Rochester Magazine | Ultimate Guide to Summer 2024

JUNE

minnesotasrochester.com

GET READY FOR A WILD (BIKE) RIDE! Ride (or drive) over to Lake City for the annual Tour de Pepin, which offers cycling tours from 32 to 70-plus miles around Lake Pepin and through nearby towns. Then take a guided boat tour and head to the after-ride party at Ohuta Park! lakecity.org, 651-345-4123

6

NOT NAPTIME. Justin Roberts, a Grammy-nominated “children’s music superstar,” will be singing hit songs from his 15 children’s albums at the Rochester Public Library. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

11

THAT RINGS A BELL. The Rochester Area Handbells reimagine songs throughout the decades using handbells. Tonight they are at the Charter House for their Vintage Pops concert with songs from Katy Perry to the Beatles to Green Day. rochesterareahandbells.org

2

PINE ISLAND CHEESE FESTIVAL!

Stock up on cheeses hard and soft, try your hand at carnival games, and check out the craft fair. And you can’t miss the Cheese Festival Grand Parade! pineislandcheesefestival. com, 507-356-3378

7

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT(BALL)

FORWARD. The men’s Rochester Football Club, one of Rochester’s minor league soccer teams, plays the Thunder Bay Chill at RCTC’s Rochester Regional Stadium. medcityfc.com, 507-405-7143

Bonus event: Osage Maple Days (osagechamber.com)

12

BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. Week two of the FORWARD concert series hits Cascade Lake Park (Ward 2). The People Brothers Band bring a blend of “rhythm and soul” (with a touch of Phish, Whitney Houston, The Band, and more). Cosmic Orphan (a sevenpiece band with “big sound indie rock”) opens. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900

3

HOLE IN FUN! Tee up at Somerby Golf Club for a day of putting greens and raising green at their 22nd On the Tee with ABC event. This fundraiser supports the Rochester ABC (Ability Building Community). abcinc.org, 507-281-6262

8

OKTOBERFEST’S LITTLE SISTER. It’s Frülingsfest (Springfest for nonGerman speakers) at LTS Brewing. There will be food trucks (Taco Jed and The Wandering Scoop), music (Backup Sound System), and beer (lots!). ltsbrewing.com, 507-226-8280

13

THURSDAY IN THE PARK. The Chatfield Brass Band, a folk band with 20+ years of experience, will be at Chatfield Bandshell for a free show! Grab a drink or a snack from one of the food trucks and enjoy the music (brought to you by Chatfield Center for the Arts). chatfieldarts.org, 507-884-7676

4

ROCHESTER ROYALS BASEBALL, OLD-SCHOOL. The Rochester Royals, one of the city’s two amateur teams, are one of Rochester’s best-kept secrets. They take on the Red Wing Aces at Hudson Field. rochestermnroyals.com, 507-269-4747

9

LOCAL ART AND LOCAL BEAUTY. Stockholm, Wis. (and surrounding towns), just an hour drive from Rochester, is hosting its annual Fresh Art Spring Tour. This self-guided tour features 23 different stops with art from dozens of local and visiting artists (from jewelry to metalwork to pottery)! freshart.org, 715-577-8894

14

A “PROVOKING COMEDY.” Clybourne Park, a Tony Awardwinning play that explores events occurring before and after those featured in A Raisin in the Sun, is at the Rochester Repertory Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737

5

SIX WARDS, SIX SHOWS, ONE SERIES. FORWARD is a sixweek outdoor concert series with a show in each of Rochester’s six wards. This free series kicks off with Hiahli, a Minneapolis-based hip-hop band, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Ward 4). Loud Mouth Brass will open. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900

10

RAISE SOME FUN! Rochester’s longest running charity golf fundraiser is in its 46th year! Held at Somerby Golf Club, the Swing Your Birdie Golf Classic is a 4-person scramble golf tournament that raises money for the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. rmhmn.org, 507-282-3955

15

“LOVE WINS.” Great food, great music, live entertainment ... and a celebration of an important milestone. It’s Rochester’s 19th annual Juneteenth event (with a “Love Wins” theme) at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. naacprochestermn.org

DOWNTOWN Thursdays

JUNE 13-AUG 15

EVERY THURSDAY (Except July 4th)

A WEEKLY ARTS, FOOD, AND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER!

JUNE 13

• D’Sievers

• Matt Hannah

• Colt 45

• Sherwin Linton (Johnny Cash Tribute)

• Mariachi Estrella MN

• The Soul Train

JUNE 20

• Bruce Burniece

• Nancy Tobiason-Kramer

• Vintage Tones

• Jack Knife and the Sharps

• Hair of the Dog

• The White Keys

JUNE 27

• Pat Egan

• Tim Dallman

• Non-Prophets

• New Feral Cats

• Chinobay

• Flashmob

JULY 11

• James Gray

• Steven J. Schmidt

• Uptown Jazz

• Pullstring

• Dani A’Mor

• County Line Drive

JULY 18

• Luke Hendrickson

• Eleanor Sievers

• Smoking Coyotes

• Juliet and the Montagues

• La Dame Blanche

• Six Mile Grove

JULY 25

• Chris Holm

• Orchid Jane Band

• Mark Joseph and the American Soul

• The Reunion Band

• Dred I Dread

• Incognito

PRESENTED BY: ROCHESTER DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE

AUGUST 1

• Jeremy Jewell

• Lonesome Dan Case

• Nathan’s Jazzers featuring Mariah

• Teeth

• Alex ZacKary Band

• Nathan Hansen

AUGUST 8

• Amanda Grace

• Triple Berry Pie

• Buddy Holly Tribute

• Wren and Wilde

• KnuFunk

• JigJam

AUGUST 15

• Pure Rock Studios

• Dan Israel

• Lodi Township Band

• RetroSoul & the Westside Horns - ft Big Mike

• Cole Allen Band

• Time Machine

YOUR SCHEDULE SummerLook

Joinusfor5fastpacedmorningsofcreativeopportunities! Registrationisopenuntilthecampbegins!

Electivesessionswillbeofferedin: Singing,Piano,Guitar&Ukelele, VideoMaking,DramaticPerformance,andmore!

Join us for 5 fast paced mornings of creative opportunities!

Registration is open until the camp begins!

Groupsessionswillbeofferedin: Choir,Drama,PipeOrganDemo,Handbells, otherinstruments,CreativeWriting,andmore!

PLUS numerousgroupartprojects!

Elective sessions will be offered in: Singing, Piano, Guitar & Ukelele, Video Making, Dramatic Performance, and more!

RegistrationFormAvailableOnline: tinyurl.com/fpcMADform OR:

OPENTOALLYOUTHAGE5andOLDER registrationfee:$50 scholarshipsavailable - pleaseaskformoreinformation

Group sessions will be offered in: Choir, Drama, Pipe Organ Demo, Handbells, other instruments, Creative Writing, and more!

“HAPPY,FREE,ART TRANSFORMS ME”

PLUS numerous group art projects!

JULY 8-12,2024

Questions?

Registration Form Available Online: tinyurl.com/fpcMADform OR:

9:00AM-NOON|FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5123RD ST SW,ROCHESTER,MN55902

Contact: JohnStender, DirectorofMusic stender.john@fpcrochester.org Cell:507-721-8454or Office:507-282-1618

OPEN TO ALL YOUTH AGE 5 and OLDER registration fee: $50 scholarships available - please ask for more information

“HAPPY, FREE, ART TRANSFORMS ME”

JULY 8-12, 2024 9:00AM-NOON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

512 3RD ST SW, ROCHESTER, MN 55902

Questions?

Contact: John Stender, Director of Music stender.john@fpcrochester.org

Joinusfor5fastpacedmorningsofcreativeopportunities! Registrationisopenuntilthecampbegins!

Cell: 507-721-8454 or Office: 507-282-1618

Electivesessionswillbeofferedin: Singing,Piano,Guitar&Ukelele, VideoMaking,DramaticPerformance,andmore! Groupsessionswillbeofferedin: Choir,Drama,PipeOrganDemo,Handbells, otherinstruments,CreativeWriting,andmore! PLUS numerousgroupartprojects!

RegistrationFormAvailableOnline: tinyurl.com/fpcMADform OR: OPENTOALLYOUTHAGE5andOLDER registrationfee:$50 scholarshipsavailable - pleaseaskformoreinformation

I DIG IT! Join a Quarry Hill Naturalist on a hike to the limestone quarry on a Fossil Hunting Hike. Get dirty looking for the remains of prehistoric ocean creatures including brachiopods, trilobites, cephalopods, and gastropods. If you find one, you can even take it home! qhnc.org, 507-328-3950

21

WINE NOT? It’s Dine in the Vines at Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy a 10-course meal on the patio surrounded by vines and grapes and sample some of Four Daughters’ house made wines. fourdaughtersvineyard. com, 507-346-7300

26

KALIMBA MAGIC. Carl Winters, the Kalimba King, plays songs from jazz to pop to blues on kalimbas (instruments sometimes called thumb pianos) at the Rochester Public Library for Kalimba Magic. Kids can try their hand at making music at this event! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

17

GET FRESH AIR. AND FIT. Enjoy nature with Fresh Air Fitness: Yoga at Central Park. These free outdoor fitness classes are for all skill levels. Just show up and give it a try. downtownrochestermn.com/ events/fresh-air-fitness-classes

22

THE GOOD OL’ DAYS. It’s the 43rd Gammel Dag (“good ol’ days” for you non-Scandinavians) festival in Peterson. Traditional food, dance, fashion, and art, including wool spinning, kubbestols (log chair carving), and psaligrafi (paper cutting). gammeldag.com Bonus event: Walk Around the World at the History Center Of Olmsted County (olmstedhistory.com)

27

LAKE PEPIN’S CLAIM TO FAME. The 52nd Annual Water Ski Days in Lake City honors Ralph Samuelson’s invention of water skiing on Lake Pepin over 100 years ago! Enjoy water ski shows, a grand parade, and an arts and crafts fair in this four-day event! lakecity.org, 651-345-4123

18

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES! The women’s Rochester Football Club, a minor league soccer team founded in 2023, play the Chicago Dutch Lions at RCTC’s Rochester Regional Stadium. medcityfc.com, 507-405-7143

23

BIRDS OF A FEATHER. The International Owl Center in Houston Minnesota is growing! Learn more about the new facility which will include walkthrough aviaries (which house owls), space for more events, and on-site homes for “ambassador owls” at this free event. internationalowlcenter. org, 507-896-6957

28 WHAT’S THE SCOOP? The Twisted Barrel and the Wandering Scoop team up at Red Barn Learning Farm in Hayfield for Pizza & Gelato Night. After dinner, wander the farm to see the bunnies, goats, and more! redbarnlearningfarm. com, 507-272-7465

Bonus event: Take a classic cruise on the Mississippi (lacrossequeen.com).

19

CELEBRATE THE END OF SLAVERY.

Juneteenth: Freedom Day is an event hosted at The Broadway in Albert Lea. This event features poets, musicians, and speakers including evening MC comedian Day Peace. explorealbertlea.com, 507-373-2316

Bonus event: Bear Cave Summer Concert Series (stewartvillemn.com)

24

A “DRAMA OF HOPE AND HEALING.” When Jess returns home after serving in the Army, she’s left with scars both visible and invisible. She starts virtual reality therapy ... and along the way discovers she’s not the only one who’s changed. Ugly Lies the Bone is at Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre. commonwealtheatre.org, 800-657-7025

29

FAST AND FURIOUS. Monster Truck Thunder: Trucks, Bikes, Fire, & Thrills is making its way to Treasure Island. Expect car jumping, car crushing, and other car tricks at this family-friendly event. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

Bonus event: To Heal The Sick trolley tours. (rochestermntours.com)

20

BAGS OF BOOKS. The Rochester Public Library’s Rochesterfest Book Sale is jam packed with used picture books, classics, and pretty much every other genre you can think of. Sign up to become a Friend of the Library to attend the sale preview today, or check out the sale over the weekend! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

25

RAH RAH ROCHESTER! It’s the first official day of Rochesterfest. Watch the (Rochester) celebrity ice cream eating contest (root for Roch Mag Editor Steve Lange) and take salsa dancing lessons in the park. The rest of the fest includes a kid’s dance party (Wednesday), daily music performances, and the grand parade (Saturday). rochesterfest.com, 507-285-8769

30

HEY BATTER-BATTER SWING! The Roosters—the city’s old-timey base ball team (back when it was spelled as two words)—play against local celebrities at the History Center. See base ball how it was meant to be played (in 1864 that is)! olmstedhistory.com, 507-282-9447

ADVENTUREAWAITSNESTLEDBETWEENTHE

BLUFFSANDALONGTHEMISSISSIPPIRIVER!

TheLaCrosseRegionburstswithinspiredadventureasuniqueas eachexplorer.Discoverexcitingflavors,charminghistory,vibrant views,andepicoutdoorrecreationjustaroadtripaway!

800 10th St NW | Stewartville MN

FREE concerts on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30 @ Bear Cave Park Band starts at 6:30

Band Lineup

JUNE 5TH

Pirates, Guitars, & Beachfront Bars

JUNE 12TH

Nite Shift

JUNE 19TH

Bourbon Stiletto

JUNE 26TH

In the fields

Concessions, sweet treats, food trucks, and kids activities available Don’t forget your lawn chairs and coolers!

JULY 24TH

JULY 10TH Bob schlief

INCOGNITO

JULY 17TH

MItchell hall & the tennessee trio

Bands sponsored by:

lp and the 45's JULY 31ST

Avey Grouws Band AUGUST 7TH

507 Country AUGUST 14TH

Morethanjustthree letters after yourname. Adegreethatletsyou go after yourgoals.

Designedspecificallyforworkingprofessionals, SaintMary’sUnivesityofMinnesota’sMBAprogram isthecredentialtohelpyouadvanceyourcareer, whetherleadingteamsorgrowinginyourprofessions.

Hybridformat

8-weekclasses:meetinpersoneveryother weekwithinteractiveandcollaborativeonline courseworkinbetween

12specializationstocustomizeyourdegree MentoringprogramwithMBAalumni

Uniquenetworkingopportunitieseachsemester

JULY

minnesotasrochester.com

1

GOOD TIMES FOR RENT! Take advantage of the nice weather and head over to Chester Woods for a hike or a paddle. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are available for rent through Labor Day. olmstedcounty.gov, 507-328-6000

6

BEERS AND BANDS. It’s the 10th annual Picks n’ Pints festival at Kinney Creek Brewery. This outdoor event has beer, games, and performances from local artists including D’Sievers, The Double Down Daredevils, and Orchid Jane. kinneycreekbrewery.com, 507-282-2739

11

NELLY. RILEY GREEN. CHASE RISE ... and a dozen more acts at Country Boom Music Festival, the three-day (July 11-13) event in West Salem, Wis. Country Boom was founded in 2018 to provide an unforgettable experience in a few key areas: music, food, drinks, venue, and amenities, without the wait times or chaos. countryboom.com

2

OFF TO THE RACES. Kids two and older can show off their athletic skills at the classic Hal Martin All Comers’ Track Meets at Soldiers Memorial Field Track. rochesterrunningclub.org Bonus event: Make a u-turn for beer at U-Turn Tuesdays (sxsebrewingmn.com)

7

A GOOD KNIGHT FOR CHESS. It’s the final day of the Rochester Chess Open at the Mayo Civic Center. Walk through and (quietly) watch some of the best players in Minnesota, then start showing at the Rochester Chess Club on Tuesday nights. rochesterchess.com, 507-254-6809

12

“(HAVING THE) TIME OF YOUR LIFE.” ABBAFAB is an ABBA tribute band complete with 70’s wigs, sparkling headbands, and some pretty fun boots. Expect to hear “Winner Takes It All,” “Mamma Mia,” and, yes, “Dancing Queen” at Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

3

GET YOUR GROOVE ON.

Stewartville’s Summerfest Dance at Bear Cave Park features food trucks, a beer garden, and two great bands. Come bust a move to country songs from Aaron Simmons and songs covering the 90s to today from “Some Sh!tty Cover Band.” stewartvillechamber.com, 507-533-6006

8

GOLF FOR LIFE. The Annual Gift of Life Golf Tournament celebrates its 40th anniversary at Somerby Golf Club. This tournament raises money for the Gift of Life Transplant House. gift-of-life.org, 507-288-7470 Bonus event: Get creative at MadCamp (fpcrochester.org)

13

DIRT ROAD RIDING. Round 7 of the Pro Motocross Championship Series jumps into Millville’s Spring Creek Motocross Park. This event features races for motocross riders in the 450cc and 250cc classes. Watch racers spray dirt, climb hills, and fight for first. springcreekmotocross. com, 507-753-2779

4

5

FIREWORKS! Soldiers Field Park hosts fireworks (after dark), and bands and food starting in the afternoon for the annual 4th Fest, a fun-filled celebration for the entire family. Come early for music (and a great seat). rochestermn.gov

9

HONOR ROCHESTER’S VETERANS.

Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial is one of Rochester’s great monuments. Take time today to read the names on the Wall of Remembrance and take the Walk of Remembrance, made up of roughly 6,000 pavers honoring U.S. veterans and allies. soldiersfieldmemorial.org

14

IT’S GONNA BE “WONDERFUL.”

It’s the first Sunday of the Riverside Music Series (formerly Down by the Riverside) at Mayo Park. The season kicks off with ‘90s rock band Everclear, known for songs like “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Everything to Everyone.” Opener Cindy Lawson has nearly 40 years of rock and roll under her belt. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-328-2200

“BREVITY IS THE SOUL OF WIT.”

It’s the 21st annual Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona. Catch a performance of Hamlet today or a performance of this year’s other show, Much Ado About Nothing, through the end of July. grsf.org, 507-474-7900

10

RAE OF SUNSHINE. Jillian Rae is a classically trained violinist, fiddler, and vocalist (think “Ani [DiFranco] and Alanis [Morissette].” Horace Green opens at Allendale Park (Ward 6) in the third FORWARD concert. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900 Bonus event: Take a classic train ride (spoonertrainride.com)

15

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TREETOPS.

If you’ve never walked across a series of narrow cables 30 feet above the ground (and how many among us have, really?), today is your day. Head to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro for their Summer High Ropes Challenge. eaglebluffmn.org, 507-467-2437

JULY

FREE AS A BIRD. Crane expert Anne Lacy is at the Oxbow Park Nature Center for a Midwest Crane Chat hosted by the International Crane Foundation. Eat light refreshments and learn about one of Minnesota’s largest birds: the sandhill crane. The event is free but please RSVP! savingcranes.org, 608-356-9462 22

GOLF FOR GOOD. Tee up for Salvation Army’s Golf for Good tournament. Proceeds from this tournament, held at Willow Creek Golf Course, help support The Salvation Army’s mission to provide housing assistance to Olmsted County members in need. centralusa. salvationarmy.org, 507-288-3663

27

MARK YOUR CALENDAR. Comedian Mark Normand is known for his Comedy Central special “Don’t Be Yourself,” his many appearances on Conan, and his work on the podcast Tuesdays with Stories. Normand will be performing at the Mayo Civic Center tonight as part of his “Ya Don’t Say” tour. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

18

IT’LL BE A (BAVARIAN) BLAST!

Held in New Ulm, the Bavarian Blast is a celebration of German music, food, beer (duh!), and dancing. Performances by the Tanner Stark Band, Heartless (a Heart tribute band), and Mick Sterling’s musical tribute to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger. The festival runs through Sunday and also features live polka music and a parade! bavarianblast.com, 507-233-4300

23

CALLITHUMP (NOUN): A NOISY BAND OR PARADE. The Great River Shakespeare Festival hosts their onenight-only performance of Callithump, an annual fundraising show. We can’t say much more than that because the show, written by company members, changes yearly but is sure to be a noisy, fun event. Come early for music and games. grsf.org, 507-474-7900

28

A THOUSAND MILES. Vanessa Carlton is best known for her song “A Thousand Miles,” but she has performed on Broadway as the lead in Carole King’s Beautiful and released six albums. Adam Bonahan (described as “Stevie Wonder meets D’Angelo”) opens for Carlton at Mayo Park for the Riverside Music Series. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-328-2200

16

19

THE SHOW MUST GO ON. Killer Queen covers Queen’s hits, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Don’t Stop Me Now” and everything in between. Patrick Meyers has been performing as Freddie Mercury since 1993, and tonight the whole band is at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

24

MINI DONUTS AND FERRIS WHEELS! It’s day three of the Olmsted County Fair! Buy a carnival wristband to go on unlimited rides, fill up on fried foods, and stop by the entertainment tent for, well ... entertainment! olmstedcountyfair.com, 507-282-9862

29

HENDRICKSON HARMONY. Luke Hendrickson, a singer-songwriter with folk and country roots, performs at the Gonda Building for a free concert as part of the Harmony for Mayo Program, which hosts free concerts every Monday throughout the summer. choralartsensemble.org

OUTDOOR CINEMA. As part of their summer movie series, Eyota Summer Recreation Program is hosting a free outdoor screening of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire which will start at dusk. Don’t forget snacks and blankets! facebook.com/Eyota.MN, 507-545-2135

20

FESTIVAL OF COLORS. Take part in a 5k color run, enjoy traditional Indian foods, and dance to the DJ at UTSAV: The Festival of Colors (sponsored by The Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota) in Peace Plaza. icamn.org, 507-722-0175 Bonus event: Rumors at the Commonweal (commonwealtheatre.org)

25

TGIT (THANK GOD IT’S THURSDAY). Thursdays Downtown is a weekly celebration of everything Rochester. Shop local businesses, sample local food, and jam to local music. This free city gathering spans 1st Ave Southwest, Peace Plaza, and 3rd Street Southwest (and spans every Thursday except the 4th of July from June 13-Aug. 15). downtownrochestermn. com, 507-216-9882

30

READ ON THE GO. Catch the Rochester Public Library’s Bookmobile at Sunset Terrace School and Roy Watson Field. The Bookmobile runs most days during the summer and carries more than 4,500 items including audio books, movies, picture books, and novels. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

21

THAT’S “MY BOY.” The Elvie Shane Band is at Mayo Park for week two of the Riverside Music Series (formerly Down By The Riverside). Elvie Shane, a country singer who competed on the 15th season of American Idol, just released his second album, Damascus (with the single “My Boy”). With opener Aaron Simmons. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-328-2200

26

STOP BEING SO MELODRAMATIC. The town of Tranquility isn’t so, well ... tranquil. Pastor Joe is terrified of rainstorms and for good reason. When everything starts to go wrong can he face his fear and take on evil? Find out in 100% Chance of Defeat (Say it Ain’t Crow), a Mantorville Opera House melodrama. mantorvilletheatrecompany. com, 507-635-5420

31

PIZZA, BEER, AND MUSIC. Retro Soul and the Westside Horns play “blues rock” originals and fan favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Tonight they’ll be playing along with openers Cosmic Orphan (an indie band from Rochester) as part of Berne Wood-Fired Pizza’s summer concert series. bernepizza.org

BRINGONSUMMER THEPATIOISALWAYSOPEN

BRUNCH DINNER LUNCH SUSHI EVENTS PATIO&ROOFTOP CATERING

AUGUST

minnesotasrochester.com

1

PARTY LIKE BUFFALO BILL?

Today marks the first day of Lanesboro’s four-day annual Buffalo Bill Days, a city-wide festival and marketplace with food booths and entertainment. lanesboro-mn.gov/buffalobill-days, 507-380-1677

6

HISTORICAL ARTIFACT CRAWL.

Get a tour of Assisi Heights and learn all about its history through key objects including Mother Alfred’s desk, Mother Augustine’s rocking chair, and the shovel used to break ground on the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis. All this and more at the Historical Artifact Crawl. rochesterfranciscan.org, 507-282-7441

11

SHOUT OUT! It’s this year’s last Riverside Music Series show at Mayo Park. Max Weinberg’s Jukebox puts the setlist in the crowd’s hands … literally. Yell out songs from Led Zeppelin to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Weinberg was their drummer) to help them choose the night’s setlist. The Orange Goodness opens. downtownrochestermn. 507-328-2200

2

RELAY FOR LIFE. Join a team and fundraiser for the Relay for Life of Dodge County held in Kasson. This event benefits the American Cancer Society which invests in research, cancer screenings, and advocacy. You can also dedicate a luminaria to honor a loved one who has been affected by cancer. cancer.org, 507-236-1231

7

MINDFULNESS MEANDER. Chester Woods’ weekly Wednesday hikes encourage you to step away from stress and focus on natural beauty big and small. Meet at the Chester Woods boat ramp for today’s naturalist-led hike, the 2.5-mile Kisrow Trail. Call to register. olmstedcounty.gov, 507-328-7350

12

SEE STEVE-O. Stunt performer, actor, and TV personality Steve-O, know for his time on the MTV show “Jackass,” brings his daring stunts, stand-up comedy, and outrageous personality to the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccentercom, 507-361-5050

3

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY ED. The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Community Ed features bands (including Knufunk), activities (henna, fencing), and food trucks at Cascade Lake Park. rochesterce.org.

8

WHERE IN THE WORLD? It’s all things Rochester landmarks at the “Guess the Spot in Rochester” art show at Gallery 24. Meet the artists, grab food and drink, and try your hand at this interactive art exhibit. gallery24new.org, 507-226-8200

13

KEEP IT LOCAL. This month’s Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting is all about native plants (at the Heintz Center). extension.umn.edu, 507-328-6214 Bonus event: Hello Dolly! and much more (cedarsummerstock.com)

4

STEEL GUITAR SOUNDS. Nat Myers is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, and poet, released Yellow Peril, his first fulllength album in 2023 (featuring hits like “Duck n’ Dodge,” “Ramble No More,” and “Pray For Rain”). Now he brings his “raspy singing voice and steel guitar” to Mayo Park for the Riverside Music Series. Molly Brandt opens. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-328-2200

9

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’. Journey is at the Ashley for the Arts festival. What more could you ask for? Well, how about The Script, Bret Michaels, and Old Dominion? Oh, and then even more bands, a petting zoo, fireworks, and more, all in one family-friendly weekend (at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wis). ashleyforthearts.com, 608-863-6700

14

(WARD) NUMBER 1. Tonight’s FORWARD concert features The Avey Grouws band at John Withers Sports Complex (Ward 1). Both of the band’s albums (“Tell Tale Heart” and “The Devil May Care’’) hit the top 10 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. Ty Pow and the Holy North open. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900

5

LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. On Feb. 7, 1867, Laura Ingalls Wilder was born just a few miles north of Pepin, Wis. Pepin’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum displays that history (with a reconstruction of the Little House, a cemetery with recognizable names, and more). lauraingallspepin.com, 715-513-9115

10

HIGHWAY DESPERADO. Brooks & Dunn (with special guest Terri Clark) perform at Treasure Island as part of their REBOOT 2024 tour. This show features 40-plus years worth of hits including “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” Neon Moon,” and “Red Dirt Man.” ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

15

GOLFING FOR GOOD. Help raise money for local veterans at the Tee It Up for the Troops golf fundraiser at Willow Creek Golf Club. teeitupforthetroops.org, 952-646-2490

10AM-2PM

Amphitheatre

Performances

Knufunk

AfricanDance

PoetryOutLoud

Activities

Henna

T’aiChi

Fencing

ArtShow

Storytime

Drop-inCrafts

BikeFleetincludingAdaptiveBikes

AndMuchMore!

FoodTrucks

BleuDuck

Flapdoodles

Shell’sKitchen

TruSmokeBBQ

MidnightMunchies

Join us every Tuesday throughout the summer (June 4 - September) for

August 1- 4

Something Fun for Everyone! MAIN EVENTS

THURSDAY

Free Family Movie in the park

FRIDAY

Beer & Brat Tent opens 4pm Steak Fry

Classic Car Cruise-In Firemen’s Dance with “Blue Ringers”

SATURDAY

5K & 1 mile runs

Family Fun Walk/Run

Free kids carnival and activities Free Dance with “Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty” Fireworks

SUNDAY

Grand Parade

Free Kids activities

Duck Races & Raffles

Marketplace & Food Vendors Sat & Sun

Scan code for full schedule of events or visit: Lanesboro-MN.gov/buffalo-bill-days

Ashley for the Arts • August 8-10

Ashley for the Arts is celebrating their 15th anniversary! This music and art festival takes place at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wis. and supports 70+ non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities and medical research.

Featuring an art & craft fair, family fun zone, lumberjack show, street performers, side stage performances, food vendors, fireworks, a glow run and world-class entertainment including Journey, Old Dominion, The Script, Bret Michaels, LOCASH, Vertical Horizon and more!

www.ashleyforthearts.com

AUGUST

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999. Creed (“With Arms Wide Open”; “Higher”) is joined by 3 Doors Down (“Kryptonite”; “Here Without You”) and Finger Eleven (“Paralyzer”; “One Thing”) for the Summer of ‘99 Tour at Treasure Island. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

22

CELEBRITY FRIENDS. Pat York: Fame & Friendship at the Rochester Art Center features “portraits of 20th century icons,” from Steve Martin to Tennessee Williams to Whoopi Goldberg by famed photographer Pat York. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552

18

minnesotasrochester.com

BLUEGRASS, BLUEGRASS, AND EVEN MORE BLUEGRASS! The 32nd annual Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association’s Bluegrass Festival features performances by Bluegrass Express, Finley River, and Cedar Valley—and that’s just today! The rest of the weekend (Aug. 15-18) offers even more bluegrass. Bring your instrument! semba.tv, 507-864-8109

23

A GOOD TIME … NO BULL. Come one come all to Mayo Civic Center for the Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series. Watch elite athletes compete to see who can manage to stay on a bucking bull the longest! mayociviccentercom, 507-361-5050

27

GET TOGETHER AT THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER. 500,000 corn dogs. 25,000 gallons of milk. 200,000 people (hopefully) per day. Check out the Timberworks Lumberjack show, the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash show, and more at the Minnesota State Fair (Aug. 22-Sept. 2). mnstatefair.org, 651-288-4400

28

BAND OF BROTHERS (LITERALLY). The FORWARD concert series ends with a performance from The Shackletons at Cook Park (Ward 5). The Shackletons (a rock band made of brothers Colin, Cameron, and Evan Campbell) have played shows from Summerfest to the Basilica Block Party to SXSW. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900

16

19

NEWLEY ELECTED. Ned Newley has been running the city from behind the scenes for years. When the governor resigns, Ned is the obvious choice to replace him ... but will his fear of public speaking and being in the spotlight derail his chances? The Outsider, put on by Commonweal Theatre, is a “non-partisan laugh-fest” for all. commonwealtheatre.org, 800-657-7025

24

RUN FOR GOOD. It’s the 40th annual Scheels Healthy Human Race at Soldiers Memorial Field Track. Whether you choose the half marathon, half marathon relay, half marathon hand cycling, or 5K, you can run easy knowing you’re helping raise money for the Rochester Running Club. healthyhumanrace.com, 763-234-0759

29

RIDIN’ DIRTY. Grab a ticket to Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, for the three-day, 26th Annual United States Modified Touring Series Featherlite Fall Jamboree, where the best of the USRA B-Mods (a type of car) face off against each other on the dirt track. deercreekspeedway.com, 507-754-6107

THESE SALES ARE (GOLD)EN! Rochester’s Original Gold Rush (at Graham Park) AND the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days draw area treasure hunters. Rochester (townsendshows.com, 507-269-1473); Oronoco (goldrushmn.com, 507-367-2111). Bonus event: Sleepy Eye Summerfest! (sleepyeyesummerfest.com) FRIDAY

20

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE. Meet the Eagle Ambassadors (including bald eagles Angel, Latsch, Was’aka, and Perseus) at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Attend a behind-thescenes tour, learn more about eagles with two floors of exhibits, and pick up a (stuffed animal) eagle of your own. nationaleaglecenter.org, 651-565-4989

25

IT’S GREEK TO ME. Get your fill of Greek food from gyros and dolmathes to spanikopita and Greek fries at The Original Rochester Greek Fest. This event, which has been in Rochester since 1963, is hosted at Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas and Damianos Orthodox Church. greekfestrochester.com

30

PLAY FREE BIRD! Lynyrd Skynyrd has 60 years of music under their belt with hits like “Gimme Three Steps”; Sweet Home Alabama”; and “Simple Man.” ZZ Top has 15 studio albums that include the songs “La Grange”; “Legs”; and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Both bands are at Treasure Island as part of their Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

21

REN FEST (IN SONG FORM). Head to White Oaks Park (Ward 3) to hear Loreweavers, a band hailed as “reminiscent of a renaissance fair” that incorporates traditional Irish instruments including the uilleann pipes, bodhrán, and accordion into their music at the FORWARD Park concert series. rochestermn.gov/departments/ rochester-public-music, 507-328-2900

26

FAST CAR. It’s a deadly race to find the killer in Give the Devil His Due, this month’s Rochester Public Library Mystery Book Club book. Sulari Gentill’s novel follows Rowland Sinclair, an amateur sleuth, as he takes to Maroubra Speedway to race his car and solve a few murders along the way. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

31

IN SEASON. Support local farms and stock up on in-season items from around the state at the farmers market at Graham Park, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Offerings include flowers from Jenny’s Greenhouse, honey from The Bee Shed, and bison from Buffalo Hills Bison. rochfarmmkt.org, 507-273-8232

SEPTEMBER

1

THE BATTLE OF THE BREEDS. Throughout the summer, Canterbury Park hosts dog races to find the fastest corgis, English bulldogs, wiener dogs, and basset hounds. Today’s Final Battle of the Breeds Race will determine the speediest pup of them all! canterburypark.com, 952-445-7223

6

FIRE AWAY. It’s the last week of Everyday States of Awe, an exhibit at the Rochester Art Center showcasing pottery by New London artist Bill Gossman. Gossman valued using local materials from clays to granite dust to wood in the clay, handmade glazes, and firing process. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552

2

EXCELSIOR! Gallop over to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee (costumes optional). Watch the jousting. Eat a turkey leg. Browse the vendor stalls. Tour the Viking encampment. Watch the jousting again. renaissancefest.com, 952-445-7361

7

DRIVE RESEARCH FORWARD (LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY)!

The 6th Annual Crushing Koopas and Childhood Cancer Mario Kart Tournament speeds into the Mayo Civic Center. This fundraiser to fight childhood cancer features a Mario Kart tournament with both kid and adult divisions, silent auction, music, food, and more. superherberbros.com

minnesotasrochester.com

3

QUEEN’S GAMBIT… THE GAME!

You don’t need to be a chess expert like Beth Harmon (or Gary Kasparov) to join the Rochester Chess Club. Come to the Harwick Building today (or any Tuesday) for a game or two and maybe some pointers from some of Rochester’s finest players. rochesterchess.com, 507-254-6809

8 STOP AND SMELL THE MARIGOLDS.

It’s the 59th Annual Marigold Days in historic Mantorville! Grab some sweets at the pie and ice cream social then hit up the Grande Parade and end the day with a firefighter water fight. Don’t forget to check out the flower show ... the reason this whole festival started! marigolddays.com, 507-421-6473

4

THE DEFEAT OF JESSE JAMES. Held in Northfield, the Defeat of Jesse James Days (Sept. 4-8) commemorates the James Gang’s attempted bank robbery and eventual defeat. The event features bank raid re-enactments (complete with horses and smoking guns), live music, a rodeo, and more. djjd.org, 612-986-4152

MONDAY

9

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS.

Spoiler alert, it tolls for you (and everyone else in Rochester) Monday at 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at noon. Pick a spot by the entrance of the Gonda Building and Kahler, or in Peace Plaza, and listen for the music of the carillon (that’s the bell tower). history.mayoclinic.org

5

SLICE OF THE ACTION. Squash Blossom Farm, just outside Rochester, hosts River Crossing, a local band from Lanesboro, as part of their Thursday pizza nights. There’s also yard games, farm animals, and mead! We suggest pre-ordering your pizza. squashblossomfarm.org, 507-252-9639

TUESDAY

10

CLIMB SOME STEPS. The view from the 110-foot-high Elba Fire Tour is worth the climb. And it better be: You’ll hike a 364-wooden-step trail just to get to the 110 feet of switchback tower stairs. Bring plenty of water and then treat yourself to an ice cream after! dnr.state.mn.us, 651-296-6157

FRIDAY, JULY 26TH

FRIDAY, JULY 26TH

Startsippingyourwaythrough thevibrantbreweryscene inRochester,Minnesota! TosignupfortheSipN’SavorBrewPass tostartcollectingpointsandearnprizes, scantheQRcodeorgoto experiencerochestermn.com/brewpass