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Best Events in Rochester, Minnesota

Best Events in Rochester, Minnesota

If you're sitting around in Rochester, Minnesota, wondering, "What could I do today?" know it's likely that there's an exciting event around for you to attend. Residents of Rochester, MN, know how thrilling it is to visit the yearly activities hosted around town, but still, many people are unfamiliar with the traditions available to locals. Let's talk a little bit more about the yearly events that are hosted in Rochester. By the end, you'll be super familiar with some of the fun activities you can do with your friends and loved ones. Here are the best yearly events in Rochester, MN:

Olmsted County Fair

Late July is an exciting time of year for Rochester residents because the Olmsted County Fair is occurring. Each year, the fair is the place for residents to exhibit their livestock, homemade art projects, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other crops. If you live in Rochester, you know that the town is small, so residents love the fair because you can mingle with your neighbors, meet new people from out of town, and celebrate the community of Rochester. Also, there's always a carnival on site, which is pretty fun for people of all ages!

a ferris wheel at an amusement park with people on it

Holiday Craft and Gift Show

When the wintertime rolls around, it's time to start thinking about the holiday season and all the gifts you have to buy to satisfy the people on your list. At the Holiday Craft and Gift Show, you can get all your holiday shopping done because you'll find gifts for people of all ages on sale. This yearly festival is really special because a portion of the proceeds from each vendor are donated to a charity. This means that you will be doing well and getting in the charitable holiday spirit when you visit the Holiday Craft and Gift Show in Rochester.

Rochesterfest

We love Rochester, and you love Rochester. That said, everyone who has a soft spot for Rochester, MN, should visit Rochesterfest, which is a yearly festival that pays homage to the town. There is live music, great food, and one-of-a-kind buttons for sale that support the fair and give you access to special deals during the festival. The most exciting event of Rochesterfest is the yearly parade. When the parade is happening, you'll see floats from vendors all across town, and if you're lucky, you might even be able to participate in the parade yourself!

three women sitting on the grass in front of a crowd

Apollo Music Festival

At the end of the summer, Rochester is home to another music festival, the Apollo Music Festival, which is unique because it centers on acapella groups. Many different musical groups come to the Apollo Music Festival to perform—some of these groups hail from Rochester, and some of these groups hail from places outside town and the state of Minnesota at large. The fair is sponsored by the Minnesota State Arts Board, and if you attend, you'll get to see the talent of acapella singers from the area and beyond.

Picks n' Pints Music and Beer Fest

The Picks n' Pints Beer Fest has been celebrated for over ten years now. Just like the name suggests, at the Picks n' Pints Beer Fest, visitors will be able to drink great beer while listening to even better music. The date of the festival changes each year, but typically, it is hosted at the beginning of July and lasts from morning until night. Local restaurants in town often cater food at the Picks n' Pints Music and Beer Fest, so come on by to get a taste of what the restaurants and breweries in Rochester have to offer.

a group of people holding wine glasses

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Renaissance Festivals are located all over the United States, but the Renaissance Festival in Minnesota is the place to visit if you're a Ren Fair enthusiast or a newbie. Each year, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival comes to the state on multiple weekends. At the fair, you'll feel like you're transported back in time, as you'll see period dresses on display, knights on horses riding around, and so much more. Not only are there costume contests at the Renaissance Festival, but there are also great games, fest food, and shopping (there are plenty of talented artisans with booths at the fair).

Rochester Living Is Even Better When You're Living at the Heritage Manor Apartments

We have gone over some great events in Rochester, MN—even some holiday events in Rochester, MN! That said, if you're eager to attend some of these festivals in Rochester, MN, we encourage you to go. It's always a good time when you visit a fair in Rochester, MN, but remember that you'll have an even better time in Rochester when you live at our Heritage Manor Apartments. To learn more about the amenities and floor plans our apartments in Rochester have to offer, reach out to our team at the Heritage Manor Apartments.