Events in Rochester and Beyond!
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. No refunds will be given after purchase has completed. You may use the cost for another program or event if you choose.
Thank you.
All 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
Bookmobile at HCOC
October 29th, 2026
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile strengthens community and enriches the lives of community members who are unable to use the main library due to geographic, transportation, economic or other barriers.
Free HCOC Admission & Treat
October 31st, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Celebrate Halloween with us at the History Center on Saturday, October 31st! We are excited to welcome visitors of all ages in costume to enjoy FREE admission and a delicious treat! Explore our exhibits and grounds, visit the archives with this wonderful, family-friendly way to kick off your festivities. Be sure to stop by during our regular hours, 9am - 5pm, bring your ghostly enthusiasm, and let us make your Halloween extra memorable!
Heritage, Heroes and History!
SE MN in the Vietnam Era
November 4th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amJoin us for Heritage, Heroes, and History! designed for our 55+ community. This is a special program focusing on Southeast Minnesota during the Vietnam Era, offering a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and direct connection.
This 55+ community program is free with accepted donations. Please register in advance with the "Buy Tickets" link.
Thanks to CAPS Kitchen and Bath for sponsoring this program.
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
The Real Moonlight Graham: A Life Well Lived
November 5th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmJoin us on for an inspiring evening celebrating a true legend during our special screening of The Real Moonlight Graham: A Life Well Lived. This compelling short film offers a captivating look into the extraordinary life of Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham, whose brief stint in Major League Baseball gave way to a remarkable, decades-long legacy as a beloved doctor and community pillar. Following the screening, guest speaker Jeanne Klein, along with Mark Flaherty as they deliver an engaging presentation, sharing exclusive insights and deeper historical context into Dr. Graham's enduring impact both on and off the field.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Bookmobile at HCOC
November 12th, 2026
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile strengthens community and enriches the lives of community members who are unable to use the main library due to geographic, transportation, economic or other barriers.
Storytime "The Gratitude Jar"
November 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Together, we’ll read this wonderful story about recognizing the good things in our lives, big and small. After the story, kids will have a chance to craft their very own gratitude notes and jar to take home!
Enjoy this free program sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center
Enjoy this free program sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center
Experience the music and artistry of award-winning Native American violinist Arvel Bird in a special screening of his 2018 concert hosted by the Native American Society of Southeast Minnesota.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Join sisters Betty Smith and Shirley Greising, Dakota elders and community advocates, as they share stories of their family, history, and culture. Born and raised in Rochester, Betty and Shirley are dedicated to preserving Indigenous history, raising awareness of Dakota heritage, and protecting sacred Dakota sites throughout southeastern Minnesota.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Join us for all the fun with Junk Journaling 101 and our extended workshop! Take advantage of our special bonus offer and save $2 when you sign up for both.
$18 non-members. $14 HCOC members.
Learn about the history of junk journaling, the basic techniques and get access to historic magazines released from our collection to create a junk journal page (or two). All materials are provided to create a junk journal page but feel free to bring a notebook/book to start your own full junk journal and any materials you'd like to use!
$10 non-members. $8 for HCOC members.
Join us for Historic Junk Journaling! If you've already taken our introductory class and want to extend the fun, sign up for a social open-work session with full access to all materials including unique historic deaccessioned magazines.
$10 non-members. $8 for HCOC members.
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
Where Healing Begins:
The Mayo Clinic Experience
December 3rd, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmJoin us at the History Center of Olmsted County on Thursday, December 3rd as we welcome Kerry Olsen, M.D. as he presents a compelling screening and presentation on Where Healing Begins: The Mayo Clinic Experience. This captivating program delves into the rich heritage and groundbreaking medical traditions that transformed Rochester into a world-renowned destination for hope and care.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.