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.
All credit card transactions through this website are subject to a 3% surcharge to help offset the cost of processing.
Event Key:
History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
Mansion
Mansion
Partner
Events
Events
2026 Events Coming
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
All-Inclusive Lessons Pass
February 8th, 2026
12:00 am - 12:00 amDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. Lessons begin February 8, 2026, and run through April 19, 2026.
This special all-inclusive lessons pass allows you to take part in all eleven dance lessons! No experience or partner required!
$55 non members / $30 HCOC member and USA Dance member
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
All-Access Pass
February 8th, 2026
12:00 am - 12:00 amDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. Lessons begin February 8, 2026, and run through April 19, 2026.
This special all-access pass allows you to take part in all eleven dance lessons PLUS the spectacular Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026! No experience or partner required!
$75 non-members / $40 HCOC members and USA Dance members
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1920s Foxtrot @ Chateau Theatre)
February 8th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE CHATEAU THEATRE ON FEBRUARY 8, 2026.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
MHRT Sleigh Rides
February 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pmJoin us for a cozy winter event benefiting a fantastic cause! Mechanical History Round Table is once again hosting a fun-filled afternoon complete with sleigh rides, sweet treats, and a warming bonfire at the Ralph Stoppel Farmstead! Bring your sweetie and whole family out on Valentines Day, February 14th, 2026, from 10am - 4pm, all donated proceeds go to support the Special Olympics! Come make some memories while making a difference! We can't wait to see you there!
A Valentine Storytime
February 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amBring your loved ones for a "heart-filled" morning as we share delightful Valentine themed tales perfect for young listeners and the young at heart. It’s a wonderful way to start your holiday with some free, family friendly fun with crafts and a snack.
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1930s Jazz @ HCOC)
February 15th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Over 40 Years of Philanthropy:
The Inspiring Story of Joe Powers
February 19th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmThe History Center of Olmsted County is honored to host a special evening featuring Joe Powers, the leader behind one of our region’s most respected institutions. Since 1984, Powers Ventures has been a cornerstone of southeastern Minnesota, providing premier catering and world-class venues. Built on a steadfast foundation of trust, respect, and honesty, but the impact extends far beyond hospitality. This intimate conversation with Joe Powers will explore what core values shaped who he is today with a look back at the various local causes and initiatives he has championed. Join in a discussion on the vital role that local businesses and charitable giving play in helping our community thrive while learning the inspiring story of how a commitment to community can build a lasting legacy.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
FREE Family Gametime
February 21st, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amWe're bringing the competitive spirit back! Join us at the History Center for FREE Gametime! Bring the family and your favorite board games and puzzles (or use ours) for a few hours of fun and games. Snacks will be available for purchase. It’s a great way to make some new memories, we can't wait to see you there!
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1940s East Coast Swing @ HCOC)
February 22nd, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1950s West Coast Swing @ HCOC)
March 1st, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
"A Reputation for Caring: How Mayo Clinic Became Known in the World"
March 5th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmThe Mayo brothers welcomed the opportunity to serve patients from around the world while seeking to protect their name from “quacks and fakers” who sought to exploit it. Through the years, Mayo has often been in the headlines for important medical discoveries—and has also popped up in movies, TV shows and social media in a unique blending of fact, fiction and fun. Join us for a short film and in welcoming W. Bruce Fye as he dives into the reputation of Mayo Clinic and the attributes and values that have caught and maintained the world's attention.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1960s Night Club 2-Step @ HCOC)
March 8th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Saturday Storytime
With Craft & Snack
March 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amGather the little ones and join us at the History Center for a morning of imagination and creativity! We are hosting a special FREE Storytime session designed for families to enjoy together with a light snack to keep our young explorers energized and a hands-on craft activity!
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1970s Hustle @ HCOC)
March 15th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1980s Salsa Rueda @ HCOC)
March 22nd, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1990s Salsa & Line Dancing @
Northrop Community Education Center)
March 29th, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2000s Contemporary @ HCOC)
April 4th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2010s Hip Hop @ HCOC)
April 12th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2020s Viral Dances)
April 19th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmDance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.
$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(Grand Dance Celebration @ Chateau Theatre)
April 25th, 2026
6:00 pm - 10:00 pmJoin us for our spectacular final dance celebration, the exciting culmination of eleven weeks of dance lessons all leading up to one unforgettable evening. Come dressed in your favorite decade’s best and step into a night filled with rhythm, style, and community spirit.
Enjoy a live professional dance showcase and a lively community dance featuring music from the past 100 years. The evening also includes a relaxed social hour, historical displays, refreshments, and a photographer on site to capture the memories. Whether you’re dancing, watching, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this celebration is the perfect finale to our shared dance journey.
Finale only: $15 members / $25 non-members
Save the Date for Summer Day Camp!
July 20th, 2026
9:30 am - 4:00 pmThe History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group July 20, 2026 - July 24, 2026.
- Ages 6–10: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
- Ages 11–14: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Registration and more information coming soon.
