Send summer out in style: Here are 7 events to check out this weekend in Rochester
Whether you enjoy live music, craft beer, flavorful food, or any combination thereof, the final Saturday of Rochester’s summer event calendar has something for you.
Here are some of the notable events happening in town:
Med City Art Festival
Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 1st Ave and 3rd Street downtown
This burgeoning festival will feature a diverse lineup of entertainment, from dance and music to improv comedy and poetry. Off stage, there will be art classes, demos and family activities like face painting. A number of downtown restaurants are also participating in the event.
Free to attend. More information here.
Dogs Downtown
Saturday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Peace Plaza
How about something for the pooches? This annual event from the Rochester Downtown Alliance features a range of activities — from ball pits to an agility course — along with nearly a dozen on-site vendors.
Free to attend. More information here.
Dogs Downtown / courtesy the RDA
Hootenanny at the History Center
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2 to 7 p.m., History Center of Olmsted County
Bring your picnic blankets and enjoy an afternoon of bluegrass music on the lawn. Featured performers include Root River Jam, Becky Schlegel, Luke Hendrickson and the Crop Circles. Food trucks will also be on hand.
Tickets are available online for $20 each.
Porchfest
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2:30 to 4:45 p.m., Kutzky Park Neighborhood
No stage is necessary for this annual event, in which various neighbors host performances right from their driveways or front steps. New this year: The Wandering Scoop will be making its way through the neighborhood.
Free to attend. More information here.
Porchfest in Kutzky Park / Med City Beat
The Night Market
Saturday, Sept. 18, 5 to 9 p.m., Mayo Civic Center Plaza & Rochester Art Center
This is your last chance this summer to check out the Night Market, a new event series featuring food, games, arts, and handmade products — with a strong emphasis on Asian and BIPOC vendors. The event is the brainchild of Tiffany Alexandria, of CHOO-CHOO-ca-CHEW, whose mission was to bring a staple of her native Taiwan to the Med City.
Foragerfest
Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Forager Brewery
This annual music, art, beer and food festival is among the most anticipated days of the year among craft beer enthusiasts — with people coming in from miles to wait in line for the release of limited edition brews. The free event also features a full day of live music and local vendors and artisans.
Free to attend. More information here.
Punktoberfest
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2 to 11 p.m., Thesis Beer Project
Across town, another local brewery is planning a full day of music. This first-time event, being put on in partnership with the Winona-based production studio Treedome, will feature seven different acts, including Vial, Faith Boblett, the Shackletons, Local Sports, and more.
Free to attend. More information here.
Editor’s note: Some events are strongly encouraging mask wearing, particularly in crowded settings. Check with the event organizer if you have additional questions about Covid-19 protocols.
Cover photo courtesy CHOOCHOO-ca-CHEW
