for a night of live music at Empty Barrel Distillery with Eric H Smith and Eric Bestul!
Enjoy a great mix of music while sipping on your favorite Empty Barrel cocktails. It’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night downtown.
Friday, July 10th
6–9pm
Empty Barrel Distillery
90's Vinyl Night
90’s Vinyl Night is coming to Empty Barrel Distillery! 🎶💿
We’re teaming up with Back to the Vinyl for a throwback night full of records, drinks, and 90’s nostalgia.
Bring your own vinyl to play, test your music knowledge with vinyl album guessing games, and enter for a chance to win prizes!
Thursday, July 9th
6:30–8:30 PM
Grab your favorite 90’s album and come hang out with us!
Read and Relax: Bring a Friend Night
Weekly Summer Read & Relax! July 8 is Bring A Friend Night. We have some surprises for you both! And of course you are welcome to come on your own - we are more than happy to call you "friend!"
Read & Relax is quiet time for reading & crafts - followed by optional social time and fun activities!
Swap screen time for real time. . .
Wednesdays all summer at Empty Barrel Distillery!
No pressure. . . just calm vibes, quiet reading or crafting, cocktails/mocktails, and good company.
6:30-7 Arrive & Get Settled
Order a drink, browse the book swap table, chat or start
reading
7-7:45 Quiet Time
Read, Craft, Relax
7:45- Optional Social Time & Activity
Stay to visit or head home
INFO & What To Bring
All kinds of reading is welcome - paperbacks, ebooks, audiobooks, poetry, comic books, etc... or bring your current quiet craft - knit, crochet, color, journal, puzzle/crossword, embroidery. After quiet time is optional social time or scheduled activity.
Our events are free, and any fees for dessert or crafts support Waupaca local businesses. Empty Barrel offers cocktails & mocktails, wine, beer, soda, water. They also have Bavarian pretzels, and other small bites for purchase.
What to Bring:
Any book, ebook, magazine, or quiet craft ( knit, color, journal, puzzlebook, needlework )
Earbuds / ear plugs / headphones if you need extra quiet or for your audiobook.
Books (gently used) for low key book swap table, limit 2 a week. Optional but awesome!
Check Facebook for upcoming Read & Relax Wednesdays!
We will have themes throughout the summer like:
Craft Night, Dessert, Christmas in July, Special Guests, and more!
Co-Hosted by Lucky Tree & Empty Barrel Distillery.
Lucky Tree is featuring a section at the store called "Screen Free Summer" with a variety of books, craft kits, puzzle books, and fun tote bags. Less screen time and more real time! We will have some of these items available for purchase at Read & Relax.
4th of July at Empty Barrel with Great View of Parade!
Celebrate the 4th of July at Empty Barrel Distillery! 🇺🇸
We’ll be open from 9am–6pm and we have a great view of the parade, which starts at 10am. Stop in early, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the holiday with us!
