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How to Spend a 3-Day Weekend in Downtown Rochester

"Work, work all week long / Punchin' that clock from dusk 'till dawn"! Time to take a well-deserved break and enjoy the long, three-day weekend! Here are the top specials and events to celebrate Labor Day weekend in downtown Rochester!

Café Steam

  • Andrew Kasab live at Cafe Steam! Andrew Kasab is an American guitarist, harp guitarist and singer-songwriter. He is known for combining traditional and contemporary techniques, energetic performances, arrangements of modern works for the guitar and harp guitar and occasionally plays harmonica and ukulele. He has been performing for over 30 years at music halls, events, festivals, restaurants and other venues, self released 11 albums of solo material, and plays multiple styles including folk, blues, country, bluegrass, jazz, American fingerstyle, American primitive and contemporary acoustic styles.
  • Dates: August 30
  • More information here.

Canvas & Chardonnay

  • House of Larva Presents Viral Liasons, an evening-length performance by House of Larva and performances by local guest artists. Dancing and audience participation is encouraged! 18+ event.
  • Dates: August 31
  • More information here.

Castle Community

  • The Light Chasers: An Intersection of Art and Science exhibition explores the parallels between two groups of “light chasers”: those who chase light with their cameras, and those who chase light through scientific experimentation.
  • Dates: through September 15
  • More information here.

Kathy's Pub

  • It's getting close to that time again! This round at Kathy's Pub on the second floor we will be bringing you new flavors of bass music! Come enjoy some drinks, lights, and great music. Music is by Rusker and Sleepless Dragon.
  • Dates: August 30
  • More information here.

The Machine Shed

Event 1:

  • Our 3rd installment of food, fun and video games! This year will be the biggest yet! Video game tournament with an awesome prize, great food from local food trucks and other entertainment from other local businesses!
  • Dates: August 30
  • More information here.

Event 2:

  • Round up a gaming buddy and sign up for The Machine Shed's Goldeneye tournament!
  • Dates: August 30
  • More information here.

Mayo Civic Center

Rochester Art Center

  • Produced for North America by the Science Museum of Minnesota in collaboration with Heureka, The Finnish Science Centre, Mental Health: Mind Matters is a multidimensional, hands-on exhibit designed to bring greater understanding about mental health to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Mind Matters is designed to inspire awareness and engagement on a timely, urgent and often sensitive topic for people, families and communities. Mind Matters features immersive content around how our society defines mental illness, what it’s like to live with a mental illness, healthy expressions of emotions, and resources to help visitors explore for their own mental health needs.
  • Dates: through September 10
  • More information here.

Rochester Farmers Market

  • We're celebrating a Market for All at Rochester Farmers Markets throughout the month of August concluding with or Labor Day Weekend market on Saturday, August 31. Good food connects us across all walks of life! Stop by the market to sample international foods made with local ingredients, free activities and produce coupons for kids, recipes, music, and more. We match SNAP transactions with up to $10 bonus Market Bucks  and accept farmers market nutrition program vouchers.
  • Dates: August 31
  • More information here.

Rochester Public Library

  • NERF Battle! Join us for an 18+, after-hours Nerf Battle at the library. BYO un-modded Blaster and we'll provide the ammo. This is an after-hours event but participants must be in the library before the program begins.
  • Dates: August 30
  • More information here.

Tessa's Office: Wine & Spirits Boutique

  • Stock up for the holiday weekend! Get 15 percent off all wine and bubbles and 20 percent off mix and match with 12 bottles or more!
  • Dates: August 29 through 31
  • More information here.