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, and as we enter into fall, more events will be moving indoors. Be sure to soak up the warm weather while you can! Explore the events and discover everything downtown Rochester has to offer this September!
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 the city.
Rochester Farmers Markets – Wednesday Markets Downtown
Cost: FREE
Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (weather permitting)
Location: 401 2nd Ave SW
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 local 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 updates on the Rochester Farmers Markets website here.
Foragerfest
Cost: FREE
Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Forager Brewery, 1005 6th St NW
Forager Brewery is celebrating 10 years of business with an all-day festival with music, art, beer, and food. The event is family-friendly and will feature face painting and a kids’ chalk contest.
Get the full music lineup on the Forager Brewery website.
Second Annual Handmade Art Market
Cost: FREE
Date: Saturday, Sept. 13, noon - 6 p.m.
Location: Thesis Beer Project
Missing the artists from Thursdays Downtown? A returning event will bring together a group of makers. Blue Snow presents the Second Annual Handmade Art Market, featuring over 35 vendors and food trucks.
Get more information from Blue Snow here.
Dogs Downtown
Cost: FREE
Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Central Park
Want to pet all the dogs? Downtown Rochester, Minnesota is hosting its annual Dogs Downtown event. This event includes crafts, games, activities and giveaways for both dogs and their owners.
Oakwood Cemetery Walk
COST: $10( for non HCOC members)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
To kick off fall a little early, the History Center of Olmsted County is holding its annual Cemetery Walk — one of its most anticipated events of the year.
This year’s walk will honor the legacy of some of the community’s prominent business owners and highlight the Healy Chapel, which was built in 1890.
Get more information about the Oakwood Cemetery Walk, as well as additional History Center events on the History Center of Olmsted County website.
Oktoberfest
Cost: FREE
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 1st Avenue SW between 2nd Street and 4th Street SW
Celebrate Bavarian culture with Rochester’s inaugural Oktoberfest! The street festival features live music, authentic German food, beer, games and more. The music lineup features plenty of polka music, and attendees are encouraged to wear their best lederhosen and dirndls.
Visit the Experience Rochester website for more details.
For even more events downtown, check out the Downtown Rochester, MN’s event calendar.
Click here to visit our blog.
- This Month in Rochester: March 2026 Events - February 2, 2026
- This Month in Rochester: February 2026 Events - January 15, 2026
- This Month in Rochester: January 2026 Events - December 29, 2025