5 Things To Do Near Rochester, Minnesota This Weekend (August 14th – 16th)
You know that summer is starting to wind down when one of Rochester's pools is getting ready to close. Yep...Silver Lake Pool is set to close for the season on August 16th, 2026.
Before the college kids head off to school and Rochester Public Schools gets ready for its first day, get out and enjoy some of the fun events throughout Southeast Minnesota. There's still time to squeeze a little more fun out of summer.
If you need help finding something to do this weekend, I've rounded up five of my favorite events happening near Rochester, Minnesota and throughout Southeast Minnesota August 14th to 16th, 2026.
5 Fun Things To Do Near Rochester This Weekend: August 14th - 16th
Corn on the Cob Days Returns With Free Sweet Corn, Live Music and a Parade
One of the best summer traditions in Southeast Minnesota is eating fresh sweet corn off the cob. This weekend, the 56th Annual Corn on the Cob Days is back in Plainview and is full of live music, a parade, and free sweet corn.
Yes, there is actually FREE SWEET CORN!
READ MORE: Ultimate Guide For Corn On The Cob Days In Plainview
Rochester Memorial Run Honors the Life of Lance Pfrimmer
A month before he was turning 20, and just weeks before he was supposed to begin his junior year of college, Lance Pfrimmer sadly died in a drowning accident in July 2023.
Cross country and track were what Lance excelled at athletically, but those who knew Lance would tell you that his athletic abilities were only part of what made him special. He was, quite simply, an even better person.
As people lace up their shoes and get ready for the distances during the run, this Memorial Run is a time to help keep the memory of Lance alive and also give other local students an opportunity to pursue their own dreams.
Read More: Rochester Memorial Run Honors The Life Of Lance Pfrimmer | https://y105fm.com/lance-prfrimmer-memorial-run-rochester-2026/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Learn more about the 3rd Annual Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Run here
Castle Con Brings Board Games, Pokemon and More to Rochester
Rochester's own Tabletop Gaming Extravaganza is back! Stop by the Historic Chateau Theatre in Rochester from the 14th to the 16th for the Castle Con: Summer Campaign. Enjoy the "free to use" board game library, miniature painting, a Pokémon Tournament, giveaways, and get advice from local board game experts.
READ MORE: Learn more about the Castle Con event in Rochester here
CATVIDEOFEST 2026 is Bringing Hours of Cat Videos to Pop's Art Theater in Rochester
The cats are back on the screen. Hours and hours of cat video submissions were looked at and now the best of the best are part of CATVIDEOFEST 2026. Grab a ticket and enjoy the show throughout the weekend.
For every ticket purchased, a portion will be donated to Paws and Claws Humane Society to help local cats in need.
READ MORE: Learn more about CATVIDEOFEST 2026 here
Gold Rush Days Returns to Oronoco With Antiques, Shopping and More
It's a 3-day outdoor event full of antiques, flea markets, and a community festival. Shop, eat, listen, explore and enjoy 30 acres of fun in downtown Oronoco, Minnesota.
READ MORE: See the full schedule for Gold Rush Days here
More Things To Do Around Rochester This Weekend
If you're looking to support local and stay close to Rochester, here are a few other fun events and activities happening around the area this weekend:
- Unicorn Meet 'n Greet @ Red Barn Learning Farm - Friday
- Pastel Skies Paint Class @ Art Heads Emporium - Friday
- Summer Saturdays at the Rochester Farmers Market - Saturday
- Storytime @ Quarry Hill Nature Center - Saturday
- Night Hike @ Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo - Saturday
- Puzzlepalooza! @ Castle Con - Sunday
- Free Meat & Cheese Raffle @ LTS Brewing Company - Sunday
Y-105FM is Southeast Minnesota's go-to source for local news, events, and community stories. Whether you're a lifelong Rochester resident or just discovering everything this region has to offer, we're here to help you connect, explore, and stay in the know. Know something we should cover? Reach out to jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com — we're always looking for something to talk about on the radio and write about.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
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