Lifest, Fourth of July fireworks top Oshkosh can’t-miss events this week

Mara Wegner, Oshkosh Northwestern
·4 min read

OSHKOSH - This week in Oshkosh you can attend Lifest as it marks 25 years, take in a classic movie or check out the food trucks in Menominee Park July 4.

Here are your five can't-miss events happening in the community this week.

1. This marks Lifest's 25th year of celebrating Christian music

Christian music festival Lifest celebrates 25 years when it comes to Oshkosh’s Sunnyview Expo Center July 6-9.

The festival began in 1999 and now attracts thousands of attendees.

People sit in lawn chairs watching the afternoon main stage events on the Lifest event grounds in 2016. The event will take place July 6 to 9 this year.
People sit in lawn chairs watching the afternoon main stage events on the Lifest event grounds in 2016. The event will take place July 6 to 9 this year.

Along with the music, event-goers can take part in other activities including seminars, a 5K run and a variety of sports.

Camping also is available for those who wish to remain on the grounds.

Many attendees also give of their time. Volunteers are key to keeping the festival going.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th year,” Lifest founder Bob Lenz said in a news release. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful for all the people who have supported us over the years. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Lifest.”

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The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in Christian music. This year’s lineup includes TobyMac, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Cory Asbury, Sidewalk Prophets and others.

Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose, although children 7 and younger are admitted free. For more information and tickets, visit Lifest.com.

2. Cool down at the Time theater with a classic movie

If you need a place to cool down, the Time Community Theater is air-conditioned. On June 30, “House of Wax” starring Vincent Price, will be shown at 7 p.m.

Admission to the movie is free and concessions are cash only.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at 445 N. Main St., Oshkosh.

The Time theater is run completely by volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome.

For more information, visit timecommunitytheater.com.

3. Kids' Field Day offers youth chance to explore new games

Hosted by St. Jude the Apostle Church, a Kids’ Field Day will be offered 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 30 at Winnebago County Community Park.

There will be more than a dozen games and activity stations to try out near the sport court and shelter 4. All who attend will have a chance to win prizes.

Kids can choose the activities they want to participate in. Beaming Inc. and On the Wing will have animals there for kids to observe. And a food truck will be on site for those wishing to purchase something to eat.

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4. Spend July 4th at Menominee Park, stay for the fireworks

The Festival Food Fireworks display at dusk will mark the Fourth of July in Oshkosh. But prior to the fireworks, you can watch the parade in downtown Oshkosh, then spend the day at Menominee Park.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. at Otter and North Main streets. It will proceed on Main to East Irving Avenue, ending at Hazel Street.

The zoo at Menominee Park will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the children’s amusements center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you get hungry, there will be plenty of places to choose from. From 3 to 10 p.m., there will be at least 14 food trucks scattered throughout the park and the concession stand at the Reetz ball diamonds will be open. The Lakefly Cafe inside the zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get on the water between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. by renting one of the aqua bikes, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats at the park. Train rides will be available, too.

5. Oshkosh Pickleball Club hosts fundraising event July 6

The Oshkosh Pickleball Club will hold a fundraiser and social beginning at 4 p.m. July 6 at Fox River Brewing Company in Oshkosh.

All are welcome, an RSVP is not required. The club helps promote pickleball court improvements, opportunities and events in the Oshkosh area.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five tickets. The major basket is valued in excess of $300 and includes a pickleball paddle, gift certificates, a hotel stay and more. The drawing will be at 6:30 p.m. and ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

Other raffles will take place at the event only and ticket holders must be present to win.

For more information or to purchase basket raffle tickets in advance, visit “Oshkosh Pickleball Club” on Facebook.

Contact Mara Wegner at mwegner@gannett.com or 920-996-7241.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Lifest, Fourth of July fireworks set in Oshkosh for 2023