Riverside Music Series

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Live Music. Big Names. No Tickets.

Est. 1992

Riverside Music Series Logo - Dark Yellow

For more than 30 years, the Riverside Music Series has brought big-name bands and big summer energy to Mayo Park on Sunday nights.

These free, un-ticketed concerts turn public space into shared space, filled with music, food, and connection. It’s one of Rochester’s favorite summer traditions.

Whether you’ve been coming for years or are brand new to the series, we hope you’ll join us downtown this summer. There’s a spot in the park waiting for you.

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Planning Your Visit

At the Park

Activities & Extras

Getting Involved & Guidelines

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Summer 2025 lineup

What’s New in 2025

  • Family activities: New this year, guests can stop by the Rochester Art Center’s patio for low-key, drop-in fun. Each week includes a rotating mix of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other kid-friendly play items.
  • First-time performers: All five headliners are new to the Riverside stage this year, including Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, and Hoobastank.
  • Same Riverside rhythm: Five Sundays. Five double bills. Always free. Come early, stay late, and soak in the summer.
  • Media partner giveaways: Backstage pass opportunities return again this season. Check the FAQ for details.

Follow @rochesterpublicmusic on Instagram or Rochester Public Music on Facebook for updates.

Tone Loc

Tone Loc

Live Music. Big Names. No Tickets.

Free, un-ticketed concerts turn public space into shared space, filled with music, food, and connection. It’s one of Rochester’s favorite summer traditions.

Schedule

6:00 p.m. | Get ready!

Come early to grab dinner and settle in. Food trucks start serving at 6:00 p.m., and the music starts at 7:00. Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome.

7:00 p.m. | Desdamona and The Orange Goodness

Hip-hop meets indie funk in this powerhouse double bill. Desdamona is one of Minnesota’s most influential spoken word artists and emcees. The Orange Goodness blends raw energy, tight rhythms, and indie-pop color for a sound that's all their own.

8:00 p.m. | Tone Loc

With hits like “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” Tone Loc became a trailblazer in the golden age of hip-hop. His gravelly voice and party-starting energy made him an MTV mainstay in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Still touring and electrifying crowds, he brings the boom to Riverside with a set full of classics and charisma.

Learn more about Tone Loc here.

All ages. All welcome.

All Riverside shows are free, all-ages, and accessible. CART (real-time captions) are available every week, and staff are on site to help with wayfinding, questions, and guest support.

For full details, visit our Accessibility page.

More about Riverside here.

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Listen and watch

2025 Season Sampler: Get to know this year’s lineup with our curated Spotify playlist.

Alumni Playlist

Explore the artists who’ve helped shape Riverside over the years with our curated Spotify mix.

What is the Riverside Music Series?

This short video captures the spirit of the series.

Additional information

See below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Schedule & Start Times
Location
Directions & Parking
Cost & Tickets
What to Bring
Seating
Restrooms
Food & Drink
Weather Policy
Smoking
Accessibility & Guest Services
Family Activities
Giveaways
Meet & Greets
Soliciting & Campaigning
Vendor Opportunities

Supporters & Partners

The Riverside Music Series is funded primarily by the City of Rochester. Support from sponsors, funders, and community partners helps us grow the series, welcome more people, and keep the music free and accessible for all.

Funding Partners

Think Bank logo
Title Sponsor since 2008
Minnesota State Arts Board logo Clean Water Legacy logo
Grant Support
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Media Partners

Minnesota 97.5 logo
Minnesota 97.5
Quick Country 96.5 logo
Quick Country 96.5
Y-105 FM logo
Y-105 FM

Family Activity Partner

Rochester Art Center logo
Rochester Art Center

City Partners

We’re also grateful to Rochester Parks & Recreation, the Rochester Police Department, and the Mayo Civic Center for their partnership and support.