Events & Opportunities
This page is updated frequently. Check back often for new event listings. Last updated May 6, 2013.
International Film Series: Off White Lies (Israel)
Wednesday, May 8, 6pm
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
A father-daughter story set during the second Lebanon war. FREE.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Saturday, May 11, noon - 9pm
Outside El Carambas (1503 12th St SE)
Come on out for food, fun, music and more!
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Saturday, May 11, 1:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Central Park, Owatonna
Food, games, children's activities, live music. For more information, contact psnoris2000@gmail.com.
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 12
Did you know that the woman who lobbied President’s Taft and Roosevelt to institute Mother’s Day later protested the selling of Mother’s Day carnations and eventually filed a lawsuit to stop a Mother’s Day festival? It’s more than a Hallmark marketing scheme—learn more about the curious history of Mother’s Day.
Lunch, Ladies, Languages
Wednesday, May 15, 12:15 - 2:30pm
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
The Rochester Muslim Community Circle invites the women of Rochester to enjoy delicious food from the Muslim world, a calligraphy display, names written in different languages, and informal conversation. FREE. RSVP by May 13 to cheraghearzu@yahoo.com.
World Cafe: Recruiting Teachers of Color
Wednesday, May 15, 5 - 7pm
UCR Campus, Coffman 206/208
In Rochester Public Schools, about 30% of students are from communities of color, while only 6.5% of staff are people of color. All students benefit from a diverse teaching corps that reflects the demographics of the student body. Come share your perspectives on encouraging students of color to enter the field of teaching. Sponsored by Winona State University, the Diversity Council, Rochester Public Schools, teach21, and Rochester Area Foundation. Refreshments provided.
Shavuot
May 15-16
Shavuot is the Hebrew name for the Jewish Feast of Weeks. In Greek it is called Pentecost, because it takes place 50 days after Passover (for its relation to the Christian celebration of Pentecost, see May 19). This Jewish festival commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai and celebrates the harvest season in Israel. Learn more about Shavuot and read some holiday stories
Community Presentation on Bipolar Disorder
Thursday, May 16, 3 p.m.
Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center (343 Wood Lake Dr)
FREE. No registration required.
Syttende Mai
Friday, May 17
Norwegian Independence Day
Buddha's Birthday
Friday, May 17
Day Against Homophobia
Friday, May 17
Irish Whiskey Tasting
Saturday, May 18, 7pm
Rochester Golf & Country Club
Whiskey tasting, Irish cheeses and hors d'oeuvres, live music by harpist Mary Schneekloth, storytelling and music by Mairtin de Cogain. Silent auction includes items such as Waterford crystal, Newbridge Silver, and a private house party with Mairtin de Cogain. Proceeds help keep the Labor Day Irish Fest free. Tickets $50.
Spanish Home Ownership Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 8:30am - 5pm
Centro Campesino (216 Oak Ave N, Owatonna)
Learn everything you need to know to prepare you to own a home, covering mortgages, realtors, insurance, home inspections, and more. $25 per household. Refreshments provided. Register now! For more information, contact umbelina.cremer@threeriverscap.org.
Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 18
Pentecost
Sunday, May 19
This Christian holiday celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Christian church. Called Pentecost because the commemorated event occurred during the Jewish festival of that name, the two celebrations were separated in the fourth century when the church, influenced by anti-Semitism and a desire to fix church holidays on Sundays, established its own system to determine the dates of Easter and Pentecost.
Victoria Day
Monday, May 20
A Canadian holiday celebrating the birth of Queen Victoria and the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth (currently Queen Elizabeth). The holiday kicks of the Canadian summer season, similar to America's Memorial Day.
International Day for Biological Diversity
Wednesday, May 22
Diversity is everywhere!
African Liberation Day
Thursday, May 23
African Liberation Day was instituted in 1958 to unite African countries in the struggle to end colonialism and win independence. Today the celebration is used to raise political awareness and organization in African communities worldwide. Read about the history of African Liberation Day
Wesak
Saturday, May 25
Wesak is the celebration of Buddha's birth & enlightenment, & in some traditions also his death. (Combines Buddha Day, Bodhi Day, and Nirvana Day) Visit the BBC website for more information, photos, and video on Wesak.
National Sorry Day
Sunday, May 26
This Australian holiday was instituted to promote reconciliation with the aboriginal peoples, but undoubtedly we can all find our own reasons to recognize this useful date.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
The Unique Aspects of Indian Cooking & Culture
Tuesday, May 28, 7pm
UMR downtown campus, 4th floor
UMR Connects invites the public to join them for an introduction to Indian culture and cooking. Come prepared to taste and learn!
June is National Pride Month
Swedish National Day
Thursday, June 6
World Population Day
Tuesday, June 11
Flag Day
Friday, June 14
Show your colors!
Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 15, noon - 5pm
Soldiers Field Park
You are invited to the 8th annual Freedom Family Fun Day! Food, children's activities, live music. FREE!
Father's Day
Sunday, June 16
Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth celebrates the freeing of the last African American slaves in the United States. Watch this page for details on the local celebration of Juneteenth.
World Refugee Day
Thursday, June 20
There are approximately 42 million refugees in the world today, who have been forced to leave their homelands due to war, persecution, and political upheaval. Many refugees have settled in Rochester. World Refugee Day was instituted by the U.N. to raise awareness of the millions who have been forced to flee their homes and to celebrate the contributions they have made in their new communities. Learn more
Midsummer's Day
Thursday, June 20
The first day of summer and the longest day of the year.
Rochesterfest
June 21-30
Rang Barse Festival of Colors
Saturday, June 22, 11:30am
Mayo Park (behind Mayo Civic Center)
Hosted by Hindu Samaj Temple and Rochester Vidhyalaya. Indian food available for purchase at 11:30, cultural program at 1pm, playing with colors at 2. Have fun throwing colored dye (washable) at your friends at this traditional Indian celebration! A Rochesterfest event. Adults $9, children 4-12 and seniors $7, tickets at Rice & Spice or online.
Walk Around the World
Saturday, June 22, noon - 2
Peace Plaza
IMAA invites you to join them in recognizing World Refugee Day with live music, dance, activities, and food.
Dia de San Juan
Monday, June 24
Since John the Baptist is the patron saint of the Puerto Rico and the namesake of the capital city (San Juan), his saint's day is widely celebrated by big parties on the beaches on the Eve of the holiday. One tradition is to walk backward into the ocean and fall in 12 times at midnight on the beginning of the 24th.
Somali Independence Day
Wednesday, June 26
Multiculturalism Day (Canada)
Thursday, June 27
Stonewall Rebellion Day
Friday, June 28
This day commemorates the 1969 riots that occurred between police and members of the GLBT community in Greenwich Village.