Events in Rochester today

The MWCA Rochester Gun Show is a two-day gun show held at Graham Arena Complex in Rochester, MN. It’s hosted by the Minnesota Weapons Collectors Association, and admission is listed at $10.

Find a friendly presence at Rochester Farmers Markets where doulas and community members will be ready to connect, respond to questions, and provide practical support. Spend a few minutes with the MedCity Doulas team to explore how doula care can help during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and beyond. Get hands-on babywearing guidance or a quick fit check, and take time to share what is on your mind or simply say hello. All are welcome, from expecting and current parents to those supporting someone else or just passing by. The emphasis is on conversation, resources, and genuine connection.

Byron Farmers Market takes place at the Byron Community Recreation Complex. The market pauses during Good Neighbor Days, when many vendors participate in the event's vendor fair.

The Native American Center of SE MN hosts a meet and greet at People of Hope ELCA. The gathering offers storytelling, arts and crafts, food and more, with free admission and optional donations. It provides a chance to celebrate Native culture, learn about the Center, and reconnect as the organization resumes its work following a post covid restructuring.

Celebrate early American rural life at the annual Days of Yesteryear, a family friendly weekend of live demonstrations and hands on activities. Hosted by the Mechanical History Round Table on the historic Ralph Stoppel Farmstead at the History Center of Olmsted County, this gathering features Oliver, Cockshutt, and White tractors. See steam tractors at work, watch traditional oat threshing, and enjoy the classic parade of power. Visitors can try pioneer crafts such as rope making, visit the tinsmith, catch an authentic 1860s vintage base ball game with the Roosters, and sample local food. Buttons are $8 each or two for $15 at the History Center of Olmsted County, or $10 at the gate, and kids are free.

Returning after last year’s rainout, the fifth annual Mustang Car Show is set to showcase Mustangs of all generations. Owners can display their cars with no entry fee, simply drive in and show them off. Enthusiasts without a Mustang are welcome to attend, enjoy food, and explore the lineup on display. Highlights include raffle prizes, a food truck, and a live DJ, with more details to be shared soon.

Experience vintage base ball as part of the Days of YesterYear show, with the Hens facing the Chicks and the Applejacks taking on the Roosters. Beyond the games, the event includes demonstrations and exhibits, a parade of power, a garden tractor pull, and food trucks. Admission is $10 and includes parking and a button, and children under 16 get in free.

Families of every kind are invited to a relaxed playgroup on an enclosed playground with convenient bathroom access. It is a casual chance for parents and children to meet new friends while kids play. Complimentary coffee and juice will be available. The gathering is hosted by an Open and Affirming Congregation.

Experience a friendly poetry gathering at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo featuring nature themed verses for all ages. The program will be held regardless of weather, moving to the nature center classroom if it rains. Participants will meet inside the zoo.

The event will use a reserved party room. The first game will get underway, and late arrivals are welcome. Players of all experience levels can take part.

Mainstream Music DJ hosts karaoke at the VFW in Rochester, Minnesota on Saturday nights, creating an upbeat setting for singing with friends. Food and drinks are available, and the focus is on a lively evening of karaoke and good company.

Theory Of A Deadman and Sevendust share the stage at Mayo Civic Center Auditorium in Rochester, MN. The show brings both acts together in one concert for fans who want to see them in the same venue.

Theory Of A Deadman and Sevendust appear together at Mayo Civic Center Auditorium for a shared performance. Both artists take the same stage in one event.

Workshop Food Hall & Bar brings music and food together for a laid-back outing. Expect an easygoing mix of tunes with something to eat.

Hear a personal story of change as one speaker shares what life used to be like, what turned things around, and what life is like now. This recurring gathering features a speaker every Saturday of the month, with the last Saturday reserved for Chip Night.

Enjoy live music as Barking Daisy takes the stage at The North Star Bar.

Get moving for Summer Sizzler- Rochester, a family-friendly race with options for different distances and all paces. Packet pickup starts in the early morning, there’s also a kids dash, and the event includes the national anthem and race start. After the finish, results and awards are available right away at the registration tent. Registration includes race-day perks like a designer shirt, custom medal, chip timing with live results, free photos, and Kona Ice at the finish line.

Get ready for a family-friendly summer race at Cascade Lake Park in Rochester. Packet pickup runs early morning, followed by a kids dash and then the main race start with the national anthem. Results and awards are available right after participants finish at the registration tent.

Learn about the animals that live at Zollman Zoo during a zookeeper-led chat. Discover how they are cared for, what they eat, and which toys and enrichment items they enjoy, along with other insights into daily life at the zoo. Questions are welcome, with opportunities to ask about favorite animals.

This is an open free play session for Star Wars Unlimited. Players who participate in games receive a promo pack.

Rochester Golf and Country Club welcomes Midwest Mahjong for a friendly afternoon focused on guided play. This session is tailored for players who have completed Mahjong 101 but are not quite ready to play independently, emphasizing learning through play at a comfortable pace with support available throughout. Expect a slower, instructional setting where questions are encouraged and confidence building is the priority. It is an ideal next step for anyone still working on reading the card, navigating the Charleston, recognizing hands, and getting comfortable with the rhythm of the game. Play follows National Mah Jongg League rules, creating a supportive space to learn, practice, and celebrate each Mahjong as skills grow.

A lively community market fills MLK Park in Rochester, MN with a changing mix of local growers, vendors, and artists. Shoppers can find fresh, seasonal produce alongside distinctive, culturally diverse goods, and the selection varies from week to week with new faces and flavors. The atmosphere is welcoming for families, with space for children to play and shaded areas for relaxing, and the site is accessible for people with mobility needs. Calendars highlighting music and special happenings, along with a free fitness schedule, are available.

Catch an intimate listening-room country and folk show with Thomas Sticha, a musician from St. Paul, MN. This is a limited-capacity event with great sightlines from every seat. The venue has a cash bar, and there will be free pizza available.

Live music fills Mayo Park with a free, all-ages concert featuring Better Than Ezra with Marina City. Marina City opens with alternative pop rock led by vocalist Ryan Argast, known from The Voice and as an American Idol favorite. Their sound mixes dark, atmospheric elements with genre-blending influences and powerful vocals, heard on the EPs Reflections Vol. I and Reflections Vol. II, and their shows are marked by high intensity and emotional punch. Better Than Ezra follows, a New Orleans band formed in 1988 at Louisiana State University by Kevin Griffin and Tom Drummond, recognized for catchy melodies, memorable guitar work, and heartfelt lyrics. Billboard named them among the 100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time, and they continue to headline tours and festivals. Food and drinks are available from The Spud Truck LLC, Uni Uni Bubble Tea, and Kinney Creek Brewery. Guests can bring a chair or blanket and arrive early to enjoy the vendors. The event is accessible, with CART live captioning and staff on site for wayfinding, questions, and guest support. Presented as part of the Riverside Music Series from Rochester Public Music, which has brought performances to Mayo Park for over 30 years, with support from Think Bank and Y-105 FM.

At St. James Coffee, this session offers uninterrupted writing time alongside a friendly, supportive community. It is free and welcomes every genre and experience level. The gathering is part of Shut Up & Write, a global nonprofit that creates inclusive spaces where writers build steady habits without pressure or distraction. There is no critique or sharing segment, just time to settle in and work on your own pages. Participants can arrive as they are, write what they like, and leave feeling productive. RSVP is requested.

Say hello to Ollie the Octopus in a guided youth painting class that explores playful background techniques and a cheerful sea creature as the main subject. Designed for beginners and experienced kids alike, this summertime session offers step by step instruction, so no prior art experience is required. Each participant receives an 11x14 canvas and all supplies. The cost is $25 per painter, and registration is through Community Ed. All ages are welcome. Children ages 3 to 5 should have a helper, and adults are invited to paint as well.

Young artists dive into a multi-day camp featuring hands-on art projects, engaging activities, and instruction from Gallery 24 artists. Each day focuses on creating in a supportive setting that nurtures imagination and growing skills. After the final session, families are welcome at a reception celebrating the campers’ artwork.

Attendees bring any type of crafting project for a relaxed creative session. Crafters receive half off all drinks during the event, making it easy to sip a beverage while they knit, sew, sketch, or create. Friends are welcome to craft together.

A relaxed craft night for adults offers time to work on a personal project you bring, or to enjoy adult coloring with supplies on hand. Snacks are provided.

A $5 5K fun run and walk presented by TerraLoco supports United Way of SE Minnesota. The entry is $5 per person, payable by cash or check, and the entire amount is donated to the featured charity. The run uses a rolling start so participants can begin at a time that fits their pace, aiming to finish together. After the miles, there will be a brief talk from the nonprofit and prize drawings, and winners must be present. Snacks are provided, and bringing a refillable water bottle is encouraged. All ages and paces are welcome, including those with strollers, rollerblades, bicycles, and more. Leashed, vaccinated, and well-behaved pets may participate.

Casual chess tournaments take place at LTS Brewing Company, offering relaxed match play with possible prizes. The focus is on friendly competition.

Create a cheerful octopus named Ollie in a guided youth painting class that introduces simple background techniques and clear, step by step instruction. Suitable for beginners and young artists of every ability, this summertime session emphasizes creativity and fun, and no prior art skills are needed. Each participant works on an 11x14 canvas, with all materials provided. The cost is $25 per painter, and registration is through Community Ed. Open to all ages, with children ages 3 to 5 needing an assistant, and adults are welcome to paint as well.

This workshop introduces core ideas in artificial intelligence with a focus on Google Gemini. Participants learn how to craft precise prompts that lead to more useful answers, explore practical ways AI can support everyday tasks, and review privacy and security guidelines for safe, confident use. A Gmail account is required, along with basic comfort navigating the internet. Bring your Gmail username and password to sign in, and have a fully charged smartphone available in case a verification code is sent. Plan to use a laptop or tablet during the session, or work on a provided Google Chromebook. A smartphone can be used, though the smaller screen may make activities more difficult. The session is led by trainer Fred Ziecina. Pricing is $5 for social members, $10 for fitness members, and $20 for nonmembers.

A poetry-focused writing group where participants broaden their understanding of the craft through writing practice, shared readings, and conversation. The gathering takes place at Rochester VFW Auxiliary 1215.

Discover a lively open-air market at Cascade Park, where a changing mix of local growers, artists, and vendors offers fresh, in-season produce and culturally diverse offerings. With the lineup rotating regularly, there is always something new to explore. The setting is welcoming for families, with room for kids to play and shaded spots to unwind. The space also provides convenient access for visitors with mobility needs.

Come get creative at the library’s 2nd floor area. Drop in every Tuesday between 4 and 7 PM to work on a project you bring from home and meet new friends.

A welcoming gathering at the garden center brings together music, community connections, and locally sourced food.

Hosted at St. James Coffee, this coed Catholic in Recovery meeting welcomes anyone seeking help and healing from addiction or unhealthy attachments. Participants can expect a supportive community, faith-rooted encouragement, and practical recovery tools, with workbooks available at the meeting. Guided by the nonprofit Catholic in Recovery, the approach brings together the wisdom of the Twelve Steps and the sacramental life of the Catholic Church to offer hope and a path forward. The focus extends beyond stopping harmful behaviors to embracing the freedom and joy God desires, with attention to challenges such as alcohol or drug dependence, pornography or sexual and relationship struggles, compulsive overeating and other food-related issues, gambling, codependency and its impact on families, and patterns of fear, control, or anxiety. Through fellowship, personal responsibility, and deepening faith, participants work toward lasting healing and renewed life.

Local kolache maker Karissa will be on hand with kolaches available for purchase, with the option to preorder a dozen for $14 by calling or texting 563-203-7199, or to buy individually for $2 each during the event. Flavors include apple, apricot, blueberry, cherry, cinnamon roll, lemon, prune, black or red raspberry, and strawberry, and you can request a blend such as lemon with blueberry. Kolaches can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen so they are easy to enjoy any day of the week.

Every Wednesday, Pizza Ranch offers double rewards, giving two points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases. Qualifying orders include the buffet, dine-in, carryout, delivery, online orders placed through the Pizza Ranch website, and transactions paid with a Pizza Ranch gift card. After accumulating 100 points, a $5 reward is added for use on a future visit.

Enjoy a lower-stimulation family storytime at the Rochester Public Library Auditorium. Space is limited, and registration is required for this sensory-friendly program. It runs on select Wednesdays, including August 12.

Create with the library's LEGO collection during a casual building session. Welcoming builders of every age, this is a chance to experiment, imagine, and see what you can make.

This open bike repair workshop offers access to a community tool library, with volunteer mechanics close by to guide you through repairs and upgrades. It is a welcoming setting to meet fellow riders, trade stories, and share useful tips. Whether you are new to cycling or have years of experience, it is geared toward learning and building connections in the biking community. Hosted at Pata de Perro Community Bike Club, located around the back of the former Silver Lake Fire Station.

Enjoy casual MTG Commander free play at Gamez & More. There is no charge to participate. Use the MTG Companion App to submit the store's code and pick up a promo pack from the store. Games run throughout the day, and the shop stays open late for Commander players. There is ample space, including an extra room, with capacity for crowds of 50 or more.

Enjoy an evening of Capes & Cocktails at Mayowood Stone Barn, a summer fundraiser supporting Can Do Canines. The event includes appetizers and a signature cocktail, along with assistance dog demonstrations and an inspiring program designed to make an immediate impact on a local nonprofit.

The third FORWARD concert of the 2026 summer season brings jeremy messersmith with TEETH to John Withers Sports Complex. Attendees can arrive early to enjoy the park and settle in. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, and lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and picnics are welcome. The show opens with TEETH, a blues and rock supergroup featuring regional musicians Levi Henry, Josiah Smith, and Nick Novotny. Henry and Smith are established solo artists, and members have performed with Clay Fulton and the Lost 40, Loudmouth Brass, Broth, Split Pine, and The Weathered Heads. jeremy messersmith headlines with indie songs that blend folk and alt rock while balancing humor and heart. His catalog includes six studio releases, most recently Fox/Coyote, plus a ukulele songbook, an ambient EP, and a live album recorded in a bowling alley. FORWARD Park Concerts present free performances that showcase local bands alongside regional headliners in six walkable, pet friendly parks connected by bike trails, one in each city ward. Each concert also features the Rochester Public Library Bookmobile, the Parks and Recreation Mobile Rec Trailer, and the Art Stop, a free creative activity led by local artists. CART captioning is provided with real time captions viewable on a smartphone or tablet using QR codes available in the park. Look for the Public Music Information Tent next to the artists merchandise tents to pick up stickers, ask questions, and complete a survey for a chance to win prizes. Support for FORWARD Park Concerts is provided by Mayo Clinic and 106.9 KROC FM.

Come see singer-songwriter jeremy messersmith live as part of the FORWARD concert series. The show takes place at John Withers Sport Complex in Rochester.

Bear Cave Amphitheater hosts a free concert featuring Element. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and a cooler to relax while enjoying concessions, food trucks, and sweet treats. Activities for kids will also be available, making it a welcoming option for families.

Break up the week at Charlies Eatery & Pub with a karaoke party. Sing favorite songs, dance, and enjoy food and drinks while Mainstream Music DJ and Karaoke keeps the music rolling. It is a way to kick off the weekend early.

Enjoy a kid-focused performance from The Zinghoppers at Boundless Playspace and Activity Center. The show starts in the late morning and is a great option for families looking for an upbeat, music-filled event for children.

Climb aboard for a lively, screen-free musical experience with Conductor Jack, an Emmy-winning educator and entertainer for children. In his friendly train conductor persona, he gets families singing and dancing while performing children’s and family folk tunes entirely live with no prerecorded tracks. Expect ukulele, guitar, kazoo, harmonica, and more as he helps young children explore music, movement, and playful learning in a relaxed, nostalgic setting. Recognized as Nashville’s top children’s entertainer for five consecutive years, Conductor Jack welcomes kids and grownups alike for a joyful time together.

EA Therapeutic Health celebrates fifteen years of service, highlighting progress and the positive impact made in the community. The gathering features raffles and opportunities to connect with the team and fellow community members, with appreciation at the heart of this milestone occasion.

Keep your fitness routine on track this summer with a free Summer Sweat Series featuring fast-paced HIIT workouts, energizing music, and an uplifting, community vibe. Sessions are offered both indoors and outdoors, and indoor workouts are free for members and nonmembers alike. The atmosphere welcomes all experience levels, from first-timers to regulars, with encouragement to stay consistent and have fun along the way. Participants are encouraged to bring water and are welcome to work out alongside friends, family, coworkers, or a favorite gym partner.

Wings are featured on the buffet, with both boneless and traditional options offered alongside a variety of sauces.

At Gamez & More, two rooms are dedicated to miniature gaming, creating a busy space for tabletop action. Tables feature Warhammer 40,000, Conquest, Blood Bowl, and other miniature titles running side by side. The setup suits experienced players seeking a match and newcomers interested in learning a game.

A monthly themed art reception welcomes everyone. Spend time socializing and hear directly from local artists. Food and drinks are available, and the setting is family friendly.