What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Feb. 9-15)

A beautiful Wisconsin evening scene. (Courtesy of Jack S.)

By Ellie Bourdo

February 9, 2026

Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—two staples of the UpNorthNews newsletter. If you want to see the Badger State Buzz as soon as it drops each week, make sure you’re subscribed. And if you’d like your photo featured, like reader Jack S. in Lac du Flambeau capturing this stunning sunset over Elsie Lake, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Sauna + Bierstacheln Party, Madison (Feb. 13)

This winter gathering combines a wood-fired sauna experience with the German tradition of warming beer using a hot iron.

Galentine’s Cupcake Party, Wisconsin Dells (Feb. 13)

Get your friends together for wine and hands-on cupcake decorating with no experience required. Design all 12 cupcakes yourself, or share the love with your pal.

Fire & Ice Festival, Sturgeon Bay (Feb. 13-14)

A festive winter weekend packed with ice sculptures, live music, art, firelit trails, stained-ice installation, and more.

Candlelight Ski, Ellison Bay (Feb. 14)

Skiers, hikers, and snowshowers can explore Newport State Park with an illuminated winter trail. A warm fire and refreshments will be available at the end of the trail.

Annual Valentine’s Zipline & Dine, Lake Geneva (Feb. 14)

Grab your significant other and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a side-by-side zipline adventure. The night will continue with a chef-inspired meal paired with wine.

Winter Carnival, Luck (Feb. 13-15)

This weekend-long festival brings the community together with a royalty pageant, bingo, a torchlit parade, and other Main Street celebrations.

That’s all for this week’s Buzz. Capture a moment at one of these events or a stunning Wisconsin scene and send it to us by replying to any of our daily newsletters. We can’t wait to see your photos.

Author

Ellie Bourdo

Ellie Bourdo is UpNorthNews’ newsletter editor. A Wisconsin native, she was born and raised in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in journalism and Spanish. In her free time, Ellie enjoys spending time with family and friends on the lake or at the ski hill. Have a story tip? Reach Ellie at [email protected]. For local reporting in Wisconsin that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for UpNorthNews’ "news of the day” email newsletter.

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