Things to Do in La Crosse, WI in September 2026
The bluffs are turning amber, the air carries a welcome chill, and La Crosse’s event calendar is at its most packed. From Riverside Park concerts to the legendary Oktoberfest, here’s everything worth circling this month.
September is arguably the best month to be in La Crosse. Summer heat fades into crisp, golden afternoons. The Mississippi River bluffs shift from green to rust and gold. And the city doesn’t slow down — it accelerates. This month brings major arena acts, long-running folk traditions, multi-day festivals, outdoor art markets, and one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the western hemisphere. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, you’ll have no shortage of reasons to be here.
September 2026 Events
Artspire Pop-up Market
Pump House Regional Arts Center
Free evening gallery pop-up showcasing regional artists during the First Friday Art Walk. A relaxed, accessible way to kick off September — browse original work, meet local makers, and support the creative community in one of La Crosse’s most beloved arts venues.
Elvis Explosion
La Crosse Center
A multi-day national tribute artist competition backed by the Change of Habit Tribute Band. Five days of performers honoring the King of Rock and Roll — competitive, theatrical, and one of the more unique recurring events on La Crosse’s calendar.
Alabama Concert
La Crosse Center
Live arena performance by the legendary country music band. Alabama brings decades of hits to La Crosse’s premier indoor venue — check the La Crosse Center’s event calendar for ticketing and seating details.
“Maroon” Tunes
Riverside Park
Special outdoor community concert featuring the UWL Screaming Eagles Marching Band. Free and family-friendly along the banks of the Mississippi — a quintessentially La Crosse way to spend a September evening with the bluffs in the background.
La Crosse Storytelling Festival
Pump House Regional Arts Center
Wisconsin’s longest-running annual family storytelling event, hosted by Bluff Country Tale Spinners. A warm, intimate tradition that draws talented storytellers and eager listeners of all ages — part performance, part community gathering.
Second Saturday Art Market
River City Gallery
Downtown showcase featuring local creators, live music, and visiting food vendors. One of La Crosse’s favorite monthly markets — come downtown, take your time, and find something original to bring home.
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Copeland Park
High-energy nighttime outdoor rock performance. In This Moment brings their theatrical, hard-hitting live show to Copeland Park — one of the louder and more visually striking nights on the September calendar.
Welcome Fest
Riverside Park
Student-focused community evening with free food, hospitality tents, and live worship along the Mississippi. An open, welcoming atmosphere — a true La Crosse community gathering to mark the start of the academic year.
Bingo Loco
La Crosse Center
High-intensity interactive stage show merging massive bingo rounds with rave elements and dance-offs. Not your grandmother’s bingo night — this is a full-on party disguised as a game show, and it’s become a crowd favorite wherever it lands.
Great River Folk Festival
Riverside Park
The Upper Midwest’s long-standing celebration of traditional folk arts and live acoustic music. A beloved annual gathering that draws performers and fans from across the region to the banks of the Mississippi — one of La Crosse’s most soulful events of the year.
Oktoberfest USA
Oktoberfest Grounds
La Crosse’s most iconic annual event and one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the western hemisphere. Four days of the Golden Keg tapping, multiple music stages, traditional parades, and the full pageantry that has defined La Crosse’s early fall for generations. If you only make it to one September event, make it this one.
Looking for even more to do this month? Explore La Crosse maintains a full calendar of local happenings updated throughout the season.
