Vote For Your Favorite Skywalk Art

Voting is open until 6pm July 20^th

Vote online now

 

 

Thursdays on First & 3rd information:

IN CASE OF RAIN: Please check here to find out about weather-related cancellations.  The market is only canceled in case of lightning or very strong winds (we do not cancel for rain alone).  The call will be made by 9:00 am each Thursday if the day’s festivities are to be canceled.

 

 

 

 

Vendor Information click here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th of July Celebration

This 4th of July Rochester will be hosting a variety of entertainment downtown from 2-11pm. Live music and a variety of concessions as well as Spirits will be offered throughout the day/evening. July 3rd at 12pm through July 5th at 12pm, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be on display on the Peace Plaza. A short program will be held on July 4th, featuring Brian Schacht, a former member of the “Old Guard" from 4-5pm.

Live music on the 4th will begin at the Peace Plaza from 2-4pm with the band 5th Street Bridge. Following this performance, the Veteran's short program will take place, with more live music to follow. The band 8 Switch will finish up the evening from 6-11pm. To check out more information on 8 Switch and to listen to a sample of their music click here.

*Channel 1 will also be at the Peace Plaza throughout the day, so don’t forget to show your support by bringing in non-perishable food items!

From 8:30pm to 10:00pm, the Rochester Concert Band will be performing near the west side of Silver Lake Pool. Chuck Blattner and the Rochester Concert Band will be playing a tribute to the anniversary of our country’s independence. Guest performer and baritone vocalist Chue Vang, will also be featured. This event leads up to the fireworks display at Silver Lake Park, and cost is free.

To conclude the Independence Day Celebration, the traditional Fireworks display will begin at 10:00pm at Silver Lake Park. The rain date for this event is scheduled for July 5th.

Experience the Unknown

The Rochester Downtown Alliance & Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Committee are proud to present The Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Downtown Peace Plaza this 4th of July weekend.

Located in our National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, the Tomb is dedicated to lost and missing American soldiers from all wars. The tomb reads: “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God.” Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier right here in Rochester, MN!

The Memorial, along with a caisson will arrive at noon this Friday July 3 and be on display until noon Sunday July 5, day & night, rain or shine. A procession will travel from the VFW on 6th St SW to the Peace Plaza on 1st Ave and 1st St. SW at 11:30 a.m. Friday. On July 4th, there will be a short program at 4pm, including a wreath laying and guest speaker from The Old Guard.

4th of July Kids Parade

Rochester Jaycee's presents the 4th of July Kids Parade this Saturday. Parents and their kids are invited to participate in this parade by walking, biking, skating, or riding in a wagon during the parade. The parade will begin at noon on July 4th in the Christ United Methodist Church parking lot at 400 5th Avenue SW. The parade will finish at the Peace Plaza downtown with food, fun and prizes! To register click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Live Music & Nightlife

Thursday's on First Features Lynhurst & Soulsistas

July 2, 2009

1st Ave Stage:
Opener: Key Lime Special 4-5:30pm

Headliner: Lynhurst-Indie Alternative
6:30-8:30pm

Peace Plaza Stage:
Opener: Core Freeman 5-6pm

Headliner: Soulsistas-Jazz/Blues
6:30-8:30pm

Price: Free!

No FLUX This Thursday

Flux will be taking a few months off for the summer, but be sure to visit the Rochester Art Center on Friday, September 11 as they celebrate the opening of their fall exhibitions and the return of Flux. Fall line-up to be announced soon!

 

 

Sports & Events Downtown

Rochester Honkers' Fireworks Extravaganza

Cheer on the Rochester Honkers as they take on the Eau Claire Express this Friday (July 3rd). Following the game enjoy fireworks over Mayo Field, brought to you by the Rochester Honkers and KTTC.

Location: Mayo Field

Price: Adults $6, Child/Senior $5

For the Rochester Honkers full schedule click here.

Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament

Billy Mac's, Jul. 4, 2009

Description Time: 3 pm
Price: Free

Address and Contact Details Billy Mac's
3342 19th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901 

For more information, call 507-536-7768.

 

 

Arts, Theater, & Comedy

ARTWALK this Thursday

The first Thursday of each month the ARTWALK takes place from 7-10pm. Visit downtown Rochester businesses, studios and galleries for an evening of refreshments, entertainment, and one-on-one conversations with local artisans and musicians.

This event is free of charge, and the Rochester Art Center is the first stop on this downtown progressive event. Enjoy the fresh air while you experience all that downtown has to offer. ARTWALK is sponsored by the Rochester Downtown Alliance.

To download a map of this month's ARTWALK click here.

Goonie's Features Four Comedians

Friday night, July 3rd, Goonie's Comedy Club has a real treat for you. Instead of the usual two comics at a show, there will be four of Goonie's favorite comedians back to make you laugh this holiday weekend. Experience the unique material and hilarious antics of Brian Shelsby, John Conroy, Jon Wilson, and Andy Erickson. Shows are 7:30 and 10 PM and reservations can be made by calling 507-288-8130.

 

 

 

 

 

Art For Lunch:

Date: Thursday, July 2 Time: 11:45am-12:45pm

Rochester Art Center

Enjoy a 20 minute docent-led tour of the exhibitions during your lunch hour. When exhibitions are closed tours will focus on the architecture and history of the Rochester Art Center.

For more information on these click here.

 

Dos Amigos Hosts Live Magician:

Magician Bob Miller features tableside magic and balloons.

Dates: Jul. 6, 13, 20, 2009 Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Price: Free

Location: Dos Amigos II- 20 4th St. SE

 

 

 

Downtown Shopping

Shops at University Square Host Autism Awareness Fundraiser

For the entire month of July the Shops at University Square are holding an Autism Awareness Fundraiser. The Shops at University Square invite you to donate and receive! To raise money, the shops will be selling $10 fundraiser-discount cards for purchase. In turn, participating shops are offering a 15% discount off one regularly priced item to those who purchase the fundraiser cards. The following Shops at University Square are participating in this event:

*Bravo Espresso *Chocolaterie Stam

*Collections *Counterpoint

*Counterpoint Home *CP3

*Games by James *Hers

*Knight's Chamber Clothiers *M Gear

*Sopra Sotto *The Nordic Shop

*Z Pizza

Valid July 1-July 31--Present card at time of purchase. Some restrictions may apply. Not applicable on prior sales.

Kay Hoecker Art Gallery

Abbott J. Hoecker, 1915-2001, was an artist from age 13. He painted oils, and watercolors of landscapes from Texas, New Mexico, New Orleans, New England, Missouri, Minnesota, and Mexico. His wife, Kay Hoecker, exhibits and sells his original works of art in the Kay Hoecker  Gallery in Rochester, Minnesota.  The Gallery contains a rotating exhibit of his works plus samplings of the works of several other artists from around the world which involve themes and subjects different from Mr.Hoecker's.          

 

Kay Hoecker Gallery 20

2nd Avenue, SW Rochester, Minnesota, 55902

507-288-2093 JLH13@charter.net

 

 

 

Fine Dining

Announcing the Grand Opening of Vino 101 

Wine enthusiasts have a new venue to sample, savor and share wines from around the world in downtown Rochester. The Rochester Marriott opened Vino 101 just last week.

“We are very excited about the launch of Vino 101 in Rochester,” said Scott Youngblood, general manager of the Rochester Marriott, “Enjoying wine should be informal and fun, never pretentious. Our guests have the opportunity to order 2oz. flights of multiple wines to explore different flavors and find new favorites.”

Serving more than 30 wines by the glass, Vino 101 will delight guests with the opportunity to try different varietals, vintages and regional offerings. The friendly and fun service staff will also happily discuss weekly wine features, share tips and recommend food and wine pairings to help diners discover new flavor combinations.

Chef Clinton Yocom has developed an innovative set of menus, featuring small plates and artisan cheeses to compliment the well-appointed wine list. These include crispy lamb lettuce wraps, goat cheese bites with sweet and spicy chili sauce, and fresh ahi tuna with cous cous.

“Vino 101 will also serve a light, healthy and delicious lunch menu on the plaza patio and inside the Marriott,” said Scott Mauer, director of food and beverage for the Rochester Marriott, “And no visit to Vino 101 is complete without sampling Chef Clinton’s Cabernet Ice or Blanc Ice frozen desserts.”

Visit www.RochesterMarriott.com for more information. 

 

Interested in renting the Peace Plaza for your Special Event?

Whether it is for a wedding, performance, fundraiser, or private party, the Peace Plaza is a one of a kind outdoor venue that adds an exciting urban twist to any event or function!

Contact Rochester Downtown Alliance Special Events Coordinator Mette Burkhalter at (507) 424-5677 today to reserve your date(s)!