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.

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 10-11, 2024

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 12-16, 2024

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 30-July 21, 2024

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 27-July 28, 2024

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.

June 21-23, 2024

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.

Summer 2024

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 6-8, 2024

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 26-29, 2024

Winona Dakota Gathering, Homecoming & Powwow

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 2024

Sandbar Storytelling Festival

Share your story
Winona’s newest original festival celebrates varied cultural traditions and human experiences through storytelling.

October 10-12, 2024

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