During La Crosse’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, The Popcorn Tavern proved once again why it has become such an important hub for live music in the city. The downtown bar, turned music venue, filled its stage with a wide range of talent for this local holiday.
On Thursday, September 25, Blues Night kicked off the weekend, featuring Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Larry Nelson. On Friday, September 26, Shoeless Revolution. Then on Saturday, September 27, Unicycle Michael and David Hill preformed in the afternoon. Later that night, performances from Self-Titled and Minor Theft brought a charged and electric ending to a packed evening. Sunday finished off the weekend with a set by Dublink x King Joe.
Unlike many bars in La Crosse, where bands are often tucked into corners and set on makeshift stages, the Popcorn Tavern has worked to create a true performance environment. They prioritize full, live bands with real musicians, not just background entertainment to go with drinks.
“We are focused on live music. The bar is secondary to that,” said Steve Keating, Popcorn Tavern owner.
The Popcorn Tavern may be a bar on paper, but for decades now it has served primarily as a space for music and community. First opening in 1934, the Popcorn Tavern started like any other small neighborhood tavern. But in the late 1980s, it began transforming into the live music venue people know today.
“Back in those days the drinking age was 18, and when the state of Wisconsin changed the drinking age to 21, it cleared the bar out,” said Keating.
Popcorn Tavern lost most patrons due to the legal drinking age change. They needed to find a new way to bring people in, which took the form of hosting live music and open jams.
Every Tuesday, Popcorn Tavern hosts an ‘Open Mic’, and every Wednesday, they host an ‘Open Jam’. This gives the community a chance to interact with each other and bond over shared talent and musical interests.
While they do charge a cover at the door for these performances, unlike many venues, Popcorn Tavern doesn’t take a cut of the cover charge, or the band’s merch sales.
“Everything you guys pay at the door, is going directly to the artists,” said Keating.
All profits are given back to the artists, supporting the musicians you’ve come to see. It’s a straightforward system that reinforces their belief in sustaining live music for the sake of the music itself.
Another way that Popcorn Tavern distinguishes themselves from other bars in La Crosse is by offering non-alcoholic drink options. Mocktails, THC drinks, and Liquid Death are all available. No matter what your drink of choice is, there’s something for everyone, and all can come for the music.
“Maybe people don’t want to drink alcohol, we still want them to come in and enjoy the live music,” said Keating.
This philosophy creates an environment where music is the common ground, not drinking. The Popcorn Tavern prides themselves on their love of music and the sense of community and belonging you feel when experiencing a live music performance. At the Popcorn Tavern you can simply come as you are.
“Not only is this a safe space for people of all backgrounds…but you never know who you’re going to meet here,” said Keating.
Whether customers arrive with friends or without, you’ll surely meet some when enjoying your time at Popcorn Tavern. With its welcoming and comfortable vibe, you won’t find anywhere else quite like it in La Crosse.
“One of the major differences between what we do here, and what you’re going to see at other local establishments is, we’re bringing in music from Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison…and we love the local bands as well,” Keating explained.
That mix of homegrown acts and traveling musicians makes the venue feel connected to both the La Crosse scene and the wider regional music culture.
Entering October, keep an eye out at the Popcorn Tavern’s schedule. They’re transitioning from Oktoberfest to Rock-toberfest, with many rock and metal performances to look forward to, more information on future performances can be found on their website.
