The Picks: Larryfest Presented by KVAWA, Epic Upcoming Events & More Weekend Picks!

August 19-24, 2022

New local picks every Thursday evening to get your weekend started! Check back each week to see La Crosse Local’s picks and to make sure not to miss out on events throughout the year.

Photo by Kiss the Tiger

Featured Event Giveaway

Mid West Music Fest – La Crosse Ticket Giveaway – Win a pair of tickets to Mid West Music Fest – La Crosse for the September festival. You can see regional acts from all genres of music and enjoy a whole weekend of entertainment and fun (more details below). Enter now to win!

Photo by Pump House Regional Arts Center / Julia Scheckel

All Month

Pump House Current Exhibition – Join the Pump House Regional Arts Center in welcoming and celebrating their next group of exhibiting artists at their various galleries. The exhibition features a variety of artists and works of art, including The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep by Julia Scheckel in the Front Gallery, Iowa Combines by Russ Nordman in the Balcony Gallery, Filters and Signals by Nicolas Darcourt, Roger Boulay, and Lois Peterson in the Kader Gallery. The gallery exhibition will be on display at the Pump House from July 20th to September 10th.

Photo by KVAMA Larryfest

All Weekend

Larryfest – Support local artists, music, and community festivals this weekend at Larryfest presented by the Kickapoo Valley Acoustic Music Association (KVAMA). Larryfest is a traditional Bluegrass music festival with a goal of promoting and preserving bluegrass, folk, and old-time music. Here you can discover diverse cultural and traditional themes through exciting live performances by acts like Appalachian Road Show , East Nash Grass, String Ties, and more. Grab tickets and learn more at www.kvama.org/home.

Wisconsin Artisan Fair – Join Midwest Handmade at the La Crosse Center for the 2nd annual Wisconsin Artisan Fair. Featuring only handmade fine arts and craft items, you can be sure you are supporting small businesses and local makers from around the region. The fair is open 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and is free admission for everyone. There will be concessions and face painting available for purchase, and a chance to win a variety of door prizes.

Photo by Broken Robots

Saturday

Live in Viroqua – With only two dates left, head to Viroqua for their free summer concert series Live in Viroqua. This Saturday evening features Them Coulee Boys and Broken Robots starting at 5pm. There will also be food, drinks, and vendors to browse.

Photo by Joe & Vicki Price

Up Next Week

Moon Tunes – Head to the bandshell at Riverside Park every Thursday night during August from 5:30pm to 8:00pm for live, local music. This week is Blues night featuring Joe & Vicki Price, Shufflin’ DuPrees, and Howard “Guitar” Luedtke & Blue Max. Head down for some great local music!

Photo by Great River Folk Festival

Coming Up

Great River Folk Festival – Held annually the weekend before Labor Day, Great River Folk Fest features great music and family friendly entertainment for everyone. The festival is located in Riverside Park right along the Mississippi River with a goal of preserving and promoting traditional and contemporary folk culture in the Driftless Region. There will be music, crafts, dance and food, and plenty to do and see for all ages!

Twang Thang Jamboree – Plan to come down to The Main on September 2nd for the Twang Thang at the Main: Twang Thang Jamboree presented by Deece Productions. The epic line-up will feature the one and only Deke Dickerson with legendary surf guitarist Tony Anderason of the band The Trashmen, world famous guitar virtuoso Greg Koch, and fingerstyle string master Rob Wernberg. Other special guest acts include Big Liquor and Andy Huges. The show kicks off at 7:00pm and goes until 10:30pm.

Photo by Tommy Prine

Tommy Prine at Leo and Leona’s – On Monday, September 5th head to Leo and Leona’s to see singer-songwriter Tommy Prine, son of the late legendary multi Grammy award-winning artist, John Prine. Tommy Prine is a Nashville-native, singer-songwriter, and performer whose distinct sound comes from his unique finger-picking style combined with his soul-stirring songwriting. The artist is returning to the Driftless Region for a special performance, so be sure to grab your tickets before the show sells out.

Mid West Music Fest 2022 La Crosse – Mid West Music Fest is coming to La Crosse this September for a weekend of music, entertainment and the arts! Featuring regional artists for over 13 years, the festival promotes music and art of all genres and mediums and supports the connection of the community to our local music and art scenes throughout the area. This special Driftless region festival was held earlier this year in Winona, and the second festival is approaching quickly. Check out the lineup for the La Crosse Mid West Music Fest coming up in September here. Get your tickets now and get ready for a weekend of entertainment, music, and the arts!

Photo by Artaria String Quartet

Artaria String Quartet – Cappella Grand Opening – Join the Cappella Performing Arts Center for their Grand Opening on September 16th, featuring Minnesota’s foremost teaching and performing string quartet, Artaria String Quartet. From 7:30pm to 11:00pm, audience members can expect refined and thoughtful playing and confident interpretations from an exceptional ensemble.

Phantom Of The Opera (1925 Silent Film) Featuring: The Mighty Moller Organ – Presented by the Cappella Performing Arts Center, come and see the Phantom Of The Opera, the 1925 silent horror film on October 31st at 7:00pm. The film will be accompanied by the Mighty Moller Cappella organ played by Peter Krasinski. A film adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, The Phantom Opera stars the Phantom played by Lou Chaney who haunts the Paris Opera House in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star.

The Picks: Larryfest Presented by KVAWA, Epic Upcoming Events & More Weekend Picks!