🌽 ROCHESTER’S HARVEST OF EVENTS 🌽
Your Guide to August & September 2025 in the Med City
🎪 THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN FINALE 🎪
Don’t miss the grand finale of Rochester’s most beloved summer tradition! Southern Minnesota’s largest street festival continues through August 14th with incredible live music, over 100 vendors, and delicious food from around the world!
Thursdays Downtown – Final Two Weeks!
Experience the magic of Southern Minnesota’s largest art, food, and music street festival for its final two weeks of the season! This FREE community celebration transforms downtown Rochester into a vibrant hub of activity from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. With over 100 artisan vendors, food trucks from across the region, and 54 bands performing throughout the summer, Thursdays Downtown draws nearly 100,000 visitors each season!
🍂 Welcome the Harvest Season! 🍂
September brings the perfect Minnesota weather, harvest celebrations, and the beginning of fall festivities. From Labor Day weekend fun to apple orchards opening their gates, Rochester is the place to be!
Labor Day Weekend Celebrations
Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with a weekend packed full of activities! Labor Day weekend in Rochester offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Visit local parks for family picnics, enjoy special sales downtown, and take advantage of the last warm days before fall truly arrives.
Rochester Farmers Market – Fall Harvest
Experience the bounty of Minnesota’s harvest season at the Rochester Farmers Market! As September arrives, the market transforms into a cornucopia of fall produce. Find the freshest corn, squash, pumpkins, apples, and late-season tomatoes. The market continues every Saturday from 7:30 AM to noon at Graham Park, rain or shine, featuring over 100 local vendors!
Apple Orchard Season Opens!
September marks the beginning of apple picking season in Southeast Minnesota! Multiple orchards within a short drive of Rochester open their gates for u-pick apples, wagon rides, corn mazes, and fall family fun. Enjoy crisp Minnesota apples straight from the tree, fresh apple cider, homemade apple pies, and scenic views of the changing leaves.
🎭 Rochester Civic Theatre Fall Season 🎭
The Rochester Civic Theatre launches its fall season in September with exciting productions including “Newsies the Musical” and more! Experience professional-quality theater in the heart of downtown Rochester. Check their schedule for showtimes and special events throughout the month.
Mayo Civic Center Events & Entertainment
The Mayo Civic Center continues to bring world-class entertainment to Rochester throughout September! From concerts and comedy shows to sporting events and conventions, there’s always something happening at this premier venue. Check their calendar for touring Broadway shows, popular musicians, and special events.
Rochester Art Center – Fall Exhibitions
The Rochester Art Center presents captivating fall exhibitions featuring local and regional artists. September brings new installations including “Primordial Shift” by glass artist Mick Meilahn (through September 28) and “Extraordinary Elsewhere” featuring international artists. Enjoy artist talks, workshops, and family art activities throughout the month.
High School Football & Fall Sports
September brings the excitement of Friday night lights as Rochester’s high school football teams take the field! Mayo, Century, and John Marshall high schools offer thrilling games under the lights. Plus, enjoy soccer, volleyball, cross country meets, and other fall sports throughout the month. Show your school spirit and support local student-athletes!
🍺 Craft Beer & Harvest Festivals 🍺
September is prime time for craft beer releases and harvest celebrations! Local breweries feature special fall releases including Oktoberfest beers, pumpkin ales, and harvest IPAs. Check out Forager Brewery, LTS Brewing, and Thesis Beer Project for seasonal releases and special events throughout the month.
Fall Colors & Outdoor Adventures
As the leaves begin to change, Rochester’s extensive park system becomes a photographer’s paradise! September offers perfect weather for hiking, biking, and exploring the 100+ miles of paved trails. Quarry Hill Nature Center offers guided hikes and nature programs, while Silver Lake provides scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities.
