Good morning, Rochester.

Downtown Rochester will host the 19th annual Social-Ice festival (free to attend) this weekend at Peace Plaza, with ice sculpting competitions, interactive games, themed ice bars, and live DJs starting Friday at 4 p.m.

Rochester was awarded $50,000 as part of the Healthy and Sustainable Communities Award to support the Move to the Market initiative, which provides food vouchers to low-income families at The Village Farmers Market and boosts local farming; Mayor Kim Norton said the funding will drive practical, community-based solutions.

The History Center of Olmsted County will offer sleigh rides on Valentine's Day, Feb.

14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ralph Stoppel Farmstead (proceeds support the Special Olympics).

MN Loon Dispensary is set to open soon in the former Daube's Bakery on Civic Center Dr. + It will be Rochester's third dispensary.

Rochester entrepreneur Mike O’Brien started Puzzle Pup to sell puzzle-shaped dog treats inspired by his service dog Normie — he obtained a cottage food license and launched a website to expand the business with supplements and feeding mats.

Local bars gear up for Social-Ice at Peace Plaza Friday and Saturday.

The event will include five bars with specialty drinks such as Tap House’s 'Under the Sea' cocktails and a family Fam Jam Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., with KTTC newscasts airing at 5 p.m. + 6 p.m.

The SPAM Museum in Austin was named Minnesota’s best free attraction by a LoveExploring survey—it is located about 40 miles southwest of Rochester and offers free guided tours over the weekend.

Rochester Public Schools Board of Education approved a resolution this week to ensure a safe learning environment for all students regardless of immigration status, prompted by enforcement actions affecting student well-being.

The measure includes staff training (to maintain a focus on learning) and practices to keep enrollment steady.

MnDOT has announced the 30 finalists for its Name a Snowplow contest out of 6,750 entries—residents can vote for up to 8 winners until noon on Friday, Feb.

13. The vote will take place online on the agency’s website.

Legends Global and Experience Rochester renewed their contract with the Mayo Civic Center for five years and a new five-year food and beverage service agreement; the partnership will support future events at the downtown venue (which spans over 200,000 sqft).

The DMCC Board approved a five-year update to the destination medical center plan + a $500,000 investment to rehabilitate the historic Olmsted County Bank Building in the Downtown Commercial Historic District.

The update guides long-term investment with an annual report to the legislature.

KTTC announced it will broadcast 15 Minnesota Twins spring training games free over the air in February and March via North Star Sports & Entertainment Network, featuring matchups with teams such as the Red Sox, Yankees, Braves, Minnesota Gophers, and Puerto Rico’s WBC squad.

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.

Rochester Dance Company's Robin Hood

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Civic Theatre — $18 per ticket — Experience a thrilling dance tale of Robin Hood and his adventures set to a fun blend of music for the whole family.

Charlotte's Web

Noon, 2 p.m. — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of friendship and courage in this family-friendly adaptation of a beloved classic.