What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
Spring in the Northwoods arrives in unexpected ways. The ice starts cracking on the lakes, the snowmobiles get tucked away, and locals gather at the Hodag Dome for one of the region’s biggest networking events of the year.
The Up North Community Expo is back for its fourth year on Thursday, March 5, bringing together 91 exhibitors from seven Northwoods counties under one roof. From noon to 5 p.m., the free event transforms Rhinelander’s indoor arena into a hub where small businesses meet potential customers, nonprofits find volunteers, and neighbors discover resources they didn’t know existed.
The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce created this event to solve a problem unique to sprawling rural regions like ours. When you’re spread across Vilas, Oneida, Iron, Forest, Florence, Lincoln, and beyond, connecting with your community takes more than a Facebook post.
“It’s so worth it to see all the people just exploring different things and the networking that happens, and the relationships that are built at this expo,” said Rachel Boehlen, Director of Events & Strategic Initiatives at the Chamber.
This year’s lineup includes craft vendors showing off Northwoods-made goods, nonprofits explaining their missions, and 29 businesses actively hiring on the spot. If you’ve been job hunting or considering a career change, this beats scrolling through online listings any day.
Let’s be honest — finding good work up north can be challenging outside tourism season. The expo addresses that head-on with employers from across the region setting up shop with “Now Hiring” signs and application materials ready to go.
But it’s not just about employment. Nonprofits desperately need volunteers year-round, and this gathering gives them a chance to explain their work face-to-face. Whether you’ve got a few hours a month or want to dive into a cause, you’ll find opportunities that matter.
“Even if you’re not coming for a specific reason, come and see what there is, because there’s a lot of things in the Northwoods that you might not realize are happening, and a lot of groups that exist that you might not even know.” — Rachel Boehlen
The Oneida County Fair hosts bingo throughout the afternoon, and there are games and prizes for kids. It’s the kind of family-friendly atmosphere where you can bring the little ones without worrying they’ll get bored while you chat with a potential employer or check out a new business.
Holding this event indoors at the Hodag Dome isn’t just convenient — it’s essential. Early March weather up here can throw anything at you, from surprise snowstorms to forty-degree thaws that turn parking lots into mud pits.
The climate-controlled arena keeps everyone comfortable while protecting the turf and track surface inside (hence the no-food-or-drink policy in the main space). With high ceilings and plenty of room to spread out 91 vendor booths, it’s become the natural home for what organizers call the “premier multi-community expo in the Northwoods.”
The venue sits at 863 Hodag Dome Drive, easy to find whether you’re coming from downtown Rhinelander or driving in from surrounding towns. Free admission means the only barrier to entry is deciding to show up.
Here’s how to make the most of your expo visit:
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., giving you a solid five-hour window to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re hunting for a job, looking for volunteer work, or just curious about what’s happening in the broader Northwoods community, the relaxed format encourages wandering.
If five hours of networking leaves you energized rather than exhausted, stick around for Expo After Hours at the Rouman Cinema. Starting at 5:30 p.m., this separate ticketed event ($10 at the door) features local food and beverage samples in a more intimate setting.
It’s where vendors, business owners, and community leaders can continue conversations started on the expo floor. The cinema setting adds a uniquely Northwoods touch — where else can you sample local craft beverages while discussing economic development in a historic movie theater?
The after-hours event wraps at 7:30 p.m., making it easy to grab dinner afterward or head home at a reasonable hour on a weeknight.
What started as a single-day event has grown into a Northwoods tradition that marks the transition from winter to spring. The relationships formed here ripple through the community for months afterward.
Local businesses gain customers they wouldn’t have reached through traditional advertising. Nonprofits find dedicated volunteers who become long-term supporters. Job seekers land positions that turn into careers. It’s the kind of organic community building that’s harder to achieve in our increasingly digital world.
The Oneida County Economic Development Corporation has embraced the expo as part of a larger strategy to support business growth and innovation across the region. They pair it with workshops throughout the year on topics like website development, financial planning, and starting a business — recognizing that one-time events work best when backed by ongoing resources.
For exhibitors still looking to participate, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce accepts booth reservations leading up to the event. The exposure includes marketing across print, radio, social media, and TV ads throughout the region.
Whether you’re established in the community or new to the Northwoods, March 5th offers a chance to see what makes this region more than just lakes and forests. It’s the people, the businesses, the nonprofits, and the connections that make living up north worth the long winters. And sometimes you’ve got to gather under one roof to remember that.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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