Jul 2

Jul 2 Here are 10 things to do in Rochester this Fourth of July weekend

Fireworks will go off a day early for fans of the Rochester Honkers. The club is putting on the display following the team's exhibition with the Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch is Friday at 7:05 p.m. General admission tickets are $7 per person. Learn more.
Iowa native Chris Schlichting will headline two shows Friday at Goonie's Comedy Club. He will be joined by Minneapolis-based comedian Jon Wilson. There will be no shows on Saturday night. Learn more.

Take a trolley ride around the city for just $5. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company will debut its Saturday morning kids rides on the 4th. You can ride the 45 minute loop or "hop-off & hop-on" at four kid-friendly sites across Rochester. Learn more.
Stock up on some healthy snacks for your 4th of July festivities. The Rochester Farmers Market runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October. Some of the featured produce this week: strawberries, green beans, peas and kale. Learn more.

Join the Rochester Jaycees for their annual 4th of July Parade. Children are encouraged to bring their bikes, wagons and scooters. Make sure to wear your patriotic flare! Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Learn more.
Those who have protected the union for 239 years will be honored at an event Saturday afternoon at the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. There will be free food, music and a donation site for the Running Start for School program. Event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn more.
A group of volunteers are giving a Salute to the 4th with a block party near Silver Lake Park. The event runs from 10 a.m. to midnight and features a stacked music lineup, plus food and liquor vendors. The $5 admission will go toward next year's fireworks display. Kids under 12 are free (must be accompanied by an adult). Learn more.

The Commission, the group hosting the block party, is also sponsoring a BMX and skate contest and a car and motorcycle show.

The annual tradition of baseball on the 4th of July will continue at Mayo Field with a match-up between the Rochester Royals and the Minneapolis Angels. The game starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for kids and senior citizens. Fans can watch the fireworks from the field after the game. Learn more.
The sky will begin lighting up at 10 p.m. in Rochester for the annual fireworks celebration. The Rochester Concert Band will perform a free concert in tribute to the anniversary of our country's independence at the Silver Lake Park soccer field at 8:30 p.m. Learn more.
Itching to get out of town? Stewartville, Oronoco and St. Charles are holding 4th of July celebrations that include fireworks. Learn more.