Events & Opportunities
This page is updated frequently. Check back often for new event listings. Last updated January 31, 2012.
February is Black History Month
Groundhog Day
Thursday, February 2
Winterfest
February 2 - 12
Fun and fundraising for local nonprofits! More info
Eid Milad-un-Nabi
Saturday, February 4
A Muslim holiday celebrating the birth of the prophet Muhammad.
Lantern Festival
Tuesday, February 7
This festival celebrated in many countries throughout Asia is held on the night of the first full moon of the lunar year and marks the end of the 15-day lunar New Year celebrations. On this day, people hang paper lanterns, solve riddles written on the lanterns, share traditional sweets, and enjoy family reunions. Some regions also recognize the lantern festival as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day, celebrating love and lovers.
Boy Scout Day
Wednesday, February 8
Journey of Peace: Introduction to the Hindu Faith
Saturday, February 11, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Hindu Samaj Temple (911 11th Ave NW)
The interfaith series continues with an introduction to one of the world's oldest religions. RSVP to RSVP@histemplemn.org.
Homeowners Workshop for African Immigrants
Saturday, February 11, 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Rochester Area Foundation (400 S Broadway, Ste 300)
Learn more about mortgages, realtors, home inspections, insurance, and available down payment assistance. $15 per household. Interpreters available on request. Refreshments provided. Contact Mohamed Nur at 269-1416 to register.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 13 - 19
Dare to commit a random act of kindness! Double dog dare!
Valentine's Day
Tuesday, February 14
"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
Embraceable You: A Valentine's Evening for Married Couples
Tuesday, February 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Assisi Heights
Enjoy a candlelight dinner in the quiet and serenity of Assisi Heights. Joe and Marie O'Toole will reflect on the 'valentine concept' of embracing the one you love and the 'theological concept' of being embraced in God's unconditional love. Married couples from all faiths are welcome. $75 per couple. Preregistration required by February 7. More information and registration at 507-280-2195.
Wines of the World
Friday, February 17, 6 - 9pm
Saturday, February 18, 6:30 - 9:30
Doubletree Hotel
Taste wine, beer and spirits from around the world and support the work of Bear Creek Services, providing care for adults with developmental disabilities. Friday event: casual dress, $40. Saturday: Reserve tasting, formal dress, $80. More information and tickets
President's Day
Monday, February 20
International Mother Tongue Day
Tuesday, February 21
What's your mother tongue?
Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day/Mardi Gras
Tuesday, February 21
The day before the 40-day Lenten fast in the Christian calendar is celebrated in different ways around the world. Traditionally it was a day of confession, or being shriven. In England, pancakes became traditional fare as a way to use up the milk and eggs that would be off limits during Lent. And, of course, we all know about Mardi Gras, that colossal night of revelry and self-indulgence before the period of self-denial begins.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22
The beginning of the 40-day Lenten fast leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar, when many Christians practice self-denial by giving up something they enjoy.
Sacred Threads: Quilting as a Sacred Art Form
February 24 - 26
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
Quilters often view their work as a spiritual experience. During this retreat, there will be input and time to reflect on the spiritual journey inspired by quilting. Bring you own quilting project and supplies. $165, or $115 for commuters. Deposit due February 1. More information and registration.
Great Lent Begins
Monday, February 27
Eastern Orthodox churches follow a slightly different calendar, and the Orthodox Lent begins five days after the Protestant and Catholic schedules.
Leap Day
Wednesday, February 29
It only comes around once every four years--celebrate this rare occasion!
March is Women's History Month
Bosnian Independence Day
Thursday, March 1
A good day to get to know more about your Bosnian neighbors.
World Day of Prayer
Friday, March 2
Celebrate Women's History Month with "Stars in a Bright Sky"
March 2 - 25, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2 & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
Paragon Chateau Theatres
"Stars in a Bright Sky" tells the story of Louise Mayo, the mother of the famed Mayo brothers, as well as the stories of Hattie and Edith, the brothers' wives. Presented by It's About Time Theater, whose mission is to inspire, showcase, educate and support women through theatre. Tickets $20, $18 for seniors and students, available from the Chateau box office. For more information, contact Coralee Grebe at 280-8956 or coraleegrebe@itsabouttimetheater.org.
Holi
Thursday, March 8
Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is also a spring harvest festival in India, celebrated on the day after the full moon in March with feasting, squirting friends with colored water, and riotous merrymaking. Learn more about the history and traditions of Holi.
International Women's Day
Thursday, March 8
Although rarely heard of in the U.S., International Women's Day is widely celebrated around the world, often by giving gifts to the important women in your life such as mothers, teachers. It is a day to honor the women in your life, celebrate the achievements of women, and raise awareness of violence and discrimination against women.
Purim
Thursday, March 8
This Jewish festival commemorates the salvation of the Jews in Persia when Queen Esther intervened to rescue them from the villainous Haman. The feast is celebrated with costume parties, beauty pageants, giving gifts of food, and drinking. Read more about Purim history, customs, recipes, games, songs, and more.
Daylight Saving Begins
Sunday, March 11
Spring forward!
Journey of Peace: Introduction to Christianity
Sunday, March 11, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Zumbro Lutheran Church
The interfaith series continues with an introduction to the world's largest religion.
Girl Scout Day
Monday, March 12
Any Girl Scouts out there? This day is for you!
St. Patrick's Day
Saturday, March 17
Shall we dye the Zumbro River Green this year? Or maybe settle for wearing a green tie.
Author Visit: Sanela Ramic Jurich
Monday, March 19, noon
RCTC Campus
Sanela Jurich's novel "Remember Me" tells the story of 15-year-old Selma as she experiences the horrors of the Bosnian war and the concentration camps. Follow her journey through love, betrayal, prejudice, despair, and the restoring power of God. The author will speak and sign books at this event sponsored by RCTC and IMAA.
Spring Equinox
Tuesday, March 20
The first day of spring, and an important day in pagan and Wiccan calendars.
Naw Ruz
Wednesday, March 21
New Year for Afghans, Zoroastrians, and Baha'i.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Wednesday, March 21
It may not be achieved through a U.N. sponsored day of speech-making, but let's never lose sight of the vision.
Harmony Day (Australia)
Wednesday, March 21
Let's all just get along.
Zarathustra's Birthday
Monday, March 26
Zarathustra is the founder of the Zoroastrian religion, the state religion of the Persian empire until the 7th century. After the Islamic conquest, Zoroastrians fled to India, where they continue to live today.
Prince Kuhio Day
Monday, March 26
Prince Kuhio was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii at the time that the islands became a United States territory. He later became a territorial delegate to Congress and sponsored the first Hawaiian statehood bill.
Journey of Peace: Introduction to Buddhism
Sunday, April 1, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Quarry Hill Nature Center (701 Silver Creek Rd NE)
The interfaith series concludes with an introduction to another of the world's major religions.
Building an Inclusive Community: Understanding East African Dynamics
Thursday, May 31, 3:30 - 5:30
Join Dr. Shanalingigwa and a panel of local experts to learn how you can work more effectively with East African immigrants by understanding their cultural values and assimilation challenges. FREE. Register online
