Stay active and engaged with a variety of events in Rochester. From art exhibitions and dance lessons to holiday celebrations and sports screenings, there's something for everyone.
Art and Culture
Exhibitions at Rochester Art Center
Explore captivating art exhibitions at the Rochester Art Center. Here are some of the exhibitions on view:
- "Face in Clouds, invisible ink": A solo exhibition by NYC-based artist Ryan Woodring, curated by Zoe Cinel. On view from September 13, 2025, to April 2026. The exhibition encompasses several recent bodies of work that proceed both literally and figuratively out of a reckoning with invisible illness.
- "Hard Copy": A solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Erin Smith, curated by Zoe Cinel. Exhibition on view from November 29, 2025, to August 2, 2026. Reception & Artist Spotlight Tour: November 29, 1 - 3:30 PM.
The Creative Studio at Rochester Art Center is a vibrant, hands-on space where visitors of all ages can dive into self-led art activities inspired by the exhibitions on view. It's open Fridays & Saturdays, 11 AM - 3:30 PM (September - May)*
Additionally, the Rochester Art Center presents "Hard Copy," a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Erin Smith.
Other Artistic Events
- Stained Glass Art - Weekly Workshop: Learn how to create beautiful works of art with stained glass. This hands-on class is the perfect introduction (or continuation) into the vibrant world of stained glass art.
- Cardboard Creations: Join every Tuesday at 6pm for creative fun. The last Tuesday of each month will feature themed trivia, general knowledge the rest of the month!
Community and Social Gatherings
Engage with your community through various events and gatherings:
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- Open Mic Night: Bring your instrument, voice, poetry, you name it, and showcase your talents! It's free and open to all ages.
- Meaningful Mornings: More than a networking event, it is a space where we can connect, exchange ideas, and grow together.
- Free Group Dance Lessons: Rochester Downtown Alliance is proud to bring FREE group dance lessons to Downtown on Monday evenings from 6-8pm in Peace Plaza!
- Poker & Chess Tournament at LTS: Join for a game night.
- Social Garage: Join for a safe, sober, and supportive night of fun and games at the Social Garage! This weekly event is built for anyone in recovery or choosing a substance-free lifestyle.
- Community Meal: Each Tuesday, the doors are open to provide an opportunity to get to know the neighbors by hosting a warm meal and offering fellowship to all. The meal is free of charge (donations gratefully accepted) and open to everyone!
Holiday and Seasonal Activities
Celebrate the holidays with festive events for all ages:
- Holiday LEGO® Build Event: Kids 12 and under can build a FREE Holiday LEGO® kit with SCHEELS associates!
- Holiday Gift Fair at 125 LIVE: Find unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, delicious treats, and holiday fun for all ages!
- Santa at Fleet Farm: Grab your family and join us for free pictures with Santa at Fleet Farm! Santa will be at our store in Rochester on December 7th from 10am to 1pm.
- Breakfast with Santa at North Stone Kitchen: Celebrate the season with an elevated holiday brunch experience featuring a chef-curated buffet, live music by The D'Sievers, and a festive meet-and-greet with Santa Claus!
- Cookie Classic: Enjoy a festive assortment of homemade holiday cookies, all while supporting Bear Creek Services!
- Hosanna Lutheran Christmas Bazaar: Benefitting Hosanna's foods pantries. Christmas crafts, baked goods and gently used Christmas Decorations will be available for sale!
- Holiday Fun Day at Chip Shots: Get ready for a full day of holiday cheer, good food, and nonstop fun! Jolly Jumpz Inflatables Take Over the Courts!
- Holiday Sing Along: Join Resounding Voices and get into the Christmas spirit with our annual Holiday Sing Along. Sing popular Christmas Carols and enjoy special readings and performances. Admission is free for this dementia-friendly event. Lyrics are provided!
- Wee Wednesdays: Decorate your very own “wee” Christmas tree with oodles of sparkly, bright trimmings. Enjoy a reading of Mr Willowby's Christmas Tree. Wee Wednesdays are designed for Pre-K-aged children. All classes include a hands-on activity, story, and treat. A $15 class fee covers supplies and snacks.
Happy Holidays from Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center
Sports and Fitness
Stay active with these sports and fitness activities:
- Adult Recess at Boundless: Stay warm and burn off some winter energy! Play basketball or pickleball in the gym for just $5 during your lunch break!
- Gentle Yoga Practice: Join our welcoming community for a gentle yoga practice designed to nurture your body and calm your mind.
- Glute Camp: This dynamic class focuses on strengthening and sculpting the glutes, core, and additional muscle groups for a well-rounded workout experience.
- Learn to Swim: Adult Group Swim Lessons: Participants will learn to become comfortable in the water and build a foundation for swimming. 8 am-8:50 am, Mondays, December 1, 8, 15 50-meter pool | 6 sessions.
Join us for live Premier League action and connect with fellow fans and interested viewers who share your passion for the beautiful game.
- PREMIER LEAGUE - Fulham vs.
- PREMIERE LEAGUE - Brentford vs.
Special Events
- Community Business Incubator Program Graduation: Celebrate the graduation of the fourth cohort of our Community Business Incubator Program! Join us for a morning of innovation, as each entrepreneur pitches their unique product or service and offers a quick demonstration.
- $5 5K: Join for our final $5 5K of the season in support of all three of our local high school charity campaigns! We're stepping it up a notch with a competition among schools to see who can raise the most! New this year: rolling start times.
- Pearl's 16th Birthday Celebration: Join us for FREE coffee and pastries to celebrate Pearl's 16th Birthday!
- Estate Planning Myths Debunked: In Estate Planning Myths Debunked, we’ll cut through the confusion and tackle the biggest misconceptions-especially the ones that trip up Minnesotans.
- Minnesota Permit to Carry Class: Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your Minnesota Permit to Carry, our Minnesota Firearms Course has you covered!
- Self-Care Mindset Workshop: Join Sarah Jerde to learn how to develop a self-care mindset to manage daily stress.
Weekly and Recurring Events
Take advantage of these regular events:
- Toddler Tuesday with Boundless: Every Tuesday in December, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, we’ll have toddler-focused toys, games, and activities to promote exercise, motor skills, and group fun.
- PB Trivia Night: The last Wednesday of EVERY month, Little Thistle has teamed up with the Post Bulletin and for PB Trivia Night!
- Gift Wrapping and Brews!: Every Sunday in November and December, we invite you to unwind with us while wrapping gifts for the holiday season!
- Craft-Tea Coffee | St.: Join us with your crafting project, whatever it may be 🙂 All drinks are 50% off from 4-6pm on Mondays for crafters, so enjoy a beverage as you work.
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