A Constellation of Community Presented By
Join the constellation! Across our county, departments shine like stars, and these FREE Wisconsin Idea Week events bring them into alignment for something extraordinary: A chance to see what Extension, Public Health, and other departments can do for you!
All of these events are FREE, and open to the public. Registration is required for all programs.
Check out the links below, or call 920-232-1970 to register.
Events & Programs
Get ready to explore Oshkosh like never before! Join our scavenger hunt during Wisconsin Idea Week and complete fun missions to earn points and win prizes. Two hunts—one for adults and one for families—make it easy for everyone to play. Discover local landmarks, hidden gems, and community resources while solving challenges that spark creativity and teamwork.
Download the Goose Chase app, start your adventure, and see how many missions you can complete!
Prizes provided by Discover Oshkosh, while supplies last. Prizes redeemed based on points earned.
Give your loved ones the ultimate gift—peace of mind. Join us a free overview of the Planning AHEAD program, designed to help you prepare for life’s most important decisions. This research-based workshop covers topics like financial changes, advance medical and legal directives, estate planning, final wishes, and understanding grief. Normally a 7-session course costing up to $50, this special session is offered at no cost. Planning isn’t just for the elderly—at any age, a medical crisis could leave you unable to communicate your wishes. Start the conversation today and leave a legacy, not a mess.
Prepare your business for any emergency—and make sure everyone understands the plan. Join us a free workshop offering practical tools to create an emergency preparedness plan for your business. Learn how to share critical information in plain language so all patrons, employees, and community members can stay safe and informed. This session combines expert advice with easy-to-use strategies to help you protect your business and communicate clearly when it matters most.
Discover how gardening and healthy living work together in this down‑to‑earth session on sustainability and wellness. Learn how growing, harvesting, and storing your own vegetables can support long‑term access to fresh, healthy food. We’ll also cover simple, safe food preservation practices like proper storage and canning. This event offers practical tips to help you build a healthier lifestyle and a more resilient food system in today’s chaotic world. Join us to explore small steps that make a big difference.
Preserve your harvest safely and keep your canner in top shape! During this special event, we’re offering free, same-day pressure canner gauge testing onsite. Bring your lid for pressure canners and get instant results to ensure accurate pressure for safe food preservation. Our staff will also share essential maintenance tips—like checking gaskets, vent pipes, and safety plugs—so your canning season is worry-free. Don’t miss this chance to protect your food and your family’s health!
Join us for Exploring Connections Under the Stars! Discover local programs and resources that make our community strong. Meet experts, enjoy hands-on exhibits, and learn something new. Plus, experience a Badger Talk on stargazing with Dr. James Lattis, and step inside a portable planetarium for a cosmic adventure with Barlow Planetarium. This free event is open to everyone—come connect and celebrate under the stars!
BadgerTalk: Eyes on the Skies
6:00-7:00pm (South Wing)
Discover the wonders above! Join Dr. James Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, for an exciting talk on the current night sky. Learn how to spot constellations, bright planets, and other celestial objects, plus get tips for observing meteor showers, eclipses, and upcoming astronomical events. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid stargazer, you’ll gain practical advice on using telescopes and binoculars to make the most of your night-sky adventures.
Barlow Planetarium: On-The-Go Shows
5:30-7:30pm
Step inside the universe! Experience the magic of the night sky in our portable planetarium show, presented by Barlow Planetarium. Shows run every 30 minutes from 5:30–7:30 PM, and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore constellations, planets, and cosmic wonders—all without leaving Oshkosh. Don’t miss this chance to connect under the stars!
Learn how climate‑smart gardening can boost your family’s mental and physical well‑being while helping the environment. This session explains how changing weather patterns affect our gardens and shows simple ways to grow plants that can handle these shifts. You’ll discover easy practices that support cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a stronger, greener home. We’ll also explore how thoughtful planting can build resilience in your yard and your community. Join us to learn practical steps that make gardening rewarding, relaxing, and sustainable for the whole family.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt April 4-10 | Terms & Conditions
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