Stay in the loop with This Month in Rochester, your guide to events and activities in downtown Rochester, Minnesota!
Rochester is host to a variety of events throughout August, welcoming visitors and the community. From history to live music, these events are great for all ages. Explore the events and discover everything Rochester has to offer this August!
Explore the Local Events
Each month, we curate a list of unique events and activities. Whether you're visiting Rochester for a short stay or making it your home, this blog will help you explore, connect, and enjoy downtown.
Days of YesterYear
Cost: $10 at the door
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 W Circle Dr
Step back in time during the Days of YesterYear at the History Center of Olmsted County. Watch steam tractors in action or participate in rope making and tin smithing. Catch the parade of power or watch an 1860s baseball match.
For more information about the event, or to purchase discounted tickets in advance, visit the Mechanical History Round Table website here.
FORWARD Concerts
Cost: FREE
Dates: Aug. 13, Aug. 20, and Aug. 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
FORWARD is a concert series that brings music, food trucks and family fun activities to local parks around the city. Each night of the free concert series brings two bands to a park in a different ward in Rochester.
This month three concerts are taking place. On Aug 13., Avery Grouws Band will be performing at the John Withers Sports Complex. On Aug. 20, Nathan Graham will be performing at White Oaks Park. Finally, on Aug. 27, Space Monkey Mafia will be performing at Cook Park.
Get more information about the concerts on the City of Rochester website here.
Downtown Art Walk
Cost: FREE
Thursday, Aug. 21
Location: Downtown Rochester
Embark on a self-guided art walk through downtown Rochester. This seasonal event brings artists and musicians to downtown shops, restaurants, event venues and galleries around downtown.
Get printed maps at the Historic Chateau Theatre or Threshold Arts, or view the digital map on the Downtown Rochester MN website here.
The Original Rochester Greek Fest
Cost: FREE
Friday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 24
Location: 703 West Center Street
Enjoy authentic Greek food and live music at the Original Rochester Greek Fest. This festival honors the rich Greek heritage. Get a taste of many of the sweet and savory offerings of Greek cuisine, including gyros, spanakopita, and baklava.
If you’re interested in trying the food but don’t have time to stick around, the festival offers a drive-thru with a shorter menu offering many classic dishes.
For more information, including parking details, visit the Original Rochester Greek Fest website here.
Rochester Farmers Markets – Wednesday Markets Downtown
Cost: FREE
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (weather permitting)
Location: 401 2nd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
In addition to the summer outdoor market at Graham Park, Rochester Farmers Markets also hosts a market in Broadway Plaza’s backyard.
The market features produce, homemade goods, and entertainment at Discovery Walk on 2nd Avenue SW. Weather permitting, the market will take place every Wednesday through October.
Get the latest information about the Wednesday Markets and Summer Markets on the Rochester Farmers Markets website here.
Thursdays Downtown
Cost: FREE
Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1st Avenue SW & 2nd Ave SW (From 2nd St. SW to 4th St. SW), Rochester
Wrap up summer with the remaining Thursdays Downtown through August 14! This event combines music, food, and a vendor market into a block-party-style celebration.
Learn more about the event, including the full band lineup, on the Thursdays Downtown website.
Art Exhibition: The Cherry Blossoms You Missed
Cost: $8
Ends Aug. 31
Location: Rochester Art Center, 30 Civic Center Dr SE
August is the last month to catch Kathleen Hawkes’ exhibition at the Rochester Art Center. This still life photography display explores grief, regret, and personal relationships. It was created in the wake of the unexpected death of one of Hawkes’ close friends.
Tours of the exhibit are included in the cost of admission to the Rochester Art Center. Tickets cost $8 for adults over 21 and $5 for seniors. The Rochester Art Center is connected to Broadway Plaza through the skyway system.
For more information about the exhibit, visit the Rochester Art Center website.
For even more events downtown, check out the Downtown Rochester, MN’s event calendar.
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