"Home for the Holidays" takes on a whole new meaning this year. Let's not let COVID-19 be the Grinch in 2020. Celebrate the season with these five safe ways to experience the magic of the holidays in downtown Rochester.

To support the safety of all types of shoppers this holiday season, these downtown Rochester businesses will be offering dedicated safe shopping hours during which people with health concerns may be able to shop, dine, or experience the business.

This year marks the 11th Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate your favorite small businesses and make a difference in the community. Here are the top 11 reasons (not in order of importance) to Shop Small in downtown Rochester November 28 and every Saturday until December 19!

Save when you shop at your faves! Take advantage of a special American Express offer of up to $50 back this summer when you use your Amex® card at select businesses that accept it like the ones in this blog. Give a little, get a little and show your support for the downtown Rochester business community.

Labor Day signals the end of summer. Take advantage of these summer deals and promotions from downtown Rochester businesses before they end, too!

In addition to taking measures to ensure customer and employee safety, many downtown Rochester retailers are offering different types of face masks. Adjusting to the "new normal" is easier when you can find a mask that feels comfortable for you-- and in colors and fabrics that have the potential to spark some joy too! Here is where you can find face coverings, masks, and other COVID-related care items downtown.

Give me hot, hot, hot...deals, that is! Downtown Rochester retailers are turnin' up the heat on Summer Sale 2020 discounts. Whether in-store or online, all in a day or over the expanded two-week experience, you can take comfort in knowing you can shop at your convenience. Find out which downtown Rochester stores are offering sales during Summer Sale July 15 through 31 here.

Ma. Mum. Mommy. Madre. However you refer to her, let your mother know you're thinking of her, even if you can't be with her in person. Celebrate your mom with these Mother's Day specials from downtown Rochester.

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.

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.

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.

The Midwest weather is frightful this time of year, so head indoors for a delightful shopping experience. Downtown Rochester stores welcome you in for these hot winter clearance deals January 15-19!

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!

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!

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!

So, you need a housewarming gift. Where do you start to look? Luckily, downtown Rochester has many stores with a variety of offerings to suit your giftee’s style! From a vibrant print for their walls to a fragrant floral arrangement, these are the places in downtown Rochester to find the best housewarming gifts!

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!

Get yourself ready for Ladies Night Out with a well-deserved spa day! Before the big day on March 7, enjoy one of several salons and spas found right in the heart of Downtown Rochester. From facials to massages build your perfect day of relaxing and pampering by checking out one of Downtown’s businesses below.

In less than two weeks head Downtown for an unforgettable night out! Ladies Night Out returns to Downtown Rochester on March 7 from 5-9pm. Grab your girl gang or mingle with locals as you enjoy Downtown’s finest shops, dining, and drinks.

Start the night off at Shops at University Square for our Kick-Off event featuring a gift card bingo emceed by Julie Jones. Then hop on the complementary ‘Shop Around’ shuttle service courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Rochester to get around in style from 5:30pm-9:30pm! Weather won't affect your night out - you'll be able to make it to all of your must-see stops! Grab your punch cards and hit the sales; you’ll receive one punch for every $10 you spend which can be used to enter our raffle at the brand new After Party.

SocialICE may be over, but the fun doesn’t end there. Rally your girls for a night on the town with Ladies Night Out. New and improved for 2019, get ready for a night of giveaways, specials, and plenty of pampering. Head to Downtown Rochester on March 7 starting at 5PM for an unforgettable night.

The Winter Clearance Sale begins tomorrow January 16 and runs through Sunday, January 20. Many Rochester retailers will be hosting sales across the Downtown landscape. Last week we focused on the Kahler Grand Shops, so now it’s time to head over to The Shops at University Square and see what sales they’re stirring up.

Downtown Rochester hosts over 60 retailers to help you find the perfect items you’re shopping for. As the Winter Clearance Sale approaches, we want to highlight our two Downtown shopping centers. First up, the Kahler Grand Shops! The businesses listed below are offering unbeatable deals January 16-20 during the Winter Clearance Sale, so save the date and start saving up the cash.

5 Reasons to Shop the Winter Clearance Sale

Well, the holiday season is coming to an end. We don’t know about you, but after a few work parties, entertaining kids home on winter break, and making sure there are enough baked cookies for both sides of the family, we’re in need of some retail therapy! Thankfully, the Winter Clearance Sale is happening Downtown January 16-20 to help out. While you don’t always need a reason to shop, the Winter Clearance Sale gives you the perfect excuse to! Here are our top five reasons to head Downtown and hit the sales.

Downtown Rochester takes the next step in transforming your regular shopping trip into an authentic experience. With over 60 locally owned shops lining the streets (and subways!) of Downtown, there is truly an experience like none other. Head to the shops on November 24 and start your holiday shopping early on Small Business Saturday.

Located in the heart of the Shops at University Square lies Knight’s Chamber of Rochester. Shane Braatz mentioned in his #MyDowntownRochMN interview that the staff at Knight’s Chamber “provide a whole new level of customer service”. We decided to dig deeper into his statement and sit down with Svaar, owner of Knight’s Chamber, to learn about the ins and outs of his business.

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?