Photo by Annie Spratt
Road trip! Hit the open road and head towards something fun and exciting to do for a weekend getaway or vacation out of the La Crosse area. Gas up the car, grab a snack for the drive, and check out this weekend getaway idea within driving distance!
Summer Concerts and Festivals on the Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road offers the summer River Road traveler plenty of fun at Wisconsin concerts and festivals throughout June to September. These events showcase Great River Road communities and cities and are perfect additions to a summer bucket list. Ranging from free to paid events all along the Wisconsin Great River Road! Note: Visit websites in advance of your trip to learn open hours and any restrictions.
Photo by Samantha Fernandes
In Prairie Du Chien, Concerts in the Park is a free summer concert series held at Lawler Park’s South Gazebo. Every Thursday evening from June 10th to August 5th, you can enjoy live music on the banks of the Mississippi River from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Concert goers bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and set up along the Mississippi to enjoy a variety of music from local musicians and bands.
Photo by Bob Good Photography
Discover the southwestern Wisconsin local music scene at Moon Tunes in La Crosse, WI with free concerts at the Riverside Park Band Shell. Moon Tunes concerts are held most Thursdays from June through September and offer a great opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and support local artists. The concert series ends mid September with a Woodstock Tribute and Moon Tunes Finale concert on September 11th at 2 pm featuring an afternoon and evening of performances from 14 local artists.
Photo by Jordan Nix
Sunday Concerts in the Park at the Halfway Creek Band Shell in Holmen, WI are a free, local option for weekly live music performances. Held every Sunday evening from June to September locals and visitors alike can enjoy the musical talents of local artists from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The essentials include a lawn chair or blanket for seating while you watch the show, but snacks and drinks can be purchased from the concession stand.
Photo by Ashley for the Arts
Ashley for the Arts is more than just a Great River Road festival, it is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events and most well-loved community events in the southwestern region of the state. Hosted at the 54-acre Memorial Park in Arcadia, WI, Soldier’s Walk is the backdrop for three days of live music, entertainment, vendors, interactive activities, outdoor activities, booths, and much more. Festival goers can enjoy three different performance stages with musical acts ranging from local talent to headliner artists known around the world. Other attractions include art & craft vendors, a hot air balloon launch, a trampoline air park, interactive art station, kid’s kingdom playground, food and beverage booths, and much more.
Photo by Hometown Festival Week
The farthest south on the road, Hometown Festival Week in Platteville, WI is a nine day celebration of the community from July 17 to July 25. Events like the Southwest Music Festival, Southwest Health’s Berry Festival, Southwest Gospel Music Festival, Ice Cream Social at Stone Cottage, Party in the Park “Salute to Volunteers” and Trinity Episcopal Church’s Fish Boil are past favorites, but there is plenty more to keep you entertained throughout the festival. With various event locations around Platteville, the festival showcases the best of the community and offers over a week of fun and excitement.
