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What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Aug. 10-16)

Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—two staples of the UpNorthNews newsletter.

What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Aug. 10-16)
"Here are some of my favorite views from Linquist Lake in Pembine WI." (Courtesy of Tera L.)

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 Tera L., capturing this beautiful sunset, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Lakeshore Balloon Glow, Manitowoc (Aug. 14)

Spend your evening enjoying glowing hot air balloons, food trucks, live entertainment, fireworks, and family-friendly events in downtown Manitowoc.

RELATED: Quiz: What Wisconsin cocktail should you order this weekend?

2026 Milwaukee Irish Fest (Aug. 13-16)

Experience the world’s largest celebration of Celtic music and culture with performances by renowned Irish, Scottish, and Irish American artists across multiple genres, along with food and cultural experiences.

Door County Fair, Sturgeon Bay (Aug. 12-16)

Celebrate more than 150 years of tradition with this fair that highlights local talent, exciting attractions, agricultural exhibits, and family fun.

Ashland County Fair, Marengo (Aug. 13-16)

Enjoy this classic county fair featuring carnival rides, live music, horse shows, truck pulls, animal exhibits, competitions, and plenty of fair food.

Albany Riverfest (Aug. 14-16)

This festival celebrates Albany’s connection to the Sugar River with a weekend of family fun, including a parade, carnival, tournaments, bed races, live music, and local food favorites.

North Hudson Pepper Festival 2026 (Aug. 14-16)

Celebrate the Italian heritage of North Hudson with a lively community festival featuring a parade, carnival, Italian cuisine, eating contests, and more.

RELATED: Every Wisconsin bar featured on ‘Bar Rescue’ and where they are now

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.

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Pat Kreitlow
Pat Kreitlow Founding Editor
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  • 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 ellie@couriernewsroom.com. For local reporting in Wisconsin that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for UpNorthNews’ “news of the day” email newsletter.