Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 Rochesterfest Parade

One of the best moments for kids during the summer is a parade.  And one of the best in Southeast Minnesota is about to start - the Rochesterfest parade.

For over 100 years, parades have been bringing communities and families together.  Kids line up on the side of the road and wait for candy as businesses walk by and marching bands follow nearby.  Obviously, the real winner for kids is the candy...and Parent Map agrees it is the #1 reason why kids love parades.

Get your candy bags ready and pull out your lawn chairs because the Rochesterfest parade is happening on Saturday, June 27th, 2026.  Below is everything you need to know to enjoy this fun, family-friendly tradition.

READ MORE: 32 Items That Are Better Than Tootsie Rolls at Minnesota Parades

Townsquare Media - TSM Rochester

Everything you need to know about the Rochesterfest parade in Rochester, Minnesota

When is the Rochesterfest parade? - Rochesterfest parade is on Saturday, June 27th, 2026

Rochesterfest Parade route - the staging area, parade start and end has been finalized.  Use the map below to know where to go.

Canva/Google Maps

Parade Start Time - The candy and floats start rolling out at 2:00 pm

What is the theme this year? According to the Rochesterfest website, the 2026 theme is "One Nation--Many Stories"

Townsquare Media Rochester/Preston

How To Find Out If The Rochesterfest Parade Is Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather

Fingers crossed that Mother Nature plays nice on Saturday...but just in case the weather is too severe to hold the Rochesterfest Parade, look for a notification on our free app.  Download it now and if the parade is cancelled, we will alert you on your phone.

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Full List of Events for Rochesterfest 2026

Rochesterfest is full of fun events for all from June 20th until June 27th, 2026.  Here are just a few of the events we've been chatting about on the radio and telling people about on our websites:

• June 20th:
  • Breakfast on the Farm
  • Honor Bound 5k Fun Run
• Starting June 22nd:
  • Million Dollar Shoot Out
• June 26th:
  • Pickleball Tournament
• June 27th:
  • Zumbro Valley Community Festival (free fireworks at this event!)
• June 28th:
  • Roosters Baseball Game
• Food vendors at Soldier's Field (this was a list from last year...but we typically see the same or similar vendors each year.)

Listen every day to Y-105FM, Rochester's Best Variety, to hear about the daily activities or check out the list at the Rochesterfest website.