Your Guide to the 2026 Grumpy Old Men Festival is Here

I didn't grow up in Minnesota, but my local library had a copy of Grumpy Old Men that I checked out more times than I can remember. One line always stuck with me: "It’s butt-cold out, and I’m fresh out of beer."

Back then, it was just a funny movie quote. Then, I moved to Minnesota. I remember that first January and how the wind stung so bad. Suddenly, that line wasn't a joke anymore, and I finally understood what it meant to be "Grumpy." If you’re ready to embrace the "butt-cold" lifestyle, you'll find everything you need to know for the best weekend in Wabasha below.

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The Ultimate Guide to the 33rd Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival

The 33rd Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival takes place Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, and a lot is going on. Scroll down to discover this year's featured events, live music, and more!

🍺 "Fresh Out of Beer?" Not Here.

• The Beer Garden: Open Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
• Concession Alley: Featuring Little Piggies BBQ, K&K Poppin’ Stop, and Don’s Food Truck.
• Saturday Morning at the Marina: If you're out for the Ice Fishing Tournament, the Parkside Marina Beer Garden opens at 8:00 a.m.

🎬 The Movie 

Relive the classic film that put Wabasha on the map (even if most of it was filmed in the Twin Cities).

• Movie Screenings: Catch the film on the big screen at the National Eagle Center (Friday at 2:30/4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m.).
• Pop-Up Shop: Get your official "Grumpy" gear at the Anderson House Hotel on Friday starting at 1:00 p.m.
• Musical Sneak Peek: See a live performance snippet of Grumpy Old Men the Musical on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (Izaak Walton Park).

✨ Grumpy Old Men Festival Events

• Busch Lite Trivia (Thursday, 6:00 p.m.): The "Winter Games Edition" at The Lost Dutchman.
• Plaid Out Your Ride Parade (Friday, 7:00 p.m.): A glowing cavalcade of UTVs and trucks—wear your best buffalo plaid!
• The 18th Annual Grumpy Plunge (Saturday, 3:00 p.m.): Watch (or join!) the brave souls jumping into the icy water at Rotary Beach.
• See more Grumpy Old Men Festival events.

🎸 Live Music:

Head to the heated festival tent at Izaak Walton Park to catch these acts:

• Friday, Feb 27 @ 7:00 PM: One Accord Band
• Saturday, Feb 28 @ 2:00 PM: Polka Dance Party feat. The iPolka Band
  Saturday, Feb 28 @ 2:00 PM: Smokin’ Coyotes Band
  Saturday, Feb 28 @ 7:00 PM: Shredding Flannel
  Saturday, Feb 28 @ 7:00 PM: Line Dancing (at the Front Porch Bar & Grill).