Annual Arbor Day Celebration

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), ArborWise, Davey Tree, Rochester Parks & Recreation, and Sargent's Gardens proudly partner to host the Annual Arbor Day Celebration each year on the last Friday in April.

This year marks the 24th Annual Arbor Day Celebration, and we invite the community to join us for a day filled with fun, education, and appreciation for trees.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

Event Details

Date
Friday, April 24, 2026

Time
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location
McQuillan Field Park
1655 Marion Rd SE
Rochester, MN 55904

If severe weather occurs, the celebration will move indoors to the Rochester Community and Technical College Field House.

Co-Sponsors
Coming soon

Participants
Coming soon

What to Expect

Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions throughout the event.

• Free admission
• Complimentary food, including:
  • Hot dogs
  • Chips
  • Corn on the cob
  • Cookies
  • Soda
• Entertainment, including
  • Live music
  • Meet Smokey Bear
  • Free tree giveaway (Pin Oak saplings)
  • Vendor booths
• Family-friendly activities, such as:
  • Apple toss 
  • Bean bag toss
  • Tree cookie stacking
  • Tree medallion necklaces
  • Tree ring toss

During the celebration, RPU will also announce the winners of the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest.

The 2026 Arbor Day Celebration flyer will be available soon.

You can also watch the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration video recap by SeeMe Productions and view event photos taken by Marie Ferguson on the RPU Facebook page. 

Arbor Day Poster Contest

Each year, RPU hosts the Arbor Day Poster Contest for local elementary students. The 2025 theme was: “Trees Provide Food for Animals and People!”

Winners were honored during the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration, and their artwork is featured in RPU's 2026 Calendar.

2025 Poster Contest Winners

Overall Winner
Lauren Winter, Mr. Lynch – Gibbs Elementary

First Grade
Rina Tonne, Mrs. Schad – Jefferson Elementary

Second Grade
Doriah Mohamed, Mrs. Peters – Pinewood Elementary

Third Grade
Serena Redel, Mrs. Cox – Hoover Elementary

Fourth Grade
Andie Bryhn, Ms. Chhunn – Elton Hills Elementary

Fifth Grade
Shaarav Nawale, Mrs. Hill – Washington Elementary

To view artwork from the 2024 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners, see RPU's 2025 Calendar.

Questions

For questions or additional information, please send us an email or call 507-280-1537.