Events in La Crosse today

At La Crescent Public Library, senior citizens have a dedicated gathering centered on coffee, light refreshments, and friendly conversation. The library provides a calm setting to meet new people, read the newspaper, and relax. It offers a warm way to connect with others in a peaceful space.

Open to everyone in the greater La Crosse community, this LGBTQ+ book club explores books, short stories, films, graphic novels, and other media that highlight a wide range of LGBTQ+ narratives. Discussions take place monthly. Reading materials can be borrowed from the La Crosse Public Library, purchased at Pearl Street Books, or accessed through Queer Liberation Library. Additional resources and the current reading selection are available online.

Sand Traps & Superheroes marks the 64th edition of a golf outing fundraiser at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek. Registration is open for this long-running event that invites golfers to take big swings in support of its fundraising goals.

This after-school read-aloud group at La Crescent Public Library is open to students in grades K through 6. Longtime volunteer Mr. Petersilie, who has led the club for more than 30 years, brings engaging storytelling to every selection. Kids vote on the book, and each gathering begins with a brief recap of earlier chapters before settling into a calm, friendly reading time. A snack is offered midway courtesy of Mr. Petersilie. Participants are welcome to simply listen, work on homework, or spend time coloring and crafting with supplies provided by the library. Newcomers may start at any time.

Experience a community impact night that benefits Gundersen Partners. Volunteers from the organization will be in the dining room bussing and cleaning tables. During the event, Gundersen Partners will receive 10 percent of all sales from dine-in, carryout, and delivery orders, along with 100 percent of the cash tips collected in that timeframe.

Set inside Cappella Performing Arts Center in La Crosse, this elevated jazz and dessert lounge offers live music in a relaxed, refined setting. Settle into comfortable lounge seating while savoring thoughtfully crafted cocktails, a selection of wine and coffee, and indulgent desserts available for purchase. Come for a quick treat or linger for the atmosphere, designed for easy conversation and effortless elegance as the evening unfolds. There is no cover charge and no reservation is required. Polished casual attire is encouraged, and guests are welcome to stay as long as the music inspires.

An LGBTQ+ inclusive crafting group invites participants to bring a personal project or make something using whatever is available. The gathering takes place in the CREATE Lab at the Main Library.

Participants can create, build, and explore at the library makerspace. This hands on STEAM experience is designed for all ages and features activities such as arts and crafts, building with blocks and LEGO bricks, constructing marble mazes, experimenting with gears, and working with electricity and magnetism kits. Open to everyone.

The 65th Oktoberfest in La Crosse celebrates a long-standing tradition, featuring lively music, colorful parades, and the welcoming spirit of Gemütlichkeit that defines this annual gathering.

A welcoming peer support group for anyone looking to nurture mental well-being, build connection, and sustain hope. It meets each week for mutual listening and learning, and also offers educational information about mental health. The environment emphasizes safety and confidentiality, with the understanding that conversations remain private. Speaking is optional, and it is completely fine to attend simply to listen. There is no registration requirement, and you can come to whichever sessions fit your schedule. The group is facilitated by Therese Ann Roellich, with others who provide support. Therese is trained as a Peer Support Specialist with the state of 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 more information, call 608-386-2965 or email therese.recovery.resources@gmail.com.

Sweet Beats offers a refined jazz and dessert lounge experience inside Cappella Performing Arts Center. Live jazz sets create a smooth backdrop for relaxing and conversation. Expect artful desserts available for purchase alongside a considered selection of cocktails, wine, and coffee. Cozy seating and a polished, relaxed atmosphere make it just as fitting for a quick indulgence as for an unhurried night. Admission is free and reservations are not required. Polished casual attire suits the vibe, and guests are welcome to linger as long as they like.

This in-person drumming circle at the Franciscan Spirituality Center invites the La Crosse community to explore drum culture in a setting that lifts the spirit and eases the mind. Facilitated by Myquawn Bailey Sr., MS, founder of Drum Iowa, the session welcomes all experience levels. Drums are provided and no prior training is required. The fee is $15. Myquawn brings a therapeutic approach shaped by work with nursing homes, memory care centers, art centers, and community organizations across Iowa. Raised in Waterloo, he first encountered drum culture in his family church, later deepening his practice with hand drumming while in Egypt. After returning to the United States in 2015, he worked with at-risk youth in residential treatment and developed a behavior-focused curriculum that uses drumming to help young people understand cognitive distortion.

Self-Titled takes the stage for a live performance at the Oktoberfest grounds, presenting a full set of their music.

This marks a first-ever appearance at Oktoberfest.

An elegant jazz lounge and dessert experience awaits inside Cappella Performing Arts Center in La Crosse. Live jazz sets an easygoing mood for conversation and unwinding. Treat yourself to desserts available for purchase along with a curated selection of cocktails, wine, and coffee. Comfortable lounge seating and a relaxed, refined atmosphere make it simple to let the evening flow at your own pace. It suits a full night out or a brief sweet interlude. There is no cover charge and reservations are not required. Polished casual attire fits the occasion.

Pick up fresh produce, enjoy locally made food, and discover handcrafted goods as live music fills the market. While visiting the Plaza, take time to explore the surrounding small businesses and lend your support.

A monthly Saturday market offers a cozy, community-focused pop-up featuring local makers, small businesses, and creatives. Browse their goods in a welcoming setting.

Hosted at Morrie's Onalaska Chevrolet, this annual car show spotlights classic and custom vehicles and welcomes entries of every make, model, and year. Spectator admission is free, and there is a $10 entry fee per vehicle for participants. Thirty trophies will be awarded. Food will be available from Big Boar BBQ. All show proceeds benefit Wafer Food Pantry.

Failure to Launch returns to La Crosse for a lively set at one of the country’s most celebrated Oktoberfest gatherings, performing in the main stage tent at the Southside fest grounds. Entrance buttons are available for purchase at the fest grounds on the day of the show, and area hotels often book up months in advance. Ein Prosit!

Pulse 8 brings a post-parade set to the outdoor beer garden at Big Al's, keeping the Oktoberfest spirit going after the Maple Leaf Parade. Live music fills the open-air beer garden for a festive continuation of the celebration.

The Remainders return to Oktoberfest USA at The Remainders Garden Stage for a crisp autumn night of rock, food, drinks, and community. The production is packed with upstage video, onstage pyrotechnics, fireworks, and guest performances. The announcement also hints at possible fire twirlers.

Explore the largest farmers market in Onalaska, featuring fresh goods from local growers, bakers, and artisan makers. This weekly Sunday gathering runs throughout the season and highlights a wide range of produce, treats, and handcrafted items. Most purchases require cash, and only some vendors can process card payments, so plan to bring cash for shopping.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with music and dancing.