Stay in the loop with This Month in Rochester, your guide to events and activities in downtown Rochester, Minnesota!
Stay in the loop with This Month in Rochester, your guide to events and activities in downtown Rochester, Minnesota!
Rochester hosts a variety of live music, markets, and seasonal events throughout December. Whether you're a local or visiting for the weekend, here's your event calendar for Rochester, MN in January 2026.
Making Rochester Home This January
Staying with us for weeks or months? These recurring and seasonal events help you experience Rochester like a local, not a tourist. Broadway Plaza is in the heart of Rochester, and many of these events are around downtown – just steps away from our building. Whether you're in Rochester for medical care, a work assignment, or an extended visit, enjoy everything the city has to offer right outside your door.
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe at Quarry Hill
Cost: Rentals begin at $5
All winter long
Location: Quarry Hill
Explore the outdoors of Rochester’s Quarry Hill, just east of downtown Rochester, in a new way this winter. When snow conditions allowed, cross country ski and snowshoe rentals are available. Exercise in the snow in a fun new way.
Check the Quarry Hill website for more information about equipment rentals.
Ice Skating
Cost: FREE
All winter long
Location: Soldiers Field
Enjoy one of the wonderful activities that winter has to offer, ice skating. Located near downtown, Soldiers Field offers a special experience with an ice-skating loop. What is normally a track in the summer has been converted to an ice rink. The city plans to offer skate rentals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 p.m.
Get more information about ice skating locations on the City of Rochester website.
The Shabby Road Orchestra plays The Beatles
Cost: Tickets starts at $25
Location: Chateau Theatre
Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Kick off the New Year with some old music. The Shabby Road Orchestra is a 12-piece Minneapolis band that is known for their performances of Beatles music. The group will be playing music from the band’s last six albums.
Get your tickets on the Chateau Theatre website.
Castle Con
Cost: $30 for the weekend
Location: Chateau Theatre
Jan. 22-25
Participate in a tabletop gaming extravaganza! The event is for players of all levels and will feature sessions, tournaments and connection to other gamers. Games like Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer games will be played at the convention.
Rochester Restaurant Week
Cost: Varies by restaurant
Jan. 26 – Feb. 1
For one week, restaurants around Rochester will offer special discounts on certain items to allow people to taste something different at a lower price point. More information about participating restaurants and their menu offerings will be available after Jan.1.
Look for the announcement or participating restaurants on the Downton Rochester, Minnesota website.
Monster X Tour
Cost: $26-$52
Jan. 31 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mayo Civic Center
With enough excitement to warm up the whole family, watch 10,000-pound monster trucks compete inside the Mayo Civic Center. Watch races, wheelie contests, and plenty of freestyle action. If you want even more monster truck experiences, attend the pit party to talk to drivers and see the truck up close.
Buy tickets on the Monster X Tour website.
For even more events downtown, check out the Downtown Rochester, MN’s event calendar.
Planning an extended stay in January? Broadway Plaza offers the comfort of home with the convenience of downtown location. Learn about our weekly and monthly rates.
Click here to visit our blog.
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