We are incredibly lucky to live in a community like Oshkosh. Having lived in a few different towns of similar sizes, I can tell you exactly what sets ours apart: the sheer accessibility of our vibrant arts and culture scene.
Early on in our dating adventures, Mark and I bonded over a mutual appreciation for live music, art, and theatre. While busy schedules sometimes get in the way of taking full advantage of everything right in our backyard, we recently carved out a night to change that.
The result? An unforgettable, sensory-rich date night that proved you don't need to travel to a major metropolis to experience world-class talent.
Here is How we Spent Our Night Out in Oshkosh:
Our evening began with dinner, which was also a show by heading over to Sakura.
It is easy to forget that Sakura offers so much more than incredible sushi, but their hibachi grill is the ultimate way to shake up a routine dinner date. We were seated right away at a shared table. Sitting with folks we didn't know actually added to the charm—it became a lively, shared social experience full of laughs!
Our chef, Roy, was a master of his craft. Beyond the flying spatulas and onion volcanoes, he had a natural gift for engaging the table and making everyone feel connected. The food completely hit the spot, and the high-energy atmosphere was the perfect start to our evening of performances.
Dinner AND a Show:
The Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra launched its 85th season inside the beautifully renovated Music Hall at UW Oshkosh, and we were lucky enough to snag literal front-row seats.
The symphony is a magnificent blend of passionate local community performers and seasoned professional musicians, and their collective talent is astounding - it was truly a milestone celebration. The performance was seamlessly split into two breathtaking sections:
- The Guest Artist: A captivating showcase featuring the immense talents of guest violist Matthew Michelic.
- The Masterwork: A stunning orchestral interpretation of Pictures at an Exhibition. Originally written for solo piano, this piece brilliantly replicates the experience of walking through different galleries of an art museum.
Sitting so close, we were completely immersed. The orchestra invited the audience to imagine the vibrant colors shifting with each musical movement for the Pictures at an Exhibition. Engaging more of our senses this way sparked a deeper connection to the music—and to each other—that we wouldn't have found just listening to a recording at home.
If you’ve never been to a symphony, what’s stopping you?! The Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra is incredibly approachable, and you don’t need a degree in music theory to fall in love with the performance.
- Next Up: Mark your calendars for The Nutcracker on December 12.
- The Cost: General admission tickets are just $15, and it is completely free for youth under 18 and UWO students.
If you are looking to break out of a dinner-and-a-movie rut, Oshkosh has so many ways to effortlessly build an exceptional date night. By stepping out and supporting local talent, we didn't just have a great time—we felt a deeper connection to the community we call home.
