For more information on cultural events and holidays throughout the year, see our 2010 Multicultural Calendar.

 

 


 

Ongoing Events

Mosque Open House

Last Saturday of every month, 11 - 1:30.

Masjed Abu Bakar (17 N Broadway)

Meet Muslims and ask questions about Islam. Refreshments provided. For more information, call 253-6710 or email Rochester.Mosque@ gmail.com

 

 

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.