ROCHESTER MINNESOTA EVENTS

MAY 2026

Elmo’s Got the Moves – May 5, 6:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A high-energy interactive musical show featuring favorite Sesame Street characters.

Downtown Art Walk – May 7, 5:00–8:00 PM

Downtown Rochester: A free self-guided tour of local galleries and shops celebrating the regional art scene.

Rochester MN Pride – May 16, 12:00–5:00 PM

Soldiers Field Park: A community celebration featuring live entertainment, drag performances, and local vendors.

Three Dog Night + Ambrosia w/ John Ford Coley – May 22, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center Auditorium: A legendary night of 70s rock and pop harmonies from three iconic acts.

Med City Meander Bike Ride – May 23, 8:00 AM

Cascade Lake Park: A free community bike ride with routes for all skill levels followed by an after-party.

JUNE 2026

A Taste of Ireland – June 5, 7:30 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A dynamic stage production blending traditional Irish dance with modern music and tap.

Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits Tour – June 11, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: The stand-up comedian brings her relatable southern charm and storytelling to Rochester.

Thursdays Downtown – June 11 – Aug 13 (Weekly), 11:00 AM–8:30 PM

1st Ave SW & Peace Plaza: A weekly summer street festival with live music, food, and local artisans.

Sal Vulcano: Everything’s Fine Tour – June 14, 5:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: Stand-up comedy from the fan-favorite star of Impractical Jokers.

RochesterFest 2026 – June 20–28

Soldiers Field Park: Rochester’s premier city festival featuring a parade, family activities, and diverse food vendors.

JULY 2026

Riverside Music Series – Sundays through July, 7:00 PM

Mayo Park: Free outdoor concerts on the riverfront featuring national and regional musical acts.

Olmsted County Fair – July 27 – Aug 2

Olmsted County Fairgrounds: Traditional county fair fun with carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, and grandstand shows.

AUGUST 2026

Thursdays Downtown (Continued) – Every Thursday through Aug 13

Downtown Rochester: The final weeks of the outdoor summer street festival season.

Riverside Music Series (Continued) – Sundays through mid-August

Mayo Park: The conclusion of the free outdoor summer concert series.

Downtown Art Walk – Aug 20, 5:00–8:00 PM

Downtown Rochester: The summer edition of the quarterly self-guided art tour.

Justin Willman: One For The Ages Tour – Aug 29, 7:00 PM

CH Mayo Presentation Hall: Mind-bending magic and comedy from the host of Magic for Humans.

SEPTEMBER 2026

The “Happy Together” Tour 2026 – Sept 5, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center Auditorium: A nostalgic hits concert featuring The Turtles, Gary Puckett, and more.

Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour – Sept 18, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: Midwestern observational comedy from the creator of the Manitowoc Minute.

John Crist Live! – Sept 19, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A high-energy night of stand-up from the popular viral comedian.

Derrick Stroup: Running Hot Tour – Sept 26, 7:00 PM

CH Mayo Presentation Hall: Fast-paced storytelling and unique observational comedy from a rising star.

OCTOBER 2026

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes – Oct 2, 7:30 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A screening of the cult classic followed by a live Q&A with the star himself.

World Ballet Company: Swan Lake – Oct 14, 7:00 PM

CH Mayo Presentation Hall: A premier professional production of the classic ballet with a live orchestra.

NOVEMBER 2026

Downtown Art Walk – Nov 5, 5:00–8:00 PM

Downtown Rochester: The fall edition of the quarterly walk, perfect for early holiday shopping.

Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Tour – Nov 12, 7:00 PM

CH Mayo Presentation Hall: High-energy comedy dedicated to the unique experiences of healthcare workers.

DECEMBER 2026

Downtown Dazzle Holiday Lights Parade – Early Dec (Date TBA), 5:30 PM

Downtown Rochester: A spectacular illuminated parade to officially kick off the holiday season.

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker – Dec 12, 7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A breathtaking holiday tradition featuring a live orchestra and world-class dancers.

New Standards Holiday Show – Mid-Dec (Date TBA)

Historic Chateau Theatre: A unique, irreverent, and stylish musical variety show.

Harry Scott Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert – Mid-Dec (Date TBA)

Historic Chateau Theatre: Classic holiday tunes performed with big band flair.

Celebrate Rochester! New Year’s Eve – Dec 31, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

Mayo Civic Center: A family-friendly New Year’s celebration with inflatables, games, and a 6:00 PM balloon drop.