Call to Artists: Between the Bluffs Plein Air
2025-11-30 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-01 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-07 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Demonstrations: Sat. Oct 11 9 – Noon
Show: Oct 17, 18, 19
Betweenthebluffs.com
Colleen Shore is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Frozen River Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years with New Film Series
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-08, 2025-12-02 - 2025-12-09, 2025-12-03 - 2025-12-10, 2025-12-04 - 2025-12-11, 2025-12-05 - 2025-12-12, 2025-12-06 - 2025-12-13, 2025-12-07 - 2025-12-14 | MN
frff.eventive.org
This year the Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) will be celebrating 20 years of bringing documentary films and filmmakers to Winona. The festival begins Sunday, February 9, (You can still get home in time to watch the Super Bowl!) and runs through Sunday, February 16. This year’s event will feature the World Premiere of FRFF’s self-produced documentary, Beneath the Ice: The Frozen River Film Festival Story. Learn more.

NOVELIST KEVIN FENTON TO READ AT BLUE HERON
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Tuesday, December 2 | 7 pm
Blue Heron Coffeehouse
As part of the Laureate Writers Series, novelist Kevin Fenton will read from his new book, Cyan Magenta Yellow Black at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse on December 2 nd at 7 p.m. The reading will be followed by a Q&A, book signing, and an Open Mic that is open to all.
The event is free and open to the public.
Kevin Fenton is the author of Merit Badges, which won the AWP Prize for the Novel, and Leaving Rollingstone, which Patricia Hampl called “the most important memoir to come out of the Midwest (or anywhere) in years.”
His essays on advertising design have appeared in a wide range of prestigious publications. Fenton graduated from Winona H.S. in 1977. He holds degrees from Beloit College, the University of Minnesota Law School, and the University of Minnesota MFA program. He lives in St, Paul with his wife, Ellen, and his greyhound, Evie.
Charles Baxter says that Cyan Magenta Yellow Black progresses from “darkness and distrust” to “the light of community and generosity.”… This is a beautiful book—smart, tenderhearted, and wonderfully written.”
This event is co-sponsored by the Blue Heron Coffeehouse, Chapter 2 Books, Richard and Sara Ricker, and Laurie Lucas.

Ken McCullough is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Introduction to Linoleum Printing
2025-12-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Nov 19, Dec 3 & Dec 10 | 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: Workshop Fee (all 3 days) $150
Contact: jsbenson50@gmail.com
Join us for an Introduction to Linoleum Printing with Preston Lawing at the Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th Street. This class meets for 3 Wednesdays; November 19, December 3 & 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The workshop fee for all 3 days is $150.00
This three-week workshop with Preston Lawing will open the door to a simple, amazing process of using linoleum to carve and print beautiful images. These prints require minimal tools and can be produced at home or while traveling, helping you to get out of the studio and exploring your world. This workshop will introduce artists, from beginners to advanced, to the technique of carving into a soft linoleum block and developing a variety of lines and tones, shadows and contrast, as well as highlighting the students’ own unique artistic style. Participants do not need to have strong drawing skills, but a willingness to explore different marking choices. Due to the technical information and processes covered, this course is suited for artists 18 and up. This is a class for adults.
All materials are included. Please register for this class by contacting Jen at jsbenson50@gmail.com
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Commonweal Theatre Presents A Sherlock Carol
2025-12-04 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-06 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-07 13:30 - 16:00 | Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN, United States
Preview Dates
Saturday, Nov 8 | 7:30-10:00 pm
Sunday, Nov 9 | 1:30-4:00 pm
Thurs-Fri, Nov 13-14| 7:30-10:00 pm
Full Run Dates Listed on RAA Event Page
Commonweal Theatre Company
208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN
commonwealtheatre.org

Join the Commonweal Theatre Company for Mark Shanahan’s merry and mysterious mashup, A Sherlock Carol. The worlds of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle collide in the ultimate Christmas crossover! Learn more.

The Monk & The Gun
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
The Winona Arts Center’s last international film of the year, The
Monk & The Gun will be shown on Friday, Dec 5 at 7:00.
As always, the film is the low price of $5.
This film is a 2023 drama
written and directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji . An American
travels to Bhutan in search of treasure and crosses paths with a
young monk wandering the serene mountains
The monk has been instructed by his teacher to make things right.
Based on true events of 2006 when Bhutan became the last
nation to connect to the internet and television.
I hour 47 min
Language : Dzongnha with English subtitles

Lustrous Lights
2025-12-05 19:00 - 23:00 | No Name Bar, 252 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987
Friday, December 05 2025 | 7:00 – 11:00 pm
No Name Bar 252 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987

Get ready for an enchanting evening that’s all about self-expression, empowerment, and celebrating the artistry of performance art! Theatre du Mississippi is proud to host a spectacular showcase featuring new and rising talent as they take the stage with dazzling costumes, fun choreography, and plenty of personality. Whether it’s their first time performing, they’re just starting to explore the art, or they are seasoned performers, they are here to thrill and entertain with style and confidence. Performances including cabaret, drag, burlesque, pole, and more!
Come cheer on these performers as they bring their creativity, humor, and talent to the stage. Grab a drink, settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the joy and daring of a dazzling debut!
Don’t miss this unforgettable night – a celebration of artistry, vulnerability, and the thrill of stepping into the spotlight for the first time!
Event Details
Date: Friday, December 5th
Time: Doors 7:00pm | Show 8:00pm
Location: No Name Bar, Winona, MN
Tickets: limited availability $20 Pre-Sale Tickets | $25 at the Door (and once presale are sold out)
Tickets sold online (card) or at the door (cash)
Strictly 21 + to attend
This event is an opportunity for performers to share their craft and for the community to come together to appreciate the diverse talents in Winona and beyond.
If you have questions or requests regarding access needs, please contact Theatre du Mississippi via email director@theatredumiss.org or text 507-218-7767.
Theatre du Mississippi is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Merry & Bright: A Winona Stained Glass Driving Tour
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-27 | MN
The Winona Arts Center is pleased to be a sponsor of the city wide: Merry & Bright: A Winona Stained Glass Driving Tour every Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Discover themagic of Winona this holiday season! Enjoy a self-guided, evening drive or
stroll past twelve stunning stained glass displays, each glowing with color
and light. Perfect for families, friends, and visitors of all ages, this festive
tour is a cozy way to celebrate the season with special stained glass hours.
Grab some hot cocoa, friends and family and let Winona shine!
Visit winonaarts.org/special-events to view the printable QR code

Winona Arts Center -- Free Ink Event
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Have some Holiday Fun at the Winona Arts Center’s Free Ink event on December 6! Family and Friends are welcome from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Adults only, please, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You will create your own one-of-a-kind greeting cards to give to friends and family or to frame as a gift. Each card is created using water soluble inks, stencils, various materials and our Etching press. Instructors will be on hand to guide you through each step. No experience necessary. All Materials Provided.
This is a free community event. made possible through funding from the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.
Contact Jen at jsbenson50@gmail for questions.

RAA Announces Reception for Driftless: A Curated Exhibit
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Saturday, Dec 6 | 1-3 pm
Winona County History Center
160 Johnson Street | Winona
Join RAA for the opening reception of Driftless: A Curated Exhibit, featuring artwork inspired by the driftless region along the great Mississippi river. Light refreshments will
be served.
Many artists throughout Minnesota and the surrounding driftless region submitted worksfor consideration in the exhibit. A selection of those submissions, curated by former and current RAA board members, will be on display at the Winona County History Center, December 6, 2025 – February 27, 2026.
The driftless region along the great Mississippi river stretches from southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin to the connecting borders of Iowa and Illinois. This region has long been a source of inspiration for adventurers and artists, inspiring curiosity and shaping a multitude of perspectives — especially those expressed through the visual arts.
Help us celebrate the work that has emerged from artists inspired by the majestic
beauty of our driftless area.
Unable to make the reception? We encourage you to view the RAA exhibit during its run at the Winona County History Center, 10 am to 4 pm daily.

River City Dancers Holiday Dance
2025-12-06 18:30 - 22:30 | Winona Athletic Club, 773 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Come share the warmth, the sparkle, and the joy of the season on the dance floor December 6 at the Winona Athletic Club — upstairs ballroom.
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, joyful laughter, and all the magic of the season. Whether you’re a dance pro or a total beginner, come celebrate the holidays with warmth, fun, and festive cheer!
Dress Code? Holidaycore – think sparkling cocktail dresses, cozy festive sweaters, jewel tones, and anything that makes you feel merry and bright!
Doors open at 7 p.m. for Rumba and Swing lessons, Ballroom dancing from 8-10:30.
Admission: Students (College/H.S.) = $10, Adults = $15
Dances are smoke-free – Zero dance experience is required – Couples and singles of ALL ages welcome!

Annual Messiah Sing-in Returns with Fresh Additions December 6
2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 pm
Central Lutheran Church
259 W. Wabasha st.
Winona, MN

Winona’s beloved Messiah Sing-In returns on Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church, continuing a tradition that has delighted audiences since 1991. This year’s program, led by founding director Dr. Harry A. Mechell, brings an exciting, family- friendly flair, featuring a selection of holiday and seasonal favorites along with the cherished choruses from Part One of Handel’s Messiah. The program is just an hour long, so it’s a great way for everyone, no matter their age, to sing, hum, or just soak in the fun, festive vibe.
New this year, families will be treated to an array of beloved seasonal pieces, including the energetic Polar Express Medley with “Hot Chocolate,” the magical music of The Snowman, favorites from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the lively Fezziwig’s Frolic. Directed by Kurt Speltz, the Winona Community Chorale, a vibrant 60 voice ensemble, will lend its rich harmonies to the evening’s celebration, bringing an added warmth and festive spirit to this year’s program.
The event will feature BellaMusica, a high-caliber community chamber choir known for its expressive performances accompanied by a professional orchestra composed of some of the finest musicians in Southeast Minnesota. Special guest soloist Joel Mathias, whose distinguished career includes engagements with opera houses across the United States, most notably the Minnesota Opera, will bring a refined vocal artistry and dramatic sensitivity to the evening’s performance.
In the spirit of community, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation to Winona Volunteer Services. Tickets will be available at the door: $15 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The performance will also be livestreamed on Central Lutheran Church’s Facebook page.
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music & Arts at 507-
474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org
Photo Caption: Dr. Harry Mechell leads the audience at 2024 Messiah Sing-in

Open Studio with Julia Crozier
2025-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | 820 44th Ave, 820 44th Ave,, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Does visiting an open studio sound like fun to you?
Please join Julia Crozier for a relaxing visit surrounded by art Sunday, December 7. There will be some fresh work, reduced prices on some original artwork, refreshments and time to socialize.
The studio is located at 820 44th Ave, Winona, Minnesota, and will be open from 10 a.m until 4 p.m.
All are welcome!
