Events & Opportunities
This page is updated frequently. Check back often for new event listings. Last updated August 30, 2010.
New Journey: Rebuilding Your Life
Thursdays, Sept. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Seasons Hospice Office
As the journey of grief continues, we begin to look at what we can rebuild for ourselves, what life holds for us now. If you believe that you are ready to discover your potential in your grief journey, this group may be helpful to you. No charge, but registration is required. For questions or registration, contact Seasons Hospice at 285-1930 or shbp@seasonshospice.org.
Janmashtami
Thursday, September 2
This Hindu holiday celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Read about its history, celebrations, legends, and special foods here.
World Music Series: Kenge Kenge
Thursday, September 2, 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays on First - First Ave. Stage
Riverside Concerts, in conjunction with the RACE: Are We So Different? exhibit, presents the World Music Series featuring Benga music from the Kenyan ensemble Kenge Kenge. Most widely known in the US for their Youtube performance of the song “Obama for Change” that went viral during the 2008 Presidential election, Kenge Kenge explore the origins of benga, a musical style popular in Kenya which features dense textures of rhythm and chant which are overlaid with an unusual assortment of self-made traditional instruments. Free! Concert previews on Wednesday, September 1, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Rochester Public Library.
Movies on the Barn: Back to the Future III
Friday, September 3, 9 p.m.
Olmsted County History Center barn
Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Presented in partnership with the Salvation Army.
Labor Day
Monday, September 6
Laylat al-Qadr
Monday, September 6
The most holy night of Ramadan. In Shi'ite tradition, this night is when one's fate for the following year is decided, and many Muslims will therefore spend the entire night praying for mercy.
International Speakers Lunch
Wednesday, September 8, 11:30 a.m.
Balfour Hall at the Y
Register by Monday at 289-3359. $8 for members of the Rochester International Association, $9 for non-members.
Rosh Hashana: Jewish New Year
September 9-10
Eat a jelly donut--it's the year 5771! Learn more about Rosh Hashana. Kids activities
Big Party Downtown
Friday, September 10, 7 - 10 p.m.
Shops at University Square
The merchants of the Shops at University Square are hosting this entertaining, bargain-laden event for the benefit of three youth-mentoring charities: Bolder Options, Boys & Girls Club, and Y Mentors. Cost is $30, which includes gourmet appetizers and desserts, one free drink, live music, casino games, Cash Cab, drawing for 100 bottles of wine, plus prizes, raffles, silent auction, special guest Darrel Thompson, in-store specials, and after party specials at Chester's, Michael's and Pescara. Tickets available at YMCA, Counterpoint or Sopra Sotta. You can also pay by credit card at 287-2260 or RochFamY.org.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Friday, September 10
This Islamic festival marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan is celebrated with feasting and giving charitable gifts. Learn moreCelebrate with henna body art.
Movies on the Barn: Bee Movie
Friday, September 10, 9 p.m.
Olmsted County History Center barn
Free admission. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Presented in partnership with the Children's Museum of Rochester.
Day of Remembrance
Saturday, September 11
Race Manners for the 21st Century
Monday, September 13
11am at Southeast Technical College
7pm at Winona State U. East Hall
Bruce Jacobs will speak on his book Race Manners, encouraging people of good will to challenge bigotry and work for our common benefit. The book equips people to honestly confront racial assumptions, misunderstandings and hostilities in everday life, and breaks down the workings of racial prejudice in ways we can all understand. For more information, contact Alexander Hines at ahines@winona.edu.
Book Discussion at Assisi Heights
Tuesday, September 14, 11:30am - 1pm
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
You are invited to join an interfaith discussion of the book "An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life," by the Dalai Lama. Cost is $10, including lunch. To register, contact Carol Marie Hemish at 280-2195.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15
Mexican Independence Day
Thursday, September 16
Constitution Day
Friday, September 17
Yom Kippur
Saturday, September 18
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a day for fasting and repentance. This year the Day of Atonement falls on a Sabbath, making it a particularly special day. Learn more
Oktoberfest
September 18 - October 4
International Day of Peace
Tuesday, September 21
The State of Latinos in Minnesota
Wednesday, September 22
11am at Southeast Technical College
7pm at Winona State U. East Hall
Featuring Jesse Bethke Gomez, President of Communidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES). For more information, contact Alexander Hines at ahines@winona.edu.
Autumn Equinox
Wednesday, September 22
The first day of fall
Harvest Moon Festival
Wednesday, September 22
The most important Chinese festival after the lunar new year (celebrated in February), the Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated on the night of the full moon in the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its brightest for the year. Learn more about the festival and how to make mooncakes.
Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles)
September 23 - 29
This Jewish harvest festival commemorates the ancients Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert. Traditional Jewish families celebrate by building booths outside their homes and eating or sleeping in them. Learn more here and here
Seasons Hospice Volunteer Training
Sign up by Friday, September 24
Seasons Hospice is seeking 10 adult volunteers to provide direct care with patients and families. Services include providing companionship, housekeeping, light cooking, transportation, and other duties as needed. Volunteers must not have lost a loved one for at least one year, must attend all three days of training, and must have some daytime volunteering availability. Training will take place October 18, 20 and 22, from 8:30 - 3:30. Interested? Contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 285-1930 ext 201 or jelkins@seasonshospice.org.
Confucius' Birthday
Sunday, September 26
"I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there." Learn more about the great wise man of the East.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Islam but Were Afraid to Ask
Monday, September 27
11am at Southeast Technical College
7pm at Winona State University East Hall
Featuring Sheikh Odeh A. Muhawesh, a well-known theologian and successful business leader in Minnesota. For more information, contact Alexander Hines at ahines@winona.edu.
Confucius' Birthday
Tuesday, September 28
"I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there." Learn more about the great wise man of the East.
Council on Black Minnesotans Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, September 30, noon
Government Center, room 306
If you are interested in the CBM or have concerns to be discussed and forwarded to the statewide council, you are invited to attend.
Shemini Atzeret
Thursday, September 30
Hebrew for "rejoicing in the law," Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of reading the books of Moses in the synagogue. Celebrations are held in the synagogues, frequently accompanied by drinking and dancing.
October is National Disability Awareness Month
October is Diversity Awareness Month
National Diversity Day
Friday, October 1
National Diversity Day is a day to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability. A day to reflect on and learn about different cultures and ideologies. A day to vow acceptance and tolerance. A day to consciously address these areas at educational and religious institutions, as well as in the workplace and at home. Learn more
International Day for the Elderly
Friday, October 1
Simchat Torah
Friday, October 1
Hebrew for "rejoicing in the law," Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of reading the books of Moses in the synagogue. Celebrations are held in the synagogues, frequently accompanied by drinking and dancing.
Gandhi's Birthday
Saturday, October 2
Mohandas Gandhi led India’s independence movement through a campaign of civil disobedience and nonviolence. His birthday is celebrated as a national holiday in India. Learn more
World Mental Health Day
Sunday, October 10
Columbus Day
Monday, October 11
National Coming Out Day
Monday, October 11
The State of the Transgender Civil Rights Movement
Monday, October 11
11am at Southeast Technical College
7pm at Winona State University East Hall
Featuring Mara Keisling, founding Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. For more information, contact Alexander Hines at ahines@winona.edu.
Book Discussion at Assisi Heights
Tuesday, October 12, 11:30am - 1pm
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
You are invited to join an interfaith discussion of the book "Acts of Faith ," by Eboo Patel. Cost is $10, including lunch. To register, contact Carol Marie Hemish at 280-2195.
International Speakers Lunch
Wednesday, October 13, 11:30 a.m.
Balfour Hall at the Y
Register by Monday at 289-3359. $8 for members of the Rochester International Association, $9 for non-members.
National Boss Day
Friday, October 15
Dussera
Sunday, October 17
Although the legend underlying the celebration varies by region, this festival is celebrated all over India and Nepal as a triumph of good over evil. It is considered an auspicious day to begin something new.
Halloween
Sunday, October 31
Check out this lesson plan from Teaching Tolerance to learn more about the connection between Halloween costumes and stereotypes.
