Things to Do in Winona, MN
in May 2026
Universities, schools, churches, live music, art, races, and community events — listed in calendar order.
May is one of Winona’s most vibrant months. Commencements bring families to WSU and Saint Mary’s, high schools celebrate with concerts and competitions, bars fill with live music nearly every night, and the Mississippi River comes alive with outdoor events. All events below are listed in chronological order.
WSHS Big 9 Music Festival
Winona Senior High School music students compete at the Big 9 Music Festival at Northfield High School — the culmination of the spring music season. The Big 9 Preview Concert was held April 29 at WMS Auditorium. Cheer on the Winhawks!
WSHS WebsiteIV Play — Live at Winona State University
An end-of-semester concert on the WSU campus on the last day of the Spring 2026 term. IV Play performs for students and the community as a springtime sendoff.
WSU EventsSMU Winona Undergraduate Commencement
Saint Mary’s University celebrates its Class of 2026 at the David R. Thies B’59 Arena. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.; convocation begins at 11:00 a.m. A reception follows immediately. The SMU Bookstore is open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for graduation gifts and alumni gear. Free shuttles available from parking lots.
SMU Commencement InfoCommunity Builders Book Club — Final Session
Engage Winona and the Winona Public Library wrap up their Community Builders Book Club with Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg — exploring how public spaces like libraries and parks strengthen civic life. Free; registration at winona.lib.mn.us.
Engage WinonaWinona Jazz Collective — Monthly Jazz Night
Jazz Night returns to No Name Bar for the 2025–2026 season, presented by the Winona Jazz Collective. WJC performs 7:00–8:15 PM, followed by an open jam with students and community musicians from 8:45–10:00 PM. One of the best recurring music nights in Winona.
No Name Bar EventsWSU Spring 2026 Commencement
Winona State University celebrates its graduating Class of 2026. Families and the community are welcome. Summer 2026 classes begin May 9 — WSU remains active all summer with arts events, campus galleries, and the Great River Shakespeare Festival arriving in June.
WSU CommencementMid West Music Fest 2026 — 17th Annual
Winona’s premiere indie music event returns for year 17. Two days, 45+ bands, 4 downtown venues — all genres, all community. A nonprofit festival dedicated to discovering and supporting regional artists. Tickets sold separately for Friday and Saturday.
Get Tickets4K Run & Kids Run
A family-friendly 4K road race and kids run in Winona on Saturday, May 9. A great springtime event for all ages to enjoy Winona’s riverfront and bluff scenery on foot.
Race DetailsWSU Summer 2026 & May Session Classes Begin
Summer 2026 and May Session classes begin at Winona State on May 9. The campus stays active all summer with students and community programming — a great time to visit the Watkins Gallery and catch campus events.
WSU Summer SessionHomer Church Gospel Hour — 3rd Sunday
The monthly Homer Church Gospel Hour takes place every third Sunday at the historic Homer Church on Old Homer Road in Homer, just outside Winona. Local musicians perform harmonizing vocals and praise songs in this intimate 19th-century church setting. Open to all — a cherished area tradition.
Winona Post EventsTales of Winona’s Past — 3rd Thursday Storytelling
Merle Hanson and Joe Hughes share stories of Winona’s colorful history every third Thursday at the Winona Public Library’s Central Exchange Room. Tales of local legends, historic figures, and the city’s river heritage — free and open to all.
Visit Winona EventsMinnesota Marine Art Museum — Third Thursday Evening
MMAM’s third Thursday features extended late hours with discounted $5 gallery admission after 5 PM, plus programming tied to the Water Music chamber concert series — now in its fifth season in partnership with the Winona Symphony Orchestra. Four major spring exhibitions are on view all month.
MMAM ScheduleNational Eagle Center River Cruises — 2026 Season Opener
The National Eagle Center kicks off its summer river cruise series on May 23. Eagle-viewing cruises aboard WSU’s Cal Fremling floating classroom and the Spirit of the Water give a one-of-a-kind look at the Mississippi River from the water. A series of 11 cruises runs through summer.
Winona Post EventsMemorial Day — WSU & MSC Southeast Closed
WSU and Minnesota State College Southeast observe Memorial Day on May 25 — no classes, offices closed. A great day to visit Winona’s veterans memorials, walk the Great River State Trail, or spend time along the Mississippi.
WSU CalendarDesperate Electric + Matcha Fever at No Name Bar
Described as “Montana’s hottest power disco duo,” Desperate Electric brings their high-energy live show to No Name Bar with support from Matcha Fever. Music at 9 PM. No Name Bar is a 150-capacity intimate venue — come early.
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Live Jazz Evenings at The Lafayette
The Lafayette in downtown Winona hosts live jazz every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening from 6–9 PM. Craft cocktails, wine, and great live music in an intimate downtown setting. One of Winona’s most consistent music nights all spring and summer.
Winona Evening EntertainmentVaries
Two Fathoms Brewing — Live Music & Events
Two Fathoms Brewing hosts live music, comedy nights, and community events throughout May. Past spring events have included Loud Mouth Brass, Jazz Jams, and Comedy Nights. Check their Facebook page for the May schedule.
Two Fathoms FacebookNights
No Name Bar — Saturday Karaoke Night
No Name Bar hosts Karaoke Night every Saturday at 9 PM. Open to all, fun and welcoming — a great excuse to visit Winona’s top independent music venue any weekend in May.
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Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winona — Sunday Services
The UU Fellowship of Winona holds weekly Sunday services at Wesley United Methodist Church featuring community speakers, civic discussions, and presentations open to all. Free and welcoming to visitors and newcomers.
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Winona Drum Circle
The Winona Drum Circle meets every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6:00–7:30 PM, and 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30–8:00 PM at the Winona Arts Center. All experience levels welcome — drummers, dancers, and listeners alike.
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Minnesota Marine Art Museum — Four Spring Exhibitions
MMAM on the Mississippi is running four concurrent exhibitions: “Mystical Waters” by Robert Gonzalez (Mayan mythology and water imagery); “The Coast and the Sea” (49 paintings from the NY Historical Society on early American maritime history); “Water | Craft” (weaving, pottery, glass, and textiles addressing climate and water); and “Splish, Splash, Story” (children’s picture book illustrations from The Eric Carle Museum). Free children’s programming and the waterbar café on-site.
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WSU Watkins & Weber Galleries — Senior Exhibitions
WSU’s Watkins Gallery and Weber Gallery in Watkins Hall host graduating senior exhibitions and student art shows in April and May. Free and open to the public. A great way to discover emerging local talent from WSU’s Art and Design department. Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM (Wed until 8 PM).
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Minnesota State College Southeast — Programs & Events
MN State College Southeast (Winona campus) offers career and technical education programs throughout May, including welding, manufacturing, and healthcare pathways. MSC Southeast recently hosted the American Welding Society’s “Behind the Mask” competition. Check their events page for open houses and community events.
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Cotter Schools — Spring Elementary Art Show & Summer Program Registration
Cotter Schools presents its annual Elementary Art Show celebrating student creativity across the campus. May is also when Cotter opens registration for its 2026 Summer Enrichment and Activity Programs — arts, academics, sports, and more for students of all ages.
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SMU Student Variety Show — “Gaslight”
Saint Mary’s University students present “Gaslight,” a student-directed and performed variety show at SMU’s Page Theatre. Past performances have been listed at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Check SMU’s events calendar for final May show dates.
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St. Mary’s Parish — Mass & Community Events
St. Mary’s Parish on the Cotter campus hosts regular Mass services and community events throughout May. A cornerstone of Winona’s Catholic community, open to all visitors. Check Cotter’s community calendar for any special events at St. Mary’s Chapel of the Angels.
Cotter / St. Mary’s
