Rochester Local

Thursdays Downtown

Thursdays Downtown | Downtown Rochester, MN

Downtown Rochester - 3rd St and 1st Ave SW Rochester, MN, United States

A weekly summer staple of downtown Rochester, Thursdays Downtown is Southern Minnesota's largest street festival, combining art, music, food, and a vendor market into one free community-uniting, block-party-style event. Join your friends and neighbors at Thursdays Downtown to eat, drink, dance, and shop the day away!

Free
QuizBang! Trivia at Thesis Beer Project

QuizBang! Trivia | Thesis Beer Project

Thesis Beer Project 1929 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN, United States

Join Host Danny Parker weekly for fast-paced and light-hearted trivia! Each week, rounds start at 6 & 7 pm that last one hour. Along with an 8 pm bonus round! Come see if you have what it takes to be a QuizBang Champion and take home some sweet beer prizes!

Free

State Parks of MN with Photographer Doug Ohman | Rochester Public LIbrary

Rochester Public Library Auditorium 101 2nd St SE, Rochester, United States

Minnesotans love their State Parks. Go on a visual vacation with a photographer. Doug has visited all 67 state parks and has photographs, stories, history and personal adventures to share. This program has two main themes; the history of the oldest state parks, and the incredible recreation opportunities just waiting...

Free

Sensory Friendly Stuffed Animal Sleepover | Rochester Public LIbrary

Rochester Public Library Auditorium 101 2nd St SE, Rochester, United States

This lower-stimulation Stuffed Animal Sleepover event is limited to 20 total participants. Wear your pajamas, bring your stuffed friend, and enjoy a quiet story together. Then, tuck your pal into bed and with them sweet dreams. Who knows what adventures they will have overnight in the Library! Come back Saturday...

Free
Farm Friday! | Red Barn Learning Farm

Farm Friday! | Red Barn Learning Farm

Red Barn Learning Farm 27251 State Hwy 30, Hayfield, MN, United States

We are open to the public on Fridays during the Spring and Summer seasons! Come anytime during 9am and 3pm to enjoy the animals, play with the many interactive farm activities, and get some fresh country air. We sell fresh popcorn and drinks, but you are invited to bring your...

Storytime at Oxbow Park | Rochester Public LIbrary

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo 5731 CR-105 NW, Byron, MN, United States

Join us for an outdoor storytime near Oxbow Park Nature Center (5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron) and stay for a walk through the zoo. Admission is free. Grass seating - bring your own blanket. In the event of inclement weather this event will move inside the Nature Center to...

Free

Friday Storytime with Miss Barb

History Center of Olmsted County 1195 West Circle Dr SW, Rochester, MN, United States

Our popular Friday Morning Storytime returns! Come and join us on July 11th for a fun and creative morning with Miss Barb. The Storytime includes a story as well as a craft project. Recommended for children between 4 and 10 years old. Free admission for everyone, sponsored by Olmsted Medical...

Free admission for everyone

LIVE MUSIC – Chris Roberts | Music Downtown

Peace Plaza Downtown 1st Ave SW and 1st St SW, Rochester

Originally from Southeastern Wisconsin, I've called Rochester home since 2012. Though most of my music effort in the Rochester area has been through creating music events and promoting other artists, I'm thrilled to shift gears. In 2024, I'm embracing more live performances and connection with others through the music experience....

Free
Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift On View June 1 – September 28, 2025 Artist Spotlight Tour | July 19 at 1pm Rochester Art Center is proud to present a captivating new exhibition by acclaimed glass artist and third-generation farmer Mick Meilahn. Known for his striking sculpture installations, Meilahn explores the complex...

$5 – $21

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: “Nostalgic Escapism” | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: "Nostalgic Escapism" On View June 14 – October 5, 2025 Jurors: Kalianne Morrison, LaVanda Mireles, Zoe Cinel Spotlight Tour: June 14 at 1pm Rochester Art Center presents a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by artist MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk. Mitzuk’s exhibition proposal was selected through a juried...

$5 – $21

Exhibit: Extraordinary Elsewhere | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Extraordinary Elsewhere On View June 7, 2025 - February 1, 2026 Opening Reception: August 23, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Featured Artists: Dahm Gim, Ivonne Yáñez, Mayumi Amada, Peng Wu, Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai, Rituparna Rana, Roshan Ganu, Shafrin Islam, and Ziba Rajabi Curator: Zoe Cinel This exhibition features artworks by international artists...

$5 – $21

Friday Night Flight Release: Citrus Flavors | LTS Brewing

LTS Brewing 2001 32nd Ave NW, Rochester , United States

Head out to LTS Friday July 11th to try all the flavors of this limited time CITRUS beer release! Get them while supplies last, and enjoy live music from Squid City Slinger while you're at it...cheers!

Free

LIVE MUSIC – Squid City Slingers | LTS Brewing

LTS Brewing 2001 32nd Ave NW, Rochester , United States

Come out to enjoy LIVE MUSIC from the Squid City Slingers, July 11th! They are a Twin Cities-based trio blending folk, rock, bluegrass, and gypsy jazz. Known for captivating three-part harmonies and dynamic live performances. This event will be paired with a special Friday night flight release of some small...

Free

Northfield Jazz Festival | Northfield, MN

Northfield MN Northfield, United States

The Second Annual Northfield Jazz Festival is set to take place from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Northfield, Minnesota. This free, community-driven event features a diverse lineup of jazz performances across various venues in town. 🎷 Festival Highlights El Arte Del Bolero: Grammy Award-winning musicians Miguel...

Partner Portraits at Gallery 24

Partner Portraits | Gallery 24

Gallery 24 - New Location 120 Elton Hills Dr #100, Rochester, United States

Bring in a friend and paint their portrait! $35 covers both you and your partner. July 11th or August 8th, 7-8:30 pm. Registration and cancellation must be completed 48 hours prior to the class.

$35
Rochester Farmers Market | Graham Park

Rochester Farmers Market | Graham Park

Graham Park

The Rochester Farmers Market in Rochester, Minnesota, is a vibrant, year-round, grower-only market that showcases the best of southeastern Minnesota’s local agriculture and artisan products. Operated by a vendor-owned association of approximately 100 small business owners who live and farm within 50 miles of Rochester, the market emphasizes sustainability, freshness,...

2nd Saturday SoulCollage® | First Unitarian Universalist Church

First Unitarian Universalist Church 1727 Walden Lane SW, Rochester, MN, United States

SoulCollage® is an easy, enjoyable, intuitive collage process for self-discovery and community. People make their own decks of collaged cards for their personal use from found images. The SoulCollage® method helps people discover their unique inner/outer guides and challengers, and access their own wisdom to answer their life questions. First...

$5.00

Guest Artist Jennifer Putzier | Gallery 24

Gallery 24 - New Location 120 Elton Hills Dr #100, Rochester, United States

Jennifer will have her art available at Gallery 24 July 12-18. She will be at the gallery July 12.

Free

Local Author Festival | Garden Party Books

Garden Party Books MN 702 7th St NW, Rochester, MN

We've got our THIRD Local Author Festival Coming up on Saturday, July 12, from 11AM to 2PM! We will have local authors here who write in a WIDE variety of genres, including history, fantasy, queer fiction, graphic memoir, murder mystery, thriller, and more! You're sure to find something you love,...

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift On View June 1 – September 28, 2025 Artist Spotlight Tour | July 19 at 1pm Rochester Art Center is proud to present a captivating new exhibition by acclaimed glass artist and third-generation farmer Mick Meilahn. Known for his striking sculpture installations, Meilahn explores the complex...

$5 – $21

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: “Nostalgic Escapism” | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: "Nostalgic Escapism" On View June 14 – October 5, 2025 Jurors: Kalianne Morrison, LaVanda Mireles, Zoe Cinel Spotlight Tour: June 14 at 1pm Rochester Art Center presents a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by artist MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk. Mitzuk’s exhibition proposal was selected through a juried...

$5 – $21

Exhibit: Extraordinary Elsewhere | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Extraordinary Elsewhere On View June 7, 2025 - February 1, 2026 Opening Reception: August 23, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Featured Artists: Dahm Gim, Ivonne Yáñez, Mayumi Amada, Peng Wu, Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai, Rituparna Rana, Roshan Ganu, Shafrin Islam, and Ziba Rajabi Curator: Zoe Cinel This exhibition features artworks by international artists...

$5 – $21
Northfield Jazz Festival | Northfield, MN

Northfield Jazz Festival | Northfield, MN

Northfield MN Northfield, United States

The Second Annual Northfield Jazz Festival is set to take place from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Northfield, Minnesota. This free, community-driven event features a diverse lineup of jazz performances across various venues in town. 🎷 Festival Highlights El Arte Del Bolero: Grammy Award-winning musicians Miguel...

Drop-In Tours | Rochester Art Center

Drop-In Tours | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Drop-In Tours: Introduction to the Rochester Art Center Saturdays & Sundays at 1 pm* $8 for Adults, $5 for Seniors & Military Free for Ages 21 & Under, Free for Members No reservations required. Enjoy a docent-led, guided tour of the Rochester Art Center’s current exhibitions featuring the work of...

$5 – $8
Yoga at the Co-op

Yoga at the Co-op | People’s Food Co-op

People's Food Co-op 519 First Avenue S, Rochester, MN, United States

Join us for a welcoming, community-focused yoga class at People's Food Co-op every Saturday evening! This weekly class is donation-based and open to all experience levels. Led by Rachel from The Amethyst Yogi, it's a great opportunity to move, stretch, and recharge in a supportive environment. Please bring your own...

Donation Based (pay what you can)

FIREWORKS – Mazeppa

Herbert Vik Memorial Field Cedar Street, Mazeppa, MN, United States

The large fireworks display will be on Saturday, July 12, at dusk, at Herbert Vik Memorial Field,

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Mick Meilahn: Primordial Shift On View June 1 – September 28, 2025 Artist Spotlight Tour | July 19 at 1pm Rochester Art Center is proud to present a captivating new exhibition by acclaimed glass artist and third-generation farmer Mick Meilahn. Known for his striking sculpture installations, Meilahn explores the complex...

$5 – $21

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: “Nostalgic Escapism” | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk: "Nostalgic Escapism" On View June 14 – October 5, 2025 Jurors: Kalianne Morrison, LaVanda Mireles, Zoe Cinel Spotlight Tour: June 14 at 1pm Rochester Art Center presents a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by artist MacKenzie “MAC” Mitzuk. Mitzuk’s exhibition proposal was selected through a juried...

$5 – $21

Exhibit: Extraordinary Elsewhere | Rochester Art Center

Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, Minnesota, Select a Country:

Extraordinary Elsewhere On View June 7, 2025 - February 1, 2026 Opening Reception: August 23, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Featured Artists: Dahm Gim, Ivonne Yáñez, Mayumi Amada, Peng Wu, Prima Jalichandra-Sakuntabhai, Rituparna Rana, Roshan Ganu, Shafrin Islam, and Ziba Rajabi Curator: Zoe Cinel This exhibition features artworks by international artists...

$5 – $21

Northfield Jazz Festival | Northfield, MN

Northfield MN Northfield, United States

The Second Annual Northfield Jazz Festival is set to take place from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Northfield, Minnesota. This free, community-driven event features a diverse lineup of jazz performances across various venues in town. 🎷 Festival Highlights El Arte Del Bolero: Grammy Award-winning musicians Miguel...

LIVE MUSIC – Acoustic Soul | Music Downtown

Peace Plaza Downtown 1st Ave SW and 1st St SW, Rochester

Acoustic Soul is a dynamic duo blending a wide range of genres with a soulful acoustic twist. Featuring the power house vocals of LaSonya Natividad and smooth guitar stylings of Rock Schultz, they deliver heartfelt, genre-spanning performances with soul at the center. Music Downtown brings live music to the Peace...

Free
Soul Sundays at Forager Brewery

Soul Sundays | Forager Brewery

Forager Brewery 1005 6th Street NW, Rochester, MN, United States

Join us for Soul Sundays, a vibrant monthly gathering that celebrates the heart and rhythm of soul music! On the second Sunday of each month from 4-8 PM, you can enjoy the captivating sounds of vinyl while you enjoy delicious Forager food and drink. Hosted by Dan Van Eijl, aka...

Free

LIVE MUSIC – Blind Melon w/ Amateur, Riverside Music Series | Mayo Park

Mayo Park 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN, United States

Schedule 6:00 p.m. | Get ready! Come early to grab dinner and settle in. Food trucks start serving at 6:00 p.m., and the music starts at 7:00. Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. 7:00 p.m. | Amateur This Minnesota-based indie rock band brings shimmering guitars, honest lyrics, and a...

LIVE MUSIC – Riverside Music Series | Mayo Park

Mayo Park 40 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN, United States

30+ years running! Featuring must-see national acts and standout local opening artists, these free, un-ticketed outdoor music events are held on five consecutive Sunday evenings in downtown Rochester, Minnesota along the Zumbro River. Stellar music, gorgeous green space, plus local food vendors and giveaways. These shows are for everyone, and...

Free
Music Downtown: honygrl

Music Downtown: honygrl | Peace Plaza

Peace Plaza Downtown 1st Ave SW and 1st St SW, Rochester

“honeygrl” is the brain child of Minnesota native Abbey Doerre. This alter ego was born out of a deep love for music, connection, and celebrating one another’s identities. Throughout the past two years Doerre has established her place in the Rochester/Minneapolis music scene as a creative force to be reckoned...

Free
Kids’ Korean Brush Painting Workshop

Kids’ Korean Brush Painting Workshop | Gallery 24

Gallery 24 - New Location 120 Elton Hills Dr #100, Rochester, United States

Join local artist Catherine Park at Gallery 24 for a three day brush painting workshop. Please note the workshops are taught by grade. See the flyer for more information. Register here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/2R3P41Q037NK3/checkout/TKJPGRDTNMTO6IG3PEWEEART

$79.00
Rochester Public Library – Baby Gym

Baby Gym | Rochester Public Library

Rochester Public Library 101 2nd St. SE , Rochester, United States

Join us for an hour of self-directed wiggles and gross-motor development activities with props, toys and, good company! This program is designed for 0-18 month-olds and their grown-ups. Drop-in as you please.

Free
Music Downtown: honygrl

Music Downtown: honygrl | Peace Plaza

Peace Plaza Downtown 1st Ave SW and 1st St SW, Rochester

“honeygrl” is the brain child of Minnesota native Abbey Doerre. This alter ego was born out of a deep love for music, connection, and celebrating one another’s identities. Throughout the past two years Doerre has established her place in the Rochester/Minneapolis music scene as a creative force to be reckoned...

Free
Dancing Downtown

Dancing Downtown | Peace Plaza Downtown

Peace Plaza Downtown 1st Ave SW and 1st St SW, Rochester

Rochester Downtown Alliance is proud to bring FREE group dance lessons to Downtown on Monday evenings from 6-8pm in Peace Plaza! Whether you're an experienced dancer or have never put on your dancing shoes, come enjoy a fun evening of dancing, brought to you by instructors from our local USA...

Free