Good morning, Rochester.

PossAbilities is expanding with a new Achievement Hub — a center to boost early learning, career exploration and therapeutic services for children and adults with disabilities.

The planned $20 million hub will combine current programs and open in 2027.

Rochester will host AutFest at Rochester Art Center & Mayo Park on September 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will offer art presentations, sensory activities, and live music to support family fun.

Rochester added more than 7,500 jobs in August — the highest growth rate in the state at 5.9% compared to 1.3% statewide, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

SE MN Together is hosting three convenings to explore regional collaboration opportunities, starting in Owatonna on September 30.

Local government and community groups will use the meetings to plan economic development and access federal funds — a report on this study is available online.

Rochester Public Schools' appeal to reconsider the cancellation of a $1.9 million mental health grant was rejected by the U.S. Department of Education on September 12—citing conflicts with current administration priorities—and leaves 22 participants in the School-Based Mental Health Scholars program unable to complete their studies.

2025 NF Symposium

8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Mayo Clinic — Registration required — Engage with experts at a hybrid symposium focused on neurofibromatosis.

Champions of Wellness Healthcare Summit 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Special hotel rates apply — Leaders in healthcare explore systemic well-being and clinician wellness.

October Rochester Minnesota Female Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Join fellow female entrepreneurs for bookkeeping tips and valuable networking.

OpenShift Fundamentals Training

Oct 6-8 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — Check online for pricing — Dive into the essentials of OpenShift with hands-on Linux training for software development.

World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamor of the Roaring Twenties through a Broadway-style ballet adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

2-3:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket required for entry — Experience a lively music performance with Blippi, Meekah, and friends for the whole family.

Fall Ball Family Festival

2-6 p.m. — Camp Victory — $5 per person or $25 per family — Enjoy activities like pumpkin painting, mini ziplining, and apple cider at this family-friendly festival.

Girl Named Tom Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the award-winning harmony of the sibling trio who captured hearts on The Voice.

Cans for Kids

8 AM – 12 PM — Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest MN, WI, IA — Donations accepted — Bring aluminum cans for recycling to support children and families in need.

Rochester Hot Cider Hustle

Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K — — Rochester, Minnesota — — Participate in a festive race with sweet swag and hot cider at the finish.