Winona’s original festivals
Aficionados flock to Winona for unique annual events
We call them the Winona Originals – festivals created, nurtured, and grown in Winona, some of them with national and international acclaim. Whether you’re into the delicate staccato of classical music or boot-stomping bluegrass, Indie bands or parades, Shakespeare or modern documentaries, Winona is the place to visit. The vibrant river-city arts scene spans music festivals, film festivals, art festivals and theater festivals that are truly world-class, one of a kind, and worth the drive from just about anywhere.
Winona Ice Fest
Climb to new heights this winter
The first-ever Winona Ice Fest in 2024 was a huge success, featuring exclusive climbing clinics, equipment demos, socials with live music downtown, and more! Save the date for 2025~
January 30-February 2, 2025
Frozen River Film Festival
Warm up with independent documentaries
Thousands flock to the annual four-day showing of both local and internationally acclaimed screen productions at the Frozen River Film Festival.
February 9-16, 2025
Mid West Music Fest
Come one, come all
Each spring, music lovers of all ages and bands of all genres collide in a city-wide celebration of music that rocks for two days and rolls from every venue in town.
May 9-10, 2025
Steamboat Days
The pride of Winona
A highlight of summer in Winona is Steamboat Days – 5 days chock full of fun that culminate with a Grand Parade and aah-inspiring fireworks.
June 11-15, 2025
Great River Shakespeare Festival
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears
This nationally recognized festival draws audiences from across the Midwest and professional actors from across the country.
June 26-July 27, 2025
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
The bluffs are alive… with sound of sonatas
The Minnesota Beethoven Festival fills indoor venues and a majestic outdoor band shell with the delicate refrains of history’s most important classical works.
July 2025
Dixieland Jazz Festival
Dixieland tradition
A Dixieland Jazz Festival, monthly jazz band performances, and even our own Mardi Gras celebration keeps the toe-tapping music alive here year-round.
July 2025
BaseCamp
Camp, explore, create, play
A new, annual celebration of the outdoors, tight-knit communities, and good old-fashioned pride in craftsmanship hosted by Sanborn Canoe Co., along the Mississippi River.
Summer 2025
Big Muddy Brew 'N Que
Party at the Levee
This annual festival features live music, Best in Area Grilling Competition, Bloody Mary Tasting, food trucks, cornhole competition, kids activities and more.
September 2025
Boats & Bluegrass Festival
Find your roots
For a knee slapping, boot-scooting good time, Winona’s legendary Boats and Bluegrass Festival – held along the shores of the Mighty Mississippi – has no rival.
September 25-28, 2025
Winona-Dakota Gathering
Honoring history
Winonans and members of the Great Dakota Nation pay homage to the Native American history of this land during this annual celebration.
October 2025
Sandbar Storytelling Festival
Share your story
Winona’s newest original festival celebrates varied cultural traditions and human experiences through storytelling.
October 9-11, 2025