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.
Join Ashley and Todd to learn how supporting your health and making plans for life’s eventualities can keep you at your best as you age.
Ashley will explore ways to support overall well-being as we age like staying active, eating nutritious food, and caring for your mental health. We will consider how small healthy habits can help you feel your best and stay healthy as long as possible. Todd will discuss Planning AHEAD, an Extension program that guides participants on their health care wishes, financial changes and responsibilities as they age, legal requirements and documentation of financial and health decisions, planning for distribution of personal property, and end-of-life healthcare decisions. Don’t leave behind a mess, leave a legacy with Planning AHEAD.
Preparedness is more than having a go‑kit—it’s a mindset, or even a shift in how you approach the unexpected. When you take time to think through your options, understand the resources available to you, and map out the steps you’d take in different emergencies, you give yourself a real advantage. That kind of intentional planning doesn’t just help you get through a crisis; it helps you stay steady in the middle of it. The goal isn’t to feel overwhelmed—it’s to feel ready.
And readiness is for everyone. No matter your age, physical abilities, or financial situation, there are practical ways to become better prepared. We’re here to help people from all walks of life build confidence, make a plan, and take meaningful steps toward safety and resilience.
Shelley Brown-Giebel the Emergency Preparedness Specialist for Winnebago Count Public Health will walk you through some basic steps you can take to be more prepared.
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!
In recent years, many of us have noticed more days when the air feels hazy or the sky looks unusually gray. These changes are becoming more common—and they affect more than just how the outdoors look. Air quality plays an important role in our daily lives, influencing how we breathe, how we feel, and how active we can be. Understanding what affects air quality helps families make informed choices to stay healthy on days when conditions aren’t ideal.
This event explores how changes in climate affect the air we breathe, the gardens we grow, and the communities we live in. Our speakers will share simple, practical ways to create healthier outdoor spaces—like climate‑smart gardening, planting for resilience, and using green infrastructure at home. You’ll learn how thoughtful choices in your yard or neighborhood can support cleaner air, stronger ecosystems, and healthier families. Together, we’ll look at how small changes can help create a more resilient environment for everyone.
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
Coming Soon