Fourth of July in Rochester

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Fourth of July in Rochester

Updated for 2025

Starting in 2026, the City of Rochester is transitioning away from the former 4th Fest concert event at Soldiers Field. In its place, the City will continue to support a fireworks display and explore a new media partnership to share music and community messages in a broadcast format. More details on that broadcast will be shared as they are confirmed.

In 2026, the Rochester Community Band will also present an celebratory concert on July 4 at Cascade Lake Park.

Fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. They are free and open to the public.

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CANCELED - 4th Fest Independence Day Celebration

Due to anticipated inclement weather, the 4th Fest Independence Day event and fireworks have been canceled.

The event and fireworks require extensive dry-weather set-up time, making a successful show this evening too difficult to prepare. If weather permits, the fireworks will be rescheduled for tomorrow, July 5. Updates will be announced via our website, social media and local news outlets.

City of Rochester Emergency Management Director Captain Jon Turk shares, “Canceling an event is never easy, especially when it is a summer tradition like the Fourth of July fireworks. Ultimately our top priority is the safety of our community and what is driving this decision.”


 

When: Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Where:  Soldiers Field Memorial Park | 300 7th St. SW, Rochester, MN 55904

Updates, including weather announcements, will be posted on the Event Updates page, as well as social media (City of Rochester Facebook, City of Rochester Instagram, Rochester Public Music Facebook, Rochester Public Music Instagram).

Rochester’s official Independence Day celebration, 4th Fest is a free, annual community event featuring live music, poetry, and fireworks. With local food vendors and craft beer, 4th Fest is a fun-filled celebration for the entire family!

The popular virtual pet parade returns again this year! To include your animal companion in this pet-friendly 4th of July parade, please email their photo to publicmusic@rochestermn.gov by Wednesday, June 26, and include “Virtual Pet Parade” in the subject line.

If you’d like your pet’s name displayed, please include their name in the body of the email or directly on the photo. You can submit a photo of your pet in patriotic gear, a fun costume, or just being their adorable selves! 

2024 4th Fest 

Parking Information 

Additional information can be found on the Event Updates page.

2024 Schedule of Events

6 p.m. - Rochester Community Band

7 p.m. - Virtual Pet Parade

8:25 p.m. - Jean Prokott: Rochester Poet Laureate

8:30 p.m. - Free Fallin The Tom Petty Concert Experience

10 p.m. - Fireworks

 

Additional Information

Visit the 4th Fest Series Page for additional information about the event.

Sponsored by the City of Rochester, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union & Fette Productions

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Additional Information

Fireworks Schedule
Cost
What to bring
Seating
Restrooms
Smoking
Weather Policy
Parking Information

Supporters & Partners

Rochester's Fourth of July fireworks display is sponsored by the Office of the Mayor. Rochester Parks & Recreation, the Rochester Fire Department, and the Rochester Police Department make the annual fireworks display a safe and welcoming community experience.

City of Rochester – Mayor's Office logo

Fireworks Sponsor