


THURSDAY
FORE! It’s the annual Rochester Area Builders’ Golf Outing at Willow Creek Golf Course. This 4-person scramble, sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union, includes a putting contest and golf pong. rochesterareabuilders.com, 507282-7698
TUESDAY
OFF TO THE RACES. Kids age 2 and older can show off their athletic skills at the Hal Martin All Comers’ Track Meets. Held at Soldiers Memorial Field Track, these feature sprint and long distance races as well as a long jump competition. rochesterrunningclub.org
SUNDAY
MINDFULNESS MEANDER. Meet at the nature center for a mindfulness meander through Oxbow Park. This naturalistguided walk allows you to learn about nature’s positive impact on your body and mind. olmstedcounty.gov, 507-328-7340
FRIDAY
OPENING NIGHT (RANGER)!
Celebrate 40 years of Night Ranger (“Sister Christian,” “Rock in America,” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”) at Canterbury Park’s first Concerts in the Park series show of the season. tickets.canterburypark. com, 952-445-7223
WEDNESDAY
STALAGMITES AND STALACTITES. Spring Valley Public Library is hosting a park ranger from Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to answer all your cave questions! Learn about the 400+ caves in SE Minnesota, the creatures who call them home, and the unique geology that makes them possible. springvalley.lib. mn.us, 507-346-2100
SATURDAY
TAKE A BIRDSONG WALK.
Chester Woods offers various park programs throughout the summer (June 15, July 17 & 22), and they kick off with the Birdsong Walk, which will focus on learning many of the songs and calls of the local breeding birds. olmstedcounty.gov, 507-328-6000
THURSDAY
RAISE GREENS ON THE GREEN.
It’s the 2nd annual Fore the Kids golf scramble held at Oak Summit Golf Course. Enjoy a day on the course, brunch and dinner, and the knowledge that you’re helping raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. bgclubroch.org, 507-287-2300
SUNDAY
CHEESE! Stop by the Pine Island Cheese Festival to stock up on cheeses hard and soft, grab a bite from one of the food vendors, and catch the Cheese Festival Grand Parade. There is a community hymn sing for the more musical cheese enthusiasts. pineislandcheesefestival.com, 507-356-3378
FRIDAY
A RAISIN IN THE SUN.
It’s opening night of A Raisin in the Sun at the Rochester Repertory Theatre. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side, the play deals with issues of race, poverty, and assimilation. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
MONDAY
HOLE IN FUN! Tee up at Somerby Golf Club for a day of putting greens and raising green at their “On the Tee” with ABC event. This fundraiser supports Rochester ABC (Ability Building Community). abcinc.org, 507-281-6262
SATURDAY
OKTOBERFEST’S LITTLE SISTER. It’s Frülingsfest (Springfest for non-German speakers) at LTS Brewing. There will be food trucks (Taco Jed, Smash-It Burgers, and The Wandering Scoop), music (Side Two), and beer (lots!). ltsbrewing.com, 226-8280
MONDAY
RAISE SOME FUN! Rochester’s longest running charity golf fundraiser is in its 45th 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, 507-775-3700
TUESDAY
CAST CABARET. John Marshall
students Ali Janssen and River Clare wrote a musical based on the novel Crown of Coral and Pearl (which will be performed at the Rochester Repertory Theatre earlier this month). Janssen, Clare, and cast members will be at Forager Brewery to perform songs from the musical. foragerbrewery.com, 507-258-7490
WEDNESDAY
BASEBALL, OLD-SCHOOL. The Rochester Royals, the city’s townball team, duke it out against the Red Wing Aces at Mayo Field. Grab some Cracker Jacks and root, root, root for the home team! rochesterroyals.teams.mnbaseball.org
The History Center of Olmsted County hosts Don Bocherding, a retired professional surveyor, to present on the township surveys of Olmsted County. See how the county’s boundaries and resources changed throughout the years. olmstedhistory.com, 507-282-9447
June 1st to August 31st Featuring All Your Favorites at One Stop
The Mantorville Theatre Company
She Aspired to Greater Things or Up the River Without Opera House. This melodrama gambling, marriage proposals! mantorvilletheatrecompany.com,
SATURDAY
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION.
Monday is Juneteenth, a day celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people, established in Texas in 1865. Join the 18th Annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Rochester branch of the NAACP in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Games, music, and Juneteenth history. naacprochestermn.org
WEDNESDAY
MISS MINNESOTA. It’s day one of the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Competition, which provides scholarships to some of Minnesota’s best, brightest, and most talented young women. Join us at Treasure Island for the preliminaries (June 21 and 22) and the finale (June 23)! ticasino.com, 800-222-7077
THURSDAY
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. 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
SUNDAY
Rochesterfest, a 9-day festival celebrating Rochester and its citizens, is underway! Housed at Soldiers Field, Rochesterfest is full of food vendors, activities, and live entertainment. rochesterfest.com, 507-285-8769
MONDAY
ROUGH AND TUMBLE HARMONY. The Rough and Tumble are at the Gonda Building for a free concert as part of the Harmony for Mayo Program. Friends-turned-bandmatesturned spouses Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler are known for their Americana sound and instruments from guitar to accordion to nose flute. choralartsensemble.org
TUESDAY
“ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE”
It’s the first day of the 20th annual Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona. Catch an early performance of As You Like It today or performances of this year’s other shows (Imbroglio and The Winter’s Tale) through the end of July. grsf.org, 507-474-7900
Mantorville celebrates its Victorianera creation (1853 to be exact) with some historic fun (and costumes) in their 3-day long Stagecoach Days. Live music at the Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest! Ax throwing! Stagecoach rides (Saturday and Sunday)! mantorville.com, 507-635-5170
SATURDAY
THE GOOD OL’ DAYS. It’s the 42nd Gammal Dag (good ol’ days for you non-Scandinavians) festival in Peterson. Watch artists make (or try your hand at) traditional Scandinavian folk art including wool spinning, kubbestols (log chair carving), and psaligrafi (paper cutting). gammeldag.com
SUNDAY
LAKE PEPIN’S CLAIM TO FAME. It’s the 51st Annual Water Ski Days in Lake City, celebrating Ralph Samuelson’s invention of water skiing on Lake Pepin over 100 years ago! This 4-day event has water ski shows, a grand parade, concerts, and lots of food trucks! lakecity.org, 651-345-4123
MONDAY ART FAIR. Minneapolis-based artist Rohan Ganu presents Ja-tra: A Feeling At The Beginning Of Time at the Rochester Art Center. Ja-tra is the pronunciation of a Marathi word meaning village fair, and Ganu’s exhibit embodies the spirit of a fair at night, a confusing, overwhelming, and beautiful experience. rochesterartcenter.org
TUESDAY
THERE’S A NEW CLUB IN TOWN ... A new Rochester football club in the United Soccer League, that is! The women’s Rochester Football Club, a pre-professional team, face off against the Chicago City Soccer Club at RCTC Regional Stadium. rochester-fc.com, 507-884-1471
WEDNESDAY
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT(BALL) FORWARD. Can’t get enough football? The Med City Football Club, Rochester’s male minor league soccer team, takes on the Duluth Football Club. These games, touted as “90 minutes of mayhem,” take place at RCTC’s Rochester Regional Stadium. medcityfc.com
THURSDAY
TGIT. Thursdays Downtown is a weekly celebration of everything Rochester: Shop local businesses, sample local food, and jam to local music (tonight includes Chester Bay and Unicorn). This free city gathering spans 1st Ave NW and SW, Peace Plaza, and 3rd Street SW. downtownrochestermn.com, 507-216-9882
FRIDAY
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL
GAME. Take a road trip over to Mankato to watch the Rochester Honkers, the city’s Northwoods League baseball team, take on the Mankato Mud Puppies. Make a day of it and head over to Minneopa State Park to get a hike in (and enjoy the summer sun) before the game. northwoodsleague.com, 507-289-1170
Professional Theater in America’s Heartland - Osage, Iowa
Adult Tickets $25, Child Tickets $10
Season
Season
Discount for Season Tickets to all 4 Broadway Musicals
Tickets: -
Tickets:
June 15 - June 25
July 21
July 21
July 6 - July 23July 27 - August 6
July 6 - July 23July 27 - August 6
Visit cedarsummerstock.org for details on purchasing tickets
SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH TO SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH
This 9-day “Celebration of a City” features over 20 events including: Treasure Hunt, Live Music All Day& Night, 2 Family Fun Nights, Sports Night, TGIF Bash, Grand Parade Saturday June 24th.
July 6 - July 23July 27 - August 6
July 6 - July 23July 27 - August 6
a devilishly clever thriller by Ira Levin trap playing now through Aug. 19 BOGO SPECIAL!
Buy one regularly priced ticket, get one FREE!
Scan code for details. (800) 657-7025
Plus event partnerships with 20 different community groups, non-profits and organizations. 28 different food vendors, cold beer and tons of fun at Soldiers Field Park. Sponsors: T-Mobile, Winona State University, Mayo, OMC, Pannekoeken, RDA, City of Rochester, KAAL, Treasure Island, Rochester Elks.
For a full list of events scan code or visit Rochesterfest.com.
Ashley for the Arts • August 10-12
Supporting70+ non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities and medical research.
Featuring an art & craft fair, family fun zone, lumberjack show, street performers, local and school band performances, food vendors, fireworks, a glow run and world-class entertainment including OneRepublic, REO Speedwagon, Jake Owen, Tyler Hubbard, Trace Adkins, Walk the Moon and more!
Memorial Park in Arcadia, WI • ashleyforthearts.com
Summer Theatre
Rainbow Fish
Performances: June 16, 23, 30 at 7pm
Moana
Performances: July 21 & 22, Aug. 4 & 5
Tickets Online at: RochesterCivicTheatre.org or call 507-282-8481
SATURDAY
BEERS AND BANDS. It’s the 9th annual Picks n’ Pints festival at Kinney Creek Brewery. This outdoor event has beer, games, and performances from local artists including Tim Dallman, The Double Down Daredevils, and Orchid Jane. kinneycreekbrewery.com, 507-282-2739
THURSDAY SERIAL DATER OR SERIAL KILLER? Described as “’Murder She Wrote’ meets ‘Sex and the City!’” Women in Jeopardy! is the middle-aged sleuthing show of the summer. Catch a special preview of this show (opening night is tomorrow) at Commonweal Theatre. commonwealtheatre.org, 800-657-7025
SUNDAY THOSE AREN’T BRACELETS, THEY’RE BANDS! Visit Quarry Hill Nature Center to learn why some birds have colorful bands on their ankles, and what researchers do with the information those bands help generate. qhnc.org, 507-328-3950
FRIDAY COUNTRY IN THE CITY. Lorrie Morgan’s long and storied career, which includes 18 albums, a Country Music Award album of the year, and 14 top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (“Five Minutes,” “What Part of No,” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”), brings her to Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040
TUESDAY MASTER GARDENER. Summer is the perfect time to renovate your landscaping, and Julie Weisenhorn is the perfect person to tell you how to do it! See her at the Olmsted County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting at the Heintz Center (or virtually). extension.umn.edu, 507-328-6214
WEDNESDAY GOOD OLD FASHIONED BASEBALL. The Rochester Roadrunners, one of the two Rochester baseball teams in the Twin Rivers League, play against the Stewartville-Racine Sharks at Mayo Field. Keep an eye, and a glove, out for foul balls! You may also see a broken bat or two ... it’s old school wooden bat baseball. Rochesterroyals.teams. mnbaseball.org
MONDAY
GET YOUR GROOVE ON.
Stewartville’s Summerfest hosts their Summerfest Dance at Bear Cave Park with food trucks, beer garden, and two great bands. Bust a move to oldies from Rochester’s own cover band LP and the 45s and more modern songs from Minneapolisbased group Some Sh!tty Cover Band” stewartvillechamber.com, 507-533-6006
SATURDAY
A GOOD KNIGHT FOR CHESS.
It’s day one of the two-day Rochester Chess Open. Held at the Mayo Civic Center, players of all skill levels (even newcomers!) compete in various classes (Open, Amateur, Reserve, and Bantam). rochesterchess.com, 507-254-6809
TUESDAY
FIREWORKS! Silver Lake Park hosts fireworks every year after dark. Come early for music (and a great seat).
WEDNESDAY IN SEASON. Held at Graham Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer, the Rochester Farmers Market promotes local farms and in-season items from around the state (flowers from Jenny’s Greenhouse, honey from The Bee Shed, and bison from Buffalo Hills Bison). rochfarmmkt.org, 507-273-8232
SUNDAY
HEAR THE “HEART IN A BLENDER” SONG! Eve 6, the pop-punk band who scored one of the biggest modern rock hits of the 1990s with “Inside Out,” kicks off the Down by the Riverside Concert Series. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets down to Mayo Park! rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
MONDAY
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 for their Summer High Ropes Challenge. eaglebluffmn.org, 507-467-2437
THURSDAY
RUSHFORD DAYS is in full swing today with a beer, wine, and cheese tasting for adults and a teen dance for middle and high school students. Plus music by The Dweebs, a pedal tractor pull for kids, a trap shooting competition, a car show, a parade, and more. rushforddays.com, 507-450-9009
FRIDAY
AFRICAN SING ALONG. Siama grew up in Bas-Congo (located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), where he began playing soukous, a genre of music known for its guitar improvisation and upbeat rhythms. He will be at the West Concord Public Library to lead kids and families in an African sing-along. westconcord.lib. mn.us, 507-527-2031
SATURDAY
DIRT ROAD RIDING. It’s the Spring Creek National, round 7 of the Motocross National Series, at Millville’s Spring Creek Motocross Park. This event features races for motocross riders in the 450 and 250 classes. Watch racers spray dirt, climb hills, and fight for first! promotocross.com, 304-284-0084
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WEEKEND CAMPING & VIP TICKET OPTIONS AVAILABLE BREWS & EATS, FAN ZONE, KIDS’ STUFF, PRO RACING, MOTO HERO AWARD
6 AM GATES OPEN
8 AM - 11 AM QUALIFYING
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OR AT PROMOTOCROSS.COM GET TICKETS
June 10 with
MATCHBOX TWENTY
HUDSON THAMES
July 21
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
September 16 and 2023
JASON ALDEAN
August 19 with STAIND
MITCHELL TENPENNY, COREY KENT & DEE JAY SILVER
September 9
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES CAAMP
SUNDAY
FINGERPICKIN’ GOOD. Charlie Parr brings his American country blues to Down by the Riverside. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets down to Mayo Park to enjoy his “incredible fingerpicking on his guitar and banjo.” Opener: The Walking Beat! rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
MONDAY BECOME A SPELUNKER. Head down to Harmony and see Minnesota from an entirely different side ... the inside. Niagara Cave’s tours highlight stalactites, 400-million-year-old fossils, and that 60-foot-high namesake waterfall. niagaracave.com, 507-886-6606
TUESDAY
FIND YOUR NEXT FAVORITE
BOOK. It’s the Cover 2 Cover Book Club at the Rochester Public Library. This month’s read, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, follows the story of Dana, a Black woman living in California in 1976 who travels back in time to a plantation in 19th-century Maryland. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
WEDNESDAY ON BROADWAY (NO, NOT THAT BROADWAY)! It’s the second in this summer’s Wednesdays on Broadway in Spring Valley. This free community event has arts and crafts, food vendors, a summer market, and live music from Bourbon Stiletto. springvalleyeda.org, 612-327-9729
THURSDAY IT’LL BE A (BAVARIAN) BLAST!
Held in New Ulm, the Bavarian Blast is a celebration of German music, food, beer, and dancing. With performances by Heidi and Good Ol’ Boys, Fabulous Armadillos, and Mick Sterling’s musical tribute to Huey Lewis. The fest runs through Sunday. bavarianblast.com, 888-463-9856
FRIDAY
MAKE THIS YOUR NEW “TRADITION.” Fiddler on the Roof Jr., a mini-musical featuring local school-age kids, will bring the village of Anatevka to the Dakota Middle School auditorium. “Tradition”; “If I Were A Rich Man”; and “Sunrise, Sunset”! rochesterce.org.
SATURDAY BLUES, BARBECUE, & BEER. LTS Brewing hosts Blues & Barbecue, an event with, well, blues and barbecue. Grab some Texas-style BBQ from Smoak, hear jazz standards and more modern R&B songs from 4-piece jazz band Madison Parish Ensemble, and grab a beer or two. ltsbrewing.com, 507226-8280
SUNDAY
IT’S (FREE) COUNTRY. Avery
Anna, “a young and talented country singer/songwriter with music everyone needs to listen to” plays at Down by the Riverside. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets down to Mayo Park to hear “Narcissist” and more! rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
MONDAY
CHRISTMAS? IN JULY?
Don your sunburned Santa getup (Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, Santa hats) and tee up at Salvation Army’s Golf for Good: Christmas in July Tournament. This tourney, held at Willow Creek Golf Course, helps support The Salvation Army.. donate. salvationarmynorth.org
TUESDAY CALLITHUMP (NOUN): A NOISY BAND OR PARADE. The Great River Shakespeare Festival hosts 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. grsf.org, 507-474-7900
WEDNESDAY
MINI DONUTS AND FERRIS WHEELS! It’s day three of the Olmsted County Fair! Buy a carnival wristband to go on unlimited rides, then fill up on fried foods, and stop by the entertainment tent for, well ... entertainment! olmstedcountyfair. com, 507-932-3074
THURSDAY
I AND YOU. It’s the opening night of I and You at the Rochester Repertory Theatre. Anthony, the star of the high school basketball team, has a problem. He has a project due on a book he hasn’t read and his only chance at success is Caroline, his chronically ill classmate who hasn’t been at school for months. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
FRIDAY
DUELING PIANOS. What’s better than one pianist? How about two! The Dueling Pianos show, held at Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery in Spring Valley, features two pianists who take requests, tell jokes, and tinkle some grand piano ivory keys. fourdaughtersvineyard.com, 507-346-7300
SATURDAY THE NEXUS OF WELL-BEING AND ART. Enjoy a guided tour of The Nexus of Well-Being and Art, by the exhibit’s artist Anne Labovitz. Tomorrow is the last day of the exhibit, so make sure you stop by the Rochester Art Center to see it before it goes. rochesterartcenter.org
SUNDAY OH, YOU’LL KNOW THE SONGS. Killer cover act Vanilla Fudge plays at Down by the Riverside at Mayo Park. rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
MONDAY CLIMB STEPS. The view from the 110-foot-high Elba Fire Tower is worth the climb: a 364-wooden-step trail to the 110 feet of tower stairs. dnr. state.mn.us, 651-296-6157
Rochester Community Education presents
Friday, July 21
7 PM
Dakota Middle School
Featuring Rochester area students in grades 3-12.
Seating is first come, first served.
August 18-20
Cruise the Mississippi MAY THROUGH
• 3-Hour and 1.5-Hour Lunch Cruises
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Pizza Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Brunch Cruises
lacrossequeen.com
405 E. Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI
(608) 784-8523
info@lacrossequeen.com
Sleepy Eye Brewing Co. Little Crow Ski ShowBack by popular demand... FRIDAY AUGUST 11th Happy Hour with Timmy Haus SEPTEMBER 16th LIVE MUSIC Featuring My Famous Friends PLUS MORE FUN! IV Play • Mallrats • A Hard Day’s Night • Sugar Buzz • Pesky Kids • 70’s Magic Sunshine Band • Shufflecats The Band That Fell to Earth • Timmy Haus • My Famous Friends • Bruce & Tiki D ... And more! Stone Temple Pilots • Rick Springfield • Gin Blossoms • Spin Doctors Honeymoon Suite • Hairball • Vixen • ThundHerStruck Badfinger • Johnny O’Neil • Mountain Ash Life is Always Better at Walker, MN It’s Our Happy Place! 32 Below Mason Dixon Line Plus more entertainment! CAMPGROUND PARTY JUNE 16-17 Country Thursday Night Moondance is Hosting Blonde & the Bohunk Everybody Welcome!!! Featuring FREE PRE-PARTY JUNE 15 ROCK’N ROLL EVENT OF THE SUMMER JULY 20-22
For Tickets and Camping Order Online at MoondanceEvents.net or By Calling 218-836-1055
Dueling Pianos
2023 Bear Cave Summer Concert Series
JOIN US FOR GREAT MUSIC, CONCESSIONS / FOOD TRUCKS, BOOTHS, AND MORE!
Free Concerts Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Outside Food & Beverage is acceptable. Don’t forget your lawn chairs!
June 7 FABBAulous
June 14 Incognito
June 21 Old Country Boys
June 28 In The Fields
July 12 The Gopher Tones
July 19 Cosmic Orphan
July 26 Lp & the 45’s
August 2 Nite Shift
Bear Cave Amphitheater
800 10th ST NW, Stewartville
GALLERY TOUR WITH ANNE LABOVITZ
July 29 & 30 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Free with admission: $5 Adults, $3 Seniors & Military. Free for ages 21 & Under. Members are always free.
Event information: www.rochesterartcenter.org/programs
Join the Rochester Rep for the poignant comedy I and You.
July 27th – August 6th.
About the Show: One afternoon, Anthony arrives unexpectedly at Caroline’s door bearing an urgent assignment. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn’t been to school in months. As these two let down their guards and share their secrets, this seemingly mundane poetry project unlocks a much deeper mystery that has brought them together.
For Tickets: www.RochesterRep.org
TUESDAY
READ ON THE GO. The Rochester Public Library’s Bookmobile makes stops 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
SUNDAY STILL EN VOGUE. 90’s R&B/soul/ funk/pop staple En Vogue brings their hitlist to Down by the Riverside. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets down to Mayo Park to hear “Hold On”; “Whatta Man”; and, oh, “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It).” rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
WEDNESDAY NITE SHIFT, CLOSING. Summer is coming to a close and so is the Bear Cave Summer Concert Series in Stewartville. The season closes out with Nite Shift performing covers of songs from classic to contemporary rock (their cover of “Dirty Deeds” is our personal favorite!). stewartvillechamber. com, 507-533-6006
MONDAY TODAY IS PURPLE HEART DAY. Honor that at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, one of Rochester’s great monuments. Take time to read the Memorial’s Wall of Remembrance and take the Walk of Remembrance, made up of roughly 6,000 pavers honoring U.S. veterans and allies. soldiersfieldmemorial.org
THURSDAY
IS THIS THING ON? The mic is hot and the drinks are, too—it’s open mic night at Cafe Steam. Whether you’ve got originals or covers, poetry or songs, a guitar or just yourself, everyone is invited to perform. steam.coffee, 507-208-4160
TUESDAY
SEE SOME RACIN’! Deer Creek Speedway, in Spring Valley, hosts the 32nd Annual Harris Class, with IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Mods tearing around the dirt track. deercreekspeedway.com
FRIDAY
IT’LL BE A HOOT. Celebrate International Owl Awareness Day with free admission to Houston’s International Owl Center. Meet the Center’s owl ambassadors (of the Great Horned, Burrowing, and Screech varieties), register to win door prizes, and attend a program (or 6)! internationalowlcenter.org, 507-896-6957
SATURDAY 5
CURIOSITY EMPORIUM. The Friends of the Library are hosting a “Curiosity Emporium” in the Rochester Public Library’s atrium. This flea market features some of the most interesting, uncanny, and collectible items the library has amassed through the years. All proceeds benefit the Rochester Public Library! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
WEDNESDAY
PICK UP THIS MONTH’S Van Horn Public Library Book Club book of the month, Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. This novel, hailed as an early feminist work, follows wife and mother Edna whose desire for freedom and independence put her at odds with her more traditional husband. pineisland.lib.mn.us, 507-356-8558
THURSDAY ASHLEY FOR THE ARTS. REO
Speedwagon is at the Ashley for the Arts festival. What more could you ask for? Well, how about OneRepublic, Tyler Hubbard, Walk The Moon, and Raelynn? Oh, and even more bands, an old-timey circus, fireworks, and more (at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wis). 608-863-6700, ashleyforthearts.com
FRIDAY
GOODHUE COUNTY FAIR.
Bryan Anderson is at Goodhue County Fair with plenty of original country songs (check out his newest EP “Anywhere but Here” for a sneak peek). Don’t miss the rest of the week’s festivities including lawnmower and demo derbies, lumberjack shows, and 4-H events. goodhuecountyfair.com, 507-732-5001
SATURDAY 76 TROMBONES (MORE OR LESS ... DEFINITELY LESS).
The 56th annual Western Days parade and concert features the Chatfield Brass Band. Check out the “Best of the Midwest” horse pull, the flea market, and the classic car, truck, and antique motorcycle show. ci.chatfield.mn.us, 507-867-3870
SUNDAY
FROM THE ARTIST TO THE CIRCUMCENTER. Meet at “The Artist,” the big metal sculpture outside the Mayo Civic Center, to join the Rochester Art Center’s public art walking tour. An Art Center expert will take you on a journey through some of Rochester’s best outdoor art, ending with ”Circumcenter” (another big metal sculpture outside Mayo Civic Center)! rochesterartcenter.org
MONDAY FRESH AIR FITNESS. Join fellow Rochesterites in Central Park to enjoy the sunshine and a guided fitness class. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle! downtownrochestermn.com, 507-216-9882
TUESDAY SLOW IT DOWN. Assisi Heights’ “Mindfulness in Nature” walk isn’t the strenuous hike or fast-paced stroll you might be used to. Instead, this walk, guided by Minnesota Master Naturalist Loretta Mogan, urges you to slow down and take it all in. olmstedcounty.gov,
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Downtown Oronoco
Gold Rush Days
August 18-20
8am to 6pm - Friday & Saturday
8am to 2pm - Sunday
Antique Show & Flea Market
Vintage to Modern Collectables
Architectural Salvage
Vintage • Decorative Food Trucks • Car Show
5 miles north of Rochester on Hwy. 52
Oronoco
507-367-2111
• goldrushmn.com
August 3-6
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 “Next 2 Nothing” 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
Rochester Trolley & Tour Co.
Book Online Today!
507-421-0573 | rochestermntours.com
Get ready to experience the story of Rochester aboard our vintage trolleys with our amazing guides.
This is the ideal tour for first time visitors.
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Price: $40 Adults
$12 Children
Please see website for details.
Take a luxury vehicle through SE Minnesota’s gorgeous bluff country to visit a trio of wineries.
This region is a rising star in the wine world.
Duration: 5.5 Hours
Price: $115 Adults
Please see website for details.
WEDNESDAY
IT WILL BE FABBAULOUS.
Celebrate 11 years of Berne WoodFired Pizza with Brewfest! Lost in Austin opens up for Rochester-based ABBA tribute band fABBAulous. Grab a slice of ‘za and hear hits including “SOS,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Dancing Queen.” (Bring chairs and plates). bernepizza.org
MONDAY
BE GLAD(IOLUS). Celebrate Carl Fischer, an innovative florist responsible for many of the varieties of gladioli we see today. He also planted beautiful (looking and smelling) gladiolus fields in St. Charles. Come for the floristcentric history, stay for the parade. stcharlesmn.org, 507-932-3020
THURSDAY
BLUEGRASS, BLUEGRASS, AND MORE BLUEGRASS! The 31st annual Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Festival features performances by the Paul Family, Janine Sherry, Kevin Prater—and that’s just today! Bring your instrument for the chance to “jam” with bluegrass enthusiasts. semba.tv, 507-864-8109
TIcasino.com | 1-800-222-7077
FRIDAY
THE HOG DAYS OF SUMMER.
It’s the first day of the second annual Sleepy Eye Summerfest Weekend, so get ready for a classic car and cycle cruise, a street dance, and pork chops galore! There’s also a parade on Saturday! sleepyeyesummerfest. com, 507-794-4731
SATURDAY HIGHWAY DESPERADO.
Jason Aldean brings his Highway Desperado tour to Treasure Island. This show features hits including “If I Didn’t Love You,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “Got What I Got.” ticasino.com, 800-222-7077
SUNDAY
GO FOR THE GOLD. Get double the deals today with two Gold Rush antique shows. Hit the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days (Aug. 1820). Then head to the Olmsted County Fairgrounds for the Olmsted County Gold Rush (Aug. 18-20). goldrushmn. com, townsendshows.com
SATURDAY
BOB AND WEAVE. Autocross is like an obstacle course for your car—take tight turns, weave in and around cones, and race against the clock. You can watch (or try your hand at) autocross in the High Octane Challenge held in the RCTC parking lot (don’t forget a helmet!). allevents. in/rochester/high-octanechallenge/200024122166619
TUESDAY
K-9 TIME! The Rochester Police Department hosts six Safe City Nights, with demos from RPD, Rochester Fire Department, Rochester Public Works (“sewer demonstrations”!), and the K-9 team. Tonight’s event is at Watson Field. rochestermn.gov/ government/departments/police, 507-328-6800
WEDNESDAY REN FEST (IN SONG FORM).
It’s the second-to-last show in the forWARD Neighborhood Park Concerts series. Head to White Oaks Park to hear Loreweavers, a band hailed as “reminiscent of a Renaissance fair” that incorporates traditional Irish instruments (the uilleann pipes, bodhrán, and accordion). rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2900
SUNDAY HEY BATTER-BATTER SWING!
The Roosters—the city’s old-timey base ball team—play against Brooklyn and the Baltics in a double header. See base ball how it was meant to be played (in 1864, and spelled as two words, that is)! olmstedhistory.com, 507-282-9447
MONDAY
SING YOUR HEART OUT. Hit the risers with Med City Harmony, an adult a cappella choir featuring voices of all ranges and experience (you’ll be assigned a singing buddy to help you out). Held at the Masonic Center, this barbershop group will have you singing with joy (and in tune). medcityharmony.org
THURSDAY GET TOGETHER at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. 500,000 corn dogs. 25,000 gallons of milk. 200,000 people (hopefully) per day. Today’s the first day of the Minnesota State Fair (Aug. 24-Sept. 4). mnstatefair.org.
TUESDAY
JERSEY BOYS. Jersey Boys, a jukebox musical, follows the journey of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from kids in New Jersey to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres show includes hits like “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “My Eyes Adored You.” chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525
FRIDAY
DON’T STOP THINKIN’ ABOUT THIS CONCERT. Rumours & Dreams: The Music of Fleetwood Mac is back at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Three accomplished singers backed by a six-piece ensemble perform Fleetwood Mac hits including “Rhiannon,” “Don’t Stop Thinkin’ About Tomorrow,” and “Little Lies.” chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525
WEDNESDAY
LOCAL TRIVIA. Little Thistle hosts Wednesday trivia ... and tonight includes trivia from the PB. littlethistlebeer.com, 507-226-8014
THURSDAY
MISSISSIPPI SIPPIN’. Food, drinks, and late gallery hours at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. mmam.org, 507-474-6626