Explore La Crescent

Dr. Jonathan Borja: Flute
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

La Crescent Farmers Market & Artisan's Market: Winter Edition
2026-02-10 16:00 - 19:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
Join us at the La Crescent Area Event Center at 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, monthly from 4-7 pm .
Tuesday, November 18th, for our first indoor event of the season!! You will find farm-fresh goods and lots of homemade goodies. Stock up for the holidays!!
Mark your calendars:
Tuesday, November 18th
Tuesday, December 16th
Tuesday, February 10
Tuesday, March 17
Tuesday, April 21

Hygge: After Hours at the Library
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

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.

Dashon Burton, 3-time GRAMMY winner
2026-02-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Dashon Burton
Three-time GRAMMY winner in concert
Internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Dashon Burton comes to UW–La Crosse for an unforgettable evening of song as part of the ArtsFest Advance! Guest Artist Series. Known for his commanding voice, dramatic presence, and performances on the world’s leading opera and concert stages, this three-time GRAMMY winner brings a rich and expressive program to Annett Recital Hall on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of today’s most compelling vocal artists in an intimate recital setting.
Free and open to the public. Sponsored in part by the UWL Visiting Scholar & Artist Grant

UWL Wind Ensemble: Requiem for a Valentine
2026-02-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join us for UWL Wind Ensemble’s first concert of the spring semester.
Dr. Martin I. Gaines, Conductor
Kathryn Moran, soprano
Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts
Free & open to the public.
Program
Othello (1977) Alfred Reed (1921-2005)
I. Prelude (Venice)
II. Aubade (Cyprus)
III. Othello and Desdemona
IV. Entrance of the Court
V. The Death of Desdemona; Epilogue
[yet to be named] (2025) Brooks Clarke (b.1991)
***World Premiere***
Medusa (2024) Jocelyn Hagen (b.1980)
Kathryn Moran, soprano
Make Our Garden Grow (1956) Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
From Candide Suite, trans. C. Grundman

2026 BCC Career Fair & Hiring Event is on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the La Crescent Area Event Center!
2026-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 | La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway, La Crescent, MN, 55947
2026 BCC Career Fair & Hiring Event is on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the La Crescent Area Event Center!
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: La Crescent Area Event Center
Address: 595 Veterans Pkwy, La Crescent, MN 55947
RSVP: SCHOOLS – MaryAnne coordinates details via email. Send roster by 2/27.
Outline of Event:
8:00-9:00 Businesses Arrive & Set Up
8:55 Welcome Remarks by BCC to businesses
9:00-10:00 School group 1: Caledonia + Rushford-Peterson
10:00-11:00 School group 2: Houston + La Crescent-Hokah
11:00-12:00 School group 3: Mabel-Canton + Spring Grove
12:00 Closing Remarks by BCC, feedback & pack up
12:15-12:45 (opt.) Expanding Work-Based Learning Programs
Description:
Previously the Houston County Career Fair, the BCC Career Fair and Hiring Event was designed with employment in mind. Perfect for students to practice dressing to impress, approaching employers, handing out resumes, discussing employee benefits. Career planners are available to discuss resources available to youth and job seekers. Interviews can be on-site (real or mock).
Whether actually looking for a job, getting ready for employment, or currently working, this event is a great exposure of local jobs and types of careers available in the BCC. Excellent next step of networking as youth get ready to end their high school career.

Community Conversations: Refugees
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
This month, we’ll dig deeper into refugee experiences. What are our current policies, our historical approach to refugees, and what are some of the lived experiences of these people?
Our speaker this month will be Adam Jarvis, Director of Refugee Services of Catholic Charities in Rochester, MN. We will also talk about some action steps you can take if interested in helping put welcome kits together for refugee families in our area.
This program is sponsored by Light for the World – La Crescent. We are 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.

38th Annual Big Band Cabaret & Dance Party
2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:30 | The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union, 521 East Avenue N, La Crosse, 54601, United States
38th Annual Big Band Cabaret & Dance Party
Friday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.
Bluffs Ballroom, UWL Student Union
Free Swing Lessons begin at 6 p.m.
Advance reservations highly recommended for immediate seating upon arrival.
$20 recommended donation for Adults
$18 recommended donation for Seniors
$10 recommended donation for students.
Reserve a table of 8 for $150.
Note: All seating pre-assigned; we can only guarantee patrons in the same reservation are sat together.
“Jazz is rooted in dance. The groove, swing rhythms, and history of jazz are integrally tied to the dance traditions of the Americas, Caribbean, and West Africa. We look forward to celebrating this legacy at Big Band Cabaret and Dance Party! Expect to hear iconic swing era selections alongside waltzes, polkas, cha-chas, and a few surprises. Whether you like to light up the dance floor or simply tap a toe, this concert is for you.”
-Jon Ailabouni
Director of Jazz Studies, UWL

Latin Jazz Night: UWL Jazz Combos
2026-03-03 19:30 - 20:30 | UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Join UWL School of Visual & Performing Arts for an evening of Latin jazz music featuring two jazz combos – both under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming.
Free & open to the public.

UWL Concert Choir & Treble Chorus: Confluence
2026-03-06 19:30 - 20:30 | First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Music will present a combined choral concert featuring the UWL Concert Choir and the UWL Treble Chorus on Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St. The performance is free and open to the public.
The evening showcases a rich and varied program centered on themes of water, reflection, resilience, and community.
The UWL Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Christopher M. Hathaway and accompanied by Joseph Louis, piano, will perform an engaging selection of contemporary and traditional works. The program includes “Famine Song” by VIDA, arranged by Matthew Culloton; “Rivers of Light” by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds; the spiritual “Deep River,” arranged by Phil Mattson; and “Water Night” by Eric Whitacre. The ensemble will also present “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Paul Simon, arranged by Kirby Shaw, bringing a familiar classic into the choral setting.
The UWL Treble Chorus, conducted by Dr. Kourtney R. Austin and accompanied by Joseph Louis, will offer a diverse and expressive program. Highlights include “Vidi Aquam” by Kevin T. Padworski, featuring Dr. Mary Tollefson, piano; “Gather at the River,” arranged by Susan LaBarr; “Water Fountain” by Nathaniel Brenner and Merrill Garbus; and the sea-inspired “Away From the Roll of the Sea” by Allister MacGillivray, arranged by Diane Loomer. The ensemble will also perform Au bord de l’eau by Gabriel Fauré, arranged by Alan Raines, and conclude with “Take Me to the Water” by Rollo Dilworth.
Together, the two ensembles bring expressive range and musical depth to a program that moves fluidly between contemporary choral writing, spiritual traditions, folk influences, and beloved popular song. The concert reflects UWL’s commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement through live performance.
The public is warmly invited to attend this evening of choral music in the resonant acoustic setting of First Congregational Church.

BFF - preview
2026-03-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Commonweal Theatre Company, 208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN, 55949, United States
Best friends Lauren and Eliza are at the cusp of maturity in 1991 as they dream about their future and prepare to navigate high school. Moving together and growing apart, their shifting priorities begin to put a strain on their relationship. In 2005, a now grown-up Lauren cautiously enters a new relationship and finds it harder to escape her ghosts and move on when life feels frozen in time. “It shimmers with lyricism, gentle wit, and a good deal of wisdom…–NYTheatre.”

Friends of the Library Book Sale
2026-03-07 09:00 - 12:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
The Friends of the La Crescent Library are hosting their next book sale at the Community Building on Saturday, March 7th, 9am-12:30pm. Buy a bag of books for $5, or a puzzle for $1 each, and support your local library! All proceeds from the Friends’ sales benefit the La Crescent Public Library.

BFF
2026-03-07 19:30 - 22:00 | Commonweal Theatre Company, 208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN, 55949, United States

UWL Symphony Orchestra: Solo Artist Spotlight
2026-03-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Symphony Orchestra
Solo Artist Spotlight
Join us for UWL’s Symphony Orchestra.
Free & open to the public.
Program
Fanfare for the Common Man (1942) Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
The Marriage of Figaro (1786) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Overture
“Dah vieni, non tardar”
Danica Lee, soprano
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in B minor, op. 104 Antonín Dvořák
I. Allegro (1841-1904)
II. Adagio, ma non troppo
III. Finale. Allegro moderato
Keaton Purney, cello
Fantaisie pour flûte et orchestre (1913/1923) Georges Hüe (1858-1948)
Brookelyn Hohl, flute
Wondrous (2014) Karel Butz (b.1985?)

UWL Symphonic Band: AYO
2026-03-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Department of Music invites the community to experience “AYO,” a dynamic concert by the UWL Symphonic Band, celebrating rhythmic vitality, bold contemporary voices, and uplifting musical expression. The performance will take place at the Lowe Center for the Arts. Event details are available at uwlax.edu/vpa.
The program opens with “Rocketship” by Kevin Day, conducted by guest conductor Gavin Dillie. Day’s high-octane work propels listeners into an exhilarating sonic journey, marked by driving rhythms and vibrant orchestration.
The ensemble continues with “Bamboo Warrior” by Christina Huss, a composition that blends rhythmic intensity with imaginative textures inspired by martial artistry and resilience.
In “Joy Revisited,” acclaimed composer Frank Ticheli offers a radiant and reflective work that revisits themes of celebration and affirmation through lyrical lines and soaring harmonies.
The program also features “Salvation Is Created,” by Russian composer Pavel Chesnokov, arranged for band by Houseknecht. This deeply expressive setting brings warmth and spiritual depth to the evening’s repertoire.
Audiences will be transported to vibrant musical landscapes in “Encanto” by Robert W. Smith, a colorful and cinematic work infused with Latin-inspired rhythms and melodies.
The concert takes its title from ‘Ayo!!” by Kataj Copley, an electrifying and exuberant composition that bursts with groove, syncopation, and infectious energy.
Rounding out the evening is “Country Club Stomp” by Jarod Hall, a spirited and playful closer that blends jazz-inflected harmonies with driving rhythmic momentum.
Together, these works highlight the breadth of contemporary wind band repertoire while celebrating both established and emerging composers. “AYO” promises an evening of musical excitement, expressive depth, and bold sound from the talented musicians of the UWL Symphonic Band.
The public is warmly invited to attend.

Fuel Like a Athlete Nutrition Workshop by Well Built Humans
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Caledonia MS/HS Auditorium, 825 North Warrior Avenue, Caledonia, MN, 55921, United States
Health isn’t something you have, it’s something you do. Come learn about the vital skills of enhancing mental health, or as Brandon refers to it, “Brain Health”, and be empowered by the skills you have at your disposal.
Date: Monday, March 9th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Caledonia MS/HS Auditorium
Open to Jr High students through Adults
Speaker: Brandon LaRue from Well Built Humans
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 6th
Contact Caledonia Community Education – community_ed@cps.k12.mn.us or call 507-725-5139
Cost: $25 per Family

La Crescent Community Read: Driftless Mysteries with Sue Berg
2026-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Learn how Sue Berg gets her ideas for the Drifless Mystery series, begins writing her book, and develops plot, setting, & characters. Plus, hear a reading from her latest novel. There will be a Q & A with the author and time to purchase books and/or have yours signed.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the La Crescent Library.

Driftless Mysteries: a Community Read and Author Talk with Sue Berg
2026-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 | La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Join us for our Community Read of Driftless Gold by local author Sue Berg.
Learn how Sue Berg gets her ideas for the Drifless Mystery series, begins writing her book, and develops plot, setting, & characters. Plus, hear a reading from her latest novel. There will be a Q & A with the author and time to purchase books and/or have yours signed.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the La Crescent Library.

Thank You for Being a Friend Party
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | La Crescent Public Library, 321 Main St., La Crescent, MN, 55947, United States
Help us celebrate and thank the retiring members of our Friends of the Library Board! Join us at the library for cake, coffee, tea, cocoa, and time to visit with Friends and community.
Joan is retiring after 17 years of service, and Barb is retiring after 10 years of service! Help us show our appreciation for these wonderful Friends, and everything they’ve done for the library over the years.

Travis Head: Busy Boys, Better Boys
2026-03-26 - 2026-04-12 | UWL Art Gallery, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Travis Head: Busy Boys, Better Boys
Opening Reception: March 26, 5-6:30 p.m.
Join UWL School of Visual & Performing Arts for ArtsFest Advance! guest artist Travis Head. Don’t miss the opening reception for his exhibition from 5-6:30 on March 26 at the UWL Art Gallery in the Lowe Center for the Arts.
Travis Head’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States. He has been awarded residencies at MacDowell, Yaddo, Ox-Bow, Vermont Studio Center, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and he is a 2015 recipient of a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Professional Fellowship. He holds an MFA from the University of Iowa and a BA from the University of Mary Washington and is Associate Professor of Drawing at Virginia Tech’s School of Visual Art.
UWL Art Gallery is always free & open to the public
Hours:
1 – 8 p.m. Monday thru Thursday
1 – 5 p.m. Friday thru Saturday
Closed holidays, UWL Spring Break, Summers

Travis Head: Artist Talk & Opening Reception
2026-03-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Room 116, Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 North 16th Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Travis Head: Artist Talk & Opening Reception
ArtsFest Advance! Featured Artist
Travis Head: Artist Talk & Opening Reception for Busy Boys, Better Boys
Artist Talk: March 26, 4 p.m.
Opening Reception: March 26, 5 p.m.
Join UWL School of Visual & Performing Arts for ArtsFest Advance! guest artist Travis Head.
Mr. Head will deliver an artist talk on March 26 at 4 p.m. in room 116 in Lowe Center for the Arts, followed at 5 p.m. with a reception celebrating the opening of his exhibition Busy Boys, Better Boys in the UWL Art Gallery in the Lowe Center for the Arts.
Travis Head’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States. He has been awarded residencies at MacDowell, Yaddo, Ox-Bow, Vermont Studio Center, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and he is a 2015 recipient of a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Professional Fellowship. He holds an MFA from the University of Iowa and a BA from the University of Mary Washington and is Associate Professor of Drawing at Virginia Tech’s School of Visual Art.
