What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Feb. 16-22)

"This is a nice view of an early snow in Springbrook, Wisconsin." (Courtesy of Robin O.)

By Ellie Bourdo

February 17, 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 Robin O. in Springbrook capturing this beautiful Wisconsin winter scene, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

4th Annual Mardi Gras 2026, Milwaukee (Feb. 17)

Join a festive Fat Tuesday celebration with dinner, live jazz, beads, masks, games, and a silent auction, all supporting local community meal programs.

Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event, Hayward (Feb. 18-22)

North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon draws 12,000 participants for races, along with spectator events, plus live music, photo opportunities, and delicious bites.

CELEBRATE commUNITY, Fond du Lac (Feb. 21)

The Fond du Lac Expo Center will host a day of cultural celebration and community unity, featuring over 50 booths representing countries, religions, and local organizations, complete with food samples, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities.

Milwaukee Comic Con, West Allis (Feb. 21)

Fans of comics, movies, TV shows, anime and video games can gather in Milwaukee for a convention featuring vendor booths, exclusive merchandise, celebrity appearances, and more.

Café Crawl 2026, Green Bay (Feb. 21)

Enjoy a guided tour of local coffee shops and small businesses with samples of drinks and treats along the way. Attendees can travel by trolley or on their own.

Manitowoc Winter Brewfest, Manitowoc (Feb. 21)

This event highlights the area’s best local craft brews along with domestic favorites, with proceeds supporting local community projects and donations.

That’s it for this week’s Buzz. If you’re out at one of these events or spot a beautiful Wisconsin scene, snap a photo and send it our way by replying to any of our daily newsletters. We’d love to see what you capture.

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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