The best arts & culture spots in Fox Cities

“This week, take the crew to Building for Kids Children's Museum, a play-based wonderland where hands-on exhibits and programs for ages 7 and under turn wiggles into aha moments. Early Explorers, creative tinkering, and pretend play that actually teaches... everybody wins.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 20, 2026

“If this week needs a creative outlet, Encore Dance Academy runs classes across many styles in a positive space that builds confidence. Technique meets life skills, with instructors who emphasize respect, teamwork, and growth that shows up outside the studio.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Little Known Art House spotlights local and Midwestern artists with curated exhibitions and a handmade shop that actually feels, well, handmade. Expect pieces with a story, eco-minded vibes, and the kind of neighborly energy that makes you linger, chat, and accidentally start your gallery wall.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 7, 2026

“The History Museum at the Castle packs three floors of Fox Valley history into legit fun, from the interactive AKA Houdini to the newest You Are Here and the time-traveling Prehistoric Wisconsin. Make this the week you level up local lore and finally nail a Houdini escape or two.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Part museum, part storybook garden, Paine Art Center & Gardens lets you stroll an English-inspired estate, take in French Barbizon and American landscape works, and catch rotating exhibitions like an Art Nouveau showcase this summer and fall... a perfect low-key afternoon when you need beauty without a drive.”

From the Oshkosh newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Charles A. ” Take a guided tour to dig into fur-trade roots, the Treaty of the Cedars, and Kaukauna stories your Wisconsin studies left out.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you geek out over 13,000 years of Lake Winnebago stories or just want to gawp at a rare original Tiffany Studios interior, Oshkosh Public Museum delivers. Wander the Historic Sawyer Home, then hit exhibitions and programs that make our hometown past feel close enough to high-five.”

From the Oshkosh newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Step into the story of power on the Fox at Wisconsin State Historical Marker 556: Vulcan Street Plant Replica (Operated by the Appleton Historical Society), a bite-size look at 1882 hydro wizardry featuring an Edison K-type dynamo and how the original plant lit mills and homes.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Feeling the back-to-school wiggles? Kidspirations Dance School makes it easy for Fox Cities families to plug into dance classes through Dance Studio Pro, set up a family account, add multiple dancers and pick classes, then call it a parenting win this week.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Take ten this week and wander to Appleton Lock #3, part of the only fully restored, hand-operated lock system in the United States. Watch tenders crank the gates, boats glide up and down, and the Fox River do its quiet theater, a surprisingly soothing micro-adventure right in our backyard.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Housed in a former bridge tender’s tower, Tayco Street Bridge Tower Museum tells the story of Menasha’s waterways and early transportation with historic photos, artifacts, and just enough gears-and-levers nerdiness to satisfy your inner tinkerer. Quick stop, big slice of Fox River lore, right in our backyard.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Looking for a low-key win this week?”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Valley Social Dance Studio turns the Fox Cities into a ballroom, with certified instructors who keep things low-stress, easy, and actually fun. From private lessons to friendly group classes and event prep, it's a welcoming spot to build confidence, meet people, and remember you do have rhythm.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Appleton History Museum digs into the stories that built Appleton with rotating exhibits, community presentations, and the always-cool Vulcan Replica. Keep an eye out for Riverside Cemetery walks each August, plus online displays and historic postcards that make rabbit-hole browsing dangerously easy.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Trout Museum of Art is serving up Fox Cities creativity right now, from TAG: Street Art splashed across the museum to The Cup Show spotlighting ceramic talent from around the country. Pop into The Drinkery for coffee and veggie-forward bites, then poke around the Museum Store or even book an art class.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, August 27, 2026

“The Longest Mural is a 1,000-foot geometric burst from artist Mauricio Ramirez that threads Oshkosh’s timber and aviation stories with nods to Oshkosh B’gosh and Lewis Hine. Walk or bike by this week, catch the details as they reveal themselves, feel the hometown pride kick in.”

From the Oshkosh newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is a Fox Cities gem with always free admission, galleries of paperweights, Germanic and contemporary glass, and a studio offering classes for youth and adults.”

From the Fox Cities newsletter, September 4, 2026