where scenic bluffs meet standing ovations
Big creativity in a bluff-side town. Winona’s arts scene blends beautiful historic venues, incredible annual festivals, and river-inspired creativity year round—making every visit a chance to experience something original.
The ARC: Home of the Historic Masonic Theatre
The ARC: Home to non-profit arts, culture, and recreation organizations such as Great River Shakespeare Festival, Frozen Film Fest & More.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
From contemporary exhibitions to educational programs, MMAM engages visitors and the community with great art inspired by water and is located along the banks of Mississippi River.
Winona Arts Center
Committed to increasing community awareness of the arts by featuring work of visual artists, provided space for performances, readings, films, workshops and more!
be a part of it all
From gorgeous galleries overlooking the mighty Mississippi, to a downtown history center that’s steeped in culture; Winona has something for modern art lovers and historians alike.
- Winona County History Center: Located downtown featuring rotating lobby art shows, rental space, and an amazing Museum Shop.
- Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM): Located on the banks of the Mississippi and housing waterbar cafe + provisions, MMAM engages visitors and locals with great art inspired by water.
- Winona National Bank: Standing for over 100 years, this Egyptian Revival style building also serves as a museum. Featuring Italian marble, an original steel vault, and Tiffany stained-glass windows. The upstairs of the building also displays historic gun and safari collections of the bank’s original owners.
- Watkins Museum and Store: Headquarters of Watkins spice production, the museum offers visitors a view of the 157-year history with displays about the company’s origins, products, advertising, memorabilia and more.
- Polish Cultural Center & Museum: Dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Winona’s Kashubian and Polish communities, this downtown museum collects, conserves, and showcases artifacts, art, and historical records of these community members.
From meaningful art experiences to engaging and educational programs, Winona’s museums offer plenty of inspiration for patrons of all ages. Nestled between the bluffs, Winona is proud to showcase creative art curations set amongst breathtaking views.
winona is center stage
From intimate shows featuring locals you know and love to world-class festivals along the river, the stage lights shine on Winona.
- Frozen River Film Fest Feb 1-8, 2026: Local & internationally acclaimed screenings across the city as part of this Indie-film fest celebration.
- Mid West Music Fest May 8-9, 2026: An all-ages, multi-venue & multi-genre fest, Mid West Music Fest promotes funk, soul, and indie rock across the city.
- Great River Shakespeare Festival June 24-July 26, 2026: Pericles & A Midsummer Night's Dream will paint the arts scene!
- Minnesota Beethoven Festival Jun 28-Jul 19, 2026: An annual, three-week classical music festival, this event welcomes world renowned artists like Yo- Ma, Minnesota Orchestra, and more.
- Winona Jazz Fest Aug 14-16, 2026: This year’s 39th annual festival will be new and expanded! Showcasing local and guest musicians and giving jazz lovers a reason to bop all season.
- Boats & Bluegrass Fest Sept 24-26, 2026: This laid-back festival offers 30+ artists across multiple days at one stunning venue (Prairie Island Campground).
- Sandbar Storytelling Festival Oct 7-11, 2026: Create, observe & preserve human experiences through all types of storytelling.
Front-Row Feels Closer
Unforgettable shows, artists you can meet, historic theaters, and more. Winona is your weekend away where scenic bluffs meet standing ovations.
- HBP Theater at St. Cecilia Hall: Located on the campus of Cotter Schools, this theater underwent a major renovation in 2017. Boasting excellent sight-lines and acoustics, HBP Theater offers 408 seats and a spacious lobby which serves drinks before and during all performances.
- The ARC | Home of the Historic Masonic Theatre: This recently opened theatre/stage showcases fundraisers, concerts, and theatrical events. It also houses Frozen River Film Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival, River City Dancers, and Theatre du Mississippi.
- WSU Performing Arts Center: Home to Winona State Theatre & Dance, this venue features a variety of performance spaces, practice rooms, and a study lounge. It also houses two theatres and a recital hall where student performances take place.
In addition to auditoriums and theaters, Winona also has a local brewery with a great stage and programming like karaoke, open mic night, and live music. No Name Bar is also a unique venue for over 200 rotating events and shows annually.
