This post is sponsored by UWL – Visual & Performing Arts
Create. Explore. Interpret. Innovate.
The School of Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) at UW–La Crosse is where creativity comes to life—on stage, in the studio, and across campus. As a hub of cultural activity in La Crosse, VPA presents some of the region’s finest performances, festivals, and exhibitions while fostering a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and performers.
Students from every discipline find a place here, whether pursuing a degree in the arts or simply continuing a lifelong passion. With more than 50 performances annually, our Music Department offers opportunities for students across campus to perform in regionally recognized ensembles. Our Theatre & Dance program, nationally recognized and internationally awarded, has launched graduates into successful careers on stage, in film and television, and behind the scenes in professional theatres across the country. The UWL Art Gallery, free and open to the public, showcases work from professional artists as well as students, inviting audiences to engage with diverse perspectives throughout the year.
At UWL, the arts are not just a major—they are an experience. The School of Visual & Performing Arts enriches the cultural life of the campus and the greater La Crosse region, welcoming all students to create, explore, interpret, and innovate.
Stay up-to-date by signing up for the VPA newsletter!
UWL - VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
UWL Art Gallery
The UWL Gallery displays works by students, faculty, regional, and nationally known artists in all areas of art. In conjunction with the UWL Gallery, the Department of Art presents a visiting artist series of lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. Gallery Directors Zach Stensen and Sierra Rooney, along with student workers, manage gallery operations. All UWL Art Gallery events & exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Music
Creating artistry and musicianship within a vibrant and engaging academic community.
The Department of Music is the musical core for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and our mission is to provide diverse musical experiences for our music majors and minors, university students and the community. The Department seeks to provide a strong foundation for our degree programs, including quality curriculum in music history, theory, applied music lessons and ensemble experiences.
Theatre & Dance
The Department of Theatre & Dance is UWL’s vibrant theatrical core, dedicated to empowering students as majors, minors, and extracurricular participants to become well-rounded artists and thoughtful collaborators. With a foundation built on rigorous classroom training, immersive production work, and a strong liberal arts curriculum, the department delivers a rich, inclusive, and creatively charged educational experience.
Please note that the parking lot next to the Lowe Center for the Arts will be under construction beginning April 1, 2024. Arrive early to find alternative parking. Patrons may park in the ramp on the corner of Farwell & 17th Streets for free after 7:00 p.m. and on the weekends. For those with mobility issues, there is a drop-off site next to the Lowe Center for the Arts on the corner of 15th & Pine Streets.
UWL ART GALLERY
All UWL Art Gallery events & exhibitions are free and open to the public.
The UWL Gallery is open from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Closed summer and during UWL breaks.
The UWL Art Gallery is on the first floor of the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. You can find a campus map here.
A new parking ramp is being built adjacent to the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. During the construction, we encourage Gallery patrons to park in the existing parking ramp at 17th & Farwell Streets. There is a dedicated patron drop-off zone at 15th Street and Vine for groups and those with mobility challenges. Street parking surrounding the Lowe Center is free after 6 pm and on weekends. If you have questions, please call the School of Visual and Performing Arts at (608) 785-6634.
Meditations on Trees and Stones
The Art of Jennifer Williams
Artist Talk: Jennifer Williams
Meditations on Trees and Stones
Art Open House
Fun & Surprises Around Every Corner!
Open House: Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m.
The UW-La Crosse Art Department will host its 2025 Open House on Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m. in the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. This free event welcomes campus and community members to explore UWL’s studios…read more.
Senior Art Major Exhibition
Opening Reception: November 21, 5-6:30 p.m.
All-Student Juried Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: February 6, 5-6:30 p.m.
- February 6-March 8, 2026
- University Art Gallery, 100 Lowe Center for the Arts
Students from across campus submit work for professional review and consideration for this annual exhibition. Details forthcoming. Free and open to the public.
Travis Head: Busy Boys, Better Boys
Opening Reception: March 26, 5-6:30 p.m.
THEATRE & DANCE
ONLINE TICKETS: Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout. Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance beginning October 1, 2025. Ticket prices vary by show.
IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS: Tickets are available for purchase in person at the box office in the Lowe Center for the Arts or by calling (608) 785-6696. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00-3:00 pm, and one hour prior to each performance, during the run of each production.
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really.
By Kate Hamill
tick, tick…BOOM!
By Jonathan Larson
Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays
By Ken Ludwig
- December 4-6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- December 6 & 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
- Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
- Assigned Seating
Machinal
By Sophie Treadwell
- Feb. 27-28 & March 5-7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
- March 1 & 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
- Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
- Assigned Seating
My Days with Peter Rabbit (and His Friends)
Adapted by Nic Barilar and David Harlan
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Book & Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman | Music & Lyrics by Steven Lutvak
Based on the novel Israel Rank by Roy Horniman
- April 24-25 & 30-May 2, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
- April 26 & May 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
- Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
- Assigned Seating
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the knock-’em-dead, uproarious hit with over ten Tony Award nominations and four wins. Read more.
MUSIC
Concert Band
- Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 to 3 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Join UWL Concert Band for their fall concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.
Wind Ensemble
- Saturday, Oct. 4 | 4 to 5 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Join UWL Wind Ensemble for their Fall concert. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.
Stories from the Violins of Hope
Part of Violins of Hope – Wisconsin
Jonathan Borja: Flute
With Dr. Lindsay Garritson, Piano
Symphony Orchestra
featuring H.S. Honor Orchestra
Jazz Concert
ft. UWL Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Orchestra
All Choir Concert
ft. Treble Chorus, Choral Union, and Concert Choir
High School & Alumni Band Day
UWL vs. Oshkosh
Jazz Combos Concert
- Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Join us for two jazz combos under the direction of Jon Ailabouni. Details forthcoming. Free & open to the public.
Home Field Revue
Screaming Eagles Marching Band
La Crosse New Music Festival
Concert #1
La Crosse New Music Festival
Concert #2
La Crosse New Music Festival
Concert #3
Dramatic Delights
Music Scenes from the Stage
- Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Wind Ensemble
featuring H.S. Honor Band
Concert Band
- Sunday, Dec. 7 | 2 to 3 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Concert Choir & Treble Chorus
Holiday Concert
Jazz Faculty Recital
- Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
38th Annual Big Band Cabaret & Dance Party
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- The Bluffs Ballroom Student Union
Jazz Combos Concert
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts
Jazz Combos Concert & Jam Session
ArtsFest Signature Event
Symphonic Band
ArtsFest Signature Event
Wind Ensemble
ArtsFest Signature Event
Treble Chorus
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 7:30 to 9 p.m.
- Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts