What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Aug. 24-30)

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

August 24, 2026

"A lovely sunset on the Wisconsin River in Spring Green Wisconsin." (Courtesy of Jake P.)

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 Jake P., capturing this great view of the Wisconsin River, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

2026 Central Wisconsin State Fair, Marshfield (Aug. 25-30)

Celebrate the end of summer with a week of family fun, carnival rides, fair food, beer gardens, and live music. The festivities also include 4-H and open-class exhibits, grandstand events, and more.

Poplar Hall’s Food Truck Fest, Appleton (Aug. 26)

Spend a summer evening by the river with food trucks, live music, and scenic views at Poplar Hall. This is a free, family-friendly event complete with a diverse selection of food trucks.

Manitowoc County Fair (Aug. 26-30)

Enjoy five days of family fun with unlimited carnival rides, a sea lion show, pony rides, a Woman’s Day event, live music, and more. Admission is $15 and includes all entertainment and attractions.

Loyal Corn Festival (Aug. 27-30)

This annual festival brings the community together to enjoy summer’s sweet corn, live music, local vendors, and family activities. The weekend also features a popular Sunday parade, citywide garage sales, and a chance to win cash by finding the Golden Ear of Corn.

Middleton Good Neighbor Festival (Aug. 28-30)

Bring your family and friends and enjoy this weekend-long festival, complete with live music, family activities, an arts and crafts fair, a 5K run/walk, and two parades. And be sure to bring your beach apparel for the “Greetings from South Beach” theme.

Pistons & Props Air & Car Show, Janesville (Aug. 28-30)

Calling all car and aviation enthusiasts. This event is perfect for all ages, featuring a full airshow, hot air balloons, fireworks, historic aircraft rides, a car show, heavy equipment displays, live music, and kids’ activities.

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.

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.