Summer is a great time to get together and celebrate, and many cities across this great state are getting into the spirit (like St. Louis Park). In fact, this weekend marks the kickoff of the 30th annual Rochesterfest in Rochester, Minn. (June 15-24).
The summer celebration has something for everyone, from the Treasure Hunt for a medallion hidden somewhere within city limits to the Grand Parade (June 22) to the Rochester Has Talent show (June 23).
Photo By Bob Brown
Yep, the jam-packed schedule features an array of events. There’s the grand opening of the new Rochester Art Center lounge (June 15), the Rochesterfest IHN bed race (June 16), the Rochesterfest Triathlon (June 17), the PossAbilities Ice Cream Social (June 18), Family Fun Night (June 20), a water ski show (June 23), and the 1860s baseball game (June 24). You might also enjoy Hambone Music Festival at the History Center of Olmsted County (June 15 & 16), Segway tours (June 15-17 and 22-24) and Words Players Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park performance of As You Like It (June 14-24).
Tip: Some events are free, others have a cost. Rochesterfest buttons cost $5 (available at various locations across the city). Buttons get you discounts at many Rochesterfest events.
Food vendors and live music will also add to the Rochesterfest experience by the Civic Center midday during the week (June 18-22). Dine on pizza, cheese curds, mini donuts, quesadillas, pork chops, chocolate-covered cheese cake on a stick, gyros, hamburgers, chicken wraps, turkey legs, malts, and more. Listen to bluegrass, Irish folk music, a Hawaiian drum group, jazz music, and other talents.
While Rochesterfest might be your excuse for visiting the city at this time of year, Rochester has plenty more to offer. Check out Chrissy’s post on how Rochester is “So Much More than the Mayo” or read my post about the Mayowood mansion. The Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau can direct you to where to stay, shop, dine, and more.
