The August events lineup in the La Crosse Area is unmatched. From massive outdoor music festivals along the Mississippi to local country fairs, sweet corn celebrations, and family neighborhood block parties, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the final weeks of summer.

August Events Week 1: August 7 – August 9

Kick off the month with two of the region’s largest summer staples.

Ashley for the Arts | Arcadia, WI

• When: Thursday, August 6 – Saturday, August 8
• The Vibe: High-energy music festival for a great cause.
• What to Expect: One of Wisconsin’s biggest charity events returns with world-class headliners, art displays, family activities, and delicious food. Grab your tickets to see country and rock legends like Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, and the Gene Simmons Band live on stage while raising money for local non-profits.

Spanning Memorial Park in Arcadia, Ashley for the Arts is a massive three-day celebration blends big-stage entertainment with community spirit. Beyond the mainstage, you can wander through local art craft displays, grab a bite from dozens of food vendors, and let the kids burn off energy in the air park and interactive discovery zones. Plus, every single ticket sold helps generate thousands of dollars for surrounding schools and local non-profit organizations!

Irish Fest La Crosse | La Crosse, WI

• When: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9
• The Vibe: Celtic tunes and heritage along the Mississippi River.
• What to Expect: Celebrate Irish culture, music, and dance at the Oktoberfest grounds! Enjoy live traditional Irish music, step dancing performances, cultural workshops, and authentic food and drink all weekend long.

Set right along the water, Irish Fest transforms the festival grounds into a vibrant celebration of Celtic traditions. Sip on a cold pint of Guinness or fresh cider while enjoying performances by world-renowned fiddle players, traditional step dancers, and high-energy Irish rock bands. Be sure to explore the cultural tent for genealogical resources, shepherd’s pie, and sheepdog herding demonstrations that bring the heritage to life for all ages.

August Events Week 2: August 14 – August 16

Sweet corn, bluegrass pickin’, and downtown street parties.

Larryfest | La Farge, WI

• When: Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15
• The Vibe: Grassroots bluegrass in the heart of the Driftless valley.
• What to Expect: Three full days of pickin’, grinnin’, and outdoor jam sessions. Bring your lawn chairs and camping gear for an unforgettable weekend of acoustic music nestled in the hills.

Hidden away in the rolling hills of the Kickapoo Valley, Larryfest is a beloved pilgrimage for acoustic music lovers across the Midwest. The intimate, farm-style setting creates a unique atmosphere where national bluegrass headliners and local pickers share the same space. Pack up your camp setup, bring your favorite lawn chair, and get ready for late-night campsite jam sessions under the clear summer stars.

Holmen Kornfest | Holmen, WI

• When: Friday, August 14 – Sunday, August 16
• The Vibe: Classic small-town summer festival.
• What to Expect: Kornfest takes over Holmen with carnival rides, local food stands, softball tournaments, live music, a grand parade, and all the fresh sweet corn you can eat.

Nothing says Midwestern summer quite like steaming, buttered sweet corn on a warm day. Kornfest brings the entire Holmen community together for a weekend packed with competitive softball games, carnival rides for the kids, and a massive parade on Sunday morning. As the sun sets, the beer tent comes alive with top regional bands playing hit after hit, making it a must-visit weekend for families and friends alike.

Big Muddy in the Streets | Downtown Winona, MN

• When: Saturday, August 15
• The Vibe: Lively summer block party.
• What to Expect: Head just across the river to downtown Winona for a block party packed with live local music, cold drinks, outdoor games, and good community energy.

Taking over the streets of downtown Winona, this mid-August block party brings an electric community crowd together for an evening out on the town. Local craft brews and specialty cocktails flow while local bands take the outdoor stage to keep the crowd dancing into the night. It’s the ideal destination if you’re looking to grab dinner, meet up with friends, and soak up a lively weekend night out.

August Events Week 3: August 21 – August 23

Riverside concerts, prairie jams, and home design inspiration.

La Crescent Live | La Crescent, MN

• When: Wednesday, August 19 & Saturday, August 22
• The Vibe: Casual midweek and weekend outdoor concerts.
• What to Expect: Enjoy free live music overlooking the Mississippi River. Pack a picnic blanket, grab dinner from local vendors, and catch the sunset with great tunes.

Perched with a scenic view overlooking the river valley, La Crescent Live offers one of the most laid-back concert setups around. These community gatherings encourage you to kick back, unpack a cozy blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy the sunset while local talent takes the stage. With local food trucks parked nearby and plenty of green space for kids to run around, it’s a perfect casual evening outdoors.

LABA Parade of Homes | La Crosse Area

• When: Thursday, August 20 – Sunday, August 23
• The Vibe: Home design and builder showcase.
• What to Expect: Planning a move or home renovation? Tour stunning custom-built homes across the Coulee Region to get inspired by the latest architectural trends, interior styles, and local craftsmanship.

If you love home decor, interior design, or are considering building your dream space in the Coulee Region, the Parade of Homes’ self-guided tour is your ultimate inspiration board brought to life. Builders across the area open up custom-built properties showcasing cutting-edge kitchens, modern layout trends, and creative landscaping ideas. It’s a fantastic weekend activity to casually cruise through local neighborhoods and gather ideas for your own home projects.

Rockin’ the Prairie | Brice Prairie, WI

• When: Saturday, August 22
• The Vibe: Open-sky rock party.
• What to Expect: Crank up the volume under the Brice Prairie sky with live rock music, cold drinks, food trucks, and a night out with friends.

Head out toward the open fields of Brice Prairie for a night dedicated to classic rock hits and energetic live performances. Local food trucks and cold drinks keep the crowd fueled as high-energy cover bands play timeless anthems under the open sky. It’s a favorite gathering for locals looking to enjoy a relaxed, outdoor party atmosphere with plenty of space to dance.

August Events Week 4: August 28 – August 30

Folk tunes, county fair traditions, and local artisan markets.

Crawford County Fair | Gays Mills, WI

• When: Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30
• The Vibe: Agricultural fair fun.
• What to Expect: Treat yourself to carnival rides, livestock exhibits, grandstand events, and all your favorite fair food delicacies.

Head south to Gays Mills for a timeless county fair experience complete with bright carnival lights and classic Midway games. Stroll through the agricultural barns to see local 4-H projects and livestock shows, or catch high-octane entertainment at the grandstands. Don’t forget to indulge in traditional fair treats—from deep-fried cheese curds to funnel cakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade!

Great River Folk Festival | La Crosse, WI

• When: Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30
• The Vibe: Storytelling, acoustic roots, and art in Riverside Park.
• What to Expect: Nestled right along the waterfront, this annual tradition fills the park with folk tunes, songwriting workshops, artisan booths, and family activities.

Taking place in the heart of downtown La Crosse at Riverside Park, this historic festival celebrates acoustic roots music and regional artistic talent. Beyond the main stage performances, attendees can wander through a bustling market of handmade arts and crafts, participate in interactive workshops, or listen to songwriters share the stories behind their tunes. The peaceful setting right next to the Mississippi River makes it one of the most relaxing cultural events of the season.

Coon Valley Heritage Day Market | Coon Valley, WI

• When: Saturday, August 29
• The Vibe: Local maker and vintage market.
• What to Expect: Stop by Veterans Memorial Park to shop local makers, handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and homemade treats from area vendors.

Nestled in the park under shady trees, Coon Valley’s Heritage Day Market open-air market brings together local creators, antique collectors, and bakeries from around the valley. It’s an ideal Saturday morning destination to sip on coffee, hunt for unique vintage treasures, buy handmade gifts, and support local small business owners. The relaxed pace makes it a great stop before heading off to afternoon weekend festivities.