What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Jan. 19–25)

"Surreal sunrise over Shell Lake on January 15th. No filters!" (Courtesy of Brian J.)

By Ellie Bourdo

January 20, 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 Brian J. capturing this stunning sunrise over Shell Lake, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Soup-er Wednesday Soup Crawl, West Allis (Jan. 21)

Join West Allis Downtown restaurants and businesses for the ultimate soup-sampling experience, featuring tastes from 10 local spots. Each ticket includes one sample from every participating restaurant and a saltine cracker necklace.

Cave & Cocktails, Blue Mounds (Jan. 22)

Make your way to Cave of the Mounds for a one-of-a-kind underground concert experience beneath the stalactites. Enjoy drinks and live music from Roots Renegades.

The Piano Men: Elton John vs. Billy Joel, Lake Geneva (Jan. 23)

Head to Geneva Stage for a one-night-only showdown featuring the Piano Man and the Rocket Man, as Elton John and Billy Joel go head to head in a full-band tribute concert.

PSBR 4th Annual Winter Regatta, Eagle River (Jan. 23-24)

Head to Pitlik’s Resort for a two-day celebration on the ice benefiting the Sugar Camp Snowmobile Club. Enjoy Friday fish fries, Old Fashioneds, and live music under the heated tent, then return Saturday for the Northwoods’ largest outdoor winter cornhole tournament and more.

Phillips Flurry, Phillips (Jan. 24)

Hit the trails for a snowshoe race offering 5K and 10K courses with options for individuals and teams of all ability levels. This Wisconsin State Snowshoe Championship supports local trail development in Price County.

Birkie Tour, Cable (Jan. 24)

Choose your own distance and pace at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. This tour is ideal for those who love skiing without the pressure of racing and want a fun, supportive, and welcoming experience on the trails.

That wraps up this week’s Buzz. Heading to one of these events or spot a beautiful winter scene? We’d love to see it, just reply to any of our daily newsletters and share Wisconsin 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.

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