Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Paws and Claws Humane Society is hosting a pet adoption event at Apache Mall on March 7th, April 11th, May 16th and June 13th (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) in the JCPenney Court to help locals find their new furry friend. KROC-AM
- ➤ The Madeline Kingsbury Foundation announced a biannual grant to help domestic abuse survivors reach safety and healing by awarding an $800 grant to one recipient in June and one in December. Applications for this confidential program close on Jun. 1 to cover costs like relocation, rent, or counseling. KTTC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Retail chains including Macy's and Francesca's announced plans to close stores later this year, citing rising costs and lower consumer spending. Rochester residents should follow updates (details forthcoming) as closures ripple statewide. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo will host the interactive We Are Water MN exhibit from Feb. 25 through April 20 — featuring a kickoff event on Feb. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a Workshop on Wheels Metal Mobile Lab and Show free for those five and older. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester Art Center is hosting the 15th annual Southeast Minnesota High School Art Show featuring works by students from 12 area school districts until Saturday, April 4. A public open house will run Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. + free admission is offered for visitors 21 and under. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ In late January, Rochester Public Utilities nearly faced rolling blackouts as an arctic cold snap dropped wind power and limited natural gas. RPU crews fueled dual-fuel generators every two hours for 50 straight hours + conservation helped avert outages. KROC
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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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Gary Allan Concert
7:30-11 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices available — Enjoy a night of country music at the Mayo Civic Center with Gary Allan.
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2026 Midwest Motorsports Expo
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — $10 for adults, kids 10 & under free — Explore a one-day show featuring over 60 high-performance dealers and manufacturers from around the country.
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The Seasons Ice Dance Performance
6:45-8:15 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Ticket options available — Experience the artistry and athleticism of world-class skaters in a dazzling ice dance performance.
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Highland Romance: A Kid's Concert Experience
3-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket required for entry — A vibrant concert journey through art and classical storytelling for children.
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