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.

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

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.

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)

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

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from  Erin Yarnall and Salina Heller. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

UpNorthNews is free for everyone. Your support makes that possible.