Fall Events in or near Rochester, MN
Farmers Markets & Festivals
Fall in Rochester, MN is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy community gatherings—whether you're new to town or just haven't explored much. This guide highlights the top fall events in Rochester, MN that help you soak in the local color, flavor, and neighborhood spirit.
1.Rochester Farmers Market
Graham Park (The Fair Grounds)
Location: Graham Park (Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) InstagramRochFarmMKT
Dates: Saturdays, year-round; fall (September–November), 7:30 AM–12:00 PM downtownrochestermn.comRochFarmMKT
Why Go: Enjoy crisp fall mornings with fresh apples, pumpkins, cider, baked goods, and live music. A great way to support local farmers and feel the community pulse.
2. Midweek Market at Discovery Walk
on Wednesdays (Downtown Rochester)
Location: Discovery Walk (2nd Ave SW & 4th St SW)
Dates: Wednesdays, June through early October, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Why Go: A midweek escape offering local produce, crafts, and casual downtown atmosphere—perfect for afternoon strolls or grabbing goodies after work.
Explore Nearby: Learn about Rochester’s downtown lifestyle.
3. History Center of Olmsted County
Fall Fest
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN
Expect pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, crafts, and festive seasonal fun for all ages www.olmstedhistory.com
4. Oktoberfest | LTS Brewing
Fall Fest
LTS Brewing Oktoberfest Celebration — 2025
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: LTS Brewing Company, 2001 32nd Avenue NW, Rochester, MN 55901
What to Expect: LTS Brewing goes full Bavarian with their Oktoberfest celebration:
Seasonal brews (including a classic Munich-style Märzen lager) on tap
Festive live music 🎶
Food, fun, and Oktoberfest vibes all afternoon and into the evening. The event promises to be a beer-lover’s delight and fall highlight in Rochester.
4. RidgeFest 2025
(Trunk-or-Treat Festival)
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Autumn Ridge Church — 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN
Highlights: Rochester’s biggest trunk-or-treat! Expect games, inflatables, yard games, face painting, crafts, a chili cook-off, and 7,500 pounds of candy, all completely free candy 🍬 🍫 🎃
5. Local Orchards
&
Pumpkin Patches
What’s better than the local Pumpkin patch and Orchards in our area, here a link to the line you know and love and maybe a few new one too.
Guide to Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches
Ahhhh, fall. So many things to look forward to: the crisp air, the bright blue skies, the ...
Some of our favorites
outside of Rochester …
(2 extras) 👇
Dožínky Days Festival
New Prague
(Czech Harvest)
Dates & Times:
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM - Zero K / Bingo@ the Brewery
*The 3rd Friday of September* One of My personal favorites Dožínky Classic Car Cruise @ 6:30pm
Friday, September 19, 2025, 8:30 PM–12:00 AM (midnight) - Street dance
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM - Dozinky opening Ceremony - Little Harvest Hustle
Location: Main Street, New Prague, MN 56071
What to Expect: A vibrant Czech harvest festival along Main Street with ethnic food, crafts, a classic car cruise, Parade of Farm Pride, bingo, and more — admission is free. FestivalNet
Neighboring Event: Dožínky Zero K — a tongue-in-cheek “zero-distance” race on Thursday, September 18, at 5:30 PM, followed by a post-race party at Giesenbräu Bier Co. RunSignup
Drive a little further
outside of Rochester
MN Renaissance Festival
Shakopee
Minnesota Renaissance Festival — Shakopee (Just outside Rochester area)
Dates: Open Saturdays & Sundays, August 16 – September 28, 2025
Plus Labor Day (Monday, September 1) and Festival Friday (September 26)Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Rain or shine)
Location: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard, Shakopee, MN ( about 1 hr 30 mins Northwest of Rochester)
Highlights: Seven weekends of immersive 16th-century fun with themed weekends (e.g., Wine, Chocolate & Romance; Oktoberfest), jousting, artisan marketplace, street performers, and legendary festival food. Explore MinnesotaMinnesota Monthly
**Our Personal favorites: If you like to people watch there’s a lot to look at! - Big 🍗 Turkey Legs - Chuck some apples 🍎 at the Jesters! While they make fun of you 🎯 😂 - this one might not be PG rated, but was a good time!