Discover Downtown Rochester

Altra Federal Credit Union is a community-oriented entity with a big heart, even more so around the holidays. As the presenting partners of Here Comes Santa Claus November 27 in downtown Rochester, Altra Federal Credit Union shares why they partner on the Rochester tradition. Bonus: find out what are Dusty's and Kristina's favorite holidays traditions in this short video!

The holidays provide a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy. Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union November 16 - 27 is one such yuletide treasures. November will have lovely weather for a Sleigh Guide to Here Comes Santa Claus, filled with a variety of ways to safely enjoy the holidays!

It’s been a crazy spring and summer, and we suspect fall and winter will keep on throwing us curveballs. Thank you to all of you who have continued to safely support our downtown businesses throughout the year. While we’ve been working on a number of new initiatives this year, we know you first fell in love with RDA for our in-person events. If we can find a creative way to safely adapt one of our fall programs to a COVID-19 context, which would you like to see us try?

If you happen to be in the right place at the right time in downtown Rochester, enjoy a pop-up performance from the weekly Virtual Thursdays Downtown entertainment. Find the performance schedule and viewing links here.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance went online to host its first virtual Downtown Quarterly Update May 13. Similar to the in-person format, these types of meetings are an opportunity to bring important messages about downtown development and resources to our stakeholders in a fast-paced and (hopefully) fun way. Hear from the people whose organizations and work impacts downtown every day in the video here.

Minnesotans are staying closer to home to slow the spread of COVID-19. But "at home" does not need to mean "confined to your home," as the governor is encouraging people to get outdoors safely. Here are some safe physical distancing activities to enjoy in downtown Rochester.

Update as of March 12, 2020: For the safety and health of downtown business employees and attendees, the Rochester Downtown Alliance is postponing Ladies’ Night Out amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) concern. We make decisions like this with the utmost care and consider local, state, and national updates. We look forward to bringing you community events you love soon.

It's not just girls who wanna have fun: Ladies' Night Out March 26 presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance is a good time for everyone! With more activities and experiences for every age and gender, plan your night out with this essential guide to the upcoming Ladies' Night Out in downtown Rochester.

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 the pots of gold at the end of the rainbow (i.e. these St. Patrick's Day specials in downtown Rochester)!

Update as of March 12, 2020: For the safety and health of downtown business employees and attendees, the Rochester Downtown Alliance is postponing Ladies’ Night Out amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) concern. We make decisions like this with the utmost care and consider local, state, and national updates. We look forward to bringing you community events you love soon.

Extra, extra: read all about investing in yourself and enjoying being with friends at Ladies' Night Out March 26 in downtown Rochester. Here are the newest Ladies' Night Out additions!

Update as of March 12, 2020: For the safety and health of downtown business employees and attendees, the Rochester Downtown Alliance is postponing Ladies’ Night Out amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) concern. We make decisions like this with the utmost care and consider local, state, and national updates. We look forward to bringing you community events you love soon.

Recharge in March with Ladies' Night Out March 26, whether that's through relaxation, empowerment, dining, or some retail therapy. These downtown Rochester businesses are ready to offer a fun time for all Ladies' Night Out attendees.

The Oscars may be over, but you can still have your say in the film world! Movies in the Park presented by Altra Federal Credit Union premieres June 13 in downtown Rochester. Be like Ebert and Roeper and critique these film choices; the viewer's choice will be shown during the 2020 season of Movies in the Park.

Can you feel the love (in downtown Rochester) tonight? Show your special someone how much they mean to you and plan a romantic evening in downtown Rochester with these Valentine's Day-related specials, gifts, and events.

Applicants of the Rochester Downtown Alliance's Start-Up Event Grant will be pitching their event ideas January 14 and need your support in hopes of winning up to $3,000 in event grant funds.

With the start of a new year comes new dates for some of downtown Rochester’s most popular events. Mark your calendar for these Rochester Downtown Alliance-hosted events.

Don't drop the ball on New Year's Eve plans, especially with so much going on in downtown Rochester! Ring in 2020 with these special events.

With snow falling and lights all aglow, downtown Rochester is the perfect setting for some holiday fun. Whether shopping or socializing, here are the holiday events and deals to be found in downtown Rochester!

Santa Claus had to hurry on his way November 29. But before he waved goodbye, he gave us a peek at the Here Comes Santa Claus kids’ letters. What were the top asked-for gifts? Find out here!

We hope Here Comes Santa Claus made it on downtown Rochester's nice list of events this year! To let Santa know what you liked about it, please fill out the following short survey.

Planning events is no easy feat. As the producers of large events like SocialICE and Thursdays Downtown, we get it! That’s why we want to help new or existing event organizers secure event funding through our Start-Up Event Grant.

Oh, what fun it is to have Altra Federal Credit Union as the Here Comes Santa Claus presenting partner this year. Altra embodies the spirit of the season by their passion for giving back. Let's find out why Altra shows love to the Rochester community and what holiday tradition is a favorite of Danielle Anderson, Altra's youth program supervisor.

He's making a list, so you should check this blog twice! Click for all nice activities there are for Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union November 29.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that can only mean one thing: Santa Claus is comin' to town! A favorite Rochester tradition is rescuing Santa from Old City Hall and the merriment that goes with this annual event. Here are the details of this year's beloved Here Comes Santa Claus event November 29!

Something creepy and kooky is brewing in downtown Rochester. Find all the mysterious and spooky things to do for Halloween in downtown Rochester here!

Thank you for coming out to Fall Fest 2019 presented by Altra Federal Credit Union! October 6 turned out to be an unbe-leaf-ably beautiful autumn day! With all the fall-themed fun, we'd love to hear how you enjoyed the event if you attended. Fill out this short survey below.

Now that it’s officially fall, bring on seasonal treats, apple sweets, and pumpkin spice everything! Cozy warm beverages and hearty fall eats are delicious features of Fall Fest food vendors. Here are the must-eat seasonal treats all Fall Fest presented by Altra Federal Credit Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 5!

A little bit of harvest is coming to the heart of Downtown Rochester. For a “gourd” time, journey to Fall Fest presented by Altra Federal Credit Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 5 in Peace Plaza! Get the inside scoop about the Fall Fest activities and crafts here.

SocialICE presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance will return February 6-8, 2020 to transform Downtown Rochester into an icy oasis.

The trees are beginning to radiate bold hues of red, orange, and yellow. The fragrance of the air is shifting from freshly-mown grass to pumpkin-spiced everything. It's finally fall, the most glorious season of all! Fall Fest presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Altra Federal Credit Union excites all the senses in a free, family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 5! For a sneak peek into the fall-themed fun, keep reading!

The Rochester Downtown Alliance is grateful for its unbe-leaf-able Fall Fest presenting partner, Altra Federal Credit Union. Find out from Altra's community relations manager, Shawn Hauser, why Altra is looking forward to partnering on Fall Fest October 5 and what she would be for Halloween.

An ebony night descends on the autumn horizon. The faint flapping of wings can be heard, only to grow louder and louder, closer and closer. Fear not, though: these sounds will be contained to the screen during Movies in the Park presented by Premier Banks September 21. The last feature film of the season is the classic drama, The Birds. Here's a preview guide of what will keep you on the edge of your seat and what will get you of out of your seat!

Times flies when you’re having fun at Thursdays Downtown! While it's a bummer there’s just one left, take advantage of what’s left of summer! If only for five minutes to up to five hours, here’s why you should come downtown for the last Thursday Downtown!

He was a runner-up on the Emmy Award-winning TV series The Voice and he's coming to Thursdays Downtown August 29 in downtown Rochester!

August 17 is dubbed Ferris Bueller Day in Downtown Rochester! In honor of the next Movies in the Park flick, play hooky with these fun things to do before or after attending Movies in the Park presented by Premier Banks.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." We couldn't agree more, which is why we encourage you to attend this month's Movies in the Park presented by Premier Banks! On Saturday, August 17, it's the showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, plus a variety of themed activities and food!

One of my favorite parts about my job is being out on Thursdays Downtown every week. Thursdays bring a new excitement and energy to the week. Every week, I get the chance to talk to our vendors and attendees amid a busy day onsite to get to know them. After seeing these vendors week after week, I get to hear their personal and event stories, memories, and experiences, and to get a sense of tight-knit community. Some vendors have been at this event for years and love to share their stories about what they have encountered. I decided to talk to a few of our vendors so their stories could be shared with the rest of our community.

With more than 300 dog breeds (according to the World Canine Organization), what type are you? Find out with this quiz before Dogs Downtown August 3 in downtown Rochester, where you'll see a variety of breeds!

The Rochester Downtown Alliance has quite fetching Dogs Downtown partners, one of which is Subaru of Rochester! We're paws-ing to recognize them as our presenting partner and to learn more about the company from Jake Wessel, Subaru of Rochester's marketing director!

"Let's Go Crazy" leading up to Prince's former band The Revolution's Riverside Concert performance August 18! Grab your "Raspberry Beret," get in your "Little Red Corvette," and party like it's "1999" in downtown Rochester! Here are the Prince-inspired specials, events, and promotions to celebrate the Summer of Purple!

Bow-WOW: Dogs Downtown presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Subaru of Rochester will be bustling with all things canine August 3! From activities to food to special guest appearances, here’s an Ultimutt Guide to the free event!

Living with a food allergy or a dietary restriction doesn't mean depriving yourself of mouthwatering fare. Whether you have a sensitivity to gluten or dairy or you are a vegetarian, delicious options complementary to your dietary needs can be found at Thursdays Downtown!

No need to hop on a plane: your passport to fun is at Movies in the Park July 20 at Castle Community (note relocation because of storms/rain July 20) in downtown Rochester! The next flick in the lineup presented by Premier Banks is Crazy Rich Asians! Here's a high-class preview of the hilarious romantic comedy night!

Health-conscious Thursdays Downtown attendees, rejoice! It may be a struggle to find wholesome yet satisfying foods at a fair or festival. But this Thursdays Downtown cuisine offers delectable selections at 500 calories or less!

We know who let the dogs out: it's going to be us at Rochester Downtown Alliance and our presenting partner Subaru of Rochester for Dogs Downtown 2019! On August 3, hundreds of pooches and their humans will head to Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester for these fun giveaways and activities!

Money money money money, money! That's what you'll save when you shop the downtown Rochester Sidewalk Sale July 15-21! Check out the hot deals from this year's participating downtown Rochester businesses, and find some of the following retailers onsite at Thursdays Downtown July 18, too!

With Thursdays Downtown on a one-week break in celebration of the Fourth of July, holiday plans may have you wondering what to do with a free Thursday. No need to worry: We have you covered with this list of nine other fun things to do in downtown Rochester!

What's on the menu? Along with your favorites, partake in some fresh culinary creations at Thursdays Downtown. So go on: be adventurous and try something new! Here are the most recent eat-and-drink additions to Thursdays Downtown this year!

Be spellbound by Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone as the first film of the 2019 Movies in the Park season! Muggles and wizards alike are welcome to this free, family-friendly movie June 15.

After the winter we’ve endured, Thursdays Downtown provides the fun in the sun we’ve all earned! It’s time to head to downtown Rochester for arts, crafts, music, and food! Everyone at the Rochester Downtown Alliance, our partners, and vendors are gearing up for the first Thursdays Downtown! Here’s a look at everything you need to know to get your Thursdays Downtown attendance-planning into gear, too!

With the premiere of Movies in the Park, presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Premier Bank Rochester, summer nights are about to get a lot more fun! Save the following dates for Movies in the Park 2019!

There’s no better lunch hour than grabbing a delicious bite, finding a comfy spot outdoors and listening to a variety of music all summer-long at Thursdays Downtown!

The countdown to the long-awaited Thursdays Downtown is on, with less than a month to go! Presented in partnership with Bremer Bank and Rochester International Airport, the Rochester Downtown Alliance is excited to present this year’s Thursdays Downtown evening entertainment lineup!

How does the common saying go: “So much time and so little to do”? Strike that and reverse it! In downtown Rochester, there is plenty to do and we’ll help you with the time factor, too! Here is a list of Rochester events worth traveling for in every season and year-round! Find more Events in downtown Rochester while attending the following!

Welcome to downtown Rochester, Minnesota! Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a life-long resident, here you will find plenty of places to go in your spare time. Within a 44-block district, downtown Rochester has everything from arts and culture to live action to quiet nature. Find your free-time fit with the following See & Do ideas in downtown Rochester!

SocialICE returned to the Peace Plaza on February 7, 8 & 9 for an event that was a perfect example of a Minnesota winter. We started the weekend with a snowstorm, went into freezing temperatures on the second night, but ended with perfect temps! Although the weather was a bit all over the place, Rochester residents were right in the heart of Downtown.

Calling all sweethearts, friends (hello, Galentine's Day), or really just anyone that likes good food and great gifts! Have you made your Valentine's Day plans? If not, no need to worry, we have complied a list of great specials and offers happening in Downtown Rochester. From delicious dinners to perfectly wrapped gifts, there is sure to be something to keep you on the good list.

Have you been following us on Instagram? If so, you probably saw that we just released our new Downtown branded hats...

We are one week away from our brand new event SocialICE FAM JAM and we can’t wait for you to experience it! SocialICE FAM JAM will be happening on February 9 from 1PM-4PM on the Peace Plaza. Gather your friends and family and get ready for a day of arctic adventure.

It’s almost February, which means something big in Downtown Rochester is on its way- SocialICE! Join 50,000 of your closest friends and head to the Peace Plaza February 7, 8, & 9 for an icy experience fit for true Minnesotans. This year, we have seven uniquely themed ice bars serving signature drinks while nightly DJs and activities help to keep you on your toes. To view the participating bars and restaurants and their unique themes, click here. 

SocialICE FAM JAM is bringing the cool vibes of SocialICE to the day time with a lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment. One of these specialties is that several of our participating ice bars will be offering kiddy versions of their SocialICE signature drinks as well as themed activities.

Grab your girl gang and get ready to treat yourself! Downtown Rochester’s Ladies Night Out is returning on March 7 from 5PM-9PM. The Rochester Downtown Alliance is helping to put together a night of wining and dining, shopping, and more. This is the perfect excuse to get the girls together and checkout some of Downtown’s best shops and restaurants. Let the pampering begin!

SocialICE 2019 is on it’s way and this year we’re pulling out all the stops! From a giant igloo to all-new ice bar themes and LIVE painting on 1st Avenue, this year is bigger and better than ever. Need more convincing? We have listed our top eight reasons why we think you should attend...

SocialICE wouldn't be possible without our great community partners that make it come to life. By injecting their own brand of creativity into ice sculptures and providing all-new experiences (or both!), our many partners are setting you up for the ultimate winter weekend. We hear they're as excited as you are! Let's get to know who's making SocialICE happen.

Take a trip into a real life snow globe when you visit SocialICE FAM JAM! You’ll see the coolest elements of SocialICE, but during the day, such as our life-sized ice sculptures and giant SocialICE letters; word on the street is that they make the best selfie spots! SocialICE FAM JAM will be held on February 9 from 1PM-4PM on the Peace Plaza. This brand new event will be the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family out & about to enjoy everything SocialICE has to offer.

It may be cold outside, but the good times and great memories bring warmth to SocialICE. We want to help you make those special memories by creating the best night ever. On February 7, 8, & 9, the Rochester Downtown Alliance (along with our awesome partners) is throwing the biggest winter whiteout in town. Join us Downtown and look below to get a glimpse of what SocialICE 2019 has to offer.

If you didn’t think SocialICE could get any better, think again! We are excited to introduce SocialICE FAM JAM, a brand new event set to bring the community together to positively embrace our wintry months. SocialICE FAM JAM will be on Saturday, February 9, before SocialICE, from 1PM–4PM on the Peace Plaza. Use this as the perfect time to check out the sculptures, engage with Downtown businesses, and enjoy SocialICE with the whole family.

Pop by on National Popcorn Day! The Rochester Downtown Alliance is celebrating National Popcorn day early this year by handing out complimentary popcorn bags at select Downtown Rochester locations on Friday, January 18 from 11AM-1PM. Can't wait? Let's sneak a peek at these crazy flavors you might find on the shelves. 

SocialICE is the outdoor bar experience fit for true fans of the bold north. Mark your calendars and get excited by checking out this year’s participating bars and their unique themes arriving on February 7, 8, & 9.

Before we can start writing our New Year’s resolutions, we need to celebrate 2018 and all of the memorable moments it brought. Grab some champagne, put on your dancing shoes, and toast to another fabulous year; you deserve it! There’s no need to leave town on December 31 as many of Downtown Rochester’s best spots are hosting various New Year’s Eve specials and events.

Silent night… yeah, right! Downtown Rochester will be anything but silent on November 23 as we celebrate the start of the holiday season at Here Comes Santa Claus. The beloved tradition is back for its 44th year and it wouldn’t be possible without our activities partner, Olmsted Medical Center, our warming house partner, Castle Community, or our event partner, Shops at University Square. Running from 4-8PM, Here Comes Santa Claus has a multitude of activities to keep everyone filled with cheer.

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it’s only right that we take time to celebrate all things jolly in Downtown Rochester. Celebrate what makes the winter season so special on November 23 from 4:00PM - 8:00PM at Here Comes Santa Claus. The Rochester Downtown Alliance is proud to partner with multiple organizations to put on the jolliest celebration of the year.

The holiday season is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a beloved tradition in Downtown Rochester. Here Comes Santa Claus is celebrating its 44th Anniversary on Friday, November 23 in Downtown Rochester, and the holiday spirit will be bigger and brighter than ever. Our warming house partner, Castle Community, events partner, Shops at University Square, and our activities partner, Olmsted Medical Center, have helped us to create a day of festivity for Rochester residents and visitors of all ages.

Movies in the Park is a four-part outdoor movie experience presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Premier Bank Rochester featuring activities, film-inspired food and drink, and a movie nestled in string-lit Historic Central Park. This time, it's "Date Night" inspired by the romantic favorite, Safe Haven. Play, dine, and watch a movie under the stars with us!

Movies in the Park is a four-part outdoor movie experience presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Premier Bank Rochester featuring activities, film-inspired food and drink, and a movie nestled in string-lit Historic Central Park. This time, we will feature a night inspired by the award-winning favorite, Coco. Play, dine, and watch a movie under the stars with us!

Dogs Downtown, presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Subaru of Rochester, is just two days away and everyone’s tails are wagging in anticipation! We’ve got all paws on deck making sure this year is the best one yet, so make sure to stop down on the Peace Plaza, this Saturday, August 4th for a day worth barking about. Read on for a sneak peek of what you can find at this year’s event.

Let the fur fly August 4th* and beyond at Dogs Downtown’s Yappy Hour. After you and your pup play at Dogs Downtown, 11am-3pm, head to one of Downtown Rochester’s participating bars for a ‘Yappy Hour’!

Subaru of Rochester (Subaru) has been a part of the Rochester community since 1986. Since then they’ve proven to be active community members— and furry-friend lovers. “There are always dogs on leashes in our show room and on the lot trying out our vehicles, and we even have a dog park to let them run around!” For the last couple of years, Subaru has played a huge part in making Dogs Downtown possible. This year, we got to know their organization better, and found out which dogs their staff members wanted to be!

Movies in the Park is a four-part outdoor movie experience presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Premier Bank Rochester featuring activities, film-inspired food and drink, and a movie nestled in string-lit Historic Central Park. This time, we will feature a night inspired by the reimagined hit, Jumanji. Play, dine, and watch a movie under the stars with us! 

To view the participating bars and restaurants and their unique themes, and to watch the SocialICE 2018 Specialty Drink Teaser video, click here. 

P.S. Check out the official event map to see the specific ice bar locations. Plus, the SocialICE letters are now on the Peace Plaza! Have you seen them? 

Want to learn how to transform an idea into a viable business concept? Participate in Rochester’s inaugural Startup Weekend. This event will take place from Friday November 3rd through Sunday November 5th at Collider Coworking in downtown Rochester.

Startup Weekend is an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, create an idea, and build the beginnings of a viable startup in fifty-four hours. The event is powered by Techstars, a global network that supports and encourages entrepreneurship. Techstars’ Startup Weekends take place in over 150 countries; 2.9K Startup Weekends have occurred to date.

This year we celebrate the 10th year of STYLE! The show is quickly approaching, but we wanted to do things a little different this year, we want to give you a backstage pass to the life of one of our STYLE Models, Melissa McNallan. Melissa McNallan is a writer, marketer, and actor based in Rochester, Minnesota. Her big obsessions are fashion, fitness, and delicious (healthy) food. She is the publisher, editor, and creator of 40fitnstylish.com and today is our guest blog writer for STYLE. Below is her story and why she models every year for this fashion forward event. 

Each time I do STYLE, it’s like a reunion. Unlike a class reunion there’s no anxiety about my accomplishments, my weight, or my relationship status. Instead, it’s about great clothes, accessories, and the best mirrors around - those involved with STYLE.

National Popcorn Day locations announced

Get your free bag of Carroll's Corn popcorn at:

Location 1: Subway Level, outside Associate Bank (101 1st Ave SW)
Location 2: Shops at University Square (111 S Broadway), first floor, by escalator

Thursday, January 19 is National Popcorn Day and what better way to celebrate the day than giving away free popcorn?

2017 SocialICE participating ice bars and themes announced

SocialICE draws big crowds and one reason is the amazing uniquely themed ice bars that make up Rochester, MN's Ice Bar. Click here to see which bars will be at SocialICE 2017 and what theme to expect.

Next Week: 42^nd Annual Here Comes Santa Claus

When: Friday, November 25, from 6 - 8:30 pm
Where: Old City Hall, Peace Plaza, Shops at University Square (111 S Broadway)

“Here Comes Santa Claus,” downtown Rochester’s cherished holiday tradition, features appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, local celebrities, live entertainment, and Peace Plaza tree lighting ceremony.

Rochester Women's Fall Expo 2016

When: Saturday, Oct 29 from 9 am-4 pm
Where: Mayo Civic Center - 30 Civic Center Drive SE

Gather your girlfriends for a day of shopping, entertainment and FUN! The Rochester Women’s Fall Expo is back for its 20th year on Saturday, October 29th at the Mayo Civic Center. Enjoy over 100 exhibitors, a fashion show, cooking demonstration, guest speakers, and much more. Click here for more information.

Family-Friendly "Fall Fest" is this Saturday, and this is your guide

"Fall Fest," downtown Rochester's newest family-focused event, is this Saturday, October 15 from 10 am - 2 pm on the Peace Plaza.

Like getting instant Fall Fest updates? RSVP on our Facebook Event Page.

Get the scoop on Rochester's hottest events with our monthly radio show thanks to KROC AM. Click to listen.

In this month's episode, we recap the first ever Ladies Night Out, summer events season, and the stART-up Fund.