Events in La Crosse today

The Jackson Plaza Summer Farmers Market returns with seasonal produce, local fare, artisan-made goods, and music performed live. Visitors can also explore and support the small businesses around the Plaza.

An Open Barn welcomes the public to the farm. Visitors can meet the animals, walk through the garden, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. Canvasback Coffee and Taco Town will be on site serving.

A women's workshop and healing circle facilitated by Nadine Machkovech. Attendance is limited to 20 participants.

Bring a printed draft and a pen to Study Room 1 for a supportive critique session. Participants will read one another's work and share feedback when it is requested. Please keep material appropriate for a PG-13 audience and limit submissions to 2,500 words.

A relaxed weekly walk for moms begins at Groovy Grounds Bistro and offers an easy way to get out of the house, move a little, and connect with other moms. Children are welcome in strollers, on bikes or scooters, or walking alongside. The walk is self-guided and set at your own pace, creating a welcoming, low pressure experience. After the walk, participants can stay for coffee, breakfast, or conversation at the bistro. No sign up is required.

At Fox Hollow Golf Course, golfers take the course for a four person best ball scramble with a shotgun start and cash payouts. Registration is open and only 12 spots remain. A game within a game awaits on a dozen holes, and the day features hole prizes, on course contests, and raffle drawings. Entry is $75 per golfer or $300 per team. Proceeds support a youth association by helping keep participation fees low. Those not playing can still get involved by sponsoring a hole or donating a raffle basket. For details on registering, sponsorships, or donations, contact WSHA’s golf outing coordinator, Tim Best.

The 9th Annual Holmen Summer Splash is an all-ages logrolling tournament that welcomes brand-new logrollers along with experienced competitors. Registration and admission are free, with pre-registration required. The novice divisions compete in the morning, and the advanced divisions compete in the evening, with warm-ups beginning at 9:00 AM. After the pool events, participants are invited to dinner and awards outside of the pool area.

This narrated trolley tour explores La Crosse’s most significant homes and the stories connected to them. The experience includes two stops where participants step off the trolley. At Hixon House, there is a guided look at the ground floor followed by coffee and morning pastries in the Visitors Center, access to restrooms, and time to wander the gardens. At Castle La Crosse, a guided stop offers another perspective on local architecture. These two properties are not accessible. The rest of the journey takes place on the trolley while traveling through the downtown area, highlighting notable and unusually interesting residences. Tickets are $60 per person and the tour is for ages 13 and older.

Local creators from the La Crosse area gather at an outdoor market to sell their work and offer demonstrations to the public. Taking place along the Civic Center Park walkway that connects to Riverside Park, the event includes live local music and food vendors. Presented as part of a recurring second Saturday series that has operated for four years, it offers chances to meet artists and discover original pieces in a lively community setting.

Ages 5 and up are invited to a martial arts tournament at the Houser YMCA that matches participants with others of comparable age and rank. The environment is welcoming for those entering their first competition as well as seasoned students, and proceeds support the YMCA Annual Campaign. Competitors can take part in forms, weapons forms, sparring, a judo game, and board breaking. New for this edition, group forms are available for teams of 2 to 8, and group weapons forms are open to teams of 2 to 4, with routines lasting 2 to 3 minutes. The day begins with a meeting for black belts, followed by lineup and the national anthem, then competition gets underway. A parent or legal guardian must complete a waiver for every student participant. Students who spar must wear the required protective equipment, including foot and hand pads, headgear with a face shield, a mouthguard, and a cup for males. Chest protectors are required by the YMCA, with a limited number available for use. Concessions and lunch will be on-site. For questions, contact Grace Vangyija, Arts & Humanities Director, at 608-519-5514 or gvangyija@laxymca.org.

Scythian is performing at Irishfest La Crosse. The show is scheduled to start at noon.

Tap into the spirit of Irish favorites such as U2, Enya, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Hozier, Ed Sheeran, The Cranberries, and Rory Gallagher, then step up to deliver your best Irish rock performance. Singers will be evaluated on vocal quality including pitch and tone, stage presence and confidence, how well the song suits the performer, and the ability to engage the audience, with each category marked as Great, Good, or Fair. Aim for vocals as sweet as tupelo honey as you compete to be named the top Irish rock singer. Prizes are on the line for standout performances.

Three Rivers Performace Baseball is launching a 9U team for the fall season, with plans to add more teams in the future. Tryouts take place at Glen Fox Baseball Field and are intended to build a highly competitive roster of young men from the Coulee region. If you cannot attend the scheduled session, the organizers may offer alternate dates and times upon request. Catchers should bring their own gear.

At Coulee Golf Bowl, the third annual fundraiser benefiting The Mission, a local nonprofit that supports community projects, features a kickoff golf tournament and live music. Event proceeds will support Darkhorse Lodge, a retreat for combat veterans in Tennessee, along with The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neilsville, WI. Golf tournament registration is available via the QR code on the event poster.

Promoted as the largest farmers market in Onalaska, this weekly Sunday market features local growers, bakers, and artisan makers offering fresh goods and handmade items. It operates primarily as a cash market. Some vendors can accept credit cards, but most cannot, so visitors should plan to bring cash.

Harp Twins and Volfgang Twins take the stage at Irishfest La Crosse in Wisconsin with performances that are free for festival attendees. After each set, they will meet fans for photos and autographs, and CDs along with other merchandise will be available. Expect a welcoming, family friendly experience.

At Sunday Market, ViaroFit leads a free movement class offered in two sessions. The class welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels. The market also includes activities, music, and vendors.

Enjoy an LGBTQ game night at River City Hobbies. Bring a favorite game to share, or choose from the selection available on site.

A relaxed walk for local moms starts at Groovy Sips, offering a chance to enjoy fresh air and friendly conversation with others. Participants can pick up a favorite drink before heading out. Children are welcome in strollers, on bikes or scooters, or on foot. The route is informal so everyone can move at a comfortable pace, and there is time afterward to linger over coffee or refreshing drinks and catch up with friends.

This offering meets Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Equipment is provided, and a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.

A community impact night will raise funds for Amanda's Academy of Dance. Volunteers from the group will be in the dining room helping clear and clean tables throughout the event. Ten percent of all sales, including dine-in, carryout, and delivery, will benefit Amanda's Academy of Dance, and the group will receive 100% of cash tips collected during that time.

This monthly grief support group offers a caring place to talk about the death of someone close and the many emotions that can surface soon after a loss or even years later. It meets on the second Monday of each month and encourages sharing, listening, and reflection with others who understand. The group is facilitated by Laurie Swan and Julie Helgerson. Laurie has navigated her own grief and is committed to creating space for others, and she serves as the FSC’s office manager. Julie is a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler and a graduate of the FSC’s Spiritual Direction Preparation Program, and she is the FSC’s program and retreat coordinator. Attendance is free, registration is not required, and individuals may take part in any or all sessions as needed.

Bring your practice, your questions, and your willingness to give and receive at this in-person evening focused on reiki and other energy-based and alternative healing modalities. The night starts with an introduction and a group healing circle led by Bethany, then you will have time to break into smaller groups to share, collaborate, and receive healing. Donation-based participation includes the opportunity to connect with other healers and practitioners across areas like sound healing, psychic mediumship, tarot, therapeutic/healing touch, pranic healing, acupuncture, and more.

Coffee & Conversation is a welcoming meetup for senior citizens at the library. During this program, the library opens specifically for participants to enjoy coffee, treats, and friendly conversation in a calm, comfortable space. It offers a simple way to meet new people, browse the newspaper, and unwind in a peaceful setting.

Enjoy an evening at La Crosse Distilling Co. that benefits GROW and its work connecting youth to healthy food and nature. Alongside the regular food and beverage offerings, the gathering includes raffles, activities for children, and tours of the distillery. All proceeds support GROW and its mission. Cash or Venmo is needed for the make and take stations featuring a Fairy Garden and a Pollinator Watering Spot, as well as for raffle entries.

Join open trap shooting every Tuesday, welcoming both beginners and experienced shooters. The event runs weekly from March 31 through October 6, so bring the family and enjoy the fun together.

Build confidence with a self defense class that welcomes participants of every age and ability. Each session focuses on two to three straightforward techniques to help you respond in an emergency. A signed waiver is required on your first visit. If you missed the earlier informational meeting, you can still take part, and newcomers are welcome.

Accordion enthusiasts gather for a monthly meeting to play beloved classics alongside newer tunes. Players of every kind of squeezebox are welcome, and listeners are welcome too. The group reads from sheet music, which may include multiple parts or a single line. To request the link to this month's song list and sheet music, email Heidi at lubimi@centurytel.net. The group also performs throughout the year at parks, schools, assisted living facilities, and in the Oktoberfest parade.

Explore Buddhist wisdom through practice and reflection at a monthly gathering that meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Each session begins with a quiet period of meditation, then moves into a short look at core teachings drawn from diverse Buddhist traditions and time to consider how they relate to everyday life. The group is facilitated by Frank Mauss, a lay-ordained practitioner at Ruymonji Monastery with more than three decades of meditation experience who emphasizes mindfulness in the ups and downs of life, and Robert Lynn, a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary with additional study at Nashotah House, a novice in the Benedictine Oblates, a guest homilist at churches in the region, and also lay-ordained at Ruymonji Monastery. A suggested donation of $5 benefits the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

A native of the Driftless Area, singer songwriter Ryan Howe performs at Dash-Park with a wide palette of sounds and styles. He reshapes well known favorites with his own approach, drawing from orchestral and choral traditions, classical piano, classic rock from the 60s through the 80s, big band jazz, funk, blues, folk, and both vintage and contemporary R&B, sometimes crafting new arrangements in the moment. Fans of Stevie Wonder, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, John Mayer, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John may recognize influences woven into the set. This performance is sponsored by Co-op Credit Union. Attendees are welcome to contribute to a free will offering that supports the Onalaska Hilltopper Rotary Club’s efforts in the local community.

Coffee & Conversations is a relaxed AARP gathering centered on connection and community. Enjoy complimentary coffee and baked goods while chatting with friendly people, and pick up useful resources to help you live life your way. There is no formal agenda, just time to meet new friends. This event is free, and you do not need to be an AARP member to attend.

Set out from Groovy Grounds Bistro for a relaxed, self-paced and self-guided walk created for moms. Bring kiddos in strollers, on bikes or scooters, or have them walk alongside. The atmosphere is welcoming and pressure free, and no sign up is needed. Afterward, participants can stay for coffee, breakfast, and conversation.

The La Crosse Lions are hosting a brat fry at Festival in the Village. Purchases of brats, hot dogs, and pop support the cause. Eyeglass donation buckets and hearing aid collection bins will be available on site.

After school at La Crescent Public Library, Chapter Club offers a relaxed, quiet read-aloud time led by longtime volunteer Mr. Petersilie, who has shared stories with this group for more than three decades. Children in grades K through 6 help choose the book by voting, and each meeting starts with a brief recap to bring everyone up to speed. A snack is served at the midpoint, provided by Mr. Petersilie. Kids are welcome to simply listen or work on homework, coloring, or crafts with supplies available from the library. New participants can start at any session, and everyone is welcome.

A community impact fundraiser supports La Crosse Dance Teams. Volunteers from the program will be in the dining room clearing and cleaning tables throughout the event. The teams receive 10 percent of all sales, including dine in, carryout, and delivery orders, along with 100 percent of cash tips collected during the fundraiser. Community support is welcomed and appreciated.

This volunteer work night focuses on trail maintenance at Lower Hixon to support the long-term sustainability of the trails. Activities are guided by trained ORA crew leaders, with tools provided, a brief safety talk, and occasional refreshments. There is no sign-up required, and the group meets in Lower Hixon. Participants should wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including pants, sturdy footwear, and work gloves, and consider bringing bug spray and a water bottle. A willingness to work together, have fun, and put in some physical effort is encouraged. Volunteers are asked to complete a waiver beforehand.

Enjoy a gentle yoga class built around the comfort and stability of a chair. Designed for all abilities, it focuses on calm, confidence, and strength. Participants move through seated postures and supported standing positions that can increase flexibility, improve balance, and help relieve stress. Certified yoga instructor Jamie Pedretti leads the session and offers options and adjustments so each person can practice in a way that feels safe and empowering.

Recovery Yoga offers regular sessions with a $5 suggested donation, and all equipment is provided. Classes are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Part of the Skate Into Whimsy Summer at High Roller Skating Centers in La Crosse and Eau Claire, Hot Wheels & Deals features an all ages skate session for $7 per person, which covers admission, roller skates or rollerblades, and playground access for children ages 3 to 10. A $4 lunch combo is available with a slice of pizza and a drink choice of 16 oz soda, lemonade, slushie, or bottled water. Share photos using #SkateIntoWhimsy on Facebook or Instagram and tag the organizers for a chance to win free admission passes or even a free skate party, with winners announced weekly throughout the summer.

This free, monthly support group offers a welcoming place for people living with mild cognitive impairment related to a neurocognitive degenerative condition. Participants can expect open conversation, useful information, and everyday strategies to help sustain independence. Sessions meet at the Franciscan Spirituality Center and are facilitated by a dementia care specialist from the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse. Attendance is limited to individuals with MCI, and care partners do not participate. A separate, free Caregiver Support Group is available at the same time without registration. Registration is required for the MCI group; to sign up or ask questions, contact Kelsey Flock at 608-386-0767. New participants complete a brief pre-screen phone call before their first meeting, so please reach out early to allow time for scheduling. Facilitation is provided by Kelsey Flock, BS, CTRS, a dementia care specialist with the La Crosse County Aging & Disability Resource Center. Drawing on a background in recreation therapy across long-term care, mental health, and higher education, she combines brain science with creativity to make complex topics easier to understand while supporting people to live well with dementia. For questions about the venue space, contact the Franciscan Spirituality Center at 608-791-5295.

Celebrate the grand opening of PICS, a new selfie and photography studio in La Crosse located inside Valley View Mall. Explore immersive photo installations and content creation spaces, see how the venue can host parties and private events, and spend time making memorable photos with friends and family. Opening day perks include $15 admission, complimentary cupcakes while supplies last, the Pop Off Dirty Soda Bar while available, entries into giveaways throughout the event, and full access to every area of the studio. It is a convenient chance to refresh a profile picture, preview birthday party ideas, or enjoy a creative outing with a group. Walk-ins are welcome.

This library makerspace offers hands-on creativity with STEAM-focused activities suitable for all ages. Explore arts and crafts, build with blocks and LEGO bricks, try marble mazes, tinker with gears, and investigate kits that demonstrate electricity and magnetism. Everyone is welcome.

Designed for anyone looking for mental health wellness, connection, and hope, this weekly support group offers a confidential setting to learn and be heard. Each meeting includes peer conversation along with educational information about mental health. Participation is always at your comfort level. Speaking is not required, and it is completely fine to simply listen. No registration is needed, and participants may attend as often as their schedules allow. The group is facilitated by Therese Ann Roellich with support from others. Therese is trained as a Peer Support Specialist in Wisconsin and brings lived experience in recovery from mental health conditions and substance use addiction. She has spent many years advocating for people facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness. For details, contact Therese at 608-386-2965 or therese.recovery.resources@gmail.com.

Back on stage, the endearing ladies from the church basement prepare a potluck spread and the familiar foods shared at funerals. Steadfast and dependable, they embody the backbone of Midwestern communities.