It’s time for Pride Week in Rochester, MN! The third week of May is a special time here to celebrate our diverse community and promote inclusion and equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more (LGBTQIA+) identities. From May 7 - 17, 2026, there is a wide variety of events throughout the city both leading up to and after the annual Pride Festival at Soldiers Field Park on May 16.
Here is your guide to Pride events happening throughout Rochester, MN this month:
Industrial Dance Party (18+)
Friday, May 8, 2026
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Kick off Pride Week 2026 with a costume dance party! Enjoy dark vibes, DJ tunes drag performance, and a celebration of community.
Drag Show (18+)
Friday, May 9, 2026
6:30 Doors | 7:30 Show
Get ready to experience a vibrant explosion of colors and talent at the Dream in Color Drag show by Rochester Girls, Inc. Get ready for a night of fun and fabulousness at the Empire Event Center
Pride Yoga
Monday, May 11, 2026
5:30 - 6:45 PM
Be sure to bring your yoga mat while being led by The Amethyst Yogi!
Queer Art Nite (18+)
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Queer Art Nite is a space for queer artists to create art, meet other LGBTQ+ people, and feel more connected to our community. Rochester is lacking in queer-specific spaces, so creating this space on the second Tuesday of every month is very important to us.
Beers for Queers
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Beer for Queers is a weekly LGBTQ+ gathering in Little Thistle’s taproom. Little Thistle will be releasing their Rochester Pride Beer, "Slay All Day IPA" on May 7, 2026.
Rainbow Photo Scavenger Hike
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00 - 7:00 PM
During the walk, we’ll look for colors of the rainbow in nature by capturing photos that represent red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Spend about 45 minutes hiking, observing, and taking pictures along the way. Afterward, we’ll return to the nature center to share what we found, swap stories, and celebrate the beauty of nature through our different perspectives. We’ll also have a way for you to submit your photos so they can be shared from the walk.
Queer Board Game Night
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us for a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and board games. Hang out in community, meet new people, and play a variety of games at your own pace. Whether you love strategy or just want a low-key place to unwind, you are welcome here.
Pride Poetry Open Mic
Friday, May 15, 2026
Starts at 7:00 PM
This is an open and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ creators to step up to the mic and share their stories, poetry, art, and more. Whether you’re performing or just coming to listen, you will in community, celebrating queer voices. Come spend a chill evening with Rochester Pride and Griot Arts as we uplift and honor the creativity, experience and expressions of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Pancakes for Pride
Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
All You Can Eat – Rochester Pride Pancake Breakfast. Rise, shine, and celebrate Pride with us! Join the community for a joyful, delicious morning filled with pancakes, connection, and purpose.
Rochester Pride
Saturday, May 16, 2026
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us for five fabulous hours of live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and community celebration in the heart of our city. Enjoy show-stopping drag performances, live music and entertainment throughout the day, and explore 100+ local vendors, artists, and community resources. Grab a bite from food trucks galore, bring the kids to our dedicated Youth Tent, challenge your friends to yard games, and connect with neighbors, friends, and chosen family.
Pride 5K
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Starts at 6:30 PM
Pride 5K Cheer Zone
Saturday, May 16, 2026
6:40 - 7:30 PM
Banff Mountain Film Festival Preview with Mikah Meyer
Saturday, May 16, 2026
6:30 Doors | 7:00 PM Show
We are excited to welcome Mikah Meyer for short adventure film screenings. Mikah is a National Park Expert, endurance athlete, filmmaker, and LGBTQ+ advocate. The program will feature a special screening of "Canyon Chorus", Meyer's award-winning short documentary that was an official selection of the 2024-2025 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
2 Divas & A Piano: A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Roch and Roll
Saturday, May 16, 2026
7:00 PM
A fan-favorite returns! 2 Divas and a Piano is back to light up the stage with A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock n’ Roll, an evening packed with powerhouse vocals, sharp humor, and pure joy. It’s the perfect way to celebrate, sing along, and kick off Pride with a little sparkle. Featuring the talents of Roxi Manachoochi and Bundula Stix, with Jon Davis on Piano
Teen After Party 12+
Saturday, May 16, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us for a fun, family friendly evening at Old School Arcade. This event is designed for youth who are comfortable exploring the arcade independently, with plenty of options to play, hang out, and connect. Your $15 ticket includes full access to the arcade, pizza, a sweet treat, a drink, and 30 minutes of axe throwing (if applicable).
Patrick Scully Movie
Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:00 PM
History Center of Olmsted County
Join us for a special screening of the 2025 documentary on the life and work of Patrick Scully, directed by documentarian Mark Wojahn. This film offers an intimate look at Scully’s impact as an artist, storyteller, and community builder. Following the screening, stay for a Q&A with Patrick Scully and hear directly about the experiences and stories behind the work.
Rochester Rainbow Choir: Flying Colors Tour
Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:00 PM
Rochester Rainbow Choir: The Flying Colors Tour – FINAL STOP! Join us as we wrap up an incredible tour with one last unforgettable performance! Come celebrate music, community, and Pride with us as we close out the tour in a BIG way.
The next big event is always just around the corner in Rochester, MN. View our events calendar for can’t-miss events and things to do.