Events in Winona, MN

This monthly gathering at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum welcomes little art enthusiasts and their grown-ups for creative play and discovery. Toddler Tuesday offers hands-on activities such as painting with marbles, drawing, and making butterflies, along with free play and a chance for families to meet and connect. Storytime is led by MMAM’s resident storyteller, Laura Armstrong, and there is time for toddlers and caregivers to explore artworks in the galleries together. The session is come and go as you please. The family rate is $10 for toddlers and their grown-ups, and MMAM members receive a $5 rate. Preregistration online is available to make check-in quick. Designed for ages 1 to 5, though children of all ages are welcome. Free transportation can be arranged through Winona Transit’s Dial-A-Ride by calling 507-474-6626.

Engage Winona and Green Card Voices host a community gathering at Peter's Biergarten focused on meeting neighbors and sharing personal stories. The event includes a free dinner and features Story Stitch, a card-based conversation game that encourages connection and deeper understanding. It is family friendly, with youth and adults ages 10 and up welcome to participate in the game, and younger children provided a space and activities to play. Organizers are collecting brief responses to help with planning and evaluation, and will keep this information confidential. This series is supported by Peter's Biergarten, the Winona Eagles Club, Riverside Integrated Solutions, The Joy Labs, and Alerus.

The Sanborn Canoe team hosts an on-water meetup off Lake Lodge featuring the playful canoe game Dead Fish Polo, and no real fish are involved. This family friendly outing invites paddlers to bring a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard, or rent equipment at Lake Lodge. It runs weekly, weather permitting. For any changes, check the events page for updates.

A market offering a wide array of locally grown produce, honey, meats, baked goods, handcrafted items, and more.

Women gather by the fire at Kinstone under the new moon for a monthly circle centered on self discovery and sisterhood in the Stargazer Circle. Facilitation is provided by Sierra Lynn of Yog Collective or Deanna Skroch. Each gathering blends purposeful movement, guided breathing practices, emotionally focused conversation, and simple ritual in tune with the lunar cycle to foster unity, honor vulnerability, and deepen connection. Participation is donation based, and there is a $10 Kinstone admission. Arriving a little early to take care of entry before the circle begins is recommended.

Experience the coulee region on a scenic ride of about 140 miles that focuses on fundraising and awareness for American Legion programs. The ride ends with a post-ride party to cap the event.

This second installment of the two-part Winona Walking Tours series spotlights Third Street, led by a WCHS guide on a 60-minute walk along this historic corridor. Attendance at the first tour is not required, and a bottle of water is included. Tours start and end at the Winona County History Center. To secure a spot, call 507-454-2723 ext. 0, then pay at the tickets desk when you check in on the day of the tour. The fee is $10 per person for the public or $6 per person for WCHS members, priced per tour.

Local live music from Jackie Treehorn and The Malibu Sheriffs pairs with a local food truck and beverages.

A laid back campfire concert presented by the Campfire Concert Series, featuring live music from Jackie Treehorn and The Malibu Sheriffs. Expect an easygoing atmosphere focused on comfort rather than crowding, with friendly vibes and a cozy campfire setting.

An evening at Central Lutheran Church ELCA in Winona brings the Welcoming Table together with the annual Citizenship Day celebration, featuring a shared meal, opportunities to connect, and cultural highlights. The gathering is open to everyone, and reserving a seat in advance is requested.

Browse a great selection of locally grown produce, honey, meats, baked goods, artisan products, and more. Enjoy fresh foods and handcrafted items at the market.

Speakers Merle Hanson and Joe Hughes share tales from Winona’s past in the Winona Public Library’s Central Exchange Room. Previous talks have featured stories of Charley Goddard, Leon Bronk, and Anton Pehler, as well as landmarks like the Mississippi House and Gabrych Park, with Lena Weinberg noted as a crowd favorite. Each gathering opens another chapter of local history and invites curiosity about who will be highlighted next.

MMAM keeps the galleries open into the evening for this Third Thursday series, pairing art with a rotating monthly program highlight. Gallery admission for this night is $5, while MMAM members get in free, and students receive complimentary access on Free Student Thursdays. Make a night of it with Waterbar Cafe & Provisions’ Happier Hour, featuring drink specials and light bites that make an easy date-night pairing. Throughout the year the series includes three book events, three film screenings, three craft and cocktail workshops, and three musical performances, with program tickets sold separately from gallery admission.

Downtown Third Street in Winona turns into a free outdoor dance floor for the last street dance of the summer. Rain or shine, this community celebration is hosted by River City Ballroom Dancers and Breitlow Ballroom, transforming the block at Third and Center in front of Blooming Grounds with live Latin music and dancing. The night opens with a beginner salsa lesson led by April Dahl, continues with live music from Salsa del Soul, then shifts into late night Latin dancing with DJ Max. Salsa del Soul, a Twin Cities nine piece orchestra, performs dance styles from the Spanish speaking Caribbean such as son, son montuno, plena, cha cha cha, bachata, merengue, timba, and salsa. All are welcome. Before the salsa lesson, Peter's Biergarten presents Project Fine's Citizenship Celebration featuring recognition of naturalized citizens and cultural performances that celebrate Winona's diversity. Support comes from sponsors including Watlow, Bay State Milling, Peter's Biergarten, Blooming Grounds, Miya Japanese Bistro, Nate and Ally's, and Culligan.

Experience a scenic cycling tour through the bluff country of Southeast Minnesota, designed so every rider can tailor the day to their goals. Choose from multiple route options on pavement and gravel, including a new gravel option with more details to be announced. The ride welcomes beginners and seasoned cyclists alike, and e-bikes are permitted. Along the way, enjoy supported rest stops, beautiful vistas, and a friendly community that brings people back year after year. After the ride, celebrate with food, drinks, and live music. Registration is available, and the field typically fills each year.

Newcomb Valley Inn hosts a second annual poker run for Parkinson’s disease. Riders can register for $30, which covers entry with a chance at the top prize, a chicken dinner, and entertainment. Non-riders are welcome for $20, which includes the chicken meal and entertainment. A DJ and karaoke are planned, and bingo will take place at Newcomb Valley Inn. The run will kick off from one of the sign up bars. Event hosts can answer questions and accept donations to support the fundraiser.

Down East is back at HD Tavern in Holmen, Wisconsin for an evening centered on the music. It is a chance to truly feel the music.

A karaoke session featuring Derek is happening at Smokey's Bar and Grill. Take a turn at the mic with a favorite tune and enjoy hearing others perform.

Cars & Coffee returns to The Grind for a summer series that brings enthusiasts and neighbors together over coffee and a showcase of interesting rides. It is a laid back gathering where classic cars, motorcycles, sports cars, trucks, and unique vehicles are all welcome, with every make, model, and year invited to be part of the lineup. Spectators are welcome to enjoy a coffee, take a walk, and check out what is on show. The event is cohosted with Bluff Country Tri-State Cars & Coffee Events.

A free, family-friendly jazz gathering with the H3O Jazz Trio. The jam welcomes guest musicians to sit in, and donations collected support a different local nonprofit each month.

Tap into creativity with art-making inspired by the surrounding natural area. This free program is open to adults and youth, and children younger than 10 should be accompanied by an adult. It follows a drop-in format, so participants can start at any point during the session. All supplies and guidance are provided, and snacks are available. Offered in partnership with Winona Park and Rec.

Witness a rare sunset alignment at Kinstone that appears only at the equinox. Gather by the Enlightenment Stones, Atlas and Lancelot, to watch the sun line up and try to “Catch the Sun.” This is a quiet, reflective observance with a brief opening rite and a reading to bid farewell to summer. It serves as the sunset counterpart to a separate sunrise alignment held on the day of the equinox. Admission is $10 per person, payable at the Visitor Center upon arrival, and no registration is required. The Visitor Center and gift shop remain open to accommodate visits before or after the gathering. Dress for changing conditions and the ridge breeze, wear sturdy footwear, and consider bringing a camp chair or blanket for comfort. If weather is unfavorable, the observance may be canceled, with updates posted on the event’s website and Facebook pages.

Experience a rare equinox-only sight at Kinstone as the rising sun lines up through the Equinox Window to illuminate the Heart Stone, a moment known as the Heart Alignment. Watch from within The Three Witnesses sculpture, or sit quietly and soak in the light. This is a quiet, meditative gathering with a brief opening rite and reading to welcome Autumn. It is one of two equinox observances at Kinstone, with a separate sunset alignment offered the evening before on the last day of summer. Admission is $10 per person, paid in person at the Visitor Center and Gift Shop. No registration is required. Dress for the weather and consider bringing a camp chair for comfort. Conditions on the ridge can be breezy and cool, and many people underestimate the wind and chill. If weather is unfavorable, the gathering will be cancelled, with updates shared on the event pages for the website and Facebook. The setting is The Three Witnesses sculpture at Kinstone.

The market offers a wide selection of farm fresh produce, local honey, meats, baked goods, and handmade artisan goods, along with other items.

Winona Public Library’s Book Bingo brings multiple rounds of bingo in a variety of formats to Peter’s Biergarten, with books awarded as prizes. It takes place in an outdoor biergarten setting with tables, games, and colorful murals. In the event of rain, the event is canceled.

The Harvest Hustle 5K Trail Run/Walk offers a fall-themed adventure across Schwertel Family Farms and The Berry Market. The route starts and finishes at the farm, leading participants along scenic trails through a twisting corn maze, up into a beautiful valley, and beside the berry patch, with natural terrain and sweeping views throughout. Coordinated by Mandy of FIT for YOU Fitness and Danielle of Flex Appeal Fitness, it brings together local fitness, area businesses, and the spirit of the season, welcoming both seasoned runners and those who prefer a relaxed walk. A portion of the proceeds benefits G-E-T Athletes, supporting local youth and athletic development. After the finish, explore food, a beer garden, shopping, and seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and fresh vegetables at Schwertel Family Farms and The Berry Market for an extra taste of fall.

Joel Ward brings a heartfelt set to The Lily Pad Bar and Pizzas, pairing a rich, soulful voice with acoustic guitar and original songwriting. Hailing from Winona, Minnesota, he crosses stylistic boundaries with an original mix of roots, soul, folk, and rock and roll. His live shows carry vivid emotion that echoes the sincerity in his lyrics.

At the Dolmen at Kinstone, this community healing ritual centers on Fire and ancestral tending. Participants will build a shared shrine to honor those who came before, creating space to receive their guidance and support. Attendees are invited to bring photographs or written names of ancestors to place on the shrine, and these items will return home with each person afterward. Preparation can include paying attention to dreams, memories, or messages that may be arising from ancestral connections. The gathering is highly participatory. The form of the ritual emerges from the voices and needs of those present, with guidance from the elemental beings of Fire, Water, Earth, Nature, and Minerals. Everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is required. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the event. Participation is by donation, in addition to Kinstone’s $10 entry fee, with a scholarship fund available if cost is a barrier. An optional pre-ritual time in the parking lot focuses on setup, planning, and learning the language of ritual. The approach is informed by teachings from elders, including Dagara Elder Malidoma Somé and Elder Theresa Sykes Brittany.

Patina returns to Peter’s Biergarten in Winona’s historic downtown with a set of Celtic music that blends lively tunes, tender ballads and airs, and original pieces. Guests can enjoy the performance with a selection of beers from the bar and pair it with a meal from nearby downtown restaurants.

This is a chance to experience an in-person musical performance.

A yearly harvest gathering welcomes everyone to spend time on the farm. Browse a bounty of autumn produce, get creative with crafts, enjoy hay wagon rides, meet farm animals, and sample homemade treats. A relaxed day of fall fun for all.

Safely recycle unwanted electronics at no cost as the City of Arcadia teams up with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations for a community drop-off that is open to the public. The collection continues until the trailer is full. An aerial map with directions for drop-off and traffic flow will be posted in the comments. A wide range of items are accepted. Household electronics include CRT and LCD televisions and monitors, projection and wood console TVs, desktop towers, small-scale servers, laptops and Chromebooks, tablets, DVD, VHS and Blu-Ray players, VCRs, DVRs, gaming systems with battery-powered accessories, satellite receivers, routers and modems, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, desktop printers, scanners and fax machines, hard drives, flash drives and cell phones. Kitchen appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers, blenders, mixers, can openers, coffee makers, electric grills and tea kettles, food dehydrators and processors, pizza makers, toasters and toaster ovens, waffle makers and microwaves are welcome. Additional accepted electronics include calculators, cameras, holiday string lights, electric staplers, box and air circulator fans, home theatre systems and sound bars, hot glue guns, irons, label makers, landline phones with cords, motion detectors, navigation devices, portable CD players, power cords, radios including clock radios and CB radios, sewing machines, space heaters, stereo systems and speakers, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, and even VHS tapes, DVDs and cassette tapes. Personal care devices such as electric toothbrushes, curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers and massage tools are accepted, along with outdoor and shop items like electric power tools, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, tillers, shop vacuums, humidifiers and electronic exercise equipment. Some materials cannot be taken. Do not bring ballasts, large appliances, devices that contain Freon such as air conditioners or dehumidifiers, vape pens, smoke detectors, loose batteries, lamps or light bulbs, or anything containing liquids. Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations focuses on secure electronics and materials lifecycle programs that help keep reusable materials out of the waste stream.

Experience the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s as Emmy Award winning singer and songwriter Jack Norton brings vaudeville blues, hokum country, and vintage Americana to Holmen Library. Recognized by Tiny Tim and mentioned by the Minneapolis Star Tribune for standout acoustic performances, Norton presents a nostalgic program that channels early American music, blending vintage blues, ragtime jazz, and hokum folk.

Ecktoberfest brings a playful German vibe to the orchard, where lederhosen, tube socks, and beer are all part of the fun. Enjoy live music from Afflatus and grab a bite from Island Vibe and Monkey Business Grilled Cheese. It is the last weekend for pick-your-own apples, while they last, and the search has turned into a bit of a treasure hunt.

At Kinstone, a fire-centered ceremony brings closure to a year of intentions by releasing the messages written on brightly colored fabric ribbons that have been tied to the Tree of Intention. The gathering is scheduled a day earlier than the usual tradition due to a conflict with the Annual Autumn Open House. Admission is $10 per person, payable at the Visitor Center upon arrival, and attendees should plan to arrive a little early to check in. No registration is required.

Ecktoberfest brings German-themed fun to the orchard, with lederhosen, tube socks, and beer setting the tone. It is the last weekend for pick your own apples, available while they last and now more of a treasure hunt. Live music features Ditch Lilies. Food options include Island Vibe and Monkey Business Grilled Cheese.

Celebrate the season at an open house at Kinstone in rural Fountain City, Wisconsin, and spend the afternoon exploring a peaceful stone sanctuary. Expect a porch performance by The Bus Boys, a talk with Kristine Beck titled Stories of the Stones, a to-be-announced segment, self-guided exploration, and possible opportunities for tarot or other card readings. Tansy’s Traveling Kitchen food truck will be on site, and the Visitor Center will have coffee, tea, hot cocoa, sparkling water, soft drinks, and homemade cookies available. The Kinstone Gift Shop will also be open. The grounds will be open for discovery, including the labyrinth, chapel, stone circle, dolmen, yurt, sauna, prairie and food gardens, along with many large stone features. Additional highlights include standing stones, a cob oven, a light straw clay cabin, a rocket mass heater, a chapel built with thatched cordwood, and a sauna made from cordwood. You might spot three goats and cats that are in training as tour guides. Admission is free, and no registration is required. The event will proceed in any weather. Attendees are encouraged to dress for conditions and wear sturdy walking shoes, as the ridge can be breezy, and items like umbrellas, raincoats, hats, scarves, or gloves may be useful if it is chilly or wet. Bringing money for food and treats is recommended.

Women gather at Kinstone for a monthly circle held by the fire in the Stargazer Circle, attuned to the new moon and dedicated to reflection, connection, and renewal within a stone sanctuary that honors earth and sky. Guided by Sierra Lynn of Yog Collective or Deanna Skroch, the gathering focuses on self discovery and shared sisterhood. Each circle blends mindful movement, breath practices, and heartfelt conversation to build trust and unity. Simple rituals help set intentions for the coming lunar cycle, with the fire and the elements creating a supportive space. These gatherings are donation based in addition to Kinstone’s $10 admission fee. Please plan to arrive with time to purchase admission before the circle begins. Tickets are processed as a day pass, with more details available on the Kinstone website when selecting the event date.

Enjoy a fun night of country music with Andy Shore at HD Tavern, centered on good times and a welcoming vibe.

Test your limits on a flat 2.5-mile loop at Prairie Island Campground, completing as many laps as you choose between sunrise and sunset. Go solo or form a team, set your own pace, and take breaks whenever you like. Teams decide the order and number of loops for each member, and a Family Relay option allows up to five relatives, with at least one under 18, to participate together. Friends and family are welcome to cheer throughout the day. A large area will be available for tents or personal aid stations, and the start and finish will feature typical aid station food such as PB&J sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Participants may bring their own adult beverages, with no glass containers. Camping is available through Prairie Island Campground on both Friday and Saturday nights. After the race, enjoy food and live music. Part of the Storm Trail Race Series, this event welcomes every ability and speed, and the course is the flattest in the series with no big hills. All donations and a portion of proceeds support local providers of youth mental health services, with past recipients including Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center and Family & Children's Center.

A mostly uphill 5K honors the final miles of Evan Hansen’s 313-mile Portage for a Purpose completed in 2021. Participants will walk together along County Road M to Kinstone, and some may carry canoes to symbolize the burdens people carry in life. Evan will lead the route while portaging the original canoe, then place it in the Great Stone Circle on the stone called Eternity. The walk raises awareness about mental illness and suicide. Afterward there will be a fire ceremony at the Stargazer Circle where messages to loved ones can be written and, conditions permitting, ceremonially burned. Stories may be shared. Refreshments will be available in the Kinstone Visitor Center, and flowers or natural offerings may be placed at the Eternity Stone as a symbolic grave for those lost to suicide. The fee is $10 per person, with 100 percent donated to NAMI SE MN. All participant fees and all other admissions that day will be donated to NAMI SE MN. Pay and register at the Kinstone Visitor Center, walkers will be shuttled to the starting point, and no pre-registration is required. Those not walking or carrying a canoe may attend at Kinstone. The original canoe with signatures is permanently displayed at Kinstone, and Evan Hansen’s book Into the Wind will be available in the Kinstone Gift Shop.

Enjoy a relaxed orchard vibe with cold drinks, good company, and a full day of live music. The lineup features Edward David Anderson, Crooked Willow, Prank Williams, Lojo, Clay Fulton and the Lost 40, Funk N' Spuds, and Texas Toast. Wrapping things up, the headlining act will deliver a final Hoot with a farewell performance.

The day following the Hoot offers a relaxed reset for some and a chance to keep the momentum going for others. Enjoy live music from River Run and barbecue from the Smoke 'N Chrome BBQ food truck. It is a casual gathering that pairs live tunes and barbecue for anyone easing back in or ready to rev up again.

Sanskrit has long carried yoga’s most enduring wisdom, an ancient and highly precise language that shapes how teachings are understood. This beginner friendly course, led by Dr. Asavari Manvikar, offers a clear starting point for engaging those teachings in their original terms. It covers the Devanagari script, the basics of pronunciation, and frequently used words and ideas that ground the study of yoga. Whether Sanskrit appears in sutras, mantras, or the names of asanas, the sessions aim to turn uncertainty into understanding so the language feels approachable in both study and practice. No previous experience with Sanskrit is needed, and curiosity is welcome.

Explore the resourceful spirit of American Tramp Art in a hands-on workshop led by woodworker Nathan White. Learn the Crown of Thorns building approach, known for carefully notched pieces that interlock to create sculptural forms. Practice the basics of knife work, simple joinery, and hand carving while creating a star ornament or a small decorative piece. Along the way, hear about the tradition’s late 19th-century roots and its ties to itinerant makers and immigrants from Northern and Eastern Europe who transformed discarded cigar boxes and fruit crates into ornate frames, boxes, and objects. No prior woodworking experience is required. All wood will be prepared in advance, and tools are provided or can be purchased. Tuition is $150, the MMAM member rate is $140, and the materials fee is $15. About the instructor: Nathan White is a woodworker and artist based in Minnesota and originally from Milwaukee. He began with spoon carving, apprenticed at the Carpenter’s Boat Shop in Maine building wooden boats and furniture, and expanded his practice to bowl turning, carving, and the creation of shrines and altars that treat the vessel as both functional object and symbol. He has received Minnesota State Arts Board Folk and Traditional Arts Grants and completed residencies at Anderson Ranch Arts Center and North House Folk School, where he is part of the Artisan Development Program. His teaching honors craft lineage and the cycle of learning in which skills are practiced, shared, and passed forward.

This free community gathering at Living Simply Well centers on natural wellness and simple ways to support both physical and emotional well-being. Enjoy an essential oil snack and take part in a make-and-take project to bring something home. Everyone is welcome.

Marking the sixth and final month of Cars and Kickass, this gathering comes to the new Kickass Beef Jerky retail store with a trunk or treat theme. Attendees can bring candy and decorate their vehicles so kids can collect treats. Enjoy the mix of cars, coffee, donuts, Kickass jerky, and more. Season-long rewards are in effect, and anyone with a loyalty card from the first meet should bring it to receive a stamp.

Fresh Press Fest centers on apples pressed into juice right on site, offering the simple pleasure of tasting a sweet, just-made pour while watching the traditional press in action. Getting close to the press can turn into a hands-on moment, since you might be invited to pitch in. The event features live music by Nick Elstad. Food is available from Smoke 'N Chrome BBQ, Chef's Table.

At Winona Arts Center, Ben and Joan lead an immersive sound experience shaped by Tibetan bowls and gongs, creating tones that encourage deep relaxation and support meditation and expanded awareness. The vibrations are intended to cultivate balance and a sense of calm. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring items that add comfort, such as a cushion, yoga mat, blanket, or pillow, and chairs will also be available. The session concludes with a question-and-answer segment, a brief demonstration, and a hands-on opportunity to try the bowls and gongs. Tickets are available through Winona Arts Center for $15 per person.

Watch apples pressed into fresh, sweet juice and taste it right from the source. The old-fashioned pressing is fun to see, and if you linger by the press you might even get recruited to help. Enjoy live music from Noah James Hittner and grab a bite from the Smoke 'N Chrome BBQ food truck.

Explore the age-old art of willow basketry in a two day, hands-on workshop led by Zac Fittipaldi. Participants will make a small stake and strand hamper basket, beginning by twining the base, then setting vertical stakes and locking them with a three-stand twine before alternating French randing with three-stand twine up the sides and finishing with a 3-behind-1 border. Handles may be added at the end. Learn why willow has been valued for millennia, with roots tracing back to around 5000 BCE, and how this strong, flexible, and renewable material supports healthy wetland ecosystems by reducing erosion and fostering biodiversity. The class uses willow that is sustainably cultivated, harvested, and prepared in Sandstone, Minnesota. Tuition is $250, with a $240 rate for MMAM members, and there is a $100 materials fee paid to the instructor. Zac began his basketry journey with a year-long apprenticeship in 2008 and now runs a willow farm in southern Minnesota with about 20 basketry and ornamental varieties. He teaches with an emphasis on reconnecting people to earth-based skills and continues to practice techniques from around the world, focusing on traditional European willow and local northern black ash.

The 7th Annual Pumpkin Bash at Leading Edge Chiropractic returns as a free, community-wide celebration. Families can explore a trick-or-treat trail, bounce in inflatable play areas, and enjoy face painting, pumpkin themed games and crafts, and fresh popcorn. Look for mini fall family photo sessions and a variety of local food trucks. New highlights include a vendor fair featuring local small businesses with handmade goods, gifts, treats, and body care items, plus an LMNT Hydration Bar with samples of an electrolyte drink. Giveaways and surprises are planned throughout the event, and each child will receive a pumpkin while supplies last.

There are $4 and $5 taps until the kegs run dry. Live music comes from Freelance Valet, and food is available from the Monkey Business Grilled Cheese food truck serving Philippines cuisine.

At Kinstone, participants gather at The Three Witnesses sculpture to build a welcoming shrine and explore a deep relationship with the living world. The focus is on Nature and a return to what feels most genuine, inviting a slower, clearer way of listening and learning from the landscape. In this setting, the natural world is treated as a wise teacher that can help restore balance by guiding attention back to what is essential. Expect a space to step away from everyday noise, tune into subtle signs, and renew a sense of connection with all beings, both visible and invisible. This is a highly participatory ritual shaped by the people present. What unfolds arises from the voices in the circle and the relationships each person brings, with support from the elemental forces of Fire, Water, Earth, Nature, and Minerals. All are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Participants are encouraged to arrive with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from the Elements while offering care to one another. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted. These community healing rituals at Kinstone are part of a monthly series that runs from June through October. The approach is informed by teachings carried forward from elders including Dagara Elder Malidoma Somé and Elder Theresa Sykes Brittany. Participation is donation based, plus a $10 entrance fee to Kinstone, and a scholarship fund is available for those who need support.

Celebrate the newest ACOTAR installment with a cozy pajama-themed release gathering where preorders will be accepted. Enjoy fantasy-inspired music and a shared snack table, and participants are invited to bring something to contribute. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with quiet activities like reading, listening to an audiobook, or working on a puzzle.

Ease into the weekend with laid-back jazz at Blooming Grounds. Meet up with friends and take a moment to relax. Enjoy a full menu along with beer and wine, coffee drinks, and a selection of desserts, and there is no cover charge.

Explore the art of gourd jewelry in a hands-on workshop led by local artist Rachel Pauli. Participants create lightweight, seasonal earrings with a spooky twist, or opt for a keychain if preferred, using Tennessee spinner gourds grown in Winona. The session introduces gourd fundamentals, painting techniques, drilling, and attaching jewelry findings, and everyone takes home finished pieces the same day. No prior experience is required. Ages 14+. Tuition is $55, with a $45 member rate for MMAM, and includes one coffee from MMAM’s Waterbar Cafe + Provisions. Rachel Pauli is a jewelry artist based in Southeast Minnesota who works with homegrown gourds. Drawing on the natural shapes and textures from her garden, she transforms dried gourds into colorful, ultra light accessories that combine striking style with everyday comfort. Her process emphasizes sustainable practices and highlights the character of natural materials shaped by hand.

Explore sculptural form, Mexican folk art, and water centered storytelling in a two day cartonería workshop for adults that culminates in a hand built axolotl sculpture. While creating this iconic salamander, participants will consider its cultural, ecological, and symbolic meanings. Folk artist Gabriela Jiménez Marván leads the experience and teaches core cartonería techniques, a traditional Mexican paper sculpture method akin to papier mâché. The first day focuses on building an armature with repurposed materials and developing structure, proportion, and three dimensional form. The second day turns to surface building and finishing, bringing the piece to life with paint, color, and details inspired by the vibrant alebrije style. Stories about axolotls and alebrijes in Mexican history and contemporary culture are woven throughout. Everyone leaves with a finished axolotl and practical paper sculpture skills. Tuition is $150, with a $140 rate for MMAM members. Marván is based in Viroqua, Wisconsin and has spent more than a decade creating sculptures, murals, and illustrations, blending tradition with experimentation. Cartonería is central to her practice, with roots in Spain and a long history in Mexico. Her process may use wire armatures, reed frameworks, or clay molds to build layered paper forms, producing a surface that is typically smoother and stronger than standard papier mâché. The name comes from the Spanish word cartón, and today the craft is closely tied to Day of the Dead, when cartoneros create expressive Catrinas, skulls, and skeleton figures for public and cultural spaces. She is a recipient of a Midwest Culture Bearers Award through Arts Midwest.

This fundraiser and meat raffle benefits 22 students from the Arcadia School District who will learn about government through a close-up experience in and around Washington DC. Proceeds help cover each student's portion of the trip and airfare. The event includes games and opportunities to win prizes, and it will feature a prize drawing for the meat raffle. Tickets are available in advance for those who cannot attend.

Now in its second year, this chili cook-off happens alongside the Packer vs Patriots game. Enter as a contestant for $20, or take part as a guest judge for $5 to taste the entries and cast a vote. All entry fees are paid out to the top three vote-getters. Contestants provide a sample for tasting, guests sample and vote during the game, and winners are announced while the game is underway. A lucky chair game will be featured, and there will be a random prize drawing for attendees.

Explore doTERRA wellness at Living Simply Well through an introductory session on essential oils and how they may support both physical and mental well-being. Learn what they are, ways to weave them into daily routines, and practical tips for getting started. Open to all, whether new to essential oils or curious to learn more.

This event honors the 50th anniversary of World Maikido’s founding in Malaysia with an awards banquet at the Winona Athletic Club. The celebration continues with live music and a Burger Night afterward.

Patina performs a program from the Celtic repertoire, featuring Irish traditional music, at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

A Thanksgiving-themed Welcoming Table offers an evening of food, friendship, and culture. Everyone is welcome to take part in this community gathering, and reservations are requested to ensure seating.

Explore the centuries-old Polish folk art of pająki, colorful mobiles crafted from straw and paper, in a two-day workshop led by artist and community song leader Britt Malec. Traditionally made in late autumn for the Christmas season, these vibrant creations feature bold colors and intricate paper pompoms, and they have long been hung to brighten rooms, offer protection, and bring blessings. On the first day, participants learn about the history and cultural background, choose materials, and practice the basics of making paper pompoms. The second day introduces more advanced pompom styles along with additional embellishments such as paper flowers, dried peas, and various garlands. Everyone leaves with a completed pająk and the confidence to source materials and continue creating at home. Good fine motor coordination is helpful, as activities include threading needles, folding small pieces of paper, and tying numerous small knots. Tuition is $200, MMAM members pay $190, and there is a $15 materials fee. Britt Malec is a visual artist and community song leader from Grand Marais, Minnesota. Her practice draws on Slavic and Nordic folk art, botanical illustration, and ethnobotany, shaped in part by time spent in her grandmother’s garden, and centers on connecting people with place, craft, and one another.

Celebrate National Jukebox Day with a pre-Thanksgiving Blackout Wednesday party filled with music, games, and giveaways. Enjoy a buy one, get one offer on the TouchTunes jukebox, complimentary snacks, and the return of game night after last year’s fun. Drink specials include 50 cents off Dr drinks and more. Sharing the invite with ten friends enters participants into a drawing for a $50 bar tab.