Big Turn Music Fest is on again in Red Wing, Minnesota February 20-21, 2026. And with it, a spirit of wintry joy brings two days of live music and over 100 bands playing 12 downtown venues amidst games, karaoke, and RED Talks! Big Turn’s not for the unadventurous. It’s a flurry of music and festive fun!
Step One: Parking & Transportation
Arrive early and hunt for a great spot before the chaos begins.
Take the Red Wing Trolley. It’s making the rounds at St. James Hotel, Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing Elks Lodge 845, S O Discount Deals, Holiday Inn, Super 8, and Go Brazen in Red Wing’s West End District and offering transport February 20th and 21st 5pm to 12:30am.
Call Red Wing Taxi at 651-385-8294 or make use of your favorite ride-sharing service.
Step Two: Get Your Big Turn Wristband
Before you do anything—before you drink, before you dance, before you even touch a bingo card (we’ll get to that later) you must secure entry. Bring your printed ticket or email confirmation to the Sheldon Theatre box office and they’ll slap on that wristband. No wristband, no entry, no excuses. Wristbands are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Important note for the procrastinators: Online ticket sales and pricing ends February 19th. After that, tickets must be purchased in person at the Sheldon Theatre (12pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday)
Yes, you’re here for the music. But that’s not it. You can’t really say you Big Turn’d unless you also check out the wild events and games, mind-blowing RED Talks, and all the side quests Red Wing has to offer during the festival!
Here’s everything else you need to do between sets:
#BigTurnBloody: Quench Your Thirst, Strengthen Your Resolve
You can win Big Turn Music Fest passes for next year or Big Turn merch when you post your #BigTurnBloody images on social using the hashtag. Enjoy Big Turn’s tomatoey signature drink at 9 spots—American Legion, Bayside Saloon & Grill, Chatter Nook Bistro, Elks Lodge, Kelly’s Tap House, Liberty’s Restaurant & Lounge, Red Wing Brewery, St. James Hotel, and Tators and Dillers!
They’re all unique bloodies, but they’re all #BigTurnBloody. And at one low price of only $6 all weekend!
Pancake Breakfast – Elks Lodge Saturday 8am-11am and American Legion Sunday 8am-12pm
If you wake up on Saturday or Sunday morning feeling like you got hit by a snowplow, head to the Elks (Sat) or American Legion (Sun) for the Pancake Breakfast. Grab fluffy cakes, sizzlin’ sausage, strong coffee, and maybe add a #BigTurnBloody for a full recovery. It’s a chance to swap war stories with fellow festival-goers as you try to piece together what exactly happened the night before. Eat. Hydrate. Rally.
Bingo at the American Legion – Saturday 12pm
Feeling lucky? Need a little game play before strolling back into a music venue? Head to the American Legion for Bingo. You might win. You might not. Either way, you’re having a good time!
Live From The Stacks with Linus Cuchetti 11am, Mark Twain:Outloud 1pm, and Mike Munson 2pm
A community program presented in partnership with Red Wing Public Library. Step inside the library and experience the spirit of Big Turn Music Fest in a warm, all-ages setting surrounded by books, music, and neighbors. These performances are free and open to the public. No wristband required. You can also check out CDs from Big Turn artists through the library, a great way to keep discovering new music before and after the festival.
Karaoke at Chatter Nook Bistro: Where Stars are Born – Saturday 1pm-4pm
At some point during Big Turn, you’ll feel a surge of misplaced confidence. And maybe it’s just the Bloody, but time to harness that feeling, grab the mic, pick a song, and give it all you got, kid! But for the love of the buoy, no more “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”.
RED Talks at the St. James Hotel: How Did We Get Here? – Saturday 2:30pm-4pm
For those who want some intellectual stimulation and a break for their ears, check out RED Talks at the St. James. It’s like TED Talks, but Red Wing-style with music industry experts and artists sharing their wisdom, insight, and some entertaining tales too.
Pick up Big Turn merch!
Big Turn Merch available for purchase at The Creative Hand downtown 427 W 3rd St—Open 10am-7pm Fri-Sat
