Family events in Winona, MN

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.

Pet Expo LAX is a charitable celebration of animals and the people who love them, presented by the Alliance of Wisconsin Animal Rehoming Efforts. All admission and raffle proceeds support AWARE’s mission to improve the lives of companion animals across Wisconsin. Explore more than 100 exhibits with interactive learning areas, animal shelters and rescues, and vendors highlighting new pet products and services. Meet adoptable animals and discover care tips for cats, dogs, reptiles, and small pets. Featured attractions include Windy Kitty Cat Club’s ACFA Championship & Household Pet Cat Show, the Reptile Education Area with encounters involving snakes, spiders, and lizards, the Small Animal Education Station focused on pocket-pet care, and Kids Place with activities and pet-focused learning for all ages. The Product Showcase and Auction offers a chance to bid on new items from exhibitors, with proceeds benefiting homeless pets in Wisconsin. Personal pets are not allowed, and service animals trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome. No animal sales take place at this event. Tickets are available at the door.

Fresh Press Fest puts the spotlight on apple juice pressed right before your eyes. Watch the press in action as it turns apples into sweet, just-made juice, then enjoy the fresh flavor. If you linger too close, you might be invited to lend a hand, all in good fun. The lineup features live music from Nick Elstad and food from Smoke 'N Chrome BBQ and Chef's Table.

Trinity Lutheran Church serves roughly 100 meals each Monday night, and for this meal First Lutheran will handle preparation and service. Volunteers of all ages, including children, are welcome to help on site with tasks such as organizing and bagging food, portioning meals into trays and packing them, and washing dishes. Meals are currently provided to go, and a possible shift to in-house dining would mean extra hands are needed for cleanup and dishwashing. Support with planning and cooking the main entree is also appreciated.

Chapter Club offers a calm, friendly read aloud hour for students in grades K through 6. Longtime volunteer leader Mr. Petersilie, who has guided the club for more than three decades, shares his storytelling talents while the group explores a book chosen by the kids. Each gathering begins with a quick recap of the previous session, making it easy to jump in at any time. A snack is served at the halfway point courtesy of Mr. Petersilie. Participants are welcome to listen, work on homework, or spend quiet time coloring or doing crafts, with supplies provided by the library.

La Crescent Public Library hosts a hands-on makerspace where all ages can explore STEAM through creative activities. Try art projects, build with blocks and LEGO bricks, set marble mazes in motion, see how gears work, and experiment with electricity and magnetism kits. Everyone is welcome.