4th Fest Independence Day Celebration, Rochester’s official 4th of July celebration and fireworks display will take place at Soldiers Field Park (300 7th St SW, 300 7th St SW, MN 55902), on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m.
4th Fest is a free, annual community event featuring live music, poetry, and fireworks. With local food vendors, craft beer, giveaways and more, 4th Fest is a fun-filled celebration for the entire family. Celebrated local musician and non-profit volunteer Mitch Stevenson will serve as emcee for this year’s event.
2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 PM: Rochester Community Band: Patriotic and Traditional Concert Band Music
7:00 PM: DJ Aventus and Virtual Pet Parade
8:25 PM: Jean Prokott, Rochester Poet Laureate
8:30 PM: The Lonesome Losers: A Tribute to Yacht Rock
10:00 PM: Fireworks!
New for this year: A virtual pet parade! Event organizers are inviting the public to submit photos of their pets dressed in patriotic garb, fun costumes, or just being their adorable selves. Photos will be publicly displayed on the 4th Fest stage video screen from 7:00 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.
The first 100 photo entrants will receive a limited-edition Civic Music pet bandanna. To submit an entry, email civicmusic@rochestermn.gov. Please include “4th Fest Virtual Pet Parade” in the subject line, and include your pet’s name in the body of the email or directly on the photo. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 28.
Food and beverage vendor list: The Compadres, Infuzn Foods, Minne Street Rolls, True Smoke BBQ, Thai Garden, Flapdoodles, Minne "Snow" Da Shave Ice, Little Thistle Brewing Co., Thesis Beer Project.
Sponsored by Affinity Plus Credit Union. Presented by Rochester Civic Music in partnership with Rochester Parks & Recreation, the Rochester Fire Department, and the Rochester Police Department. Stage and video wall sponsored by Fette Productions. Water refill station sponsored by Culligan.
City Parking Options for 4th Fest at Soldiers Field Park
All City and residential side streets, unless marked otherwise.