Midwest Music Fest is back for another year in Winona, and it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss out on. With an incredible lineup of Midwest talent and a loaded schedule, there’s so much to enjoy. But fest-goers will also have access to all the beautiful and inviting locations Winona has to offer. From a Winona native, here’s the round-up of some of my favorites to keep you fueled all weekend long. 

See also: Musicians to watch at Mid West Music Fest 2023

Breakfast

Winona Family Restaurant is your traditional, all-American diner with all the reliables: pancakes, omelets, and all the fixin’s. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up for a long day ahead or fix you up from a long night of fest-ing.

Blue Heron Coffeehouse is located in downtown Winona, right in the midst of the festival. This is a great option if you want something lightweight and close by. They offer a seasonal, locally sourced menu — my favorite is their frittata. Menu may vary from day to day, and it’s delicious every time. They also have a wonderful bakery program with fresh pastries and strong coffee. Breakfast is served all day — for the late-wakers and brunchers.

So, maybe it’s not really “breakfast,” but I would be negligent to not mention Bloedow Bakery, a multi-award-winning donut shop and the absolute gem of Winona. Just a short walk from downtown, you absolutely do not want to miss this. Get there early, and get a glazed croissant. I grew up on these donuts and I have yet to find anything that compares. 

Coffee

Blooming Grounds Coffee House is my favorite downtown coffee shop. They have a wonderful menu with options for everyone whether you like black coffee or you’re a smoothie person. They also host one of my favorite bakery programs in town. I literally can’t go to Winona without getting a salted caramel bar from Blooming Grounds. But they don’t just stop at coffee and pastries — Blooming Grounds also has a full menu of paninis, wraps, salads, and pizzas. It’s a wonderful quick-stop lunch and coffee shop.

If you like chai lattes, you have to make your way to Mugby Junction. For me, nothing has ever topped their chai. But they also have a wonderful coffee menu with classics and fun signature/seasonal drinks. If you’re not a coffee person, grab a smoothie!

Lunch

I have to mention Blue Heron again for lunch because they’re home to my all-time favorite sandwich. Seriously, if I could tell you one thing to eat in Winona it would be the Southwest Turkey sandwich. It has this really amazing Chipotle aioli that just does something for me. They also have a worthwhile salad menu and soup of the day. Perfect if you’re looking for something fresh and light with real flavor.

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit down and take a load off, Cafe Sipori di Sicilia is your spot. Fresh-made pasta, bread, and an array of traditional Italian favorites make for a well-balanced menu to be enjoyed and grazed over with good wine and friends. Cafe Sipori is located downtown, within walking distance of MWMF activities.

Also downtown is one of Winona’s newer restaurants, Miya Japanese Bistro. The main event here is the sushi, I love coming with friends and ordering a platter for everyone to share. If you’re looking for hardier options, they have a deep hibachi selection and the chicken katsu is perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Backwater BBQ is an option for those looking to get away from the hype for a second. About a 7-minute drive from the festival, Backwater is ideal for larger groups. They offer samplers and combo plates to satisfy everyone’s taste. Backwater is also open for dinner, or until sold out, so I suggest going for lunch. You’ll be happy you didn’t miss out! 

Dinner

Nosh Scratch Kitchen is my must-go recommendation for dinner in Winona. Local farm-to-table dining, an excellent cocktail program, and a cozy atmosphere come together to make this your perfect evening stop to unwind before heading back out for an evening of live music. If weather permits, you can also enjoy your meal on the patio or order takeout and enjoy the amazing menu picnic-style while you enjoy a show.

Muddle Thyme, located downtown and within walking distance from the festival, is another rest and refuel stop for festival-goers. The menu is made up of light appetizers and a selection of hand-made brick oven pizzas. They also offer an elevated wine and cocktail program to accompany dinner.

Just a short drive from the festival is El Patron Mexican Grill. I have truly never had a meal here that didn’t satisfy. El Patron is somewhere I like to go for a big dinner with friends, or for a one-on-one. The service is well-executed, the margaritas are refreshing, and the California burrito is top-notch comfort food. Doused in their queso and stuffed with rice, beans, fajitas, guacamole, and protein of your choice (I always go for chicken), it hits every spot, and usually leaves me with leftovers (bonus!).

I would be absolutely leading you astray if I didn’t mention Ocean Sushi. If you’re a Hibachi fan, this is your destination. There’s not too much that needs to be said here — the food is just purely good. It’s a short drive from the festival (right near Backwater BBQ), but the service is fast. So if you’re looking for something sit down but still quick, this is your place. 

Late-Night Grabs 

Rubio’s Taco Truck is my go-to late-night grub in Winona. On Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m.-2 a.m., you can find the Rubio’s truck on Third and Market Streets, in the heart of downtown serving up some bangin’ (and I just do not use that term lightly) burritos. There’s sometimes a little bit of a line, but the service is fast and always worth the wait. 

Bonus Points: Get Out in Nature

Garvin Heights is a short drive from MWMF and one of my favorite ways to start my day. There are a few different ways to experience Garvin. You can drive up to the lookout (just put Garvin Heights Park into your GPS) and experience Winona from above. The view overlooks the entire town! While you’re up there you can hike around the area or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can park at the bottom of the hill and take the walking path all the way up.

Lake Winona is surrounded by walking paths, parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas, or you can get on the water (weather permitting). Stop in at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center and rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Or spend your afternoon unwinding and fishing on the docks. 

The Mid West Music Fest 2023 is Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, in Winona, Minnesota. Full lineup, schedule, and tickets.

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.