What’s happening in Wisconsin: Badger State Buzz (Sept. 14-20)

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

September 14, 2026

"The sky looked like it was on fire over Lake Ripley." (Courtesy of Michael S.)

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 Michael S., capturing this beautiful sunset, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

Vernon County Fair, Viroqua (Sept. 16-20)

Enjoy rides, commercial exhibits, and grandstand entertainment, along with 4-H judging, truck pulls, demolition derbies, and harness racing. Families can also watch a free children’s show at this classic county fair.

Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival, Wisconsin Dells (Sept. 18-20)

Celebrate the changing seasons with three days of food, live music, a parade, flea market, street carnival, arts and crafts, and Wisconsin’s oldest long-distance race throughout downtown Wisconsin Dells and Bowman Park.

Bacon Bash, River Falls (Sept. 18-20)

Bacon lovers unite! Enjoy a fall festival with all things bacon, including bacon-inspired dishes, eating contests, kid’s activities, and live music. Pair your food with local craft beers, domestic brews, and refreshing mocktails.

Green County Cheese Days, Monroe (Sept. 18-20)

Wisconsin cheesemaking is on display with the oldest food festival in the Midwest. Enjoy the dairy-farming experience with yodeling, polka, live music, old-time cheesemaking demonstrations, and plenty of cheesy foods.

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest (Sept. 18-19)

Head to Chippewa Falls for its largest fall attraction, full of German activities, including glockenspiel performances and fun competitions like stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling.

Kenosha Italian Fest (Sept. 18-20)

Celebrate Italian culture and tradition along Kenosha’s lakefront with live music, authentic food, family activities, and cooking demonstrations. Visitors can also enjoy bocce courts, a cigar tent, and a parade.

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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