Native American-Style Flute Workshop
2025-11-14 09:00 - 2025-11-15 15:00 (Asia/Karachi) | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Native American-Style Flute Workshop
2 day workshop, Friday Nov. 15 & Saturday Nov. 16 9 am – 3 pm
Participants will construct their flute from a piece of cedar. Each crafter will determine the fundamental note and bring life into the flute. The crafter will determine finger hole placements and make the flute “talk”. Most materials are furnished but you will need to bring an x-acto knife and two blades, numbers 11 and 17. Most variety packs include these two blades. A small plane and sharp pocket knife are also recommended. No musical experience is required. All you need is the willingness to work with your hands, exercise your fingers and experience a form of cultural art indigenous to the North American continent.
This is a 2-day workshop. Attendance to both sessions is mandatory, and may not take up the entire time allotted. Participants must be 18+ due to the use of blades and other tools. Waivers must be signed before the start of the workshop.
Artist Bio
Tom Gustin has been crafting a style of Native American flute for almost 40 years, and teaching others how to create their very own flutes for over 20. After graduating from UW Steven’s Point with a Master’s Degree in Forestry, Tom began using his free time to teach others about his passion. Tom has crafted over 600 flutes, including multiple flutes for Grammy-Nominated recording artist Peter Phippen.

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2025-11-14 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-11-21 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-11-28 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-05 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-12 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-19 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-01-09 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-01-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for Small Eyes Under the Skies at The Heide Observatory, a family-friendly astronomy adventure that begins with an interactive walk through a scale model of our solar system across the meadow and concludes with a telescope viewing of planets and other celestial wonders. Events are weather permitting and will be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%; look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the event. For group or family rate discounts, contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org, and please dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the “solar system” field.

Scottish Stirring Stick Workshop
2025-11-15 09:30 - 12:30 | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
A Hands-On Workshop to Craft Your Own Highland Kitchen Tool
🗓 Saturday, September 15
📍 At our workshop at the Ozanne Outpost of Hawthorn Hollow, Somers, WI
Step into the world of traditional Scottish craftsmanship and turn your very own spurtle—a unique and historic kitchen tool dating back to the 15th century Highlands. Once the go-to utensil for stirring porridge, soups, and stews, the spurtle is still a must-have for any serious (or sentimental) cook. Think of it as a kitchen wand—simple, elegant, and surprisingly useful.
During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use a wood lathe to shape your spurtle from beautiful hardwood, with expert guidance from our craftspeople every step of the way. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
Each ticket covers one participant and includes all materials. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing a friend or two, this class is a great way to dive into woodturning, learn a bit of history, and leave with a functional piece of heritage.
🪵 Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
This workshop often fills quickly—don’t miss your spot!

Wednesday Under the Stars
2025-11-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-26 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-03 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-10 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-17 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-07 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-14 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Wednesday Under the Stars, hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Settle into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage and embark on an unforgettable journey through the night sky as our expert guides use laser pointers to highlight stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies above. Listen to the captivating stories behind these celestial wonders while you unwind beneath the vast, glittering cosmos. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Through the Lens
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-11 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-08 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Experience the awe-inspiring Through the Lens event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life as you peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope to observe binary stars, distant planets, and shimmering galaxies. While awaiting your turn inside the dome, join our knowledgeable guides outdoors for a laser-assisted sky tour, connecting what you see through the lens with the vast panorama of the night sky. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

The Moon and Gas Giants
2025-11-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us at The Heide Observatory for an evening of lunar and planetary exploration as the Moon lights the way to Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus—the gas and ice giants of our solar system. Under clear skies, these bright worlds are easily visible through our telescopes, and the Moon’s glow makes star-hopping between them simple and fun. Events are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%; please watch for a confirmation email before attending. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Gnome Turning Workshop
2025-11-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Spin Up a Bit of Holiday Magic at the Lathe!
Long before factory ornaments lined store shelves, festive folk in Europe were carving and turning small wooden figures to guard their homes and bring a bit of whimsy to the winter season. Our Gnome & Gronk workshop brings that tradition to life — one spin of the lathe at a time.
Join us in our cozy, sawdust-swirled workshop to learn the basics of woodturning while crafting your very own wooden gnome (or “gronk,” if you like yours a little more mischievous). Whether you’re drawn to folklore, want to try something new, or just love a hands-on creative project, this workshop is a one-of-a-kind experience.

🧝‍♂️ What’s Included:

Beautiful domestic hardwood turning blanks
4 hours of guided shop time
Personalized instruction on lathe safety and technique
All tools and protective gear provided
Your own hand-turned gnome or gronk to take home

👥 Who It’s For: No experience? No problem! This workshop is perfect for:

Adults and teens (14+)
Crafty couples or creative friends
Anyone looking to try or learn Wood Turning in a fun and festive way

⚠️ Shop Safety Guidelines:
Woodturning is a rewarding but tool-based craft. To keep everyone safe, we ask that all participants:

Wear closed-toe shoes
Tie back long hair
Skip loose clothing, hoodies with strings, and dangling jewelry
Roll up long sleeves
Leave rings, bracelets, and watches at home

🎄 These workshops fill fast every year — grab your spot and get ready to turn up some holiday cheer!

Wreath-Making Workshop
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Get in the holiday spirit by creating your very own wreath! Made from fresh assorted evergreens from right here at Hawthorn Hollow, these wreaths are sure to be a unique and beautiful addition to your home this season.
Ticket includes all materials and help from staff, along with one wreath to take home! You may bring one helper at no additional cost, ticket is good for one 14 inch wreath. Light refreshments will be available.

Gemini Meteor Mash I (Cancelled due to weather)
2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States

Gemini Meteor Mash II (Cancelled due to weather)
2025-12-13 20:15 - 22:15 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States

Meteor Mingle: Quadrantids
2026-01-03 01:00 - 03:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Start the new year under the stars with Meteor Mingle: Quadrantids, one of the most active meteor showers of the year. While brief, the Quadrantids are known for intense bursts of activity, producing fast meteors and occasional bright fireballs during a narrow peak window. This early-morning observing session offers a quiet, immersive way to experience the night sky while learning about meteors, fireballs, and why this shower is so short-lived yet spectacular.
