A Weekend in Downtown Oshkosh: Social Distancing Edition
Bored at home? It’s time to get creative! On weekends, our Downtown Oshkosh is usually bustling with people having brunch, shopping at locally-owned boutiques and enjoying live music or having drinks with friends. Although this current situation isn’t ideal for anyone, we can still continue to do some of our favorite things from home… or maybe even try something new you never would have tried before. We’re all in this together and we’ve got to make the most of it!
Here are some fun things you can do this weekend to support our Downtown businesses and organizations:
Do some online shopping. Many of our local stores have online shopping options and a few others have found creative ways to sell items on social media. Follow your favorites on social to stay updated and show them some love right now. For a list of stores and their online purchasing options click here. Don’t forget you can purchase gift cards for later use to help support these businesses during this time!
Pop some popcorn and attend a ‘The Grand at Home’ show from the comfort of your couch. The shows will be available on The Grand’s YouTube channel. These shows are free and a great way for you to stay connected to the arts during this time; however, please consider donating if you enjoyed the performance. Contributions given will be split evenly between the artist and The Grand.
Try yoga for the first time. Or if you’re a pro, keep up with your practice with Embody Yoga. Purchase a membership to join the private Facebook group and start attending virtual classes.
March Madness has been cancelled, but The Backlot Comedy House and Fox Valley Comedy are making up for it with the comedy VIDeo Challenge. Comedians are encouraged to submit an original 60-second video of any comedy type or form (stand-up, musical, skit, improv, etc) by Sunday, March 29 at 8AM. We’ll select 20 Comedians to move into the official contest where the public decides who is the COmedy VIDeo Challenge winner! Winner will receive $100 and bragging rights. Learn more about the challenge and how you can participate on the Backlot’s Facebook page.
Go for a walk, but keep your distance, down our beautiful Downtown Riverwalk. There’s no reason you can’t get outside, enjoy the fresh air and get yourself moving. Wake up, grab a to-go coffee from one of our Downtown cafes and enjoy a scenic walk down the Fox River.
Dinner and a show! Order carry-out or delivery from your favorite restaurant and have yourself a fancy dinner at home. Many of our Downtown restaurants are offering carry-out and delivery options and some are even selling wine. You can eat a delicious, local meal while enjoying one of the live shows listed above!
Join the Fire Escape Challenge. Anyone 2 to 18 years old can participate (just once), by completing four activities: art project, letter, game, and trash pickup. Kids who complete all the activities will receive a clay cookie coupon. Learn more about the challenge here.
Try your own hand at baking with a cookie kit from Caramel Crisp. For only $20, you get a dozen, unfrosted frozen cookies, made-from-scratch frosting, colored sugar and marshmallows.
Many of us are experiencing difficult times, which is why it’s more important than ever to support one another. These are just a few ways you can enjoy yourself while supporting some of your favorite local businesses and organizations this weekend.
Please, follow Downtown Oshkosh on Facebook and Instagram at @downtownoshkosh to keep up-to-date with what’s happening downtown. Don’t forget about our gift card offer! Right now, when you purchase a $50 Downtown Oshkosh gift card, you will receive a $10 bonus card. Click here to purchase your gift card.
Stay safe, stay healthy and support local! We hope to see you downtown soon.