What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Feb. 23-March 1)

"December snowstorm in Phillips." (Courtesy of Earl J.)

By Ellie Bourdo

February 23, 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 Earl J. throwing it back to December after a snowstorm, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Kenosha Restaurant Week, Kenosha (Feb. 21-March 1)

This nine-day celebration highlights Kenosha County’s culinary scene, with participating businesses offering discounted menus and special deals. Diners can enjoy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even sweets, treats, and spirits.

Nine Inch Nails Live, Milwaukee (Feb. 23)

The rock legends return to Milwaukee for the “Peel It Back Tour,” with a stop at Fiserv Forum featuring the GRAMMY award-winning German Boys Noize as a special guest.

Bockfest, Middleton (Feb. 28)

The 29th iteration of this outdoor winter beer festival returns to the Capital Brewery & Bier Garten with seasonal beer tappings, live music, entertaining traditions like a fish toss and 1K fun run, as well as food trucks.

Fat Bike Birkie, Cable (Feb. 28)

Wisconsin cyclists can have a one-day chance to ride fat bikes at this on-snow event on snowy American Birkebeiner Ski Trail, choosing from 47K, 21K, or 10K distances. There’s also a post-race party featuring grilled brats, cookies, beer, and more.

Flannelfest, Janesville (Feb. 28)

Downtown Janesville will host this winter festival featuring over 90 craft beers, live entertainment, food vendors, and a home brew competition. Attendees are encouraged to don their best flannel.

2026 Chinese New Year Celebration, Neenah (Feb. 28)

Wisconsin’s largest annual Chinese New Year event brings the community together for an all-ages experience featuring traditional and contemporary performances, including lion and dragon dances, live music, and hands-on activities like dumpling making, lantern decorating, and more.

That’s your Buzz for the week. If you make it to any of these events—or capture a winter scene worth sharing—reply to any of our daily newsletters with a photo. We always look forward to seeing what Wisconsin looks like through your eyes.

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.

View all posts