Downtown Rochester Stories

Invigorate your routine with Fresh Air Fitness with instructors from 125 Live. These free group workouts of yoga and zumba offer a unique opportunity to engage in wellness activities amidst the scenic backdrop of the Zumbro River.

Get ready to experience the heart of summer in Downtown Rochester with Thursdays Downtown, the city’s weekly all day, all ages festival celebrating community, culture and creativity. Running every Thursday from June 12 to August 14, 2025 (excluding July 3), this free event transforms Downtown into a vibrant hub of activity.

Downtown Rochester, MN transforms into a vibrant hub of live music throughout the summer, offering over 200 free performances for residents and visitors. Whether you’re seeking a midday melody, an evening groove, or a weekend jam, the city’s dynamic music scene has something for everyone!

Looking for something to do every day of the week without breaking the bank? You’re in luck—Downtown Rochester has regular FREE events daily all summer long! From live music and dance lessons to yoga and Zumba, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy our city and connect with community. 

Looking for a quick, delicious lunch in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota? Here are 18 great spots where you can grab a quick lunch in 30 minutes or less!

Downtown Rochester is about to come alive for the 29th Annual Med City Marathon Weekend, and the lineup is stacked with energy, entertainment and community connection. Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone happening May 17 and 18. Here’s everything you need to know about the events lighting up Downtown this weekend!

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, and Downtown Rochester is rolling out the red carpet with a week full of special offers. Local businesses are joining together to say “thank you” to the nurses who keep our community healthy and strong. Just show your badge at the participating stores and restaurants to receive the specials!

Dancing Downtown is moving outside for the summer, starting May 5! Hosted by the Rochester Downtown Alliance, this free weekly dance series is the perfect way to spend your Monday evenings in the heart of Downtown Rochester.

This weekend is a big brunch weekend! If you're wondering where to go, we've got you. Downtown Rochester offers a delightful array of brunch spots, including a handful of restaurants making their brunch debuts on Sunday, April 20.

April in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, is brimming with vibrant art events that cater to a variety of interests. Here’s a curated list of must-attend happenings this month. 

Mondays don’t have to be mundane—especially in Downtown Rochester! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, try something new or just enjoy the vibrant local scene, we’ve got the perfect evening planned for you.

From family-friendly adventures to laid-back afternoons, we’ve rounded up 10 great things to do over spring break to make the most of your time off.

The Rochester Thaw Music Festival returns on March 22, bringing a vibrant array of musical performances to Downtown Rochester, Minnesota! This all-ages event will feature artists across six different stages, promising a day filled with diverse musical experiences. Here's what you need to know!  

3.14 slices? Nah, we’re eating the whole pie! Celebrate Pi Day (March 14) the right way with some of the best pizza in Downtown Rochester!

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner! Whether you’re craving a classic corned beef and cabbage dish or a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, Downtown is serving up tons of ways to enjoy the luck of the Irish. Here’s a roundup of the St. Patrick’s Day specials in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota. 

March in Downtown Rochester is bringing the rhythm, energy and soul with an incredible lineup of live music events. Check out these must-attend events happening throughout the month!  

To help you plan the perfect date night, we’ve rounded up some of the best Valentine’s Day specials in Downtown Rochester. But don’t wait too long—reservations will fill up quickly!

Experience the Magic of Castle Con: A Weekend of Tabletop Adventures!

Calling all gamers! Get ready to roll the dice, strategize, and immerse yourself in the ultimate tabletop board gaming event: Castle Con from January 24-26! Taking place in the heart of Downtown Rochester, this weekend-long extravaganza is a celebration of all things tabletop, offering fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.

Need plans for New Year’s Eve? 🎉 Downtown Rochester has something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to upscale celebrations. Here’s a guide to three exciting parties that will help you welcome 2025 in style!

Running out of time to finish your holiday shopping? With shipping delays and online orders cutting it too close, there’s no better solution than stepping into the charming stores of Downtown Rochester! These 10 last-minute gift ideas will have you ready to wrap and celebrate in no time!

The holiday season is here, and Downtown Rochester is brimming with gift-giving inspiration! Whether you’re shopping for your loved ones, friends, or colleagues, our charming downtown offers an array of unique finds. 

Shopping for the Rochester local in your life? Whether they’re lifelong residents or proud newcomer, a gift that celebrates their love for Rochester, MN is sure to delight. Here are five perfect gift ideas for anyone who loves calling Rochester home!

Finding the perfect gift for parents or in-laws can feel like a challenge, but Downtown Rochester makes it easy! At the east end of Peace Plaza, The Galleria at University Square offers an indoor shopping experience filled with unique stores and local eateries. Here are five ideas to make your holiday shopping a breeze for the older adults in your family!

This year, the Historic Chateau Theatre has put together an event lineup that ensures you have a holiday season to remember! From festive performances and markets to family-friendly activities, movies, and more, there's something for everyone at Your Chateau this holiday season. 

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, The Nordic Shop is a cornerstone of Scandinavian elegance and heritage, owned and operated by Walter and Louise Hanson for 50 years.

Winter is here, and there's OVER 100 things to do in Downtown Rochester this holiday season. Chase those winter blues away and get out and experience all that Downtown has to offer with your family and friends!  

Fall is upon us! We're experiencing lower temperatures, changing leaves and earlier sunsets. While activities are starting to move indoors, there's still tons to do in Downtown Rochester. 

In Downtown Rochester, ThaiPop has become a favorite spot for food lovers seeking authentic Thai cuisine with a creative twist.

Welcome to Hers, a women’s clothing and accessory boutique nestled in the heart of Rochester’s Galleria Downtown. Owned by Bruce and Brenda Dahlstrom, Hers offers a curated selection of stylish apparel, from fashion trends to timeless pieces.

Bravo Espresso has been a cornerstone of the local coffee scene since its doors first opened in 1991. As the oldest coffee shop in town, Bravo has seen the city grow and evolve, all while staying true to its roots—serving excellent coffee and heartfelt community spirit.

This weekend in Downtown Rochester is packed with entertainment, as two local theaters launch their new seasons with exciting productions you won’t want to miss!

There's a LOT going on in Downtown Rochester this Fall! Click to hear more and bring the entire family to Downtown Rochester!

There's a LOT going on in Downtown Rochester this Fall! Click to hear more as we welcome back our college students to Downtown!

Check out current Happy Hours throughout Downtown Rochester!

Click to see some offerings from local merchants! 

Rochester has a bike paths that you are going to want to explore this summer! 

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!

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!