Current Events
Looking for things to do in Rochester? The History Center offers a variety of events all year round throughout Olmsted County. All events are listed at Central Standard Time (CST) unless otherwise stated. As a non-profit, our events are only possible with the support of the community! If you would like to sponsor an event, call the History Center at 507-282-9447, or contact us by email.
For members tickets, please keep in mind that your discount only applies to the same number of tickets that your membership applies to. For example, if you have an Individual membership, you may get one ticket at the discounted rate. All other tickets should be purchased at the full rate. If you have the Individual Plus membership, you are welcome to purchase two tickets at the discounted rate and all other tickets should be purchased at the regular rate. Thank you.
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2025 Events Coming
We invite you to an engaging lecture and film screening of The Tornado That Gave Rise to Mayo Clinic & The Founding of Saint Marys Hospital, featuring W. Bruce Fye M.D., Mayo Clinic Emeritus Staff.
Discover the inspiring story of compassion, collaboration, and innovation in medicine behind the founding of one of the world's leading medical facilities right here in Rochester, MN.
FREE for HCOC members and $5 for non members.
Family Gametime
November 15th, 2025
9:30 am - 11:30 amPlan your perfect Saturday morning! 🎉Bring the whole crew to the History Center for Family Gametime on November 15, 2025, at 9:30am. It's a FREE event, with games for all ages! Feel, free to bring your own favorite games and puzzles, or use ours. Snacks will be available for purchase. We can't wait to see you there!
Discover the fun of needle art! 🧵Join us for a fascinating Needle Arts Demo on Saturday November 15, 2025, from 12pm - 4pm. This fun, family event is presented by the talented Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild. Come watch the experts, learn a new skill, and leave with your own needle art creation!
Free for members and $5 for each non-member participant. Please register in advance.
Calling All Puzzle Masters, get ready for our Minnesota-themed Puzzle Contest on Tuesday, November 18th, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm Assemble your team of up to four people and race to finish first, prizes for the first three teams to finish, and concessions available to fuel your focus.
$25 for HCOC Members / $30 for Non-Members (includes a copy of the puzzle to keep!).
Space is limited, so only one person needs to register and pay per team.
Join us for an amazing and eye-opening lecture featuring Janelle Rosin on Thursday November 20, 2025 at 7pm. Janelle will share what it's truly like to be the critical link between emergency and assistance. This is a chance to hear the compelling stories and learn about the intense work of a 911 dispatcher.
$5 per participant FREE for HCOC members.
After 5 years in the making, Nicholas David is celebrating his first vinyl release: More Than Music.
The St. Paul singer/songwriter has been making music from the heart for the heart for nearly 30 years. Like the mighty Mississippi River, David's musical journey rocks n rolls like a cosmic current that's taken him coast to coast and across the pond. From NBC's THE VOICE where he met BILL WITHERS, sang with SMOKEY ROBINSON and finished 3rd PLACE on his season, to riding along the rock n roll highway with the ALLMAN BROTHERS sons!
Come celebrate an evening where dreams and reality mix into music.
For more info please visit www.thefeelin.com
Join the talented Zumbro Valley Fiber Arts Guild as they host a demo dedicated to quilting! Come learn the art of this beautiful and historic fiber form, from piecing to finished design on December 6, 2025 anytime from noon to 4pm. It's a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by local artists!
$5 for all participants and FREE for HCOC members.
A Fancy Nancy Holiday Party Storytime
December 13th, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 amOoh la la! Join us for a FANCY NANCY HOLIDAY PARTY! Put on your sparkliest clothes, grab your boas, and get ready for an afternoon of exquisite (that's fancy for super fun) holiday activities! We'll have fancy crafts, marvelous treats, and an amazing storytime. It’s the perfect way to make the holidays extra glamorous!
Join us to learn about classic German traditions surrounding St. Nikolaus. It's a fun-filled day for all ages, featuring festive crafts, delicious cookies, and much more! Come immerse yourself in history and holiday spirit.
$5 per participant FREE for HCOC members.
