Knowledge Base

Celebrate Independence Day at Rochester’s 4th Fest
 

June 23, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Mark your calendars and bring your lawn chairs. 4th Fest, Rochester’s official Independence Day celebration, returns to Soldiers Memorial Field on Thursday, July 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Presented by Rochester Public Music, this free and family-friendly event brings people together for an evening of music, food and fireworks.

“4th Fest is more than just fireworks. It is a time for neighbors to come together and celebrate what connects us,” said Mayor Kim Norton. “From music and poetry to food and family fun, this event reflects the spirit of Rochester and the pride we share in our community.”

Event Schedule

Soldiers Memorial Field – 244 Soldiers Field Drive SW

Please note that the Soldiers Field Golf Course is not open for fireworks viewing. The front nine of the course will be closed on July 4 for fireworks setup and the back nine will close at 2 p.m. Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 5 p.m.
• Vendors open and early arrivals welcome
• Enjoy local food and craft beverages
• Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnic fare welcome
• Grills and pets are not allowed (service animals are welcome)
• 6 p.m.
• Rochester Community Band – Patriotic and traditional favorites kick off the evening
• 7 p.m.
• Virtual Pet Parade – A video tribute to Rochester’s animal companions will be shown on the jumbo screen
• Submit your pet’s photo by Wednesday, July 2 to publicmusic@rochestermn.gov with “Virtual Pet Parade” in the subject line. Include your pet’s name in the email if you want it displayed
• 8:25 p.m.
• Jean Prokott, Rochester Poet Laureate – A poem written and read by Jean will reflect the meaning of gathering as a community
• 8:30 p.m.
• Free Fallin: The Tom Petty Concert Experience – A high-energy tribute show, featuring decades of classic rock hits
• 10 p.m.
• Fireworks – Typically last 30 minutes
• If fireworks are cancelled due to weather, they may be rescheduled to Friday, July 5
• Event updates can be found on the City of Rochester website and Rochester Public Music Facebook page

Parking and Road Closures

Free Parking:

All City and residential side streets, unless marked otherwise.

• 3rd Street Parking Ramp (100 3rd St SW)
• Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Parking Lot (7th St. SW)  
• The entire west half of this lot will be designated as accessible parking
• Soldiers Field Aquatic Center Parking Lot (Soldiers Field Dr. SW)
• Roy Sutherland Playground Parking Area (Soldiers Field Dr. SW)
• Street Parking (Soldiers Field Dr. SW, George Gibbs Dr. SW)

Closed Areas and Traffic Notes:

• Soldiers Field Parking Lot, Across the River (Broadway Ave S) will be closed on July 5
• There will be no parking on 2nd Avenue SW from 6th Street SW to 7th Street SW on July 5
• 2nd Avenue SW will be closed to traffic at 8 p.m.
• After the fireworks, 2nd Avenue SW will temporarily become one-way northbound
• 3rd Avenue SW from 6th Street SW to 7th Street SW will close at 8 p.m.

Pedestrian Routes:

• The pedestrian path along the east and south sides of the golf course will be closed from 9 p.m. July 4 to the morning of July 5
• Pedestrians will be directed to sidewalks on the east side of Broadway and the south side of Highway 14 and 12th Street SE

2025 4^th Fest Press Kit

For more information, visit: 4th Fest