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.
Event Key:
History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
Mansion
Mansion
Partner
Events
Events
2025 Events Coming
United Way: Celebrating a Century of Impact
October 2nd, 2025
6:30 pm - 8:30 pmIn 2025, United Way proudly celebrates 100 years of service in Southeast Minnesota — a century of people coming together to lift one another up, solve problems, and build a stronger, more resilient community. What began in 1925 as the Community Chest of Rochester has grown into a regional force for good, investing more than $150 million in vital programs that improve lives throughout the area. We invite you to join us on October 2, 2025 for a special evening as we look back on a Century of Impact. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a celebration filled with light refreshments, opportunities to connect with others, and a chance to explore historical highlights from 100 years of service and community support. Help us honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of United Way in Southeast Minnesota.
FREE for HCOC members and $5 for non members.
Creepy Dolls: Loose in the Vaults Opening Reception (Adults Only 21+)
In celebration of their 7th year in the spotlight, the Creepy Dolls of the History Center of Olmsted County are becoming amateur curators for the month of October. WE ARE SETTING THEM LOOSE IN OUR VAULTS! They are tasked with pulling curious objects from our collection of artifacts, researching and writing about them, and possibly getting into some mayhem along the way.
Be the first to witness the Doll’s amazing work! The exhibition reception and reveal will take place on Friday October 10, from 7-9 pm, and is 21+ only. There will be a cash bar, and we will be joined that evening by our favorite local podcast duo Kelley and Emily from their podcast Wining about Herstory, where they will be providing some snarky and scary commentary for those brave enough to enter. Come and enjoy the show, get a little frightened perhaps, vote on your favorite doll, and maybe learn a thing or two.
Admission is $5 for members, $8 for non-members if purchased in advance on our website, or $10 at the door.
Fall Fest 2025
October 16th, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin us at the History Center on October 16th from 1PM-4PM for a variety of fun fall activities. From crafts, face painting and concessions to pumpkin decorating, wagon rides and more, we've got so much to do and see for kids of all ages!
- Live Music with the Farmers Market Ramblers (1:30-3:30 pm)
- Tours of the 1860s Farmstead & Caves
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Barn Bingo
- Arts & Crafts
- Scavenger Hunt
- Butter Churning & Pioneer Laundry
- Wagon Rides
- Face Painting
- and much more!
Concessions available for purchase.
Adults are free. $5 for students (includes a free pumpkin while supplies last).
Special thanks to Rochester Plumbing and Heating, Custom Alarm, Canadian Honker, and Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. for sponsoring this amazing event!
Storytime With Craft & Snack
October 18th, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pmIgnite your child's imagination! ✨ Come enjoy Children's Storytime at the History Center, where history, crafts and storytelling come together. Bring the whole family out for a fun and free way to spend the morning.
Fun and FREE at HCOC!
Ready to get creative? ✨ Join us on October 18, 2025, for a special felting workshop at 12pm with the Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild! You'll learn how to transform soft wool into a unique piece of art, guided by an expert instructor. No experience needed—just a desire to create!
Free for members and $5 for each non-member participant. Please register in advance. olmstedhistory.com/events
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.
