Good morning, Rochester.

Some Rochester drivers say slow vehicles on Highway 52 northbound ramp hinder smooth merging, and critics urge enforcement of the state’s slowpoke law from 2019.

Local authorities may review measures similar to Florida’s to improve traffic flow.

Family Promise Rochester hosted the Coldest Day of the Year Walk at Cascade Lake Park on Saturday morning to raise funds for the Promise House shelter and programs (nearly 150 residents joined the two-mile trek).

The event highlighted the challenges families face during extreme cold.

Serenity Couture Salon & Spa is holding its new location grand opening at 2300 Superior Drive NW, Ste 3 on Friday, Feb.

13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; first 100 guests receive a free $10 gift card, swag bags (valued at $50), gourmet cupcakes, and raffle prizes.

Residents can test their local knowledge by identifying Rochester landmarks from aerial views on Google Maps.

The feature highlights well-known sites like the Ear of Corn water tower + Mayo Clinic’s Plummer Building.

The unemployment rate in Rochester rose to 3.1% in December, the highest recorded in Olmsted County since 2020 (4.1% then).

The local labor force grew to nearly 96,700 despite a slight drop in total jobs, per Minnesota Department of Employment data.

A study adjusted for 26.7% inflation shows that date nights in Minnesota now cost about $139 on average, based on 2018 research.

Local calculations suggest the total can near $143 when dinner, cocktails, a movie and popcorn are factored in.

A survey by travelawaits.com found that hotel guests in Rochester often take small extras—like fancy shampoo and lotions—from their rooms.

The report comes amid high visitor totals as Mayo Clinic patients boost local hotel occupancy.

A new study ranked Minnesota among the top 5 best states for retirement in 2026 (first in health care and 7 for quality of life) despite a 33 score in affordability.

Social Ice Festival 2026

4-10 p.m. — Peace Plaza — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter oasis with themed bars, ice sculptures, and live DJ entertainment.

The Sound Of Fate

7:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience Tchaikovsky's epic showdown with fate through his Symphony No. 5 and Rossini's spirited Overture to Semiramide.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

7:00 p.m. (Thu, Fri, Sat), 2:00 p.m. (Sun) — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices varied — A low-born man's chase for love and an earldom takes a comedic and murderous twist.

Junior Gold Qualifier at Colonial Lanes

Multiple time slots available — Colonial Lanes — Participation fee required — Compete in a thrilling Junior Gold qualifier with exciting scholarship opportunities.

Spanish Conversation Meetup

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a friendly group setting.

Next Stop Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — LC's Venue — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy a fresh lineup of stand-up comedians at this local favorite.

Kubernetes Administration Training

Feb 23–25 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2490 — Learn Kubernetes to manage containerized applications and prepare for the CKA exam.

Rend Collective Concert

7-10 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets required — Experience a joyous evening of folk-infused worship music with Rend Collective from Northern Ireland.

French Conversation Coffee Hour

2-3:30 p.m. — Café Aquí — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy coffee hour to practice your French and meet fellow enthusiasts.