Things to Do in Winona, MN in October 2026

Hosted in partnership with the Winona Public Library. Bring any book, grab a drink or a cozy blanket, and enjoy a dedicated hour of quiet reading with fellow book lovers in a relaxed social atmosphere. Open to adults 18 and up.

Sponsored by the Winona County Historical Society, this year’s theme is “Winonans Just Wanna Have Fun!” Local actors bring regional history to life indoors for a fully accessible theatrical experience before the outdoor cemetery walks begin.

Celebrate the museum’s 20th anniversary and their Making Waves theme at this immersive autumn masquerade. The evening features spooky lake stories by Geo Rutherford, mask-making studios, tintype portrait stations, seasonal refreshments, and live music.

A beautiful community event honoring regional Indigenous heritage. Featuring a Moccasin Tournament, Tipi raising, community art workshops, a Saturday evening Unity Feast, and an Elders Coffee Social on Sunday morning. An event not to be missed.

Explore local resources for woodworking, ceramics, 3D printing, print studios, and fiber arts. A perfect Saturday morning stop to see how you can create and learn within Winona’s premier community makerspace. Free admission every week.

Ideal for families and young students, this special youth program highlights Mexican folk art and cultural traditions. Includes a bilingual reading and a hands-on sugar skull decorating activity. Free and welcoming for all ages.

The outdoor portion of the Winona County Historical Society’s annual theatrical walk. Local actors costume up to portray historic figures amidst the picturesque fall landscape of Woodlawn Cemetery. Register in advance and experience Winona history like never before.

Gather your crew for an evening of local food, craft drinks, and multi-round bar bingo with progressive weekly jackpots. Cards are $1 each. Adults only event; not suitable for children.

Kicking off the annual five-day Sandbar Storytelling Festival, join Tales & Ales with Reverend Jones for an evening of compelling chronicles in a casual brewery environment. Free to the public. Adults only.

A premier regional event celebrating the power of oral traditions. Includes world-class storytelling performances, workshops, youth events, and community concerts designed to preserve cultural histories. Five days of stories spanning venues across the entire city of Winona.

Presented by Theatre du Mississippi, hosts Tristan Miller and Rae Peter lead a free, open-to-the-public night of fast-paced improvisational games and sketches. Great food and cold local brews available on-site. Admission is free.

A fantastic local date night or creative outing with friends. Drop by the makerspace to select ceramic pieces and apply custom glazes. All items are fired on-site for later pickup. A hands-on experience that makes for great fall memories.

Challenge your endurance or join as a spectator. Participants push their limits on the island tracks from dawn until dusk during peak bluff color season along the Mississippi. One of the most scenic athletic events in the region.

Perfect for parents and guardians with toddlers aged 1 to 5. Includes seasonal storytelling sessions, free-play exploration, and hands-on toddler art projects in the MMAM galleries. A gentle, enriching morning out for the little ones.

Hosted by the MN POAC, this regional event welcomes horse enthusiasts, families, and competitors from across the Midwest for educational displays and riding exhibitions. Three full days in the Gilmore Valley — a great fall outing for the whole family.

Unwind with Tibetan bowls, ambient gongs, and sensory tones curated by Ben Rohde and Joan Filla. Designed to invite deep physical relaxation and peace amidst the busy autumn season. A restorative afternoon in the heart of Winona.

Bring the family for a lively afternoon of live jazz presented by the Upper Mississippi Jazz Society and the H3O Jazz Trio. Admission is free, and all donations directly benefit a designated local nonprofit. A warm, welcoming Sunday afternoon vibe.

Grab dinner or a pint and enjoy regional acoustic artists Kyle Gruehlke and Jim Reineke as they perform stripped-back traditional and contemporary tunes. A laid-back Tuesday evening in one of Winona’s favorite gathering spots.

This month’s history book club meets to discuss The Nature of Fragile Things. Free and open to all community literary fans. A great lunchtime discussion the week before Halloween — bring your curiosity and your appetite for history.

Learn how Victorians viewed spiritualism and scientific curiosity with an immersive presentation of authentic period ghost stories inside this historic gothic-revival home. The perfect way to spend Halloween Eve. Sessions are intimate and tickets go fast.