Discover Downtown Rochester

A summer of fun has just begun! Round up the kiddos and head to downtown Rochester for SPARK in Central Park. Find out here what this new, free program entails and make plans for a Saturday outing with the family!

There is an exclusive area at Thursdays Downtown just for kids. It's called the Mayo Clinic Family Nook! Here, find a variety of family-friendly activities—14 different ones, to be exact—throughout the season. Plan your visit to Thursdays Downtown around these Mayo Clinic Family Nook activities!

"Great dining, fun shopping, and lots to do!" applies to everything downtown, including the community's biggest party of the season! That, of course, is Thursdays Downtown! Get ready to attend this arts, music, food, and community festival with this countdown to Thursdays Downtown insider's guide!

Summer is on its way; hip-hip-hooray! With the warmer weather season comes the start of Thursdays Downtown, the staple music, arts, and food festival in downtown Rochester. And there are so many bands—48 to be exact—that you can experience. See which ones are performing throughout the Thursdays Downtown season here.

Beautiful days in downtown Rochester are ahead! Take advantage by grabbing lunch from a neighboring restaurant, finding a seat, and enjoying the live music provided by local musicians performing either in Peace Plaza or at The Deck on 4th and Zumbro. Here is who you can see throughout the Sidewalk Sessions 2023 season!

From handling emergency situations to providing excellent care to the ill and elderly, nurses are a vital role in our community. Downtown Rochester businesses are giving back to those people who give so much. Visit these places for National Nurses Week specials from May 6 through 12, 2023!

There is always more to explore in downtown Rochester! It’s true. No matter your age or interests, we compiled a variety of ways to have fun and spend time downtown. Want to know the best part? Free parking exists if you enter and exit a City-owned ramp within an hour and after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends. How will you spend your time in downtown? Here are the fun ways we found!

Blarney: We are into March already! That means everyone can be Irish for a day with St. Patrick's Day March 17. To help you celebrate, here are the St. Patrick's Day festivities in downtown Rochester!

Delicious. Hot. Gooey. What else could we be talking about other than a s'more, a tasty treat of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate. How do you make the perfect one, you ask? Our friends at Kraus-Anderson will help you make a perfect s'more while at Social-ICE FAM JAM February 25 with these three tips.

Let's be honest: the vibes coming from the DJs' turntables are what make up the energy of Social-ICE! While the tunes are definitely familiar, let's get acquainted with the Social-ICE DJs who may be new faces (and ones we hope you will want to see again) after Social-ICE February 24-25.

"All you need is love." Let's amend that to all you need is love and Valentine's Day plans from downtown Rochester businesses! Whether you have a significant other or are single, celebrate the international day of love with these special events, promotions, or meals in downtown Rochester.

Bundle up the family and head to downtown Rochester for Social-ICE FAM JAM, the free family-friendly day of Social-ICE, presented by Mayo Clinic February 25! The weather may be chilly, so the following planned activities will be a wonderful way to stay warm. Find a first-look preview of Social-ICE FAM JAM here.

It's that time of year again: when the streets are all aglow and there are holiday happenings around every corner. Here is a round-up of all the holiday feasts and festivities happening in downtown Rochester from December 1 to January 1!

Cheer on your country’s team or join in the fun with other area soccer fans. The FIFA World Cup™ Viewing Party is coming to downtown Rochester with select games being shown on a large television screen in Peace Plaza December 9-18. Come dressed appropriately for the weather and bring your own chair to enjoy the action. Get a schedule of the games to be aired here.

If Here Comes Santa Claus 2022 presented by Altra Federal Credit Union brought joy to your heart, share it ('tis the season for sharing, after all) in this short event survey!

'Tis the season to share a simple kindness with the Here Comes Santa Claus presenting partner! Altra Federal Credit Union's Kindness Tree is back this holiday season for you to pin new gloves, hats, or scarves onto it for those in need of this winter gear. Here is how you can help!

$3,000 is a good amount of money to turn an idea into reality. Those funds could be yours when you submit your event, activity, or program dream to our Start-Up Event Grant! Here are all the grant guidelines and how to apply details you need to know.

T-time means something different when we're talking about this November holiday. With Thanksgiving comes all kinds of scrumptious foods, good times, and fall fun. Here is a list of all things Thanksgiving-related happening in downtown Rochester.

It’s almost the holiday season, and what better way to get in the spirit than with Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union! Get ready to have yourself a merry little time at Rochester’s holiday tradition from 2 to 5 p.m. November 26 with these activities!

Typically, he only comes once a year, but Rochester is a place Santa Claus holds dear. Here Comes Santa Claus November 26 presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union is a multi-generational holiday tradition in Rochester. Here is all the festive fun to expect from this event.

No tricks with the Halloween happenings in downtown Rochester. Go trick or treating for these special events from your neighbors (i.e. downtown businesses).

Have a stellar time at the second annual Roller Disco in 2022? Share your feedback to help improve the event in this short survey.

We're talking square biz to you. (Note: not to be read as a square business.) We think all the businesses in downtown are cool for embracing the good vibes of Roller Disco and offering the following events, specials, and experiences during the event October 7-8!

All that glitters is gold…and Roller Disco! On October 7 and 8, Broadway Avenue in downtown Rochester transforms into a groovy place to roller skate under the lights of the city and from a disco ball. Get down(town) for this joyful event that features these activities, food, and fun!

"Happy dog, happy life!" doesn't just apply to our four-legged friends that attend Dogs Downtown presented by Subaru of Rochester. The paws-abilities are endless for fun for all September 17! Everyone, including your pup, will be smiling ear to ear with all the following activities planned.

Bring your pack back to Dogs Downtown presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Subaru of Rochester! This year features fun for all, especially your dog. Here is what you need to know before you go to Dogs Downtown September 17.

What does "ARPA" stand for? We'll tell you: in downtown Rochester, it means "A Resplendent Programming of Art"! With American Rescue Plan Act funds thanks to the City of Rochester, you can experience art in a variety of ways throughout downtown Rochester. Join an artist-led tour or take a self-guided tour to view downtown’s new murals and artwork on businesses’ exterior doors. The possibilities are endless when you seek out the beauty of this art in downtown.

When you think of Thursdays Downtown, what comes to mind? If you thought "music," "arts," or "food," you nailed the main components of the event. But new in 2022, we're hoping you associate Thursdays Downtown with family fun, too! Let's find out about the latest addition and the new vendors here.

Whether your dad is outdoorsy, a foodie, or somewhere in between, downtown Rochester businesses are sure to have a perfect gift or experience for the father figure in your life. Check out these special events and gift ideas for Father's Day 2022!

Made for hanging with friends outdoors, good food, and great music, summer nights are upon us once again! Another thing that combines all that is Thursdays Downtown 2022. You bring your crew; we provide this musical line-up!

A byproduct of the pandemic, Sidewalk Sessions showcases local and regional musicians throughout downtown's public spaces. This year, find them performing every Monday and Friday from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in Peace Plaza. Here's a look at who is up next for this free outdoor music series!

Get your daily dose of delight with Summer in the City presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance. Every day of the week this summer will have something happening within the 44 blocks of downtown. Let’s preview the fun to be had!

Seeking fresh, creative perspectives on events, activities, and programs within downtown Rochester. No, it's not a help-wanted ad. Rather, it's a call for our Start-Up Event Grant! Learn more about this year's guidelines and application process here.

We provide the inspiration, you capture the magic! Social Lights March 3-5 will have plenty of opportunities to break out your cameras and if you follow these steps, you could be a winner in our Social Lights photo contest!

Bundle up the littles and head to downtown Rochester! From illuminated themed booths to radiant activities to brilliant photo ops, Social Lights FAM JAM March 5 is a family friendly day for all. Here's a sneak preview of what fun your family could have at this new event.

While we're turning up the light, DJs will be pumping up the music at Social Lights. And not just one music aficionado per night: 2022 will feature five throughout the event March 3-5! Move to the groove of these Social Lights DJs.

Ignite the night with Social Lights March 3-5! This light festival, adapted from the ice version of Social-ICE, will sure to get you raving and glowing about downtown Rochester's themed bars, DJs, and other radiant fun that makes up this event. Here's a sneak preview of what Social Lights will look like!

Love isn't just at first sight or something tangible. It's felt with the heart. If you need a gift or experience to show your sweetheart, friend, or family member just how much you care, here are some ways downtown businesses can help you express your feelings this Valentine's Day!

It's the hap, happiest season of all! From the glowing light displays to the decadent fragrances to the jolly experiences, here are a few ways to celebrate the holidays in downtown Rochester!

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, with ribbons and bows, tinsel and lights everywhere. Downtown Rochester will be no exception with Hiawatha Homes’ Festival of Trees: A Celebration of Giving coming up November 22-28. Here is a sneak preview of the annual holiday-themed event!

Sleigh, what?! Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union is returning to downtown Rochester November 26! Believe in its magic with this preview guide to this beloved holiday event hosted throughout downtown Rochester.

Merriment abounds when Santa comes to town for a beloved Rochester tradition! Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union is being planned as an in-person event November 26 with many of the usual elements included. So save the date (and check it twice): Here's a glimpse of the experiences to make this holiday season brighter.

Have a stellar time at Roller Disco? Far out! Share your feedback of the event and whether it should continue into the future with this short survey.

Don't be scared there's nothing to do in downtown Rochester: plenty of spooky fun is being planned for Halloween 2021!

DJs, disco vibes, outdoor roller skating...groovy, baby! It's all part of Roller Disco October 9-10. Let's roll into some of the frequently asked questions so you can get psyched for this new event in downtown Rochester.

While the warm summer days may be over, a new downtown Rochester event is just getting started to highlight a throwback and a comeback experience.

Who says you can't spoil your best friend? Dogs Downtown September 18 presented by Subaru of Rochester is a day to do just that! In addition to the multitude of activities to howl about, dogs and humans can be treated to the following onsite vendors.

Dogs Downtown turns six this year (in dog years, that's 40 years). The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" doesn't apply here! We're teaming up with presenting partner Subaru of Rochester to bring you these dog- and human-friendly activities September 18, when Dogs Downtown returns!

Unleash the fun when Dogs Downtown presented by Subaru of Rochester returns in 2021! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 18, stop by Peace Plaza for a free, family-friendly event all about the pups. We'll throw you a bone and let you in on all the fun activities and awesome vendors that will be at Dogs Downtown!

2020 was "ruff." But over the past year, many fur babies became part of your families. Show them off at Dogs Downtown presented by Subaru this year by saving the date, getting the scoop on activities, and finding out more about Dogs Downtown 2021 here!

"Shrek" August 28 is the final film of the 2021 Movies in the Park season presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union. Not only is it the Kids' Choice film, it's also the 20th anniversary of the movie! What better way to wrap up the summer than with an outdoor movie, themed activities, and movie-inspired beverages and snacks. Check out what's being planned for Movies in the Park: "Shrek" August 28!

Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. Nope, because with Movies in the Park presented by Altra Federal Credit Union, you will be swept away for a showing of "The Wizard of Oz" August 14! Just like the Emerald City, the enchanting Central Park will be gleaming with the following themed activities and food to enjoy. So, to the Emerald City (aka downtown Rochester), as fast as lightning!

Try everything an outdoor movie experience has to offer at Movies in the Park presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union! Here's a sneak preview of the film "Zootopia" and its themed food, beverages, and other fun July 24 at Central Park.

The next movie to hit the big screen in Central Park July 10—"Dirty Dancing"—was voted on by you, the people, as the fan favorite film of the season! Check out this movie preview blog to find out all the activities, food, beverages, and other fun to make it the time of your life at Movies in the Park presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union!

Only one answer can take care of all our questions: Movies in the Park presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union! Join us June 26 when we present "Casablanca" at Central Park in downtown Rochester. Here's lookin' at you, kid, to attend after learning what fun is in store in this movie preview guide.

It's safe to say summer is on its way. After a year hiatus of in-person festivities, Thursdays Downtown is back July 8 through September 9 featuring music, arts, food, and good times with the community! Here is the Thursdays Downtown entertainment lineup to look forward to on the 1st Ave stage presented by Altra Federal Credit Union and the Peace Plaza Stage presented by Rochester International Airport!

Whether he's an accountant, banker, mechanic, or teacher by trade, his most important job is being a dad at the end of the day. Celebrate him with these downtown Rochester business specials, meals, and much more to make his day special!

Marvel at the blockbuster that kicks off Movies in the Park presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union! "Black Panther" June 12 will immerse us into the superhero experience at Central Park in downtown Rochester. We're bringing you into the hidden world of Movies in the Park and giving you a sneak preview of "Black Panther!"

Fresh Air Fitness classes presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Winona State University, Rochester's Campus Activity Board are a way to enjoy nature and get in a good workout. Because it's a new event, we would love to hear your feedback of these  outdoor fitness classes in the short survey!

Something old, something new: Here's something to look forward to! Movies in the Park presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union makes a return to Central Park's big screen in 2021. Check out which flicks will be playing here.

Fresh Air Fitness presented by Winona State University, Rochester's Campus Activity Board every Tuesday and Thursday in May and June are made for every body. Feel empowered to sign up by meeting the instructors and learning what to expect from these classes.

Whether she's your birth mother, stepmom, grandma, or other mother figure, show her how much you love her this Mother's Day. Here are the specials, gift ideas, and Mother's Day meals from downtown Rochester businesses.

Think outdoor fitness classes are a bit of a stretch? Let us set the "barre" high! Fresh Air Fitness classes presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Winona State University, Rochester's Campus Activity Board brings the accessibility of the gym to the great outdoors in these fun fitness sessions.

Very merry news: the Hiawatha Homes Foundation and the Rochester Downtown Alliance are partnering to bring Festival of Trees back to downtown Rochester in 2021!

If you've had an event, activity, or passive program idea lingering in your brain and just needed funds to get it off the ground, today is your lucky day! Learn how you can get up to $3,000 for your idea.

Peeps, have we rounded up some Easter specials to share from downtown Rochester businesses! From brunches to Easter basket gift ideas, here are some ways to make Easter 2021 egg-tra special this year.

Top ‘o the mornin’ to ya! (We’re just a wee bit excited for St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Rochester.) We hope you are, too, for these pots of gold at the end of the rainbow (i.e. the St. Patrick's Day specials from downtown Rochester businesses)!

Calling all film buffs: we're giving the chance to go behind-the-scenes of planning Movies in the Park in downtown Rochester. Cast your vote for a favorite flick and it could make it onto the big screen in 2021!

While Improv-ICE is likely a one-off in 2021 amid COVID-19, we still want to know how you liked this passive winter experience and what we could incorporate into SocialICE next year! Share your feedback in this short survey.

Single? In a relationship? Married? No matter your relationship status, take advantage of these Valentine's Day specials from downtown businesses to spoil your significant other or simply treat yourself!

No need to puzzle until your puzzler is sore. From traditional jigsaws to grammatical brain teasers, here are best places to find puzzles in downtown Rochester!

As SocialICE improvised, Improv-ICE is a come-and-go winter experience featuring life-sized ice sculptures including the awe-inspiring 10-ice block masterpiece of the Improv-ICE community-voted ice sculpture. Find out what else you can expect in this Insider's Guide to Improv-ICE February 4-11 (weather permitting)!

Get those cameras charged and attend Improv-ICE February 6-14 for a chance to win in the following photo contest!

"Ice is back with our brand new invention": Improv-ICE, an adaptation of SocialICE in 2021! We asked for community-designed ice sculptures and you responded! Now it's time to vote for your favorite of these Improv-ICE ice sculpture designs!

Say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! Celebrate with the following food and fun from downtown Rochester businesses.

Walking in a winter wonderland is how you'll feel on a tour of Hiawatha Homes Festival of Trees in downtown Rochester. Within this 44-block district, find these beautifully decorated trees and brightly lit storefronts that will be a beautiful sight and provide a happy night with the fam.

If you're in need of a little holiday cheer, check out these holiday spirit-lifting happenings in downtown Rochester. Then, perhaps the holidays will mean a little bit more for you in 2020.

"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow." The fates allowed us to host a drive-thru version of a Rochester's favorite holiday tradition: Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union! Thank you for attending! We'd love to hear your feedback in the following brief survey.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane! While we're sure this isn't a real street in downtown Rochester, the holiday magic will surely be felt surrounding all the activities planned for Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union November 16 - 27 this year. One of those is the drive-thru parade! Find all the details of this 2020 feature of Here Comes Santa Claus here.

250+ businesses. 44 blocks. Three hours of free ramp parking. Endless combinations of fun!

When you shop, dine, or support a service business, the free parking program allows you to explore downtown Rochester for three hours with free ramp parking through October 31. With so much that can be experienced, here is a quick guide to three-hour downtown Rochester itineraries for your enjoyment!

Here are the activities and specials we've scared up from downtown Rochester businesses to celebrate Halloween 2020!

Meet Amita Patel, a newly settled Rochester resident, in this week’s #MyDowntownRochMN blog and learn about how she’s found a new home in Rochester.

Feeling tense after a long appointment or meeting? Come chill out and beat the summer heat with Games on the Grass! Head over to the Peace Plaza to get outside, bask in the sunshine and feel the grass beneath your feet all while enjoying a variety of lawn and board games.

Downtown Rochester boasts numerous events that can be enjoyed with your loved one or as a fun night out with friends, but they also provide an opportunity to meet someone new. Leave your Tinder profile behind and come on out to Social Steps to meet other Rochester singles in an exciting way!

Are you looking for something to do this weekend for Cinco De Mayo or maybe you are looking to wear your Kentucky Derby hat; Downtown Rochester is filled with options and we have compiled them here! 

From winter to summer, the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) programs events bringing energy, identity, and vibrancy (and often times very large crowds!) to downtown Rochester. 2017 is no exception. Continue reading for a complete list of summer events, a brief introduction to each event, and how you can get connected. The RDA is pleased and excited to have such a positive impact in our community’s vibrancy through our events, programs, and activities. Welcome to downtown Rochester. Enjoy!

Hosted by the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) and Rochester, MN Moms Blog (RMMB), Moms Who Lunch Series provides an opportunity to meet other moms and enjoy a reduced-price meal at select downtown restaurants.

The first lunch (of four) was on Thursday, March 16 from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar. 

Victoria's was lively with 30 moms in attendance, and the event served a great opportunity for moms to connect over conversation and lunch. Many shared stories (some very funny!) and advice and experience from raising young children to teenagers. 

We've given you some of the best tips and tricks to navigating your way to the best SocialICE ever. Now it's time to pull it all together into one neat little package. Call it our SocialICE Event Day Guide.

by Lauren Smith, STYLE on the Plaza Fashion Coordinator

Have you ever walked into your favorite clothing store after it has been recently stocked with a new season of clothes? That feeling of awe and excitement bubbles inside for all the new closet options. Each season brings along a set of new trends to embrace. But, are you brave enough to take them on?