Popular Thursdays Downtown Dates Announced for Rochester 2026

One of Rochester's Favorite Summer Events Is Back in 2026

If you were hoping to read some good news today on the internet - you came to the right place. Dates just dropped for the popular Thursdays Downtown event.

This year, it appears that a change is in the works on the location and a new added feature is happening too in 2026.

James Rabe, Townsquare Media Rochester/Preston

When Is Thursdays Downtown Happening in Rochester, Minnesota in 2026?

For nine weeks this summer, downtown Rochester will once again transform into a lively block party filled with live music, food vendors, artists, and local businesses. Thousands of people are expected to attend as this truly is one of the most popular events in the Med City area.

Dates of Thursdays Downtown in 2026:

June 11th
June 18th
June 25th
July 9th
July 16th
July 23rd
July 30th
August 6th
August 13th

Time of Thursdays Downtown in 2026:

11:00 am until 8:30 pm

Cost to Attend Thursdays Downtown:

The event is free to attend. Art and food vendors will be available for purchases.

Where Will Thursdays Downtown Be Located This Year

Throughout the years, we've seen a shift in where this annual event has been placed due to the multiple construction projects in downtown Rochester. This year, the plan is a layout many of us will recognize - 1st Ave. SW (from West Center Street to Historic 3rd Street SW) to the Peace Plaza.

Google

What Makes Thursdays Downtown So Popular?

If you love bouncing from booth to booth at the Minnesota State Fair and watching some of the live bands on the stages, you will LOVE Thursdays Downtown. While the size isn't as large as our state fair, this annual event in Rochester has become one of the largest art, food, and music street festivals in Southern Minnesota.

“Thursdays Downtown is about celebrating the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Rochester special. With the event returning to 1st Ave and Peace Plaza this year, we’re excited to celebrate together in the heart of our city while also introducing new opportunities like our Youth Booth to support the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs.” - Shawn Fagan, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Alliance

Jessica On The Radio - TSM

Live music, local food vendors, artisan and craft booths, community organizations, shopping with local businesses, and new this year - a youth booth.

New for 2026: Thursdays Downtown Youth Booth

If you missed the story that my co-worker, Carly Ross, shared this week, Thursdays Downtown is adding a new feature to the festivities this year.

The RDA is introducing a Youth Booth, designed to give young entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade creations during the event. If you know someone who would love this opportunity, applications for the Youth Booth close on April 6th.

Vendors - Thursdays Downtown is Looking For You Too

If you'd love to be a vendor in 2026 at Thursdays Downtown, applications close April 10th. Find the form to apply here.

We'll Have Updates About Thursdays Downtown And Other Local Events

If you are looking for local info - just turn the dial to 105.3 FM and listen to Y-105FM. We are a local radio station in Rochester. You can also grab our free app and have everything local at your fingertips and listen on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Locals in Rochester Would Hate To See These Restaurants Close

One of the saddest stories to read is when one our favorite restaurants announces that they have closed for good. Unfortunately, it seems like this is news we are hearing more and more of in this economy.

We asked locals in Rochester, Minnesota what favorite spot would be heartbreaking to hear that they had closed for good - here are the top answers.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio