Organizers planning a July start for Thursdays Downtown
Rochester event organizers are beginning to drop dates for live events this summer, in the wake of Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement to begin rolling back the state’s Covid-related restrictions.
On Monday, the Rochester Downtown Alliance announced that it is planning for a “normal” return for Thursday Downtown. The event series is scheduled to run from July 8 to September 9 — and just like in years past, will feature artisan and food vendors along with live entertainment.
“We know there is great desire to gather together again with our community at this annual event following this challenging year,” Holly Masek, executive director of the RDA, said in the announcement. “And in light of the governor’s goal of lifting restrictions by July, we’re anticipating a great turnout of both vendors and attendees.”
According to the governor’s plan, capacity restrictions will come to end on May 28 — while the mask mandate will be lifted by July 1, or once the state reaches a 70 percent vaccination rate of those 16 years and older.
The RDA said while the goal is to put on a normal Thursday Downtown, it will continue to provide safety precautions such as hand sanitizing stations, and will follow all county, state, and federal guidelines.
“For many, Thursdays Downtown may be their first time in a large crowd in more than a year,” noted Masek. “We will strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible and will take extra precautions as needed.”
After being paused during the pandemic, the event series — barring impacts from construction — will return in its previous event layout along 1st Avenue SW and Northwest, Third Street Southwest, and Peace Plaza.
Olmsted County fair music lineup
The Olmsted County Fair has started releasing its 2021 music lineup.
This year the fair board is partnering with Stationary Astronaut, a local media and event business, to put on two nights of entertainment.
The first show to be announced, set for July 24, will feature viral electronic improvisationalist Marc Rebillet, Minneapolis-based pop group Yam Haus, and the two-man-entertainment-system Heatbox and Maxaphone.
“That's the biggest musical show this city has seen in a long time and I’m excited to give this city some well deserved, top tier talent,” said Nick McLaughlin of Stationary Astronaut. “I hear the lack of entertainment complaints. I’m there with them. It’s time to change that.”
The second show, to be held one night earlier on July 23, will be announced on Wednesday. More information can be found at stationaryastronaut.com
Cover photo courtesy the RDA
