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
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary in the heart of Rochester at 4th Fest: Rochester Celebrates America. The City of Rochester and Experience Rochester invite the community to this free, family-friendly celebration on Saturday, July 4, starting at 5:00 PM at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. Bring your family and friends for an evening of live music, local food vendors, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale
4th Fest | credit Kate Klaus Photography
Cheer on the Rochester Honkers
A classic American pastime, baseball is a great way to spend the Fourth of July weekend. Cheer on the Rochester Honkers, Rochester’s summer collegiate baseball team, as they take on the Mankato MoonDogs on both July 2 and July 3. The July 2 game will feature an America 250 Celebration, capped off with a spectacular postgame fireworks show. Then, wrap up your holiday weekend at the ballpark on July 5 when the Honkers return home to face the Eau Claire Express. A weekend at Mayo Field is sure to be a home run. 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 4 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
Dance, Run, and Play at Stewartville Summerfest
Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Summerfest is July 1-4 and features a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Wednesday, July 1 includes Teen Night at Stewartville's pool, while the Summerfest Dance takes place Friday, July 3. The main events on Saturday, July 4 include Arts in the Park, Summerfest Runs, the Grand Parade at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks at Bear Cave Park at 10pm. Find the full schedule here.
Fill Your Holiday Weekend with Fun
Looking for even more ways to enjoy the holiday weekend? Rochester offers plenty of opportunities for fun beyond the traditional Fourth of July festivities. If you're hoping to soak up the summer sunshine, spend the day exploring Rochester's parks and trails, cool off with a swim at Cascade Lake or Foster Arend Beach, enjoy a round of golf, or relax on a brewery patio with friends and family.
Check out the Experience Rochester Events Calendar for a full list of what's happening throughout the holiday weekend. 
Photo Credit Krishnad Photography