What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (July 20-26)

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

July 20, 2026

"Smoky sunrise. Ballard Lake, Vilas County." (Courtesy of Jennifer H.

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 Jennifer H., capturing this photo of the smoky sky, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Moon Dance Music Festival, Gleason (July 23-25)

This three-day festival combines music and camping in Wisconsin’s North Woods to celebrate classic bluegrass and jam bands. Attendees can enjoy wooded and electric-hookup campsites, along with an extensive lineup of live music.

Durand Youth Fishing Contest (July 22-25)

Kids ages five to 18 can participate in this free annual fishing competition with multiple fish categories. This event encourages families to spend time together while connecting with nature outdoors.

St. Croix RiverFest, Hudson (July 22-25)

Celebrate community and nature at this annual festival, featuring activities for all ages focused on enjoying, learning, and preserving the scenic river and its surrounding environment.

Dunn County Fair, Menomonie (July 22-26)

First established in 1885, this annual fair brings the community together for multiple days of family-friendly fun, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, local exhibits and vendors, and classic fair food.

Music in the Park at Devil’s Lake, Baraboo (July 21)

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this free outdoor concert from The Swing Crew at Devil’s Lake State Park. All ages are welcome, and concessions will be available.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 20-26)

This week-long aviation celebration brings together recreational pilots and aviation enthusiasts for air shows, aerobatic performances, workshops, and displays featuring aircrafts from different eras of flight.

That wraps up this week’s Buzz. Whether you check out one of these events or catch a scene that deserves the spotlight, send us a photo by replying to any of our daily newsletters. We love to see Wisconsin through your eyes.

Keep UpNorthNews free for everyone

If you found this story useful, would you consider supporting UpNorthNews?

Every day, our team works to provide Wisconsinites with free, fact-based reporting about the issues, policies, and decisions shaping life across the state. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy local news—not just those who can afford a subscription.

That's why you'll never hit a paywall here (though we may ask you to sign up for our newsletter). But keeping our journalism free depends on readers who believe informed communities are worth investing in.

If our reporting has helped you better understand what's happening in Wisconsin, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution helps us continue reporting, informing, and serving communities across the state.