Things to Do in ’23

So much to do…

2023 Exhibits & Events

OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM Family Discovery Days Every second Saturday

Drop in anytime 11 am – 2 pm. You never know what you might discover! January 14 – Pottery in a Pinch February 11 – Winter Fun Tea with Tiffany at the Oshkosh Public Museum Saturday, June 17

Spend an afternoon immersed in the world-class Tiffany Studios interiors of the Historic Sawyer Home, guided by Anna Cannizzo, OPM’s Assistant Director, Chief Curator

Día de los Muertos Celebration - Saturday, October 28, 2023

Our second annual free community Día de los Muertos—an uplifting celebration of lost loved ones and their lives. Join in with fun crafts, traditional celebrations, and a community ofrenda (altar)!

PAINE ART CENTER & GARDENS Tom Uttech: One With Nature Feb. 11 - May 21

Coming from the collection of the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, this exhibition features two dozen photographs and a selection of celebrated paintings by renowned Wisconsin artist Tom Uttech. Spring Tulips Showcase Late April - Early May

Enjoy the colors and aromas of at least 15,000 tulips blooming throughout the Paine’s three acres of gardens this spring. Festival of Spring May 20

Festival of Spring features the Paine’s annual plant sale and more than 100 vendors of original art, fine crafts, plants and garden supplies. The Wonder of Monarchs June – August

Witness the monarch life cycle in the Paine gardens! Located in the Children’s Garden, you’ll find spaces for eggs to hatch into caterpillars, as well as areas for caterpillars to feed on milkweed as they grow, transform into chrysalises, and finally emerge as butterflies. Learn how you can promote a healthy monarch population, and enjoy fun family activities to celebrate Wisconsin’s role in monarch migration. Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams June 17 - Oct. 8, 2023

This remarkable exhibition presents more than 40 bronze artworks, including 9 life-size statues, by August Rodin, the most celebrated sculptor of the modern era. As one of the most significant exhibitions of Rodin’s works ever shown in Wisconsin, the presentation is the largest installation of sculptures in the Paine’s history. Paine Gardens in Bloom June – September 2023

Throughout the summer, escape to the Paine to find rest, relaxation, and inspiration in nature, with thousands of annuals, perennials, and more plants and flowers nestled among three acres of gardens. Explore the children’s garden for kid-friendly activities and programs, view the architecture of the mansion from different angles as you wander, and more. Faire on the Green July 9, 2023

Faire on the Green features more than 100 artists and craftspeople, unique antiques, imported and retail items. Nutcracker in the Castle Nov. 17, 2023 - Jan. 8, 2024

Explore scenes from the Nutcracker fairytale throughout the historic Paine “castle” and be delighted by a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds, and surprises! Choose from self-guided tours, guided tours, and candlelight tours, with each tour style offered on varying days and times. Before or after your journey, visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café in the Conservatory for a scrumptious treat! EAA EAA Winter Flight Fest February 11

Indoor excitement and family-friendly activities. In addition, seasoned pilots land their skiplanes at Pioneer Airport, highlighting a unique and popular segment of aviation. Weather postponement date: February 18. Flight at the Museum Food/drink tasting fundraiser March 11

Featuring vocalist Janet Planet, this upscale experience will pair fine cuisine with a variety of beverages. A pre-dinner reception includes beer tasting from 20 premium breweries and entertainment by The JazzMen. Proceeds benefit EAA Aviation Museum youth programming. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-in Convention July 24-30

The world’s largest fly-in brings more than 10,000 airplanes to the Oshkosh region, making Wittman Regional Airport the busiest airport on earth for one week. Nine air shows, including night shows on July 26 and July 29, plus 1,400 forums, evening programs, family activities, 800 exhibitors, and more. EAA Museum Speaker Series: Annual 9/11 commemoration program September 11

Speaker to be announced. Space Day October 7

All ages are invited to join us to celebrate World Space Week with interactive exhibits and special guest appearances. Christmas in the Air December 2

EAA’s annual holiday open house features family activities, music from local school and performing groups, and a visit from Santa Claus. Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet December 8

EAA’s annual anniversary commemoration of the Wright brothers’ first successful flight on December 17, 1903. Special guest speaker TBA.

THE GRAND OSHKOSH John McGivern January 14 | 7:30 p.m. Missoula Children’s Theatre The Jungle Book

Auditions January 16: 4-6 p.m. January 21 | 3:00 & 7:00 p.m. Kent Rader Baby Boomer Comedy Show “The World’s Cleanest Comedian” January 28 | 7:30 p.m. The Piano Men starring Jim Witter A Journey through the ‘70s through the music of Elton John & Billy Joel February 4 | 7:30 p.m. Six Appeal Vocal Band February 23 | 7:30 p.m. Gaelic Storm February 24 | 8:00 p.m. Tim Bedore The “Vague but True” Man from “The Bob and Tom Show” February 25 | 7:30 p.m. Harmonious Wail Simon & Simon: The Music of Paul Simon & Carly Simon March 17 | 7:30 p.m. Mutts Gone Nuts! Canine Cabaret April 2 | 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour: The Show by Ballets with a Twist April 15 | 7:30 p.m. Girls Night The Musical April 30 | 3:00 p.m. 80’s Night Out May 5 | 7:30 p.m. Close to You: The Music of

The Carpenters

May 20 | 7:30 p.m. Fancifool! with Ananda Bena-Weber June 16 | 7:30 p.m. Fancifool! KIDS with Ananda Bena-Weber June 17 | 2:00 p.m. Haunted Happenings All October Long

Observing The Grand’s haunted history, there will be ghost tours, performances related to Halloween (magicians & variety shows), Halloween classes, and additional experiences. Watch for details. Oshkosh Gallery Walk Monthly, 1st Saturday Downtown Oshkosh Oshkosh Slow Roll May-October, 3rd Tuesday Various Locations Cruise Nights May-August, 4th Thursday Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In Summer Farmers Market June-October, Saturday Morning Downtown Oshkosh Square Fair June-October, 3rd Saturday Opera House Square Brews on the Bay Beer Garden Monthly through the summer Menominee Park Live at the Leach Summer, Tuesday Nights Leach Amphitheater Waterfest Summer, Thursday Nights Leach Amphitheater Movie Night at the Leach Summer, Select Friday Nights Leach Amphitheater Winter Farmers Market November-April, Select Saturday Mornings Oshkosh Arena Wisconsin Herd 2022/23 Season November-March Oshkosh Arena Celebration of Lights December 2023 Menominee Park For the most up-to-date list of exhibits and events, visit discoveroshkosh.com.

EAA Aviation Museum™

Top Five Reasons to Visit the EAA Aviation Museum

1. Walk Through Aviation’s History:

The restoration, preservation, and operation of vintage aircraft have been part of EAA since the very beginning. Discover airplanes used in aviation’s early days and a tribute to the Wright brothers. Get close to classic aircraft and antique artifacts.

2. Explore World War II Aviation:

The Eagle Hangar is a massive hall of aircraft and artifacts dedicated to the memory of those who served in World War II. The airplanes include examples of Allied fighters, bombers, Army and Navy aircraft, plus examples from Germany and Japan.

3. Meet the Innovators:

The Innovations Gallery highlights the airplanes and their pilots who have broken dozens of world records. See Loving’s Love, an air racer that was designed and built by WWII veteran and double amputee, Neal V. Loving. Get close to the full-size replica of SpaceShipOne, an experimental, private spacecraft that made three successful spaceflights.

4. Witness the Captured Aviation Spirit:

Aviation is made up of more than airplanes and pilots. Photographers and artists have been part of the world of aviation from the beginning. Throughout the museum, there are historic photographs and works of art. The EAA Aviation Museum is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and is closed on all major holidays. Children five and under are free. Youth admission, ages 6-18, is $9.50. General adult admission is $12.50.

Amenities

All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible via ramps and elevators. Free wheelchairs and strollers are available for visitor use. Vended drinks and light snacks are available in the museum’s refreshment area.

5. Fun for the Whole Family

With the KidVenture Gallery, those young in age and at heart can enjoy a variety of activities designed to be highly interactive. The centerpiece is the Raptor Gallery, which contains 16 interactive exhibits focusing on the world’s most advanced airplane, the F-22 Raptor. It includes a half-scale model of the F-22 where young people can climb into the cockpit.

EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902 800-564-6322 EAA.org/Museum

H o s t y o u r n e x t e v e n t a t t h e s u n n y v i e w e x p o c e n t e r

Conveniently located near I-41 in Oshkosh Spacious 31,400 sq. ft. expo hall Expansive outdoor stadium with large grandstand Massive 150' x 320' covered arena accompanied by six barn facilities and an outdoor arena Generous event camping areas with ample electrical services for travel trailers

Check out our blog for date night ideas. The possibilities are endless!

babies toddlers preschoolers k-5 tweens teens

Explore Oshkosh’s waterfront by walking along the Riverwalk Meet a new friend at Wiggles and Giggles at the Oshkosh YMCA Visit Oshkosh’s free zoo at Menominee Park and Zoo Learn about history at the Oshkosh Public Museum Paint pottery at the Fire Escape

55+ things to do with kids in Oshkosh!( PlayDay!ALL

Go fishing at Rainbow Park on the Fox River

Swing on a parent-child swing

Find a storytime at the Oshkosh Public Library Find a parent-child swimming class at the YMCA Jump through the Born Learning Trail at Roe Park Get dirty at the Paine Children’s Garden

Take a trip on a GO Transit bus Go ice skating at the YMCA

Eat a popsicle at the Farmers Market Get a treat at Oaks Candy Find a new family game at Adventure Games & Hobby

Go mini golfing at Glow in the Park

Ride the lazy river and cool o at Pollock Pool Take a selfie in front of a mural

Cheer on the Herd basketball team at the Oshkosh Arena

Play a round of mini-golf at Settlers Mill

Catch a sun (or full moon) rise from Ames Point

Play basketball at the YMCA

Catch up at Elsewhere Market & Co ee House

Find a new toy or book at Caramel Crisp & Cafe Ride the train at Menominee Park Learn about fish at Sanctuary Aquatics

Eat ice cream at Leon’s or Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In Plan a family day biking the Wiouwash Trail

Stroll through the Farmers Market and buy flowers

Make hand or footprint art at The Fire Escape Meet a friend for a smoothie at Carrot & Kale Cool o at the splash pad at South Park Tour the EAA Aviation Museum to get up close with airplanes

Play on the sandy beach at Winneconne Village-Marble Park

See snakes at MToxins Venom Lab See a movie at Marcus Theatre

Order pizza and play arcade games at Mineshaft Solve a mystery at the Escape Room Oshkosh

Disc golf at Red Arrow Park or Winnebago Disc Golf Course See the season in bloom at the Paine Art Center

Play a round at Westhaven Golf Course Scan for more! for more!

Pack a picnic and have tummy time at Menominee Park Count the birds on a stroller walk on the Wiouwash State Trail Take a walk through the Sawyer Creek Nature Preserve Go bowling at Rev’s

Shop at the outlet mall, Shops at Oshkosh

Cheer on a UW-Oshkosh athletic team

For hundreds more ideas visit GoOshkoshKids.com!

Listen up!

Parenting resources on-the-go! Check out our podcast, WiscoFam Let’s Talk!

Go Oshkosh Kids is a partnership with the Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. For more information visit GoOshkoshKids.com

OTHER EPISODE TOPICS: • Helping Kids Navigate Life Online • Family Wellness & Connection • Brain Health & Mentail Wellness

Get out!

The waterways and landscape of Oshkosh provide a never-ending selection of outdoor activities—for all ages and in every season. Go to discoveroshkosh.com for a complete and continually updated preview of exciting things to do.

Lake Winnebago

At nearly 132,000 acres, Lake Winnebago is the largest lake within the state. Visitors have access to the lake from numerous public boat landings and a public beach. The lake is well-known for Walleye fishing and Sturgeon spearing.

Menominee Park Zoo + Amusement Area

Located on the western shores of Lake Winnebago, this 100-acre park features an eight-acre zoo with 30-50 animals during the season, a Children’s Amusement Center, paved trails, playgrounds, athletic fields and restrooms.

Let’s roll!

Slow Roll Oshkosh is a fun, social and slow-paced bike ride through historic and beautiful areas of Oshkosh on the third Tuesday of every summer month (and beyond!) with a different starting point each month!

You can ride any bike, all ages welcome and any and all rider levels are welcome and encouraged. Join us in

December for a special Slow

Roll through the Celebration of Lights!

Sunrise, sunset

Don’t forget your camera! With water every direction you turn, Oshkosh provides the perfect setting for spectacular sunrise and sunset photo ops. Take a walk along the shore and soak in the color.

Riverwalk + Wiouwash Trail

The Riverwalk is a beautiful paved trail stretching for nearly two miles along both sides of the Fox River connecting Downtown Oshkosh to the Wiouwash Trail. Enjoy great views of the river and a variety of waterfront restaurants. Benches and parks along the Riverwalk offer relaxing picnic areas.