Explore La Crescent

Storytime for Adults: Reindeer Games
2025-12-02 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Saxon Hall, 702 Main St., Brownsville, MN, 55919, United States
Why should kids have all the fun? Join us to hear your favorite local librarians and performers read some of our favorite short stories and essays. This month’s theme is Reindeer Games.
Food and both alcoholic and NA beverages are available for purchase.
For ages 21+ only. Caution: stories may include adult content. Listener discretion is advised. Registration is not required.

Courage in Action: Women Leading the Way Forward
2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Sip, Share, and Shine into the New Year!
Leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchies. We find the leadership our world needs now in the quiet power of women who lead with generosity, courage, and unwavering clarity. It’s expansive, inclusive, and rooted in lifting others as we rise, across every season of life.
Drawing from powerful oral histories and lived experience, Leading with Courage reimagines leadership for women who believe in justice, connection, and change across the arc of a career. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate, you’re just starting your career, or somewhere in between, this guide empowers you to lead with purpose in every season of your life.
With a sharp eye and warm heart, Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, a respected academic turned coach and consultant—bridges research with real-world wisdom to help you navigate systems, amplify your influence, and redefine what leadership can mean for women today.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead at every stage of your career without losing your soul, this book is your answer.

Friends of the Library Book Sale
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Stock up for winter weather with gently used books at our Friends of the Library Book Sale! Plenty of choices for all ages, plus movies, music, and puzzles!
$5/bag
$1/puzzle

Houston's Holidazzle
2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Houston High School, 306 West Elm Street, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
It’s that time of year again!
The 2025 Houston Holidazzle is happening Saturday, December 6th, and we have a full day of festive fun planned for all ages! 🎅❄️
Here’s what’s happening throughout the day:
📍 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Houston Community Center (111 East Cedar St.)
🛍️ Holidazzle Vendor Market – Find unique gifts and holiday goodies from local vendors!
🏃 9:30 a.m. | Houston High School teardrop
🎽 Dashing Through the Snow 1-Mile Fun Run
Register the morning of! Free-will donations support the Houston Food Shelf – please give generously 💖
Questions? Contact Pat Keehner: 📧 prkeehner@gmail.com
🎁 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Houston High School Gym (306 West Elm St.)
Enjoy tons of family fun and activities!
✨ Elf Store 🎨 Cookie Decorating 🖍️ Coloring
🎄 Ornament Making 🎈 Balloons by Kevin 🎯 Games
🦌 Reindeer Food ✉️ Letters to Santa 📸 sELFie Station
🍪 Food 🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎭 Elf Dress-Up Contest
🌲 Christmas Tree Contest 🎨 Tappy’s Face Painting
Food shelf donations accepted here!
🏠 4:00–6:00 p.m. | 301 East Maple St.
☕ Historic Forsyth Open House – Warm beverages & treats provided
Hosted by the Houston Area Preservation Initiative
🎉 6:00 p.m. | Cross of Christ Church Parking Lot
🚗 Parade Line-Up
🎆 6:30 p.m. | Maple Street
🎅 Holidazzle Parade!
🌟 After the Parade | Houston City Park
🎄 Lighting of the Park & Refreshments
Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer for a magical day in Houston!

2025 Holidazzle Market
2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Houston Community Center, 111 W Cedar St, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Welcome to our annual Holidazzle Vendor Market! Coinciding with the Houston town-wide celebration we invite you to do some holiday shopping at our store and see all the amazing vendors right next door at the Houston Community Center. The Vendor market is from 9 am until 3 pm. Bring the whole family as there are fun activities for kids just a couple blocks down at the High School. Then stick around for the parade and ‘Light up the Park’ that evening. It will be an amazingly fun holiday celebration!
*We currently have room for a couple more vendors if you are interested please contact Timeless Creations directly.

2025 Houston County Historical Society Holiday Open House
2025-12-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Houston County Historical Society, 104 History Lane, Caledonia, MN, 55921, United States
Save the date! The 2025 Houston County Historical Society Holiday Open House will be:
Saturday Dec 6, 2025, from 11 am to 3 pm
Sunday Dec 7, 2025, from noon to 3 pm
Special Christmas exhibit, “An Outdoor Winter,” featuring the Museum’s collection of antique furs (and hides). Come see the coats, muffs, stoles, and hats made from bear, horse, fox, beaver, opossum, rabbit, mink, sheep, and more!
The Museum will also be open during the Caledonia Home Tour :
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, from 4-6 pm
FREE! Hot chocolate and treats provided!
104 History Lane, Caledonia, MN (by the Houston County Fairgrounds)

Houston's Light Up the Park Celebration
2025-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Houston Light Up the Park, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Light Up the Park – Houston, MN
Kick off the holiday season with Houston’s beloved tradition—Light Up the Park! Join us on Saturday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m. for an evening full of holiday cheer. The celebration begins with the Light Up the Park Parade down Maple Street, leading the way to a magical night in the City Park.
After the parade, gather with family and friends as Santa and Mrs. Claus flip the switch to officially “Light Up the Park” and unveil more than 50 beautifully decorated trees, each sponsored and adorned by local businesses and organizations. The park will come alive with twinkling lights, holiday spirit, and community pride.
Don’t forget to stop by the park shelter where kids (and kids at heart!) can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a treat, and snap a festive holiday photo.
Come experience the wonder of the season and make lasting memories at this annual Houston holiday tradition!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551461865678

La Crescent Chamber Member Holiday Mixer
2025-12-10 16:30 - 18:30 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Dear Chamber Members,
You’re invited to join us for a festive evening of networking, cheer, and community spirit at our La Crescent Chamber Holiday Mixer!
Wednesday, December 10th
4:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 La Crescent Area Event Center
Sponsored by the La Crescent Event Center & Swing Bridge Pub
We’re excited to highlight our partners by sharing that light appetizers will be provided by the La Crescent Area Event Center, and beverages will be provided by Swing Bridge Pub.
This event is open to all Chamber members and their guest(s), and there is no cost to attend!
In the spirit of the season, we will also be collecting donations for the La Crescent Food Shelf. If you’re able, please consider bringing non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, feminine products, or paper goods to support our neighbors in need.
Come mingle, relax, and toast to another wonderful year in our community.
We look forward to celebrating with you!

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2025 Comes to La Crescent
2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 | La Crescent Holiday Train Location, 215 South Chestnut Street, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
The Holiday Train is Coming to La Crescent!
Mark your calendars — the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into La Crescent on Friday, December 12 at 2:05 p.m. at 215 South Chestnut Street!
Enjoy this festive, family-friendly tradition as the beautifully lit train stops to spread holiday cheer with live performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard! 🎤🎸
Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and join us trackside for some holiday magic as we welcome the first Minnesota stop of the 2025 Holiday Train tour!
Read full schedule here: https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain

La Crescent Library Holiday Cookie Sale
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
La Crescent’s public library is hosting a holiday cookie sale from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the fire station’s community room, 336 S. 1st St., La Crescent. Please enter through the South Oak Street entrance. Too busy to bake? There will be a delicious selection of homemade cookies at $18 per pre-prepared plate.

Mental Health Matters with Merle Hanson
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
For nearly 50 years, Merle Hanson carried the diagnosis of Schizophrenia inside him. He told nobody. It was his secret and his curse. Eventually, Merle found peace in his journey. The voices still talk. He lives in Winona with his partner, Cheryl, enjoying life, writing books, and telling stories. He invites you in to listen.

International Owl Center - Minnesota Neighbor Weekend
2026-01-10 10:00 - 16:00 | International Owl Center, 12106 E Cedar Street, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Residents of local counties (Winona, Fillmore, and Houston Counties in Minnesota), including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE during Minnesota Neighbor Weekend. The Owl Center is located in Houston, Minnesota, just 30 minutes south of Winona.
Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day.
Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17.
There is also a wood carving exhibition at the Houston Nature Center on Sunday, January 11 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM

City of La Crescent - Sustainability Plan Community Input Session
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Wieser Park Pavilion, 1817 County 6, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Sustainability Plan Community Input Session
The City of La Crescent invites residents, business owners, and community members to attend a Sustainability Plan Community Input Session. This interactive meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the City’s Sustainability and Resilience Plan (SRP) and share your ideas for La Crescent’s future.
During the session, attendees will hear about the planning process, key findings so far, and proposed focus areas related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing climate impacts, and strengthening community resilience. Most importantly, community feedback will help shape the final plan.
The Sustainability and Resilience Plan is funded by a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Your input is essential to ensuring the plan reflects local priorities and values.
Date: Tuesday, January 13
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Location: Wieser Memorial Park, 1817 County Road 6, La Crescent, MN 55947
Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate. Let’s work together for a cleaner, more sustainable future for La Crescent.

La Crescent Chamber Lunch & Learn: Financial Fraud Trends of 2026: How to Protect Yourself, Your Business & Your Family
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 | TimeOut Tavern, 444 N Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
🚨 January 2026 Lunch & Learn – You’re Invited! 🚨
Join us for our January Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 PM at TimeOut Tavern.
🍽️ Lunch is on us!
Thanks to our generous sponsor Merchants Bank, a Taco Bar lunch will be FREE for Chamber members attending.
💡 Topic:
Financial Fraud Trends of 2026: How to Protect Yourself, Your Business & Your Family
Learn what’s new in financial fraud and how to stay protected as we head into 2026. Financial experts from Merchants Bank will share insights, real-world examples, and practical tips you can use right away.
🎤 Guest Speaker:
Sarah Ninas, Merchants Bank
✔️ This event includes lunch
✔️ FREE for Chamber members
📌 Please RSVP by Thursday, January 15th at Noon.
Not a Chamber member but want to attend?
👉 Consider joining the Chamber — or attend for $10.
We hope you’ll join us for an informative (and delicious!) lunch!

Community Conversations: Immigration/Asylum Seekers
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Introducing Light for the World – La Crescent.
Light for the World is an ecumenical group sponsored through Prince of Peace, Crucifixion, and United Methodist Churches, and the La Crescent Public Library. We invite you to come learn and grow with us through monthly conversations. The focus for 2026 will be on immigration.
We begin with definitions and questions: Who are asylum seekers? What’s legal? What’s happening today?

100 Years of the Hundred-Acre Wood: Celebrating 100 Years of Winnie the Pooh!
2026-01-24 10:30 - 11:30 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Author A. A. Milne and illustrator E. H. Shepherd first brought the stories of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga & Roo, and all their friends to life in 1926.
We’re kicking off Storytime 2026 with a special Winnie-the-Pooh Party! Join the La Crescent Public Library in celebrating 100 Years of the Hundred-Acre Wood. Bring a stuffie and join Miss Emily for stories, songs, and a craft. Enjoy a treat* and take a swag bag to go!
*Disclaimer: The treat is made out of real honey. Not for children under 1 year old.

Hygge: After Hours at the Library
2026-01-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Hygge is a Nordic word meaning “cozy”. Wear comfy clothes & bring a warm blanket to stay cozy at the library after hours. Enjoy a hot beverage (tea or cocoa) and quiet reading or crafting time. Library DJ Jess will spin vinyl featuring relaxing tunes. We’ll be hosting a book giveaway as well: anyone who joins us can enter the raffle for a chance to win a free book.
Any book you read during January or February can count toward the Hot Reads for Cold Nights winter reading program. Pick up extra book review sheets while you’re here!
Hot Reads for Cold Nights is our winter reading program for teens & grown-ups. Fill out book reviews to earn prizes & raffle entries for the grand prize:
~ 1st & 2nd book reviews: Hot cocoa & raffle entry
~ 3rd book review: Raffle entry, library mug (new design this year!), and library book light (all new prize this year!)
~ Grand prize: sponsored by Emplify Health

Friends of the Library Book Sale
2026-01-31 09:00 - 12:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Find your next cozy, winter read at our Friends of the Library Book Sale!
$5/bag
$1/puzzle
All proceeds support the La Crescent Public Library!

La Crescent Appleseed Community Theater Presents: Pete the Cat: The Musical
2026-01-31 11:00 - 12:00 | La Crescent-Hoka High School Fine Arts Center, 1301 Lancer Blvd, La Crescent, Minnesota, 55947
Get your tickets for the Show
​
Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean.
​For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a Volkswagen Bus!
Tickets On Sale Now!
Show Dates:
Saturday, January 31st at 11am & 2pm
Sunday, February 1st at 2pm
Show Location:
La Crescent-Hokah High School Fine Arts Center
1301 Lancer Blvd, La Crescent, MN 55947
Show Tickets:
$5 children | $10 adults
Tickets available at:
LaCrescent-Hokah Community Education Office,
at the box office 1/2 hour before each show
& online.

Dr. Jonathan Borja: Flute
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join UWL Music and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for a recital by Dr. Jonathan Borja.
Free and open to the public.

Storytime for Adults: You've Got a Pizza My Heart
2026-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Saxon Hall, 702 Main St., Brownsville, MN, 55919, United States
Why should kids have all the fun? Join us to hear your favorite local librarians and performers read some of our favorite short stories and essays. This month’s theme is Pizza My Heart – featuring all things romance & food.
Food and both alcoholic and NA beverages are available for purchase.
For ages 21+ only. Caution: stories may include adult content. Listener discretion is advised. Registration is not required.

66th Annual All Student Juried Art Exhibition
2026-02-06 | UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
66th Annual All Student Juried Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: February 6, 5 p.m.
On display through March 8, 2026
UWL Students from across campus submit work for professional review and consideration for this annual exhibition.
Free and open to the public.
Gallery Hours: Mon.-Thur. 1- 8 p.m.; Fri. – Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Friends of the Library Chocolate Sale
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Buy chocolates for your Valentine (or yourself!), and support your local library, all in the same place.
Call the library at 507-895-4047 to pre-order. Pre-order availability is limited.

Houston Area Cancer Support (HACS) Live & Silent Auction
2026-02-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Houston Community Center, 111 W Cedar St, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Houston Area Cancer Support (HACS) Live & Silent Auction
Since 2012, Houston Area Cancer Support has provided over $175,000 in assistance to more than 78 clients in Houston and surrounding townships, helping with medical expenses, travel, groceries, utilities, and more.
Join us for our Live & Silent Auction on February 7th from 5–8 PM at the Houston Community Center, 111 W Cedar St, Houston, MN 55943.
Music: 5–6 PM
Food & Cash Bar: 5 PM onwards
Silent Auction: 5–8 PM
Live Auction: 6 PM
All proceeds go directly to supporting local families facing cancer. Come enjoy an evening of great food, music, and community spirit while helping neighbors in need.
For questions or support, please contact a board member or write to PO Box 75, Houston, MN 55943.

Houston Area Cancer Support (HACS) Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
2026-02-08 08:00 - 12:00 | Hurricane Hub, 202 S Sheridan Street, Houston, MN, 55943, United States
Since 2012, Houston Area Cancer Support has provided over $175,000 in assistance to more than 78 clients in Houston and surrounding townships, helping with medical expenses, travel, groceries, utilities, and more.
Join us for our Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on February 8th from 8am-12pm at the Hurricane Hub (formerly St Mary’s Catholic Church) 202 S Sheridan St – Houston, MN 55943
Free will donation to help support

Modern Brazilian Jazz: UWL Faculty Recital
2026-02-13 19:30 - 20:30 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join UWL Music and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for a recital by UWL’s jazz faculty and special guests.
Free & open to the public.

Join us for the 1st Annual La Crescent Montessori & STEM School Valentine's Day Gala
2026-02-14 17:30 - 21:30 | Wieser Park Pavilion, 1817 County 6, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Love is in the air! Join us for the 1st Annual La Crescent Montessori & STEM School Valentine’s Day Gala.
Saturday, February 14th
This year’s event theme is “For the Love of Books”, signifying the help it will provide to expand the new library space at the school. Together, we can create a more diverse selection of media to help our students expand their learning and life experiences.
Doors open at 5:30 PM – Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
Buffet-Style Dinner begins at 6:30 PM (GF/Vegetarian available upon request)
Dessert
Hosted Cash Bar
Door Prizes
Raffles, Games, Silent Auction
Live Newlywed Game
Bring a loved one and enjoy a night supporting LMSS and its young readers!
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/valentines-day-gala-for-the-lo/1667293347396890/

2026 UWL Honors Recital
2026-02-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join UWL Music and the School of Visual & Performing Arts for a recital spotlighting the best-of-the-best of student performances.
Reception to follow.
Free & open to the public.

Dr. Lindsay Garritson, Piano
2026-02-19 19:30 - 20:30 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Dr. Lindsay Garritson, Piano
Internationally recognized, award-winning artist
Experience an evening of extraordinary artistry with internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Lindsay Garritson at Annett Recital Hall on February 19. Dr. Garritson has captivated audiences throughout the United States and around the world, performing on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Place des Arts in Montreal. A top prizewinner in major international competitions — including the Montreal International Piano Competition, USASU Bösendorfer International Piano Competition, and the Mozarteum International Chopin Competition — she brings seasoned virtuosity and expressive depth to every performance. Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts.
Free & open to the public.
Supported in part by the UWL Visiting Scholar & Artist Grant.
