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 Jayne B. capturing this beautiful sunset over Green Bay, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.
Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:
2026 Groundhog Day Prognostication Event, Sun Prairie (Feb. 2)
Celebrate Groundhog Day at Cannery Square with the 78th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Prognostication, featuring Jimmy the Groundhog and his famously accurate forecast.
RELATED: Meet Jimmy, Wisconsin’s own weather-predicting groundhog
Freeze Fest 2026, Tomah (Feb. 2-7)
This event features indoor and outdoor activities and a weeklong medallion hunt. Events are $1 with a Freeze Fest button, available at City Hall, the Tomah Chamber & Visitors Center, or the Senior Center.
Winter Carnival, Madison (Feb. 5-7)
Enjoy a variety of winter festivities put on by UW-Madison Hoofers students, with activities for all ages both indoors and outdoors, all weekend long.
Banbury Art Crawl, Eau Claire (Feb. 6-7)
This event brings together art and local business, featuring work from more than 100 artists and vendors. Since 2008, the event has showcased paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more.
Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament, Westby (Feb. 6-7)
Join Snowflake Ski Club for the 103rd annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament, and watch Olympic and world-class ski jumpers compete.
Hudson Hot Air Affair, Hudson (Feb. 6-8)
With the theme “Sky Walkers Return to Rock”, the annual hot air balloon rally and winter festival features balloon launches, outdoor fun, and a variety of activities for all ages.
RELATED: Want to see frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin? Try these 8 gorgeous winter hikes
That wraps up this week’s Buzz. Going to one of these events or catch a great Wisconsin view? Send us a photo by replying to any of our daily newsletters—we’d love to see it.
