Winona, Minnesota
Events & Things to Do
in March 2026
Spring is coming to the bluffs — and St. Patrick’s Day is leading the charge. Here’s everything happening in and around Winona this March.
March in Winona is a month of transition — the Mississippi River ice thins, the bluffs hint at green, and the community comes alive after the long winter. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, March 2026 has something for everyone, with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations anchoring the middle of the month.
Below are verified events for March 2026. Always confirm times and details with each organizer before heading out, as schedules may change.
All March 2026 Events — In Date Order
St. Patrick’s Day Grocery Bingo – Winona State University
Get your green on early! WSU is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed Grocery Bingo in the Kryzsko Ballroom. Play to win snacks, drinks, and other prizes in this festive early-March celebration on campus.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Winona Health hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive — a great way to give back to your community this March. All blood types are needed. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment.
Community Builders Book Club
Engage Winona and the Winona Public Library host the Community Builders Book Club, exploring how communities grow stronger through civic participation. This session focuses on Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles L. Marohn Jr. Register at winona.lib.mn.us.
All About Baby: Dad’s Group
Winona Health hosts this supportive group for new and expecting dads. A welcoming space to connect with other fathers in the community.
Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Association hosts their annual parade on Saturday, March 14th — the weekend before the holiday. Free to watch; $25 entry fee to march. The MSPDA raises 100% of proceeds for the American Diabetes Association and Camp Needlepoint, a summer camp for children with diabetes.
Maple Lake St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Craft Sale
A charming small-town St. Patrick’s Day parade in Maple Lake, MN. The parade starts at 1:30 PM on Division Street East, heads west, turns south on Maple Avenue, and ends on 1st St. West. Food vendors line Birch Avenue after the parade. A fun, family-friendly option if you want a classic small-town Irish celebration.
MN StoryCollective Housing Insights Session
Engage Winona and MN StoryCollective present a community conversation reflecting on housing insights gathered from the Winona area. Community members, local leaders, and state staff will collaborate to envision pathways to strong communities. Open to the public.
Childbirth Education Class
Winona Health’s full-day childbirth education class for pregnant mothers and their partners. Register at winonahealth.org/childbirth or email childbirth@winonahealth.org.
Celtic Music with Patina – Elmaro Vineyard
Just across the river from Winona, Elmaro Vineyard hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the beloved Celtic band Patina — a violin, flute, bodhrán, accordion, and guitar ensemble playing traditional and original Celtic music. Enjoy green wine, Guinness, and an afternoon of Irish tunes with breathtaking Mississippi River Valley views. Arrive early for the best seats! Check elmarovineyard.com for the confirmed 2026 date.
Wabasha Annual St. Patrick’s Day Irish Parade
Started in 1988 as a spontaneous idea between three friends, Wabasha’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Parade has grown into a beloved Bluff Country tradition. Tractors, floats, families, and community groups march from the bridge to the VFW. A free corned beef and cabbage dinner at the local VFW has been a popular post-parade tradition. Just a scenic 30-minute drive up the Mississippi from Winona.
60th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Saint Paul
Make the drive to downtown Saint Paul for the 60th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade — one of the largest in the nation, organized by the all-volunteer St. Patrick’s Association since 1967. The parade begins at noon at Mears Park and concludes at Rice Park. Post-parade festivities at CHS Field run 12:30–2:30 PM with live music, food, and Guinness. Free to attend.
Healthcare Directive Information Session
Free informational program where volunteers help you understand and complete Healthcare Directives for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. RSVP required: call 507.457.4342.
Open Mic Night at Zane’s Stage – Winona State University
Winona State University opens the stage for students and community members to perform. Whether you’re a singer, poet, dancer, or instrumentalist, this is your night to shine. A fun, casual evening of local talent at WSU.
Winona Symphony Orchestra Gala at Remlinger Collector Car Museum
A special evening benefiting the educational outreach programs of the Winona Symphony Orchestra. The museum opens at 5 PM for tours, beverages, small bites, and silent auction bidding, followed by a gourmet buffet dinner. Surrounded by the finest private collection of vintage drag race cars in the Midwest — a truly unique Winona experience. Check kqal.org for ticketing details.
All About Baby: Dad’s Group (Second Session)
Second March meeting of the Dad’s Group at Winona Health. Connect with other new and expecting fathers in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Kryzsko After Dark: Overwatch 2 Tournament & More
Winona State’s Kryzsko After Dark returns with an Overwatch 2 tournament (teams of 3 compete for up to $90 in gift cards), plus bingo, karaoke, free Panda Express, trivia, laser tag, and prizes. A fun-packed night for students and the Winona community.
Good Food, Smart Business Workshop
Presented by Engage Winona in partnership with the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center, this workshop is designed for food-based businesses and aspiring food entrepreneurs. Learn how to turn a great food idea into a strong, sustainable business. Free and open to the public.
Ongoing Through March
Four Exhibitions at Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM)
MMAM’s 2026 theme is “Making Waves.” Throughout March, explore four concurrent exhibitions: Splish, Splash, Story (children’s book illustrations from The Eric Carle Museum), Mystical Waters by Robert Gonzalez, Water | Craft (contemporary craft and environmental art), and A Spectacle in Motion — The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World. Every third Thursday, MMAM stays open late with $5 admission after 5 PM and Happier Hour at the Waterbar Cafe. Visit mmam.org.
Art Exhibit: Clyde Stutesman – Blue Heron Coffeehouse
Artwork by Clyde Stutesman is on display at Blue Heron Coffeehouse through March 22. Free and open to the public during normal coffeehouse hours — a lovely way to enjoy local art over your morning cup.
Live Jazz at The Lafayette
Enjoy live jazz in the intimate setting of The Lafayette cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Winona every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine and soak in the ambiance — one of Winona’s best ongoing evening experiences.
Stories of Winona’s Past – Third Thursdays
Merle Hanson and Joe Hughes tell tales of Winona’s colorful history at the library’s Central Exchange Room every third Thursday. A free, engaging event for history lovers of all ages.
Taproom Trivia at Two Fathoms Brewing
Test your knowledge with General Knowledge Trivia at Winona’s downtown craft brewery. Great prizes, great beer — a fun Thursday night out for all.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday in 2026, so many celebrations will span the weekend of March 14–15 AND the actual holiday on March 17. Wabasha’s parade, Elmaro Vineyard’s Celtic music, and the Minneapolis parade all take place on different dates — making it easy to celebrate multiple times! Check individual event pages for confirmed 2026 times and details before you go.
