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.

Hoobastank

Hoobastank

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. | John Forrest and The Model Citizens

This Minnesota-based alt-rock group blends tight musicianship with storytelling lyrics and a flair for theatrical rock. With a sound that bridges alternative and indie traditions, this dynamic group is quickly gaining fans across the region.

More about John Forrest & The Model Citizens here.

8:00 p.m. | Hoobastank

Platinum-selling rock band Hoobastank broke out in the early 2000s with hits like “Crawling in the Dark,” “Running Away,” and the power ballad “The Reason.” Their melodic alt-rock and arena-ready energy have earned them fans around the globe. They’ll close out the 2025 Riverside season with a set of anthems and throwback thrills.

More about Hoobastank 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.