Discover Downtown Rochester

Thursdays Downtown loves wondrous variety, especially when it comes to the artisan vendors. With more than 115 vendors onsite each week and 130 different ones throughout the season, check out this complete list of Thursdays Downtown artisan vendors to find at the event.

This year, these 23 downtown Rochester businesses are coming out of their brick-and-mortar and setting up at Thursdays Downtown! What better way for you to explore these businesses in a matter of two blocks, experience a sample of what they offer, and then return to visit them the other days of the week!

"Out with the old, and in with the new" doesn't apply to the Thursdays Downtown vendor market. We love both the old and new, and hope you do, too! Here are the 36 new vendors you can find at this year's Thursdays Downtown market.

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!

How have you enjoyed the free amenities like outdoor games, art activities, and musical performances in downtown Rochester? Share your feedback of these programs!

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.

Your opinion matters to us! If you attended a Fresh Air Fitness session, would you please share your experience in this brief survey?

Spring is often associated with renewal. And so begins another season of holidays like Easter, Ramadan, and Passover, among others. Check here for how to celebrate these spring holidays with downtown Rochester businesses' help!

Social-ICE is downtown Rochester's iconic ice festival event and has been since its inception in 2008. Though the event remains consistent with its themed bars and DJs, plenty has changed. Find out the five new features of Social-ICE and its family-friendly day, Social-ICE FAM JAM, here.

With this year's Social-ICE, we are taking it back to the distant and not-so-distant past for one overall theme! Decades are how each participating bar will distinguish itself. Look forward to stepping back in time for the following decades and drinks!

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.

With much anticipation, an iconic and beloved event in downtown Rochester’s winter months is back! The very elements you enjoy—themed bars, DJs, ice sculptures, and the sense of community—return with Social-ICE in its true form for the first time since 2020. Get your first look at the 2023 event here!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone's filled with good cheer. Celebrate in person with coworkers, friends, or family at any of these spacious downtown places to host a festive holiday party!

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!

Small businesses are the stars of our downtown! Discover the 200+ downtown businesses and that main street holiday feeling on Small Business Saturday November 26 in downtown Rochester.

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!

Daytime, nighttime, anytime is alright for Roller Disco! Especially when there are these new features being planned for the second annual outdoor roller rink event October 7-8 in downtown Rochester.

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!

Were you happy like this pup to attend Dogs Downtown Saturday? We would appreciate your feedback in this short survey!

"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.

Sidewalk Sessions provides free live musical performances each and every Monday and Friday. With the season now extended through September 16, there are more opportunities to enjoy music from local and regional musicians in Peace Plaza. Here are the performers who will entertain you during your lunch break at Sidewalk Sessions!

Is it Dogs Downtown or Thursdays Downtown? Why can't it be both (pups love Thursdays, too!)? Just ask any of these vendors that have brought their fetching works to the artisan re-tail market of Thursdays Downtown.

Go for extraordinary! With more than 25 new vendors at Thursdays Downtown this year, five of them offer products the likes of which the event has not yet seen. Let's check out what you can find at their booths and when and where to find them at Thursdays Downtown.

Looking for a unique gift? Look no further than the Thursdays Downtown artisan market. While you can buy pre-made items, here are the vendors at the event who provide experiences of making something to take with you after attending Thursdays 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.

While you may come for the live weekly entertainment and food, the Thursdays Downtown vendor market is all about art, jewelry, bakery and farmers market items, and so much more. Nearly 100 total vendors are onsite for you to stroll through, admire the works, and take home a unique find. Here are all the categories of vendors onsite at Thursdays Downtown this season.

With more food and beverage vendors than ever before, Thursdays Downtown has delectable delights and beautiful beverages for whenever hunger and thirst strike. Here are the recommended menu items from this year's Thursdays Downtown vendors.

Arts, music, food, community. So much to enjoy at Thursdays Downtown! If you've attended any one of the 10 dates, please consider filling out this short survey to let us know how we're doing and to continuously improve the event.

Music connects us. If the songs brought you to Sidewalk Sessions, we would love to hear your feedback of this free concert series in this short survey.

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!

Ahhhh: how good it is to be outdoors again! If you spent some time at a Fresh Air Fitness session, would you spend another couple minutes sharing your feedback of the event?

As a nurse, you care for our community in times of need. Now let this community give back to you during National Nurses Week May 6 through 12, 2022! Downtown businesses are showing its appreciation for nurses with these kind offers.

Spring has sprung, and it's time to get moving outside. So grab your fitness gear out from the back of the closet and join in on the free fitness classes in downtown Rochester! With more class types and dates in 2022, let's look ahead at Fresh Air Fitness!

Eggs, bunnies, or flowers: no matter what you associate with the season, downtown Rochester businesses have something for everybody. Here are all the ways to celebrate spring in downtown Rochester with special meals, events, and more.

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!

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!

Did you share in the magic that is Here Comes Santa Claus presented by Altra Federal Credit Union? Fill out this short survey to share your feedback and help us continue making the event a special holiday experience 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!

Sharing is caring, especially during the holiday season! During Here Comes Santa Claus November 26, the event's presenting partner, Altra Federal Credit Union, is hosting an opportunity for people to donate items to be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. Find out what you can do to share the joy for area youth here.

A record $19.8 billion was made from 2020’s Small Business Saturday nationwide. But small businesses are more than just a sales number. They’re the people who make your experience in downtown Rochester meaningful. Do something impactful for them and their business by shopping small November 27. It’s a big deal to small businesses. Here are the ways to support these participating Small Business Saturday businesses in downtown Rochester.

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.

We don't mean to hound you: share your Dogs Downtown experience to help us improve the event in future by filling out the following survey!

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!

Interact with Thursdays Downtown in a whole new way! Many of the vendors offer a chance to be more engaged with the foods, products, and aromas that make the event worth experiencing. Here's how to do just that!

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!

Thursdays Downtown is back! Whether you've attended one or all the dates, fill out this short survey and provide your feedback!

Gather 'round for a round of drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—from Thursdays Downtown vendors! Quench your thirst with smoothies or fresh-squeezed lemonade or enjoy the night with an adult beverage. Here are the ones to try this year at Thursdays Downtown.

Food is something that unites us. We gather around the table with family or meet up with friends for it. Luckily, Thursdays Downtown offers the opportunity for all this as well as delicious eats! Dig into these delectable dining options from onsite food vendors and be together in downtown Rochester.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

Pedestrian Safety Week is not “sexy.” It’s not like Thursdays on First & 3rd or SocialICE or any of the other entertaining events that Downtown Rochester is best known for. But the absence of bands, production, and vendors doesn't make the subject any less important.

We want to make sure you're prepared for the Fall Fest 2018, so we've created this insider's guide with everything you need to know.

The fall season is upon us, and while we miss summer, we're excited for another great Fall Fest in Downtown Rochester! This year, we're bringing new crafts for even more family fun!

You don't have to travel too far to enjoy the activities that come with the fall season in Minnesota. Read more to all of the fun activities coming to Downtown Rochester for Fall Fest 2018.

Many people don’t think of pedestrian safety until something affects them personally. Let’s flip that mentality and focus on how we can all help make Downtown a safer place to work, live, and play! Here’s your inside scoop on all the free, public events happening for Heads Up! Pedestrian Safety Week happening September 10-14.

With the change of season, and students headed back to school, Autumn is traditionally the deadliest time of year for pedestrians in Minnesota. To help make our Downtown safe, the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) presents Heads Up! Pedestrian Safety Week beginning on Monday, September 10, 2018. The goal of this week long program is to increase safety for pedestrians within Downtown Rochester, but we also want to bring the community together for some fun activities!

Get ready for a power hour! The Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) and the Rochester MN Moms Blog are excited to bring you the third lunch in our Moms Who Lunch series. These lunches are a fun opportunity to connect with other moms, enjoy a delicious meal at a reduced price, and stay in the know about the great programs and events happening for families Downtown.

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! 

Entertainment comes in many different shapes, sizes, and sounds. At SocialICE, attendees are treated to live DJs spinning hits and classics all evening. DJs are perched atop an impressive ice DJ booth, which is great for a statement or for a selfie. So who's performing this year?

Downtown Rochester Stakeholder Celebration Highlights Downtown Stakeholders and Rochester Downtown Alliance History and Future.

What makes a downtown unique? Vibrant? Authentic? What makes it the place to be? It’s the people. The Community. It’s our heritage. It’s Our future. It’s our downtown.

People. Place. Experience. These are the focus of the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) during our stakeholder celebration held on March 22.