Good morning, Wisconsin!

Ellie here. Happy Monday! I hope that those that celebrate had a lovely Easter.

Growing up, my family and I would always dye Easter eggs, have egg hunts with the neighborhood kids, and finding a basket full of candy in the morning, which was, of course, left by the Easter bunny.

Do you and your family have any fun Easter traditions? Let me know!

At this point, you know the drill. Monday means Badger State Buzz, where we share some of the state’s most fun events.

We’re also taking a look at some of Wisconsin’s pay-what-you-can cafes, along with other Wisconsin news.

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Lake Lucerne, Crandon, WI. Many sunsets like this.” (Courtesy of LexAnn H.)

Our reader LexAnn H. sent in this beautiful view of a sunset coloring the sky over Lake Lucerne. What a great photo, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured.

With the warmer weather, we want to remind you to add these Wisconsin music festivals down on your calendar!

Share your Wisconsin view

What’s happening in Wisconsin this week

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what’s going on in the Badger State this week:

🍹 Drag Queen Bingo, Milwaukee (April 7)

Head to Lakefront Brewery for an award-winning show full of laughs, raunchy fun, and bingo hosted by Ester Flonaze. Prizes will be awarded for each of the 10 games.

🎥 Wisconsin Film Festival, Madison (April 9-16)

Support Wisconsin filmmakers by taking in independent, international, and documentary films, along with filmmaker discussions and special events.

🍻 5K The Wisconsin Way-Beer & Wine Walk, Burlington (April 11)

Stroll and sample local wine, beer, and Wisconsin-themed foods from area businesses at this downtown Burlington event. Proceeds benefit the Local Motion Fund, designed to help Burlington’s downtown businesses during a summer reconstruction project.

🍷 Wisconsin Dells Spring Wine Walk, Wisconsin Dells (April 11)

Sample reds, whites, and tasty bites in downtown Wisconsin Dells while checking out local retail shops, restaurants, and bars.

🥕 Dane County Farmers’ Market, Madison (April 11)

The market on the square returns this Saturday, featuring local vendors with fresh produce, flowers, and hand-made products.

🖊 Baraboo Mystery Weekend, Baraboo (April 11-12)

This interactive weekend of mystery combines theater, scavenger hunts, and more. Find clues around town and try to solve the crime before it’s revealed at the Historic Al. Ringling Theatre.

Have an event to share?

What to know about Wisconsin’s 3 pay-what-you-can cafes

The Lunchbox Cafe, which is located in the Madison Children’s Museum, opened in 2021 after the museum renovated the pay-what-you-can cafe while it was shut down during the pandemic. (Madison Children’s Museum)

By Erin Yarnall

There are two things listed on the menus of almost every restaurant in the world: the food it offers and the price for that food. But that’s not the case at some restaurants and cafes in Wisconsin, which offer pay-what-you-can meals and service.

Pay-what-you-can meals offer food on a “pay-it-forward” sort of model, where customers can pay whatever they feel like for a meal: whether it’s going above and beyond because they are impressed with the quality of food, service, and mission of the restaurant, or paying less than what they would at a traditional restaurant, because that’s what they can afford.

These initiatives are aimed at tackling food insecurity and at providing dignity and a restaurant experience to everyone, regardless of their income. There are several pay-what-you-can dining options in Wisconsin, including one in Milwaukee and two in the Madison area.

Check out the full list!

Students bring culture home as school food pantry supports Latino families

SNAP recipients used to be automatically enrolled in free or reduced school meals, saving districts time and administrative costs. Photo by UNN/Salina Heller

By Salina Heller

Limes, black beans, and corn are a few things students can bring home from school in Arcadia.

That’s encouraging to the district’s Latino students, who feel their culture is being respected through food.

The school counselor says it’s fostering a sense of pride and belonging, making them more engaged in school.

The food pantry at school is more important than ever as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—known as FoodShare in Wisconsin—cuts are expected to impact school children by reducing access to free meals, with up to 18 million children across the country potentially losing benefits..

Learn more