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.
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 5-12, 2023
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 three days and rolls from every venue in town.
May 12-13, 2023
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 14-18, 2023
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 20-July 30, 2023
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.
June-July 2023
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 2023
Great 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.
September 2023
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 21-24, 2023
Sandbar Storytelling Festival
Share your story
Winona’s newest original festival celebrates varied cultural traditions and human experiences through storytelling.
October 12-14, 2023