Where To Park (And Where Not To) For Thursdays Downtown in Rochester

One of the biggest block parties in Southeast Minnesota happens every Thursday in Rochester, Minnesota - Thursdays Downtown.  Streets are blocked off, stages are created, and food vendors show up ready to fill up all of our stomachs.

You can find the 6 best top things about Thursdays Downtown here - but before you get there, you obviously need to know where you are allowed to park.  Below are some of the easiest places where you can leave your car while you enjoy Thursdays Downtown…and a few other locations that might seem ok, but you are at risk of being towed.

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Where You Can Park For Thursdays Downtown in Rochester, Minnesota

Thursdays Downtown is one of the largest art, food and music street festivals in Southeast Minnesota and runs from June 11th until August 13th this year. Thousands of people show up for this free fun in the Med City - and if you aren’t already parked downtown for work, here are a few other options for parking.

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Parking Ramp 6 - 1st Street Southeast, Rochester, MN 55904

1st Street Parking Ramp - 13 2nd St SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Civic Center Parking Ramp - 100 1st Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904

2nd Street Parking Ramp - 14 2nd St SE, Rochester, MN 55904

3rd Street Parking Ramp - 100 3rd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

• If long lines for ramps annoy you, or you get ticked off when you pull up to a ramp and see the “full” sign shining, I would avoid this ramp. This tends to fill up the fastest and there is typically a long line after about 3:30 pm go get in.

Center Street Parking Ramp - 11 West Center Street, Rochester, MN 55904

• This ramp is temporarily closed in March 2026 due to extensive construction - the plan is to reopen in August.  Watch our app for updates.

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One Lot in Rochester That Might Appear To Have Open Spots But Could Get You Towed

Word of caution: there is a lot in Rochester that might appear to have some open spaces, but if you decide to land your vehicle here, you are at risk of getting towed.

Here’s the lot you are going to want to avoid, unless you’ve got the permit to park there.

Near Townsquare Media Rochester is a large lot that borders 4th Street SW, 1st Ave. SW, 5th Street SW, and 2nd Ave. SW. All of these spots require a permit. And if you think they aren’t towing…you’ve been warned.

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