Best Things to Do in La Crosse This Weekend (May 2–3, 2026)

UWL Campus Child Center 40th Anniversary Celebration

1600 Farwell Street – Parking in Lot C-7
10:00 am – 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music, Touch-a-Truck, guided tours, open playground exploration, and purchase some CCC merch! We hope to see you there!
View Event Details

Nature’s Living Room – A Fundraiser for The Nature Place

The Nature Place
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
We’re partnering with Angie Capwell Photography and Fokus Photo to offer free photo sessions with a suggested donation benefiting The Nature Place. Come dressed to embrace the warmth of the season for this outdoor photoshoot and capture a moment in time surrounded by the beauty of spring, and with those you care about most. While photo sessions are free, we encourage you to sign up in advance to secure a spot on the day of the event. Nature’s Living Room will also feature community organizations, small business’ and a variety of resources focused on nature-based wellness, parenting support, financial wellbeing, and guidance for those entering or returning to the workforce (so bring your resume!) We’ll also have hands-on activities for all ages.
View Event Details

Comic and Zine Making-Free Comic Book Day

La Crosse Public Library
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Create your own comics and zines in this hands-on workshop and learn about DIY publishing! Learn simple storytelling, character design, and folding/assembly tricks, then leave with your very own comics and zines to share and swap. All Ages.
View Event Details

Kentucky Derby Party

Adam’s Pub
4:00 pm
Fancy hats, mint juleps, mojitos, horse drawing, snacks, and a stocked jukebox. Come on down and have some fun!
View Event Details

International Line Dance Flash Mob Day in La Crosse

The La Crosse Center
4:00 pm – 4:30 p.m.
The organizers of the Midwest Country Music Awards have invited us to line dance in front of the La Crosse Center for about 15 minutes starting at 4pm as part of their “Parking Lot Party” Saturday afternoon before the awards show. We’re PSYCHED! Anyone can join!
View Event Details

The Midwest Country Music Awards

The La Crosse Center
5:00 pm – 10:30 p.m.
Midwest Country Music Organization hosts its 7th annual awards show, showcasing and celebrating the very best independent country music from the past year. This is your chance to experience 26 live performances from nearly 50 of the top country artists and musicians from the Midwest, interspersed with awards such as Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Americana Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, etc.
View Event Details

The Third Annual 48 hour Film Festival

Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria
5:30 pm
The La Crosse Film Academy invites the community to experience the La Crosse 48 Hour Film Festival, featuring films created in just 48 hours by 17 local filmmaking teams. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the official program start at 6:30 p.m. The evening concludes with an awards presentation celebrating standout achievements across Emerging and Experienced categories, with over $3,000 in total prizes awarded, including cash prizes, technology gift cards, and the Audience Choice Award voted on live!
View Event Details

EMO Music Adult Roller Skating Night

High Roller Skating Center
7:30 pm – 10:00 p.m.
We’re rolling it back to the days of band tees, eyeliner, and songs that made us feel something. Come skate, scream-sing, and remember your emo era — because it was never just a phase. Prizes and best Emo Outfit contest, themed mocktails, and adult only. $7 gets you in the door as long as you’re wearing eyeliner.
View Event Details

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts at UW-La Crosse Campus
Saturday 7:30 p.m. | Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Murder has never been so musical! The University of Wisconsin La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance proudly presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. Thursday, April 30-May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee on May 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts on the UWL campus. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the knock-‘em-dead, uproarious hit with over ten Tony Award nominations and four wins.
View Event Details

UWL Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Orchestra: “Jazz Continuum”

UW-La Crosse Campus
9:30 p.m.
Performing in the Bluffs Ballroom of the UWL Student Union, the UWL Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra perform in a free concert to the public.
View Event Details