Moon Tunes Summer Concert Series Kicks Off

Now in its 15th anniversary season, Moon Tunes is La Crosse’s best-loved free summer concert series, organized by the Valley View Rotary. The 2026 season runs from June 4 through August 27 — most Thursday evenings — at the Riverside Park Bandshell with the Mississippi River as your backdrop. Bring a lawn chair, drinks, and snacks; food from Piggy’s and cold brews from Pearl Street Brewery are also available on site.

Opening night (June 4) features La Crosse Confluence, a high-energy student rock cover band made up of musicians from Logan and Central High Schools. June 11 brings a CSNY Tribute paired with Ryan Howe & The Atmosphere’s Stevie Wonder Tribute. June 18 features TUGG and The Sessions Band. June 25 continues the series — check the schedule for the latest lineup.

June Dairy Days — West Salem, WI

West Salem’s annual community celebration of Wisconsin’s dairy farmers returns for a full three-day weekend. The highlight is the big Saturday, June 6 parade through downtown West Salem, but the fun runs across all three days with a carnival, live music entertainment, car show, games and activities in the park, fireworks, a fun run, and a Cornhole Tournament (registration at noon in the Beer Tent). The Euchre Tournament is also back on Saturday. All proceeds benefit West Salem organizations and surrounding communities.

La Crosse Concert Band — 95th Season Summer Series

A La Crosse summer tradition since 1917, the La Crosse Concert Band launches its 95th season of free outdoor concerts in June. Wednesday evening performances at the Riverside Park Bandshell run from June 10 through July 29, with additional dates on June 17 and 24. Each show has a theme, with conductors guiding the program. These are genuinely multigenerational community events — bring the whole family, settle in on the grass, and enjoy the river views with live band music under the summer sky.

La Crosse Loggers Baseball at Copeland Park

The La Crosse Loggers are playing the first half of their 24th Northwoods League season throughout June, with home games most evenings at Copeland Park. The Northwoods League is elite collegiate summer baseball — future MLB stars have played here — and an evening at the Lumberyard is one of the most enjoyable (and affordable) family nights out in La Crosse. The season runs May 25 through June 29 for the first half, so there are plenty of home dates to choose from all month. Check the full schedule online and look for promotional nights.

Artspire 2026 — Free Arts Fair at Riverside Park

The 13th annual Artspire, produced by the Pump House Regional Arts Center, is La Crosse’s largest free arts celebration. Over 80 regional artists set up at Riverside Park selling pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, and sculpture. Performing arts are woven throughout the day — the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra plays on King Street, Abilities in Harmony performs, Loud Mouth Brass hits the stage, and UAKE Hmong Dancers share their culture. A standout feature this year is the interactive Aluminum Art Foundry project with artists Luke Achterberg, Kelly Ludeking, and Adam Oldre. Don’t miss the “Inspired by La Crosse” juried art competition winners, announced publicly at this event.

Zeale for America 250 Rally — La Crosse Center

The La Crosse Center hosts the Zeale for America 250 Rally presented by CatholicVote Education Fund (501c3), a patriotic civic event timed around the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for this afternoon gathering at the downtown convention center.

Guided Cathedral Tours — Every Friday in June

La Crosse’s historic cathedral tours run every Friday throughout the summer, offering guided architectural and historical walks through one of the most striking religious structures in the Upper Midwest. The tours run most Fridays including June 5, 12, 19, and 26 — a unique way to explore La Crosse’s heritage that most visitors miss entirely. Excellent for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a quieter look at the city’s layered past.

Norskedalen Midsummer Fest 2026

Just a short drive from La Crosse in Coon Valley, Norskedalen’s annual Midsummer Fest celebrates the summer solstice with deep Norwegian-American heritage traditions. Visitors experience live folk music, blacksmithing and ropemaking demonstrations, traditional fiber arts like rosemaling and embroidery, wagon rides, and the always-popular fjord horses and alpacas. Kids can wander the Pollinator Path, make flower crowns, and enjoy crafts from 15+ nonprofit organizations. A major highlight returning in 2026: the USS Viking Strongman Competition, a nationally sanctioned event with roots in Norse history.

La Crosse Juneteenth Celebration 2026

The 5th annual La Crosse Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the end of slavery in the United States with a full day of music, dancing, food, and community connection at Riverside Park. The event runs from noon to 8 PM and features local vendors, entertainment, and a festive community party on the riverfront. This is a meaningful and joyful community event — one that has grown in attendance every year since its founding.

International Folk Dance — Black River Beach Neighborhood Center

Organized by the City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry, this community folk dance night is open to all ages and experience levels. No dance partner or prior experience is required — instructors teach easy line and circle dances from around the world. Wear comfortable dance shoes. June sessions also include June 13, and the series continues through September. A low-key, social, genuinely fun night that most visitors never discover.

La Crosse Concert Band — Continued Summer Series

The La Crosse Concert Band’s Wednesday evening concerts continue on June 17 and June 24, each with its own program and guest conductor. These mid-month shows are often quieter than the opener but just as enjoyable — a great option for a weeknight out. The bandshell at Riverside Park sits right along the Mississippi, making the backdrop arguably as good as the music. Free shuttle buses from park-and-ride locations are offered for the series.

Jackson Plaza Saturday Farmers Market

Jackson Plaza hosts a vibrant community farmers market every Saturday through the season. Walk, bike, or drive over to browse local farmers, artisan makers, and small businesses in a welcoming outdoor setting. June is peak season for spring-to-summer produce transitions — great for fresh herbs, early vegetables, baked goods, honey, and flowers. The market accepts debit, credit, and EBT cards. An easy Saturday morning tradition for locals and a great first stop for visitors stocking up for a river picnic.

Moon Tunes Continues — Late June at Riverside Park

Moon Tunes’ late June shows round out a packed concert month at Riverside Park. Each Thursday night features an opening act at 5:30 followed by the headliner taking the bandshell stage at 7:00 PM. The series features local La Crosse fan favorites including TUGG, The Remainders, The Executives, and Phoenix, along with tribute acts and special events. The Valley View Rotary passes donation buckets at intermission for anyone who wants to support the series — entirely optional. Grab Piggy’s food and Pearl Street beer and settle in for the evening.

Explore La Crosse’s Bluffs, Trails & the Mississippi Riverfront

June is the best month to get outside in La Crosse. The La Crosse River Marsh Trail is a 6-mile loop through wetlands and along the river — flat, paved, excellent for biking or walking. Grandad Bluff towers 600 feet above the city with panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley; the road to the top is accessible by car or on foot. Riverside Park itself — right downtown on the Mississippi — has open lawns, paved trails, boat launches, and direct riverfront access. The beer garden at Riverside Park is also open for the season.

Cameron Park Sunday Market — Onalaska

Every Sunday morning, Cameron Park transforms into a vibrant community gathering with local food, live music, wellness activities, and family programming. Vendors rotate weekly and cover local food producers (honey, baked goods, juices, flowers), artisan goods and makers, outdoor fitness and yoga, and a dedicated Family Zone with crafts and hands-on activities for kids. A great complement to the Saturday Farmers Market if you’re in town for the weekend. Accepts EBT, credit, and debit cards.