Events and Things to Do in Winona, Minnesota in April 2026
Spring comes alive along the Mississippi bluffs this April. From world-class museum exhibitions and symphony concerts to Earth Day celebrations and football on the field, Winona has something for everyone this month.
April 2026 Events
Red Cross Blood Drive
The Red Cross is partnering with Winona Health to host a community blood drive. Walk-ins may be welcome, but appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times.
Winona Health Calendar →Infant CPR & Choking Class
A free educational class for parents and caregivers covering infant CPR techniques and choking response. Hosted by Winona Health staff.
Learn More →WSU Warrior Club Scholarship Night
Gear up and game on at the Warrior Club Scholarship Night! Wear your jeans and favorite Winona State Warrior apparel and enjoy a live auction, casual dinner, and great conversation. Proceeds support student-athlete scholarships at WSU.
Event Details →MMAM Third Thursday
Enjoy extended evening hours at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum with discounted $5 gallery admission after 5 PM. Third Thursdays feature a rotating monthly program along with access to all current exhibitions including “Mystical Waters,” “Water | Craft,” “Splish, Splash, Story,” and “The Coast and the Sea.”
Visit MMAM →Water Music: Winona Symphony Orchestra at MMAM
The Winona Symphony Orchestra continues its partnership with MMAM for “Water Music” — evenings that marry two art forms and celebrate their shared inspiration. Enjoy chamber music performances surrounded by world-class art on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Winona Symphony Orchestra →Stories of Winona’s Past
Merle Hanson and Joe Hughes tell tales of Winona’s colorful history every third Thursday of the month. Learn about the fascinating people and events that shaped this river city. Free and open to the public.
Winona Public Library →WSU Research & Creative Achievement Day
Winona State University students and faculty showcase their research and creative work. Classes meeting before 3:30 PM are cancelled for this campus-wide celebration of academic achievement. Open to the community.
WSU Event Page →Winona Earth Day Celebration
This year’s theme is Consumption & Waste, with activities and vendors highlighting ways to reduce consumption and get creative with waste. Highlights include the Procession of the Species parade with recycled-material puppets and the Trashion Fashion Show. Community partners include Happy Dancing Turtle, Winona Arts Center, Bluff Country Co-Op, the Winona Drum Circle, and many more.
Full Event Details →Winona State Warriors Spring Football Game
Catch a preview of the 2026 Warriors football season at the annual Spring Game. The free, family-friendly Spring GameDay Experience on Johnson Street features food trucks, vendors, student groups, and activities before the 1 PM kickoff on Maxwell Field.
WSU Athletics →Breastfeeding Education Class
An educational session for expectant and new parents covering breastfeeding techniques and support. Hosted by Winona Health maternity staff.
Winona Health Calendar →
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Ongoing & Recurring in April
MMAM Art Exhibitions
Four major exhibitions on view: “Mystical Waters” by Robert Gonzalez, “Water | Craft,” “Splish, Splash, Story” from The Eric Carle Museum, and “The Coast and the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America.”
Tue–Sun, 10 AM – 5 PM • 800 Riverview Drive
Visit MMAM →“The Seasons of Winona” Art Exhibit
Local photographer Jizhang Liu displays work throughout April at the Winona Public Library. Free to view during regular library hours.
All April • Winona Public Library, 151 W. 5th St.
Library Website →Live Jazz at The Lafayette
Enjoy live jazz in the intimate setting of The Lafayette in downtown Winona. Handcrafted cocktails, wine, and incredible ambiance.
Wed, Thu & Fri Evenings, 6–9 PM
Visit Winona Events →Winona Farmers Market (Indoor)
The winter indoor market continues through April with local produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, and more from regional vendors.
Alternating Saturdays, 9 AM – Noon • Morrison Annex, 363 E. 2nd St.
Farmers Market Info →Storytime & Parent Education
Join library staff for stories, songs, and movement on Tuesday mornings. Developed for children ages 2–5 with active caregiver participation. No registration required.
Tuesdays, 10–11 AM • Winona Public Library (2nd Floor)
Library Events →Grief Support Group
A supportive group meeting space hosted by Winona Health. Runs Mondays from April 6 through May 4.
Mondays, 4:30–5:30 PM • Winona Public Library, Private Meeting Room
Winona Health →Things to Do in Winona
Garvin Heights City Park
Drive or hike to one of the most spectacular overlooks in the Mississippi River Valley. The panoramic views of Winona, the river, and the surrounding bluffs are stunning in spring.
Great River Bluffs State Park
Just south of Winona off Highway 61, this state park features hiking trails along dramatic bluff-top overlooks of the Mississippi River floodplain. Wildflowers begin blooming in April.
Lake Park & Levee Park
Enjoy a stroll around Lake Winona or along the Mississippi River levee in downtown. Walking paths, benches, and spring birdwatching make these parks perfect for a casual outing.
Winona County History Center
Explore Winona’s rich heritage with exhibits on lumber barons, steamboat history, and the region’s cultural legacy. Located at 160 E. Johnson Street, open daily 10 AM – 4 PM.
Downtown Winona
Stroll the historic downtown and explore local shops, restaurants, breweries like Island City Brewing and Two Fathoms Brewing, and the vibrant live music scene at venues like No Name Bar and Hei & Low Tap.
Sugar Loaf Bluff
Winona’s iconic natural landmark. Visible from across the city, this distinctive limestone bluff formation is one of the most recognizable features of the Driftless Region.
April is a beautiful time to visit Winona as the bluffs turn green, the Mississippi comes alive, and the community shakes off winter with festivals, music, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a longtime local or discovering Winona for the first time, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this one-of-a-kind river city.
Plan your visit today and experience what makes Winona special.
