Things to Do in Rochester, MN
Your complete guide to events, festivals, concerts, races, and community happenings in the Med City this May.
May is one of the best months in Rochester — spring is in full bloom, outdoor events are kicking off, and the city comes alive with marathons, music, festivals, and more. Here’s everything happening in and around Rochester, MN in May 2026, in chronological order.
EarthFest 2026
Rochester’s popular annual celebration of sustainability and the environment returns to Cascade Meadow. Enjoy live music, food trucks from Heimstead and others, an EV/e-bike showcase, Fix-It Clinic, guided wetland bird tours, native plant sales from Whitewater Gardens Farm, a Reuse Marketplace, seed bombs to take home, and kids’ sunflower planting.
Event Details →Martin Zellar: A Tribute to Neil Diamond
Local favorite Martin Zellar and his band take the Chateau stage with a full-night tribute to the iconic music of Neil Diamond. An intimate evening of crowd-favorite classics in a beautifully restored historic venue.
Get Tickets →Rochester SCHEELS Fish Fest
SCHEELS hosts their annual Fish Fest celebration — a fun community fishing event for all ages featuring family-friendly activities, giveaways, and a love of the outdoors. Great for kids just getting into fishing.
Learn More →Downtown Art Walk
The monthly Art Walk returns for May — a self-guided tour of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and event venues throughout Downtown Rochester. A free, walkable way to experience local art and explore downtown businesses.
Event Info →Americana Showcase – Songwriters in the Round
An intimate Songwriters in the Round style evening at the Chateau featuring original Americana artists sharing stories and songs. A unique format where multiple songwriters perform together, trading originals and collaborating in real time.
Get Tickets →32nd Annual Transportation Fair
A beloved Rochester tradition celebrating its 32nd year! Kids and families get up-close with firetrucks, police vehicles, school buses, construction equipment, trains, and more. Free admission makes this a go-to family outing for a Saturday morning in May.
Event Info →Rochester Symphony: Parisian Impressions
Join the Rochester Symphony woodwind quintet for an evening of music inspired by the vibrant artistic life of Paris. The program showcases works that embody the imagination and refinement of the French musical tradition — an elegant night of chamber music in the Chateau’s intimate setting.
Get Tickets →Sat–Sun
Med City Marathon – 30th Anniversary
Rochester’s biggest race weekend celebrates its 30th anniversary with a brand-new downtown finish line at Peace Plaza. Weekend events include a Boston Qualifier/USATF-certified Marathon, GPC Half Marathon, Altra 5K, Marathon Relay, GLK Kids Race, Med City Health & Fitness Expo (Sat, 2–7 PM at Chateau Theatre/Peace Plaza with live music by Loud Mouth Brass), and the Med City Block Party with live Midwest artists.
Register & Info →Rochester Pride 2026
Rochester’s annual Pride celebration brings the community together at Soldiers Field Park for a festive afternoon of music, vendors, speakers, and community connection. All are welcome at this free outdoor event celebrating inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community in the Med City.
Event Info →Three Dog Night with Ambrosia – Live at Mayo Civic Center
Classic rock legends Three Dog Night bring their unforgettable catalog — “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me,” “Shambala,” and more — to the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium, with opening act Ambrosia. A can’t-miss night for classic rock fans.
Get Tickets →Fri–Sat
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
A chilling immersive experience dedicated to the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Four of his most famous tales — reimagined by Poe historians — are paired with a 4-part cocktail experience crafted by the Chateau’s “macabre lead mixologist.” Atmospheric, theatrical, and unlike any other night out in Rochester.
Get Tickets →6th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Corvette Show
Corvette enthusiasts and car show fans gather for this Memorial Day weekend tradition. Dozens of Corvettes from across the region on display — a perfect casual morning outing before the long weekend kicks off.
Event Info →Memorial Day Ceremonies – Rochester
Rochester observes Memorial Day with ceremonies honoring fallen military heroes at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and area cemeteries. Ceremonies are typically organized by local veteran groups and American Legion posts. A solemn and meaningful way to mark the holiday.
City of Rochester →Rochester Honkers – Opening Night vs. Eau Claire Express
It’s Opening Night for the Rochester Honkers’ 32nd Northwoods League season — and the 80th year of baseball at historic Mayo Field! The first 1,000 fans receive a 2026 Magnet Schedule. The Eau Claire Express come to town for a two-game homestand to kick off the summer. Don’t miss this beloved Med City tradition.
Get Tickets →Rochester Honkers vs. Eau Claire Express – Game 2
The Honkers continue their home-opening series against the Eau Claire Express on Night 2 at Mayo Field. Summer baseball at one of the most storied ballparks in Northwoods League history — affordable, family-friendly, and loaded with between-inning entertainment.
Full Schedule →🎭 Quarry Hill Nature Center – Open Daily
Quarry Hill Nature Center (701 Silver Creek Rd NE) is free and open nearly every day of the year. Spring is a fantastic time to explore the trails, visit the live animal exhibits, and catch guided nature programs for kids and families. Check their program calendar for May hikes and educational events.
Visit Quarry Hill →🎨 Rochester Art Center – Open Exhibitions
The Rochester Art Center (40 Civic Center Dr SE) features rotating gallery exhibitions free to the public. Spring shows are up throughout May, including The Creative Studio drop-in sessions. A great downtown destination any day of the week.
Explore the RAC →📚 Rochester Public Library – Free Programs
Rochester Public Library hosts free events for all ages throughout May including story times, teen activities, and community programs. Check the library’s online calendar for the latest listings.
Library Events Calendar →🌿 Silver Lake Park & Soldiers Field Park – Free & Open
May is the perfect month to enjoy Rochester’s parks. Silver Lake Park and Soldiers Field offer paved trails, picnic areas, and open green space. The Zumbro River trail system through town is ideal for walking, biking, and watching spring bird migration.
Parks & Recreation →📅 Heads Up: Thursdays Downtown Starts June 11
Rochester’s beloved weekly summer street festival — Thursdays Downtown — kicks off June 11, 2026, running every Thursday through August 13 (except July 2). Food trucks, live music, local vendors, and Peace Plaza fun. Stay tuned for the full 2026 lineup!
Preview Thursdays Downtown →
