Rochester’s many theaters and concert venues ensure there’s always something exciting to see in the city. From big rock shows to charming musical theater productions, local artists and visiting entertainers are ready to put on a show for you. If your events calendar is looking a little bare, make sure to secure some tickets for these top cultural events.
Nathan Hansen at Shar’s Country Palace
A regular at Austin bars, local country artist Nathan Hansen will return home for a very special show at Shar’s Country Palace in February. He’ll play a solo acoustic set featuring country music favorites and his originals, including his latest single “Gravel Road Dance Floor.” Enjoy cold beers, bar snacks, and some great music as you welcome this hometown hero back to Rochester.
Date: February 17, 2023, at 10 p.m.
Location: 3925 Marion Road SE.
Cost: Free.
Newsboys at Autumn Ridge Church
newsboys by Breezy Baldwin is licensed with CC BY 2.0
One of the most popular Christian rock bands, Newsboys, will visit Rochester in February for a very special show at Autumn Ridge Church. On their “Let the Music Speak” tour, the Grammy and Dove Award-winning band will play songs from their 17 studio albums. Preshow photo packages are available for fans keen to get close to their music idols.
Date: February 24, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Location: 3611 Salem Road SW.
Cost: $26 to $150, depending on seat and package.
Cole Allen at Kinney Creek Brewery
Kinney Creek Brewery’s live music nights provide a great opportunity to discover some up-and-coming local artists and enjoy a few drinks. On February 25, Kinney Creek Brewery welcomes Cole Allen to its stage. The guitarist from the Sena Ehrhardt band and a celebrated solo artist, Cole is a Minneapolis local who has opened shows for The Charlie Daniels Band, John Mayall, L.A. Guns, and heaps more. Discover why Blues Rock Review said he “should quickly become one of the leading young guns in blues rock.”
Date: February 25, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Location: 1016 Seventh St. NW.
Cost: Free.
Styx at Mayo Civic Center Arena
The legendary rock band, Styx, hits Rochester’s largest concert venue, the Mayo Civic Center Arena, next March. Styx will be in town to support the release of “Crash of the Crown,” their latest album recorded during the pandemic. Judging by recent set lists, you’ll still hear plenty of old favorites, such as “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Renegade,” providing plenty of opportunities to sing along.
Date: March 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: 30 Civic Center Drive SE.
Cost: $45 to $408, depending on location.
Next 2 Nothing at North Star Bar
North Star Bar brings live music to the people of Rochester every Friday and Saturday night. One of the most anticipated shows of 2023 is the return of Next 2 Nothing, who promise “another fun-filled night of music, dancing, friends, drinks, and fun.” So, make use of the dance floor and the well-stocked bar because this homecoming is set to be a night to remember.
Date: May 6, 2023, at 9:30 p.m.
Location: 503 N. Broadway.
Cost: Free.
Thaw Festival in Downtown Rochester
When Thaw Festival launched in 2019, organizers had big dreams of expanding. Instead, the pandemic hit, and their plans had to be temporarily put on ice. Thaw Festival makes its triumphant return in 2023, bringing emerging Minnesota acts, such as Annie and the Bang Bang, JoJo Green, and RLGDPPL, to the city. They’ll play across six stages at local venues, forming one of the biggest parties that downtown Rochester has ever seen. Organizers will announce more artists closer to the festival.
Date: March 25, 2023, at 3 p.m.
Location: Various venues in downtown Rochester.
Cost: $45 early bird tickets, $55 general admission.
The Requiem at Charles H. Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall
Rochester Symphony will close out its annual season with The Requiem, a finale that aims to provide comfort and hope while looking ahead. The performance begins with “Overture in C Major” composed by Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix’s older sister. The symphony will also celebrate the early work of Mozart with his “Symphony No. 9” before concluding with “Requiem,” Mozart’s piece left tragically unfinished due to his death. Steve Amundson will conduct the symphony.
Date: March 25, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: 30 Civic Center Drive SE.
Cost: $5 to $33, depending on location.
Spring Awakening at the Rochester Repertory Theater
HBO’s 2022 documentary “Spring Awakening: Those You’ve Known” put this Tony Award-winning coming-of-age musical back in the spotlight. Although for many people who love it, it never left. Next year, Rochester gets a chance to discover this powerful story when the Rochester Repertory Theater brings it to life. While it tells the story of teens growing up in 19th-century Germany, its rock music soundtrack and progressive themes help it resonate with generations of modern audiences. We recommend parental guidance as it tackles themes of sexual awakening, sexuality, and suicide.
Date: April 21, 22, and 27 to 30 and May 4 to 7, 2023, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: 103 Seventh St. NE.
Cost: To be confirmed.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Rochester Civic Theatre
Disney’s The Little Mermaid doesn’t hit Rochester Civic Theatre until May, but it’s likely to be so popular with families that tickets will sell quickly. Local talents bring the popular animated film to life, with all the characters and award-winning music that the family loves. You might know how it ends, but this story of the headstrong mermaid Ariel and her quest to live in the world above the sea with Prince Eric is bound to enchant on the stage.
Dates: May 12 to 14, 18 to 21, and 25 to 27, 2023, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: 30 Civic Center Drive.
Cost: $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students.
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