Celebrate our nation’s independence and enjoy the holiday weekend in Rochester! There are many things to do in Southeast Minnesota to celebrate, including family-friendly activities, festivals, food and fireworks. Here are five ideas of things to do over the 4th of July weekend:

Fireworks, Music, Food Trucks and More at 4th Fest

4th Fest is Rochester's official 4th of July Celebration. It’s a free community celebration at Soldiers Field Park, which features Rochester’s own DJ LaidEe P, three live bands, Rochester Poet Laureate Susan McMillan, and food trucks, all leading up to the fireworks show at 10:00 p.m. Find the full schedule of events and food truck information here.

Cheer on the Rochester Honkers

A patriotic pastime, a game of baseball is a great way to spend the 4th of July. The Honkers, Rochester’s summer collegiate team, take on the La Crosse Loggers at Mayo Field on July 4 at 6:35 p.m. Get your tickets here.

Shop Local at the Rochester Farmers Market

Support local growers and stock up for your holiday barbeques and picnics at the Rochester Farmers Market on Saturday, July 2 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Browse dozens of booths with produce, meats and baked goods and meet firsthand the farmers and gardeners who grew or made them, all within a 50-mile radius of Rochester. The market also has live music and other family-friendly activities.

Rochester Farmers Market

Rochester Farmers Market

Embrace Diversity at The Night Market

Another great place to support local food vendors and celebrate the diversity of our community is the first Rochester Night Market of 2022. Now in its second year, the Night Market is an event modeled after the night markets of Asia, where attendees can enjoy street food and other products from local BIPOC vendors. The first market of the summer is Saturday, July 2 from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at 307 E Center St (the parking lot across the river from Mayo Field and across the street from the Civic Theatre).

Food being prepared at the Night marketThe Night Market | Tiffany Alexandria

Dance, Run, and Play at Stewartville Summerfest

Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Summerfest is June 29-July 4 and features a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Saturday, July 2 is Family Fun Day at Bear Cave Park with disc golf, volleyball, basketball, and a Lip Sync Battle. The main events on Monday, July 4 include food trucks, live music and races, followed by the Grand Parade at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at Bear Cave Park at dusk. Find the full schedule here.

Fireworks over Silver LakeAB-Photography.US