What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Aug. 17-23)

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

August 17, 2026

"My husband took these pictures of Lake Green Bay on the Peninsula Player’s property in Door County last month." (Courtesy of Stef D.)

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 Stef D., capturing this beautiful sunset, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival (Aug. 19-23)

This five-day festival celebrates Wisconsin-grown sweet corn with 80 tons served with butter and salt. Along with the tasty corn, there will be entertainment and activities for all ages.

Kenosha County Fair, Wilmot (Aug. 19-23)

Experience a classic county fair, featuring daily entertainment, competitions, carnival rides, fair food, and grandstand events including truck and tractor pulls, dirt track racing, and a demolition derby.

Badger State Truck and Tractor Pull, Beaver Dam (Aug. 19)

Kicking off the 2026 Dodge County Fair, watch a high-powered tractor pull complete with pro-stock tractors and top diesel trucks from across the country. You can also enjoy live entertainment and plenty of fair food.

Crawford County Fair, Gays Mills (Aug. 20-23)

Going on over 100 years, this longtime county fair brings the community together with livestock shows, live music, crafts, and much more.

Great Lakes Watercross Championship, Manitowoc (Aug. 21-23)

Watch exciting watercraft racing and the crowning of the season’s champions on the shores of Lake Michigan. Beyond the racing, visitors can enjoy Cedar Crest Ice Cream, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and other Manitowoc destinations.

Dahlia Days 2026, St. Cloud (Aug. 21-22)

Stroll through the thousands of blooming dahlias, cut your own flowers, and enjoy live music, food trucks, treats, and delicious beverages at this summer farm event. Proceeds from alcohol sales also benefit a family in need through the “Blooms for Babes” fundraiser.

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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