Good morning, La Crosse.

Spectators claimed prime viewing spots along the parade route on September 26—officials are finalizing arrangements for today's Maple Leaf Parade.

The Maple Leaf Walk Run runs today at Riverside Park—drawing hundreds of runners and walkers—as organizers continue the annual tradition; packet pickup was held Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Dahl Family YMCA, where a food drive benefits the Hunger Task Force.

Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts in Westby will hold its final anniversary sale on Oct.

4 and plans to close by Nov. 30 with artisan demonstrations and special deals — a permit was issued in La Crosse for interior demolition to ready the former Big Lots store for an Ollie’s Bargain Outlet opening next spring.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet will take over the former Big Lots store on Mormon Coulee Road and add about 50 jobs to La Crosse.

The retailer, known for discount name-brand products, is scheduled to open its doors by spring 2026—bringing new options to local shoppers.

This fall, Wisconsin farms offer tourism experiences with corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple orchards as well as a cranberry festival this weekend—Sarah Hagenow, the 78th Alice in Dairyland, said visitors can learn about farm life and where their food comes from.

A new guide titled 'Know before you go: Oktoberfest' outlines key details for visitors planning to attend the festival in La Crosse.

The guide explains what measures and tips that attendees need to follow for a safe experience at the event.

Oktoberfest royalty gathered Friday morning at American Legion Post 52 on 6th Street for the ceremonial slicing of the Golden Brat—Festmaster Brent Smith grilled and sliced the six-foot-long brat after brief instruction, and the crowd then sang 'Ein Prosit' before enjoying their servings.

WIZM hosted the Senior Breakfast today at the south side fest grounds where over 450 people enjoyed pancakes and eggs to launch the official 2025 Oktoberfest calendar.

The event featured the Mindoro Lions supplying the griddle and Doctor Rock providing music—welcoming local Oktoberfest leaders to the morning celebration.

Lucas and Justin released episode 34 of You’re on The Clock podcast, where they build humorous rosters by debating fun topics.

They welcomed their first sponsor—Jimmy’s North Star, known for its large beer garden, walking tacos, dart boards and daily Happy Hour.

Laura Benjamin suspended her campaign for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd District due to insufficient fundraising—she said the support was strong but not enough to meet the financial needs for a viable race.

La Crosse PD is fully deployed during Oktoberfest, patrolling fest grounds from Thursday through about midnight Sunday to handle increased calls for accidents, disorderly conduct, and missing children during parades.

Officers team with organizers and community partners — including a downtown aid station — and urge residents to expect traffic delays due to street closures.

Oktoberfest Race Weekend - Day 1

3 PM — La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway — Access included with subscription — Experience an exciting day of racing events featuring multiple tours and series.

TLW Fall Convention & Trade Show

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — La Crosse Center — Check Official Website — A gathering for industry professionals featuring keynote speakers and an expansive trade show floor.

6th Annual Drive the Road to Recovery

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, delicious food, and performance by the ATCWW choir. Every dollar we raise goes directly to the care of women who are struggling with addiction. We hope to see you there!

6th Annual Drive the Road to Recovery

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, delicious food, and performance by the ATCWW choir. Every dollar we raise goes directly to the care of women who are struggling with addiction. We hope to see you there!

Lend Me a Tenor

7:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — La Crosse Community Theatre — Check event page for pricing — Experience a madcap comedy featuring mistaken identities and operatic chaos.

Football Match: Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles vs. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds

11:30 AM – 9:00 PM — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Catch the football action as UW-La Crosse takes on UW-Eau Claire live.

The Texas Tenors Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Viterbo University Fine Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable evening of country, pop, and classical music with The Texas Tenors.

Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles vs UW Oshkosh Titans Football

1-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting football showdown between the Eagles and Titans.

Mixed Parkinson's Disease Exercise Program

4:30-5:30 p.m. — STAR Center La Crosse — Free entry — Engage in a beneficial exercise session designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.