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August 18 - 22, Rochester
Rochester shines in Southeast Minnesota. Enjoy Artigras, unique music performances, city trails and modern entertainment in an historic setting August 19-22.
Activities to be enjoyed throughout the weekend:
Thursday thru Sunday, August 18 thru 21
Rochester City Trail System, Silver Lake Park, 700 West Silver Lake Drive NE
Park and ride your bike or walk along more than 85 miles of trails in Rochester. Maps and loops are available at http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/trails/index.asp.
Quarry Hill Nature Center and Park, 701 Silver Creek Road NE, 507-328-3950
Visit the Nature Center and ask for your free Quarry Hill water bottle before you head out for a walk around the beautiful new three acre pond, partially funded by a Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Grant.
Thursday, August 18
The Paul McKenna Band, Peace Plaza, 1st Street and 1st Avenue SW, 6:30pm, 507-328-2201
Scotland's own Paul McKenna Band will take the Peace Plaza stage in downtown Rochester during the Thursdays on First & Third summer market and music festival. It is the second performance in a series of three World Music mini-residency "capstone concerts." The band's music features outstanding vocals, driving guitar, intense fiddle playing, flute and whistles and dynamic Bodhren and percussion. An opening act performs at 4:30pm.
Friday, August 19
Movie Under the Stars at the Olmsted County History Center, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Dusk (9pm), 507-282-9447
The History Center will be showing a movie under the stars on the Roosters vintage baseball field near the History Center. A free will offering is collected as the admission to this event. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
Saturday, August 20
Rochester Art Council presents the 3rd Annual ARTigras in Mayo Park (Located behind Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE) 507-424-0811
Activities from 10am-7pm
ARTiVillage, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
This village will feature over 100 juried artisans intermingled with Rochester's premier arts and cultural organizations.
ARTiStages, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Located in the outdoor Amphitheater and near the Art Center, hear professional entertainers performing everything from spoken word to Middle Eastern dance.
ARTiKids, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
For the young and young at heart, delight with creative arts activities including Dr. Bob's Balloon Magic, Maier Forest and Tree's interactive climbing activities.
Steamroller Art, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Science Museum of Minnesota's Suitcase Science, 2pm and 4pm, Art Center Stage
Every item you touch speaks and if you listen closely, you'll hear a story-a story of science. Suitcase Science is a community-inspired theatre piece and exhibit that highlights many scientific disciplines. Meet the Object Whisperer and hear the science story behind some interesting Rochester items.
Americana Showcase, Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE, 7:30 pm, 507-282-8481
A live musical performance featuring Bob Wootton, Johnny Cash's lead guitarist, and Brandon Sampson of Six Mile Grove.
Sunday, August 21
Brunch at the Rochester Art Center, 40 Civic Center Drive SE, 11 am, 507-282-8629
While attendees enjoy a gourmet brunch in the Art Center's Grand Lobby, Chicago-based artist Tony Tasset and Rochester Art Center chief curator Kris Douglas will lead a presentation on his exhibition Life During War Time, followed by a gallery tour.
Collective Soul, Mayo Park (Located behind Mayo Civic Center), 7pm, 507-328-2201
Down by the Riverside is a seven-week-long free outdoor concert series. With their 1993 mega #1 hit single "Shine", Collective Soul shot to international fame fueling an unprecedented string of alternative rock chart topping hits including "December", "The World I Know", "Where the River Flows", "Gel", "Precious Declaration", "Listen", "Heavy" (which would hold the top Billboard spot for a then record 15 weeks), "Why, Part 2", "Vent", and "Perfect Day" (a duet with Sir Elton John). Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and coolers down to the park to enjoy a night of free music. This event was funded, in part, by Legacy Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.
