Tour ‘Nutcracker in the Castle,’ attend Herd home opener and more Oshkosh can't-miss events

OSHKOSH — The popular "Nutcracker in the Castle" makes its return to the Paine Art Center this week.

Other events include a talk by members of the Blue Angels at EAA and the Wisconsin Herd season gets under way.

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

1. 'Nutcracker in the Castle' displays open Nov. 17

“The Nutcracker in the Castle” returns to the Paine Art Center and Gardens. Tours will be available Nov. 17 through Jan. 8.

Take a guided tour, a self-guided tour or a candlelight tour. There are special kid-free days and the Sugarplum Fairy’s Cupcake Café will be open.

Each room of the historic Paine mansion is elaborately decorated to tell “The Nutcracker” story.

Admission price depends on tour choice. For more information or tickets, visit thepaine.org/event/nutcracker-in-the-castle.

Algoma Alley: Algoma Alley’s Phase 1 is complete in downtown Oshkosh, bringing 9 new murals

2. EAA Speaker Series features Blue Angels members

The last EAA Aviation Adventure Speaker Series of 2023 will focus on the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels. The talk begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the EAA Aviation Museum, 3000 Poberezny Road.

The guest speakers are Capt. Greg Wooldridge and print historian Mat Garretson. They will talk about the Blue Angels’ 75-year history as well as personal stories.

According to a news release, Wooldridge served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years. He commanded the Blue Angels in 1991 and 1992, and again in 1993 and 1996. Wooldridge is the only naval aviator to have served three tours with the team. Garretson serves as the print historian for the Blue Angels Association and is a lifelong pilot, having logged more than 10,000 hours.

The public is welcome to attend. Admission is free for EAA members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit EAA.org/SpeakerSeries.

3. Wisconsin Herd's first home game of season is Nov. 16

The Wisconsin Herd’s sixth season begins Nov. 16, each game offering giveaways and theme nights. In addition to the team’s primary jerseys, the Herd will showcase at least seven different specialty jerseys worn in-game and auctioned off to benefit charities.

Throughout the season, the Herd will bring awareness to many important causes through thematic jerseys. On Nov. 21, the Herd will wear specialty theme jerseys to bring attention to National Homelessness Awareness Month. In December, the Herd will change their name to the Wisconsin “BEHERD” and wear unique jerseys to bring awareness to suicide prevention.

Other giveaways throughout the season include a schedule magnet Nov. 16 and Herd hat Nov. 19.

December features two giveaways with a Herd crossbody bag Dec. 5 and a Herd holiday koozie Dec. 16.

There will be two bobblehead giveaways this season with a one-of-kind Franchise of the Year bobblehead Jan. 8 and a Curdman bobblehead Jan. 24.

The Nov. 16 game begins at 6 p.m. at the Oshkosh Arena, 1212 S. Main St. The Herd will face the Iowa Wolves.

Season tickets are available by calling 920-233-4373 or visit wisconsin.gleague.nba.com. For more about the giveaways and theme nights, visit the website.

4. Annual craft show to benefit Lourdes Academy

The 18th Annual Lourdes Academy Craft Show will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at the school, 110 N. Sawyer St.

There will be more than 100 vendors to shop from. There also will be a bake sale and concession available to purchase.

Admission is $3 per person.

Washington Elementary: Oshkosh school district seeks proposals for Washington Elementary site

5. YMCA community night offers free admission

The Oshkosh Community YMCA will host a free community night Nov. 18. Take part in Thanksgiving arts and crafts from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Downtown location, 324 Washington Ave.

Families can swim, play basketball or soccer, enjoy a bounce house and more.

Registration is not required and you don’t need to be a Y member to participate. All are welcome. Families who join on a community will have the joiner fee waived.

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

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh this week: Tour The Paine's 'Nutcracker' or watch a Herd game