Daily
Rochester
Friday, February 6th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 6th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. KIMT
- ➤ 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. KIMT
- ➤ 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). KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KROC-AM
- ➤ 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. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. KTTC
- ➤ 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. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KIMT
- ➤ 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). KIMT
- ➤ 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. KIMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KTTC
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spanish Conversation Meetup
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a friendly group setting.
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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.
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Kubernetes Administration Training
Feb 23–25 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2490 — Learn Kubernetes to manage containerized applications and prepare for the CKA exam.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Buy your winter clothes in summer and summer clothes in winter.
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