Bluffs2Backwaters

Dates

About

Celebrate the Outdoors. Celebrate Community.

Bluffs2Backwaters is Winona’s signature recreation festival — a multi-day celebration of everything we love about getting outside. Set between our iconic bluffs and the winding backwaters of the Mississippi, the festival brings people together through adventure, music, art, and community.

At its heart, Bluffs2Backwaters is about connection: Between people and nature, recreation and art, locals and visitors. It’s about celebrating the places that inspire us and the community that keeps them alive. Join us for a weekend of exploration, creativity, and celebration — from the bluffs to the backwaters.

Free & open to all!Whether you’re a seasoned paddler, a curious cyclist, or simply love to explore, this festival is your chance to connect with the land and each other through: Bike clinics and scenic rides
 Paddle competitions and open paddle
 Interactive art and live music
 Guided hikes and interpretive nature walks
 Family-friendly activities + food trucks + local vendorsThis year we are celebrating the full spectrum of Winona’s outdoor treasures, from rolling blufftops to winding rivers. Bring your bike, bring your kayak, bring your friends—and come play outside with us!2026 Paddling Events have been posted: Registration now open!