Explore La Crosse is excited to announce that August 15 – 18, 2024 is the La Crosse Region’s First Ever Paddle Weekend. Join us for a weekend of kayaking, fishing, film festivals and water activities all themed around paddling in our region.

As a premier-paddling destination of the Midwest, the La Crosse Region is excited to host a premier showing of the “Mississippi Speed Record” and the “Paddling Film Festival” as part of the World Paddle Tour. Attendees will enjoy an exciting glimpse into the world of paddling through the Paddling Film Premier along with “do-it-yourself” local excursions, paddle trails, and various other event features. Mark your calendar and get ready to experience a weekend at the premier paddle destination of the Midwest!

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Mississippi Speed Record Film and Q&A Panel at the Rivoli Theatre in La Crosse, WI from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, Pettibone Lagoon at Pettibone Park, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. Please make reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

A free Paddling Film Festival will be at 7:00pm, this is the 19th annual Paddling Film Festival hosted at the Rivoli Theater in La Crosse, WI. Tickets are free, but they request you reserve your ticket ahead of time here.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. Please make reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

The Great Lakes Kayak Fishing Series (GLFKS) will be at Pools 7, 8, and 9 in La Crosse, WI, August 17-18th. This is a concurrent event as the All American Kayak Series (AAKS).

The All American Kayak Series (AAKS) will be in La Crosse on August 17-18.The All American Kayak Series is the premier kayak bass tournament trail in the Midwest.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. We suggest making reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

The Great Lakes Kayak Fishing Series (GLFKS) will be at Pools 7, 8, and 9 in La Crosse, WI, August 17-18th. This is a concurrent event as the All American Kayak Series (AAKS).

The All American Kayak Series (AAKS) will be in La Crosse on August 17-18.The All American Kayak Series is the premier kayak bass tournament trail in the Midwest.

Thank you to the sponsors that are helping make this happen, Schafer’s River Rentals, Island Outdoors, The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, and the OPR Onalaska Parks & Recreation Department, and Rivoli Theatre for hosting the Mississippi Speed Record Film, and the World Paddling Tour Film Festival.

*For a full detailed explanation and list of events, please visit our website, explorelacrosse.com

*Please note that times, information, and events may be subject to change.

The Annual Sawyer County Fair promotes and encourages education, agriculture, the arts, and entertainment through an annual fair and associated event. It has been in existence for over one hundred […]

The Beckman Mill is open for public tours on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm, May-October. Corn Grinding and Blacksmithing Demonstrations take place on the first Saturday of each month. Beckman […]

Visit a Beloit Sky Carp baseball game during their season, April through September. The Sky Carp are a high-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, offering major-league fun at minor-league prices. Purchase tickets and find info about theme nights and promotions on their website.

There’s no better way sendoff summer than spending a week at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, August 20-25, 2024 at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park – Rise & Shine! Bring the whole family out to see 4-H and open class exhibits, midway carnival rides and games, commercial exhibits and special programs, fair food, and beer gardens. Rock out in the grandstand to the sound stylings of up-and-coming artists and classic favorites. Visit centralwisconsinstatefair.com for the complete schedule of activities and entertainment.

There’s no better way sendoff summer than spending a week at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, August 20-25, 2024 at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park – Rise & Shine! Bring the whole family out to see 4-H and open class exhibits, midway carnival rides and games, commercial exhibits and special programs, fair food, and beer gardens. Rock out in the grandstand to the sound stylings of up-and-coming artists and classic favorites. Visit centralwisconsinstatefair.com for the complete schedule of activities and entertainment.

There’s no better way sendoff summer than spending a week at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, August 20-25, 2024 at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park – Rise & Shine! Bring the whole family out to see 4-H and open class exhibits, midway carnival rides and games, commercial exhibits and special programs, fair food, and beer gardens. Rock out in the grandstand to the sound stylings of up-and-coming artists and classic favorites. Visit centralwisconsinstatefair.com for the complete schedule of activities and entertainment.

Music at Harry’s Place in Beloit, WI, is where friendship, community, and music come together to celebrate summer and good vibes. The free outdoor concert series experience attracts attendees from all around, with the stunning backdrop of the Rock River accompanied by music for everyone to enjoy.

On Friday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., concert-goers groove all around Riverside Park, singing and dancing to the region’s hottest bands. Hosted by Friends of Riverfront, this outdoor concert series features jazz, blues, modern hits, and so much more.

As the music fills the air, attendees can enjoy the views of the river at sunset, sip on ice-cold beverages from the beer tent, and munch on tasty dinner and treat options from the various food trucks and vendors. Whether lounging on a lawn chair or snuggled up with a cozy blanket, the stage is set for an unforgettable evening with long-lasting memories.

There’s no better way sendoff summer than spending a week at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, August 20-25, 2024 at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park – Rise & Shine! Bring the whole family out to see 4-H and open class exhibits, midway carnival rides and games, commercial exhibits and special programs, fair food, and beer gardens. Rock out in the grandstand to the sound stylings of up-and-coming artists and classic favorites. Visit centralwisconsinstatefair.com for the complete schedule of activities and entertainment.

Fridays in the Park is an annual summer lunchtime concert series that has been held in the heart of downtown for three decades. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., enjoy […]