09/23/2026
📣BREAKING NEWS!📣
We are excited to report that the Oshkosh City Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment District (DORA) for the Sawdust District at last night's meeting.
Members of the Sawdust District Entertainment Collaborative were present to advocate for this measure because it's meant to encourage more pedestrian traffic, longer visits in the SDEC and more dollars spent while enjoying hospitality outlets throughout our side of Main Street. Thank you to the City Council for supporting this measure.
➡Current establishments included are: Flights W**e and Cocktail Club, Badger Tavern - Oshkosh (inside Mill on Main), Greenes Pour House at the Granary, Dockside Tavern, Sometimes at Pioneer Island, Fifth Ward Brewing Company, Houge's Bar, Evil Roy Slades and Oshkosh Arena (including its 1212 Sports Pub & Grill). The bridges on Main and Oregon are also included, so folks can walk freely with beverages from one side to the other.
Why is this important on a larger scale? The more vibrant a business district becomes, the more people want to be a part of it. With various vacant commercial building spaces available for lease or sale within the Sawdust District, along with several undeveloped lots, providing greater opportunities to spend time on this side of town is a reason for more business to locate here. Greater economic growth in the Sawdust District expands the city's tax base, which is good for all taxpayers.
For now, the hours will mirror that of downtown's DORA District of 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 1 to 10 p.m. Saturdays. However, the hope is to eventually secure council support to extend hours to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week both in the Sawdust District and downtown.
🌙If you're coming to next week's Sawdust Nights - Night Market, know that you can stroll freely to and from the market at the arena to any of the businesses included in the newly created Sawdust District DORA!