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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Creating Products People Will Buy

Tomorrow • 3:30 PM

Collider Foundation

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Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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Rediscover the Marriott Ballroom & Culinary Showcase

Tue, Nov 10 • 11:00 AM

Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area

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National Philanthropy Day 2026

Tue, Nov 10 • 8:00 AM

1517 16th St SW

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BioLabs Rochester, MN Ribbon Cutting Reception

Mon, Nov 16 • 5:00 PM

Two Discovery Square

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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Rochester Dance Company’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (10 am)

Sun, Nov 22 • 10:00 AM

Historic Chateau Theatre

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After the Diagnosis

Fri, Feb 5 • 11:30 AM + 1 more

3033 41st St NW

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Creating Products People Will Buy

Tomorrow • 3:30 PM

Collider Foundation

Check ticket price on event

Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Sat, Nov 7 • 5:30 PM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

Check ticket price on event

Rediscover the Marriott Ballroom & Culinary Showcase

Tue, Nov 10 • 11:00 AM

Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area

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National Philanthropy Day 2026

Tue, Nov 10 • 8:00 AM

1517 16th St SW

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BioLabs Rochester, MN Ribbon Cutting Reception

Mon, Nov 16 • 5:00 PM

Two Discovery Square

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Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:30 AM

Rochester Golf & Country Club

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Rochester Dance Company’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (10 am)

Sun, Nov 22 • 10:00 AM

Historic Chateau Theatre

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After the Diagnosis

Fri, Feb 5 • 11:30 AM + 1 more

3033 41st St NW

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ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

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Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

Wed, Nov 4 • 10:00 AM GMT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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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

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

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Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

Wed, Nov 4 • 10:00 AM GMT

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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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

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

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Business & Professional events

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Rochester Job Fair - Rochester Career Fair

Fri, Nov 6 • 11:00 AM

Rochester

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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

Wed, Nov 18 • 4:30 PM

Two Discovery Square

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2026 DMC Annual Meeting Luncheon

Fri, Nov 20 • 11:00 AM

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, 3rd Floor Ballroom

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Rochester Job Fair - Rochester Career Fair

Fri, Nov 6 • 11:00 AM

Rochester

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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

Wed, Nov 18 • 4:30 PM

Two Discovery Square

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2026 DMC Annual Meeting Luncheon

Fri, Nov 20 • 11:00 AM

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, 3rd Floor Ballroom

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Hobbies & Special Interest events

Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Today • 4:00 PM + 13 more

1st Avenue Southwest

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Spruce Top Workshop

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM + 11 more

Sargent's on 2nd

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Winter Porch Pot Class- LTS Brewing Co

Thu, Dec 3 • 6:00 PM

LTS Brewing Company

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Puzzle Competition Pairs- Junior Edition

Wed, Dec 9 • 5:00 PM

HyperSpace Starcade

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Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Today • 4:00 PM + 13 more

1st Avenue Southwest

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Spruce Top Workshop

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM + 11 more

Sargent's on 2nd

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Winter Porch Pot Class- LTS Brewing Co

Thu, Dec 3 • 6:00 PM

LTS Brewing Company

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Puzzle Competition Pairs- Junior Edition

Wed, Dec 9 • 5:00 PM

HyperSpace Starcade

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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.

Popular in Rochester

Creating Products People Will Buy

Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Rediscover the Marriott Ballroom & Culinary Showcase

National Philanthropy Day 2026

BioLabs Rochester, MN Ribbon Cutting Reception

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Rochester Dance Company’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (10 am)

After the Diagnosis

Creating Products People Will Buy

Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Rediscover the Marriott Ballroom & Culinary Showcase

National Philanthropy Day 2026

BioLabs Rochester, MN Ribbon Cutting Reception

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

Rochester Dance Company’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party (10 am)

After the Diagnosis

Online Events

ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Understanding ADHD-Fostercarers: Connection, Regulation & Support

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

Lean Global Connection 2026

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Business & Professional events

Rochester Job Fair - Rochester Career Fair

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

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

2026 DMC Annual Meeting Luncheon

Rochester Job Fair - Rochester Career Fair

Fall 2026 1/2 Day RHRA SHRM Conference

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

2026 DMC Annual Meeting Luncheon

Hobbies & Special Interest events

Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Spruce Top Workshop

Winter Porch Pot Class- LTS Brewing Co

Puzzle Competition Pairs- Junior Edition

Spooky Season: Rochester Downtown Shadows Mystery

Spruce Top Workshop

Winter Porch Pot Class- LTS Brewing Co

Puzzle Competition Pairs- Junior Edition

Points of Interest near Rochester

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

Where can I see a comedy show in Rochester?

Are there free events and things to do in Rochester?

What are some good date night ideas in Rochester?

What kind of outdoor events happen in Rochester?

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

What is the nightlife like in downtown Rochester?

How can I find art and theater events?