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Best events in
Rochester

Shaped by a culture of hospitality, the events and things to do in Rochester, MN offer a welcoming mix of community festivals and lively downtown nightlife. The city's walkable downtown core makes it easy to move from a pre-show dinner to a concert at the Mayo Civic Center or a cocktail at Bitter & Pour. Beyond the weekly rhythm, major annual gatherings like Rochesterfest and the SocialICE festival highlight the city's strong community spirit.

Begin an evening on Historic Third Street with craft beer at The Tap House before heading to a live music event at a spot like Kathy's Pub.
See a theatrical production at the Rochester Civic Theatre or catch national and local comedians at Goonie's Comedy Club.
Find local goods and live music at the year-round Rochester Farmers Market or enjoy free outdoor concerts during the summer's Riverside Music Series.

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Popular in Rochester

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How Do We Find Community in Our Differences primary image

How Do We Find Community in Our Differences

Tue, Oct 13 • 6:30 PM

RCTC Heintz Center

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Rochester's Downtown Burgers & Brews Get Together primary image

Rochester's Downtown Burgers & Brews Get Together

Fri, Oct 16 • 4:00 PM

Peace Plaza

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Diwali Celebration primary image

Diwali Celebration

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Empire Event Center

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Video Games in Concert primary image

Video Games in Concert

Sun, Oct 18 • 7:00 PM

Bethel Lutheran Church

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Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County primary image

Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference primary image

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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2026 Overcoming Adversity | Keeping Strong (OAKS) Ceremony primary image

2026 Overcoming Adversity | Keeping Strong (OAKS) Ceremony

Tue, Nov 17 • 5:30 PM

RCTC Heintz Center

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After the Diagnosis primary image

After the Diagnosis

Fri, Feb 5 • 11:30 AM + 1 more

3033 41st St NW

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How Do We Find Community in Our Differences primary image

How Do We Find Community in Our Differences

Tue, Oct 13 • 6:30 PM

RCTC Heintz Center

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Rochester's Downtown Burgers & Brews Get Together primary image

Rochester's Downtown Burgers & Brews Get Together

Fri, Oct 16 • 4:00 PM

Peace Plaza

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Diwali Celebration primary image

Diwali Celebration

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:00 PM

Empire Event Center

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Video Games in Concert primary image

Video Games in Concert

Sun, Oct 18 • 7:00 PM

Bethel Lutheran Church

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Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County primary image

Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference primary image

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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2026 Overcoming Adversity | Keeping Strong (OAKS) Ceremony primary image

2026 Overcoming Adversity | Keeping Strong (OAKS) Ceremony

Tue, Nov 17 • 5:30 PM

RCTC Heintz Center

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After the Diagnosis primary image

After the Diagnosis

Fri, Feb 5 • 11:30 AM + 1 more

3033 41st St NW

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Online Events

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons primary image

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons primary image

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Sertoma Wine & Spirit Tasting primary image

Sertoma Wine & Spirit Tasting

Friday • 7:00 PM

Historic Chateau Theatre

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Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery primary image

Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Friday • 4:00 PM + 8 more

1st Avenue Southwest

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Singles Speed Dating Workout | Fitness, Drinks & Social | Rochester primary image

Singles Speed Dating Workout | Fitness, Drinks & Social | Rochester

Friday • 7:00 PM

Orangetheory Fitness

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Paint For Pink primary image

Paint For Pink

Saturday • 12:30 PM

Apache Mall

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Second Saturday Divorce Workshop - Rochester, MN primary image

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop - Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM

3900 Fairway Pl NW

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PMP Training Course | 4 Day PMP Certification Bootcamp in Rochester, MN primary image

PMP Training Course | 4 Day PMP Certification Bootcamp in Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM

2800 37th St NW 1st floor

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Mindfulness in Nature (Adults 18+) primary image

Mindfulness in Nature (Adults 18+)

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Quarry Hill Nature Center

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Move with the Mayor - Community Walks & City for Health Initiative primary image

Move with the Mayor - Community Walks & City for Health Initiative

Saturday • 8:00 AM

RCTC Sports Center / Field House

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Sertoma Wine & Spirit Tasting primary image

Sertoma Wine & Spirit Tasting

Friday • 7:00 PM

Historic Chateau Theatre

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Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery primary image

Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Friday • 4:00 PM + 8 more

1st Avenue Southwest

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Singles Speed Dating Workout | Fitness, Drinks & Social | Rochester primary image

Singles Speed Dating Workout | Fitness, Drinks & Social | Rochester

Friday • 7:00 PM

Orangetheory Fitness

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Paint For Pink primary image

Paint For Pink

Saturday • 12:30 PM

Apache Mall

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Second Saturday Divorce Workshop - Rochester, MN primary image

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop - Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM

3900 Fairway Pl NW

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PMP Training Course | 4 Day PMP Certification Bootcamp in Rochester, MN primary image

PMP Training Course | 4 Day PMP Certification Bootcamp in Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM

2800 37th St NW 1st floor

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Mindfulness in Nature (Adults 18+) primary image

Mindfulness in Nature (Adults 18+)

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Quarry Hill Nature Center

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Move with the Mayor - Community Walks & City for Health Initiative primary image

Move with the Mayor - Community Walks & City for Health Initiative

Saturday • 8:00 AM

RCTC Sports Center / Field House

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Business & Professional events

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2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Rochester, MN primary image

2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM + 25 more

Regus 37th St NW

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PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Rochester, MN primary image

PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Rochester, MN

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM + 2 more

201 4th St SE

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference primary image

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event primary image

R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event

Wed, Nov 18 • 4:30 PM

Two Discovery Square

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2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Rochester, MN primary image

2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Rochester, MN

Saturday • 9:00 AM + 25 more

Regus 37th St NW

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PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Rochester, MN primary image

PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Rochester, MN

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM + 2 more

201 4th St SE

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference primary image

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event primary image

R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event

Wed, Nov 18 • 4:30 PM

Two Discovery Square

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Frequently asked questions about Rochester

Where are the best spots for live music events in Rochester, MN?

Downtown offers several great venues for live music events. The Redwood Room provides an intimate setting, while North Star Bar features rock and punk bands. For a unique experience, Thesis Beer Project is a brewery known for hosting original music.

Where can I see a comedy show in Rochester?

Goonie's Comedy Club is the city's dedicated spot for stand-up. Located inside the Rochester Hotel & Suites, it hosts both touring professionals and features a local open mic night for aspiring comedians.

Are there free events and things to do in Rochester?

Yes, Rochester hosts several free community events. The Riverside Music Series offers free summer concerts in Mayo Park, and the North Star Bar regularly has live music with no cover charge.

What are some good date night ideas in Rochester?

A classic Rochester date night could start with craft cocktails. Consider the speakeasy atmosphere at Bitter & Pour, followed by an intimate live music performance at The Redwood Room for a memorable evening.

What kind of outdoor events happen in Rochester?

Rochester's event calendar includes major outdoor festivals. Thursdays Downtown is a weekly summer street fair with food and music, while SocialICE brings unique ice bars and sculptures to the downtown area each winter.

What family-friendly events are there in Rochester, MN?

The city offers large-scale annual events perfect for families. The Olmsted County Fair has carnival rides and exhibits, and Rochesterfest is a city-wide celebration with a parade, food, and entertainment for all ages.

What is the nightlife like in downtown Rochester?

Downtown Rochester's nightlife is concentrated and very walkable. People often move between spots like The Tap House for beers, Kathy's Pub for its rooftop patio, and venues hosting late-night music events.

How can I find art and theater events?

For professional theater, check the schedule at the Rochester Civic Theatre. For visual arts, the large Thursdays Downtown festival includes numerous art vendors, and public art can be found throughout the downtown area.