Quarry Hill Fall Festival
Saturday September 12th from 11am-5pm at Quarry Hill
The Quarry Hill Fall Festival is Saturday, September 12th from 11am to 5pm at Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center in Rochester. Activities include nature games, eco-friendly crafts, candle rolling, cave tours, canoeing, rock climbing, pumpkin decorating and more. Hot dogs, popcorn and beverages are available. Admission to the festival is free. Food and activity tickets are available for purchase at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center and are used to help keep the center admission-free throughout the year and provide educational programs for all.
Rochester Chamber Music “Stars & Stripes: America 250”
Saturday September 12th at 7:30pm at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester
Rochester Chamber Music society is presenting Stars and Stripes: America 250! on Saturday, September 12th at 7:30 pm at Christ United Methodist Church. This fireworks-filled program will delight audiences with beloved tunes by American composers like: Gershwin, Joplin, Sousa, and more. There is no admission cost.
Gratitude, Grub & Gridiron Tailgate Party
Sunday Sept 13th starting at noon at EmPower Treatment Center
It’s a Border Battle on Sunday September 13th with Alpha and EmPower Treatment Center at 602 11th Ave NW in Rochester. Tailgating starts at noon with kickoff at 3:25. Come and enjoy a huge day of food, football, music, games & celebrate RECOVERY! This isn’t your average Sunday football party. It’s bringing families, friends, supporters and the entire community together to celebrate something bigger than football. You don’t have to be in recovery to join…just believe people deserve a place to belong.
Latino Fest 2026
Saturday September 19th from noon to 7pm in downtown Rochester
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at Latino Fest 2026 on Saturday, September 19th from noon to 7pm at the Chateau Theatre and Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester. This is a free, family-friendly event open to everyone. The year’s celebration will feature 13 food vendors offering a variety of Latino flavors, over 70 vendors and resource tables, live music and entertainment, cultural performances, a Chihuahua Fashion Show and more.
2026 Rochester Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday September 26th at Saint Mary’s University Rochester Campus at Cascade Meadows
The 2026 Rochester Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday September 26th at Saint Mary’s University Rochester Campus at Cascade Meadows. Registration begins at 9am, there’s a ceremony at 10 and the walk follows. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each representing their personal connection to the disease. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease
Dogs Downtown
Saturday September 26th from 11am-3pm at Central Park in Downtown Rochester
Dogs Downtown returns Saturday, September 26th from 11am to 3pm at Central Park in Downtown Rochester. This free, canine-centric event is a day of fun for the whole family – especially the four-legged members! Dogs and humans can enjoy crafts, games, activities and giveaways throughout the afternoon. Whether your dog is a social butterfly, future therapy dog or just likes treats, Dogs Downtown is a chance to meet other pups and enjoy an afternoon together. It’s free and open to the public.
Suicide Prevention “Out of the Darkness” Walk
Saturday October 3rd at Soldiers Field Park
The “Out of the Darkness” Walk for Suicide Prevention takes place on October 3rd at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. Check in is at 9am and the event begins at 10. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across MN.
Saturday Farmers Market
Saturdays (thru Oct 31) from 7:30-Noon at Graham Park
The Saturday Farmers Market is Rochester’s oldest growers-only farmers market. It takes place every Saturday (thru Oct 31), from 7:30am to noon at Graham Park at 35 Fairgrounds Avenue SE. Check out items from local farmers and producers each week, rain or shine.
Outdoor Public Art Tour
Sundays at 1pm at Rochester Art Center
The Rochester Art Center invites you to take part in their Outdoor Public Art Tour, every Sunday (thru Oct 25). Tours begin at 1pm at the museum’s main entrance, Door 23 of Mayo Civic Center and continue along a paved path across the Zumbro River. You’ll learn about Rochester’s innovative Art-4-Trails progam and see hidden gems by exceptional artists along the way. No reservation is required and the tour is free and open to everyone. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
Historic Mayowood Tours
Various times thru Oct 21 (see website)
Step into history at Mayowood. Built in 1910 by Dr. Charlie Mayo and his wife Edith, this 38-room home is largely furnished as it was during the family’s time there. Each year, thousands of visitors come to Historic Mayowood to experience its stories, architecture, and beautiful setting. You can take a guided tour with knowledgeable guides…hear engaging stories and see original family artifacts that bring the family’s legacy of medicine, service and hospitality to life.
Chatfield Education Foundation’s 4th Annual Live & Silent Auction
Event is Sat Nov 21st
The Chatfield Education Foundation’s 4th Annual Live & Silent Auction Event is Saturday, November 21st at Joy Ridge Event Center in Chatfield. CEF id dedicated to advocating, promoting and funding initiatives to enrich educational experiences for Chatfield students. They are currently seeking donations for their live and silent auction. Examples include: gift certificates, event tickets, experience packages, merchandise baskets, professional services and even monetary contributions. All donors will be recognized for helping make a difference in the lives of our students. You can drop off at First National Bank in Chatfield or Fountain any time before Nov 1.
Non-Profit Wrench
On-going
Over the past year, Non-Profit Wrench has helped over 300 local families stay safe, mobile and independent. When a car won’t start or snow traps someone at home, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a crisis for families already on the edge. Their work is 100% funded by donations and local business partnerships. As the year comes to a close, please consider a one-time or monthly gift.
Mayo Clinic Blood Center
The Mayo Clinic Blood Center is in need of life saving blood product. If you are healthy and well you can help. Schedule your appointment today they are open Mon-Friday 6:00am to 4:30pm call 284-4475. Donate blood. Save lives.
The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester
The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is an out-of-school program that empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members. Their membership is open to youth from K to Grade 12.
The Landing MN
Volunteer Opportunities
The Landing MN strives to create opportunities for our community to become involved and serve those facing homelessness. They are excited to welcome volunteers to serve alongside our team and give back to those in need.
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