Winona, Minnesota punches far above its weight for arts and culture. Hugging the Mississippi in the Driftless Region, this college town blends world-class festivals with grassroots creativity: symphony concerts and Shakespeare in the summer, indie films in winter, regional bands in spring, and gallery shows and classes all year long. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or putting down roots, use this guide to dive into Winona’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM)
Set on a seven-acre riverside campus, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum showcases rotating exhibitions that explore our relationship with water—across six galleries plus an education/events space and destination gift shop. It’s one of Winona’s signature experiences, pairing fine art with a sense of place on the Mississippi. The museum also hosts rentals and special programs throughout the year. Get hours, current exhibits, and tickets at mmam.org; learn more about the campus and mission via Explore Minnesota’s profile, and see event rental options here.
Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF)
Each summer, Winona becomes a Shakespeare town. The Great River Shakespeare Festival stages classic productions alongside talkbacks, special events, and education programs. Recent seasons have featured favorites like Romeo and Juliet and The Comedy of Errors, with performances and festival activities running late June through July. GRSF has announced a new home base at The ARC – home of the historic Masonic Theater (255 Main St.), expanding its footprint in downtown Winona. Check shows, tickets, and the events calendar at grsf.org.
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Classical music lovers flock to Winona for the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, a June–July celebration that draws marquee artists to intimate venues like the Page Theatre and Winona State University’s Somsen Hall. Expect internationally renowned soloists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras in an approachable setting. Explore the festival schedule and purchase tickets at mnbeethovenfestival.org (see this year’s lineup and ticket page for specifics).
Frozen River Film Festival
In the heart of winter, the Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) warms things up with documentaries and indie films, filmmaker Q&As, community events, and special screenings across town. The 20th annual festival continues to update its schedule and pass info online; you can browse the film slate, check the evolving schedule, and find box-office details (including the downtown box-office location) on the FRFF site.
Mid West Music Fest (MWMF)
Every spring, Mid West Music Fest turns Winona’s stages, bars, and outdoor spaces into a walkable showcase of regional talent across genres. It’s family-friendly (kids 16 and under are free with a paid adult for many venues) and designed to spotlight emerging artists while energizing downtown. Find dates, tickets, lineup updates, and “how to fest” tips at midwestmusicfest.org.
Winona Arts Center
For intimate concerts, film nights, exhibits, and hands-on classes, the Winona Arts Center is a community hub. Housed at 228 E. 5th Street, it runs a concert series, hosts rotating gallery shows (open weekend afternoons and during events), and offers classes (from oil painting to workshops)—a great way to experience or make art locally. Visit the Center’s website for the latest exhibits, concert listings, and registration info.
Campus Stages & Series
Winona’s university stages add depth to the calendar:
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Winona State University Performing Arts Center (PAC): Home to a 400-plus seat main stage, a black box theatre, and a recital hall known for its acoustics. The PAC hosts university productions and also partners with community events like GRSF, FRFF, and the Beethoven Festival. Check WSU’s performing arts pages and venue info for upcoming shows and directions.
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Saint Mary’s University – Page Theatre & Page Series: For more than three decades, the Page Series has welcomed touring artists, workshops, and community programs. Follow the performing arts calendar for current season announcements and events.
Winona Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1908, the Winona Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is among Southeast Minnesota’s oldest arts organizations. Under the baton of Dr. Erik Rohde, WSO performs concerts on the WSU campus and collaborates with partners like MMAM (“Water Music” chamber concerts). See upcoming concerts, ticket packages, and the orchestra’s story on WSO’s site.
More Ways to Experience Winona’s Arts
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Event Roundups & Venues: Visit Visit Winona for exhibit and performance listings around town, including special shows at MMAM and other venues.
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Pop-Up & Pub Stages: During MWMF and throughout the year, keep an eye on downtown spots that host live music, comedy, and open mics. Festival sites and social feeds typically publish venue-by-venue details in the weeks leading up to events.
Planning Tips
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Seasonality: Summer swells with Shakespeare and Beethoven; spring brings MWMF; winter is FRFF season. Book tickets early for headline festival performances.
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Venues & Parking: Many performances are clustered around downtown and the WSU campus; check each organization’s “Visit” or “Venues & Directions” pages for maps, parking guidance, and accessibility info.
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Community Classes: Want to participate, not just attend? The Winona Arts Center regularly offers classes and workshops—great for visitors and locals alike. Winona Arts Center
Winona’s arts scene is both polished and personal—big enough to attract international talent, grounded enough that you’ll meet the artists after the show. Whether you’re catching Shakespeare at sunset, hearing a world-class violinist up close, discovering a new band, or learning a new medium, the river city delivers memorable arts experiences year-round.
