A Main Street America community · Rochester, NH
Rochester Main Street is a volunteer-driven nonprofit keeping downtown Rochester, New Hampshire a place where people gather, shop, dine, and celebrate - today and for generations to come.
Central Square, planting day
Bigfoot sighting
PorchFest downtown
Happening right now
Own a business downtown - storefront, home-based, or a one-person operation? Take five minutes to add yourself to the BOOMS survey. The data helps Rochester Main Street and other local nonprofits win grant funding, and it helps businesses make the case for investment downtown.
Take the survey (5 minutes) ↗Happening now
September 12
The Amazing Main Street Challenge takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026. Teams of two will race through Downtown Rochester solving riddles, completing puzzles, and tackling fun challenges at local businesses while competing for prizes and bragging rights.
Oct 3 · 11 AM – 3 PM
The Halloween Spooktacular takes over downtown Rochester on October 3, 2026 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Kids pick and decorate a free pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch, enjoy trunk-or-treat. Free; donations welcome.
Event details →
Oct 23 · 7 PM
On October 23, 2026 at 7 PM, local dance studios shamble through downtown Rochester dancing to "Thriller." The walk starts at Citizens Bank, moves down North Main Street, and ends at Central Street. Zombies of all kinds are welcome to join the front of the parade. Free to watch and join.
Event details →
Oct 24 · 12 – 3 PM
On Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 12 to 3 PM, downtown Rochester businesses hand out candy to costumed kids. Pick up a trick-or-treat bag and the list of participating businesses at Central Square, then work your way down Main Street. Free and family-friendly.
Event details →
Nov 28 · All day downtown
On November 28, 2026, Santa comes to downtown Rochester to kick off the holiday season while local shops run Shop Small Saturday specials. Bring Santa a homemade cookie to enter a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to the downtown business of your choice.
Event details →
Wyndotte Alley deck, built 2023
The Main Street Approach
Sponsorships start at just $75, and every donation - weekly, monthly, or once a year - goes straight into events, beautification, and grants for downtown Rochester.
Downtown Rochester offers year-round free events like PorchFest, the Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt, and the Festival of Trees, plus the Rochester Opera House, Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, public art installations, the Cocheco Riverwalk, and dozens of local shops and restaurants.
Rochester Main Street is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit that revitalizes downtown Rochester, NH through community events, beautification projects, historic preservation, grants, and small business support, following the national Main Street America four-point approach.
Donate weekly, monthly, or bi-annually; volunteer for events and cleanups; or become a sponsor - opportunities start at just $75. Every dollar goes directly into downtown projects, events, and grants.
