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What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Oct. 19-25)

Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—your round up of Wisconsin events.

What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Oct. 19-25)
"A few fall sights from Great Bass Lake in Oneida County." (Courtesy of Cheryl S.)

Welcome to this week’s Badger State Buzz—your round up of Wisconsin events from 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 Cheryl S., capturing these fall colors, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Spooky Safari, Milwaukee (Oct. 22)

Enjoy a spooky night at the zoo for adults, complete with fire performers, pumpkin artists, live music, a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and seasonal food and drinks.

RELATED: Leave no leaf unturned on these 10 fall hikes in Wisconsin

Howling Halloween Hike, Green Bay (Oct. 23)

Families can spend an evening hiking through wildlife sanctuary trails, while collecting treats and listening for howling wolves or hooting owls. The event will feature games, activities, treats, and much more.

Cave After Dark: Brave the Cave, Blue Mounds (Oct. 24)

Celebrate Halloween with this adults-only event, with a spooky reggae dance party inside a cave. Enjoy drinks and snacks, and come dressed in your best costume.

Downtown Janesville Halloweekend (Oct. 24)

Get into the Halloween spirit downtown Janesville with a zombie run, a festive movie screening, trick-or-treating, and plenty of other fun activities.

Oak Creek Fall Festival 2026 (Oct. 24)

Local vendors, fall festivities, and family-friendly activities come together at Drexel Town Square for this seasonal celebration. Visitors can also shop at the final Oak Creek Farmers Market of the season.

Fall Color Train Ride, Osceola (Oct. 24-25)

Take in Wisconsin’s beautiful fall colors aboard a diesel-powered train with vintage rail cars and scenic rides from Osceola to Dresser or Marine on the St. Croix.

RELATED: Step into “The Gilded Age” at these 9 Wisconsin mansions and historic sites

That’s your Buzz for the week. If you make it to any of these events—or capture a 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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  • 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.