Downtown Rochester Stories

Experience the Magic of Castle Con: A Weekend of Tabletop Adventures!

Calling all gamers! Get ready to roll the dice, strategize, and immerse yourself in the ultimate tabletop board gaming event: Castle Con from January 24-26! Taking place in the heart of Downtown Rochester, this weekend-long extravaganza is a celebration of all things tabletop, offering fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.

Need plans for New Year’s Eve? 🎉 Downtown Rochester has something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to upscale celebrations. Here’s a guide to three exciting parties that will help you welcome 2025 in style!

Running out of time to finish your holiday shopping? With shipping delays and online orders cutting it too close, there’s no better solution than stepping into the charming stores of Downtown Rochester! These 10 last-minute gift ideas will have you ready to wrap and celebrate in no time!

The holiday season is here, and Downtown Rochester is brimming with gift-giving inspiration! Whether you’re shopping for your loved ones, friends, or colleagues, our charming downtown offers an array of unique finds. 

Shopping for the Rochester local in your life? Whether they’re lifelong residents or proud newcomer, a gift that celebrates their love for Rochester, MN is sure to delight. Here are five perfect gift ideas for anyone who loves calling Rochester home!

Finding the perfect gift for parents or in-laws can feel like a challenge, but Downtown Rochester makes it easy! At the east end of Peace Plaza, The Galleria at University Square offers an indoor shopping experience filled with unique stores and local eateries. Here are five ideas to make your holiday shopping a breeze for the older adults in your family!

This year, the Historic Chateau Theatre has put together an event lineup that ensures you have a holiday season to remember! From festive performances and markets to family-friendly activities, movies, and more, there's something for everyone at Your Chateau this holiday season. 

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, The Nordic Shop is a cornerstone of Scandinavian elegance and heritage, owned and operated by Walter and Louise Hanson for 50 years.

Winter is here, and there's OVER 100 things to do in Downtown Rochester this holiday season. Chase those winter blues away and get out and experience all that Downtown has to offer with your family and friends!  

Fall is upon us! We're experiencing lower temperatures, changing leaves and earlier sunsets. While activities are starting to move indoors, there's still tons to do in Downtown Rochester. 

In Downtown Rochester, ThaiPop has become a favorite spot for food lovers seeking authentic Thai cuisine with a creative twist.

Welcome to Hers, a women’s clothing and accessory boutique nestled in the heart of Rochester’s Galleria Downtown. Owned by Bruce and Brenda Dahlstrom, Hers offers a curated selection of stylish apparel, from fashion trends to timeless pieces.

Bravo Espresso has been a cornerstone of the local coffee scene since its doors first opened in 1991. As the oldest coffee shop in town, Bravo has seen the city grow and evolve, all while staying true to its roots—serving excellent coffee and heartfelt community spirit.

This weekend in Downtown Rochester is packed with entertainment, as two local theaters launch their new seasons with exciting productions you won’t want to miss!

There's a LOT going on in Downtown Rochester this Fall! Click to hear more and bring the entire family to Downtown Rochester!

There's a LOT going on in Downtown Rochester this Fall! Click to hear more as we welcome back our college students to Downtown!

Check out current Happy Hours throughout Downtown Rochester!

Click to see some offerings from local merchants! 

Rochester has a bike paths that you are going to want to explore this summer! 

Thursdays Downtown loves wondrous variety, especially when it comes to the artisan vendors. With more than 115 vendors onsite each week and 130 different ones throughout the season, check out this complete list of Thursdays Downtown artisan vendors to find at the event.

This year, these 23 downtown Rochester businesses are coming out of their brick-and-mortar and setting up at Thursdays Downtown! What better way for you to explore these businesses in a matter of two blocks, experience a sample of what they offer, and then return to visit them the other days of the week!

A summer of fun has just begun! Round up the kiddos and head to downtown Rochester for SPARK in Central Park. Find out here what this new, free program entails and make plans for a Saturday outing with the family!