📰 The Local Lowdown

January moves more slowly, and honestly, that's fine.

The holidays are behind us, the to-do lists have loosened up, and there's room again to pay attention. To the coffee shop that just started hosting open mics. To the neighbor's art show you kept meaning to check out. To the stuff that doesn't shout for your attention but rewards it anyway.

The Green Bay Buzz Event Submission Form! 🐝
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Drop it in our 📝 Event Submission Form- your story or event could land in next week’s edition! 🎉

A big thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their updates for this week’s edition.
You’re the heartbeat of this newsletter, and we love getting to spotlight what makes Green Bay shine. 💛 

🏈 Hometown Pride on the Sidelines

West De Pere is keeping it in the family. The West De Pere Phantoms have named Kegan Wirtz, a West De Pere alum, as their new head football coach.

Wirtz steps into the role after serving as defensive coordinator and helping lead the Phantoms to an undefeated Division 2 state championship season. A 2013 graduate, he knows the program well—having been part of two state title teams as a player and a team captain his senior year.

A familiar face. A winning legacy. A strong next chapter for West De Pere football.

📰 Campus Growth Milestone at UW–Green Bay

UW–Green Bay marked a major construction milestone this week with the topping-out ceremony for its new Cofrin Technology and Education Center, the future home of the university’s library.

The five-story, $101 million building has officially reached its full structural height, signaling steady progress on a project designed to become the new front door to campus. Construction began in May 2025, and the center is expected to open in early 2027, replacing the current 52-year-old Cofrin Library.

Once complete, the building will significantly reshape the campus landscape and expand learning, technology, and collaboration spaces for students and the broader community.

🧀✈️ Packers Send-Off Party at the Airport

Green Bay is doing what Green Bay does best—showing up for the Packers. Fans are invited to head to Austin Straubel Airport this Friday before 12:30 p.m. to send the team off to Chicago ahead of their Wild Card showdown.

🎨 Free parking in the remote lot, sign-making inside the terminal, and plenty of green-and-gold spirit encouraged. It’s loud, proud, and very on-brand for this town.

🏈 The Pack takes on the Bears Saturday at 7 p.m., and this is your chance to help kick things off the Wisconsin way.

🌱Luna Glo Candle Bar

🕯 Luna Glo Candle Bar is officially open on Broadway, adding another creative, hands-on experience to Green Bay’s growing small-business scene.

The new candle bar offers custom, pour-your-own candles with 90+ scents and a wide variety of vessels, making it an easy pick for date nights, girls’ nights, and small group outings. Instead of just shopping, customers get an experience—something we’re seeing more of as downtown continues to evolve.

✨ Local entrepreneurs.
🏙 More reasons to spend time downtown.
📈 Another sign of steady, intentional growth in Green Bay.

🏡 More Options, More Opportunity

Big news for Green Bay housing. New zoning updates are officially live, and they are opening the door to more flexible, attainable housing across the city.

What this means in plain English:

• Duplexes and two-family homes are now allowed in many single-family neighborhoods

• ADUs (think backyard cottages or in-law units) are easier to approve citywide

• Smaller lot sizes and reduced setbacks make building more affordable

City leaders say the goal is simple: more housing choices, lower building costs, and room for smart growth. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or investor, this is a shift worth watching.

🎤🎶 Winter Wonderland Music Class

📍 Let’s Run Around Green Bay
📅 Starts January 13
👶 Ages 0–5

A brand-new music class is kicking off at Let’s Run Around Green Bay. Little ones will sing, move, dance like falling snowflakes, explore instruments, and make new friends in a cozy winter-themed class. Space is limited, so this one may fill up fast.

✂️ Crafter’s Corner

📍 De Pere Community Center (Maple Room)
🗓️ Thursdays | 12–3 PM
🎨 Seniors 55+

Bring whatever you’re working on and craft alongside fellow creatives. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, scrapbooking, coloring, all welcome. No instructor, no pressure. Just good company and creative time.

💵 $33 yearly fee
👉 Sign-up required

🦬🌲Half-Price Zoo Weekend

Looking for an easy winter win? NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is making it simple.

🎟️ Zoo admission + Neil Anderson Canopy Tour are HALF PRICE this weekend.
🕘 Open daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
❄️ Snow on the ground, animals out and active, and way fewer crowds than summer.

🧀 OPEN BOUNCE – Let’s Get Cheesy! 🏰

✨ Surprise Pop-Up Open Play

📅 Monday, January 12
⏰ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Big Cheddar Bounce
2125 American Blvd, Suite B, West De Pere, WI 54115

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: Kids + families

🎟 Info

🎨 Art Wellness at Titletown

📍 Titletown, Lombardi Ave
🗓 Friday, January 8th
⏰ 1.5-hour session- 6 to 730pm.

A monthly, guided art experience designed to help you process emotions, connect with others, and create without pressure. No art skills needed. All materials provided.

This session is especially supportive for anyone navigating grief, loss, stress, or just needing a creative reset. Space is limited, and registration is required.

🧶 The Basics of Knitting

📍 De Pere Community Center, Maple Room (Lower Level)
🗓 Mondays, January 12 & 26
⏰ 10:00–11:30 AM
💵 $8 per person
👥 Ages 55+

January is National Hobby Month, and this beginner-friendly, two-part knitting workshop is a great way to try something new or revisit an old favorite. Learn casting on, basic stitches, purling, and binding off with guidance from an instructor.

Part of De Pere’s Monthly Workshop Series. Registration is required and done by the month.

👶 Kroc Community Center Mom Walk

📅 Thursday, January 15
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 Kroc Community Center
👟 1-hour walk around the indoor track

An easy, stroller-friendly walk to get moving and connect with other moms.

💦 Jump In at YWCA Green Bay

📍 YWCA Greater Green Bay
🗓 Now Open for the Season
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Adults, Families & Littles Welcome

New pool classes and updated swim times are officially live at the YWCA. From Aqua Aerobics and Aqua Yoga to Open Swim, Adult Swim, and Parent–Tot classes, there’s something for every age and energy level. Same warm-water pool, lots of ways to move, relax, or splash together.

🎨 Art Nite in Downtown De Pere

📍 Downtown De Pere

🗓 Friday, January 9

⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM

Art Nite is back this Friday. Stroll downtown and pop into newARTSpace for New Art Six, visit The Art Scene and The Art Studio for Then & Now, check out Wall of Mini’s at Blue Door Artworks, and stop by One of One Gallery to see what’s new. Wrap up the night at La Vie Taverne with live music from The Brothers Gunn.

🎨 Paint with MIKI – Supporting the Wisconsin Humane Society 🐾

🗓 Monday, January 12
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 D2 Sports Pub (530 Larsen Orchard Pkwy, Oneida)

Grab your friends and get creative for a good cause. This guided paint night includes a canvas, all materials, and step-by-step instruction—no experience needed.

💲 $40 per person
🥂 Optional add-on: $15 mini charcuterie board + cocktail
❤️ $5 from every ticket is donated to the Wisconsin Humane Society

🎬 Free Movie Matinee – The Boys in the Boat

🗓 Tuesday, January 13
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Suamico Municipal Services Center
(12781 Velp Ave, Suamico)

Settle in for a FREE afternoon movie hosted by Suamico Parks & Recreation. January’s matinee features The Boys in the Boat, the inspiring true story of teamwork, grit, and perseverance.

🍿 Free to attend
👥 All are welcome
🎟 No registration required

📰 Local Education News

🎓 Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners is hosting an Enrollment Information Session for families interested in learning more about its gifted education program.

The session is open to families within the Green Bay Area Public Schools attendance area and will provide an overview of the school’s curriculum, approach, and enrollment process.

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: School gym
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: GBAPS families considering gifted education options

A helpful opportunity for parents exploring advanced learning pathways for their students.

💼 📣 NOW HIRING:

Summer Playground Assistant Manager
Green Bay Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Love working with kids and want a fun, hands-on summer job? Green Bay Parks is hiring a Seasonal Playground Program Assistant Manager to help lead crafts, activities, and playground programs across city parks.

🗓 June–Mid August
⏰ Mon–Thurs: 11 AM–5 PM
⏰ Fri: 8–10 AM & 11 AM–5 PM
📍 Various Green Bay parks
💵 $20.81–$22.89/hour
🎓 Must be 18+ | Leadership experience preferred

Perfect for someone who enjoys creativity, leadership, and keeping kids engaged all summer long.

👉 Apply here: governmentjobs.com (search “Seasonal Playground Program Assistant Manager”)

🍯 Thanks for letting us drop into your inbox and your life. Whether it’s weekend plans, backyard builds, or brunch with the fam, we’re honored to be part of your week.

📩 Got something Green Bay should know? A new business, event, or shoutout? Just hit reply, we’re all ears, or click the link here. 

And hey,
📲 Don’t miss a thing. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for daily updates, news, and behind-the-scenes bites from around Green Bay.

Stay local. Stay buzzing. Stay warm, and maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!

MH.