Community Calendar

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

FEBRUARY 4 — All About Owls: Learn about the owl species that live at Retzer, their amazing adaptations in winter, sounds, and food sources.

FEBRUARY 18 — Winter Fur: Explore mammal furs and see how they keep animals warm, plus hike outside (on snowshoes if we can!) to look for tracks, scat, and fur.

MARCH 4 — Plants and Papermaking: Let's learn about the natural materials that make things we use every day and make a paper craft.

MARCH 18 — The Science of Spring: Let’s hit the trails to look for signs of spring, including flowers, plants and animals.

APRIL 15 — Secrets of Stream Life: Discover a hidden world of life in a local stream. Learn how these creatures survived through the winter and what they will become!

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

MAY 6 — Warblers & What Not: Explore the trails at Retzer as we look and listen for birds, and learn why warblers are unique.
MAY 20 — Nature Exploration: Explore an old-growth forest, spring ephemeral flowers, diverse animal habitats, and more.
JUNE 3 — Flex Your Freshwater Mussels: Learn the fascinating life cycle and benefits (or not) of having Mussels in our Wisconsin waters.
JUNE 10 — Crazy Crayfish: See Crayfish in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and discover more about these fascinating creatures.
JUNE 17 — Colors in Nature: Come explore how humans and animals perceive colors differently, and how different colors help plants, animals, and insects survive.
JUNE 24 — Terrific Turtles: Enjoy a visit from Retzer's turtles! See how their physical and behavioral traits can help them survive.
JULY 8 — Animal Classifications: Let's break down how animals are grouped and learn some cool scientific terms in the process.
JULY 15 — Family Biolitz: Learn how to Bioblitz - a citizen-science party to see the biodiversity of an ecosystem in particular areas.
JULY 22 — Your Actions Matter: We will learn what it means to close the recycling loop during our interactive Recycling Exhibit tour and hands-on activities.
JULY 29 — The Heat is On - Sunprints: We will explore cool things about the sun and see how it makes our art pieces beautiful.
AUGUST 5 — Dragonflies & Damselfies: Join us as we learn about Dragonflies and Damselflies, explore their habitat, and safely catch and release them.
AUGUST 12 — Hoppers: There are many different species of “hoppers” in Wisconsin; let’s learn how to identify a variety of these active critters.
AUGUST 26 — Bumble Bee Survey: Join us as we learn about different kinds of bumble bees found in the Retzer Children’s Garden and prairie.

*May 20, 2026 session is held at Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4
*June 10, 2026 session is held at Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

Explore Wisconsin’s recycling laws and the Waukesha County Recycling Program in this informative program. Learn how recyclables are collected, sorted, and processed – from your curbside to the recovery facility and beyond. Enhance your experience with an optional tour of a Material Recovery Facility to see recycling operations firsthand (signup will be available at the event). Ages 18+

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

APRIL 30, 2026 • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 4:30-6:30 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JUNE 8. 2026 • 2- 3:30 p.m. • Brookfield Public Library (1900 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI)

Team up with staff and fellow invertebrate enthusiasts for a lively field survey! Learn all about bumble bees while helping spot and identify these important pollinators. Make a difference, earn volunteer hours, and put your new skills into action. No prior experience is needed. (Ages 13+)

MAY 12, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

MAY 13, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83W20370 Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI)

MAY 20, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Menomonee Park, Beach Parking Lot – Northwest Corner (W220N7884 Townline Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI)

JUNE 9, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JUNE 17, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox Brook Park, Park Office (2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI)

JULY 14, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

JULY 15, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Ryan Park, Parking Lot (W262N4656 Ryan Rd, Pewaukee, WI)

JULY 29, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Naga-Waukee Park, Park Office (651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI)

AUGUST 11, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

AUGUST 12, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 1 (W330 N5113 County Rd C, Nashotah, WI)

AUGUST 26, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1 (S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI)

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 13, 2026 • 2-3 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

The beloved Disney phenomenon comes to life onstage as only First Stage can: with young performers in iconic roles, breathtaking design, and unforgettable theatrical magic. A story of sisters, courage, and love, Frozen is a must-see family event for dreamers of all ages.

Newlyweds Paul, a proper young lawyer, and Corie, a romantic free spirit, are thrilled to move into their new Manhattan apartment — a tiny, sixth-floor walk-up with no heat and a hole in the skylight. Bliss turns to chaos after a blind date between Corie’s mother and their dashing upstairs neighbor forces the couple to confront their differences in this side-splitting, romantic comedy.

Live boldly, love wildly, paint passionately — this was the uncompromising life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Through music, movement and irresistible charm, acclaimed writer and actor Vanessa Severo crafts a poetic performance that explores Frida’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius. This sizzling play plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life, offering a vivid exploration of how we shape ourselves through the art that we love.

Vulnerable, emotional, personal, and full of joy... utterly captivating.” – BroadwayWorld

Written and Performed by Vanessa Severo

Directed by Joanie Schultz

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7:30pm; Wednesdays 1:30pm; Saturdays 3pm & 8pm; Sundays 2pm & 7pm

For nearly 40 years, George Burns and Gracie Allen delighted millions as entertainment’s original power couple, sharing love and laughter through their comedic brilliance. Now, Milwaukee’s own power couple, Jim Pickering and Tami Workentin, bring the inspiring love story of Burns and Allen to life in this heartfelt tribute, filled with theatrical and showbiz magic. Trace George and Gracie’s rise from a struggling vaudeville act to the height of stardom during the golden age of radio, television, and film and celebrate their legacy and devotion in this World Premiere that’s sure to captivate and inspire.

By Tami Workentin

Directed by Laura Braza

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7:30pm; Saturdays 3pm & 8pm; Sundays 2pm & 7pm

Live boldly, love wildly, paint passionately — this was the uncompromising life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Through music, movement and irresistible charm, acclaimed writer and actor Vanessa Severo crafts a poetic performance that explores Frida’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius. This sizzling play plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life, offering a vivid exploration of how we shape ourselves through the art that we love.

Vulnerable, emotional, personal, and full of joy... utterly captivating.” – BroadwayWorld

Written and Performed by Vanessa Severo
Directed by Joanie Schultz

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7:30pm; Wednesdays 1:30pm; Saturdays 3pm & 8pm; Sundays 2pm & 7pm

Live boldly, love wildly, paint passionately — this was the uncompromising life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Through music, movement and irresistible charm, acclaimed writer and actor Vanessa Severo crafts a poetic performance that explores Frida’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius. This sizzling play plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life, offering a vivid exploration of how we shape ourselves through the art that we love.

Vulnerable, emotional, personal, and full of joy... utterly captivating.” – BroadwayWorld

Written and Performed by Vanessa Severo
Directed by Joanie Schultz