FORWARD Park Concerts

FORWARD concerts take place on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. Each show features two bands, food trucks, and free drop-in activities for all ages.

We’ll be back in summer 2026 with another six nights of music in the parks. Lineup announcement coming spring 2026 - stay tuned!

Food vendors begin serving at 5:00 p.m. Music starts at 5:30 and typically wraps up by 8:00 p.m.

Come early to grab dinner, explore the park, and enjoy the evening.

All FORWARD concerts are free and open to everyone. No tickets or registration are required. Just come and enjoy the music.

Coolers, picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets are all welcome. Many guests bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during the show.

Alcohol is allowed in the park. Please drink responsibly.

Grills are not allowed.

Service animals are welcome, but please leave pets at home.

All seating is first come, first served. We encourage you to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the music comfortably.

To keep the space welcoming for everyone, please don’t use ropes, stakes, or other items to reserve areas.

Portable restrooms are available at every FORWARD concert. We aim to include at least one larger unit designed for accessible use at each event.

If you have accessibility questions, please visit our Accessibility page or contact us. We're here to help.

FORWARD concerts take place in parks across the city, and many are connected to Rochester’s trail system. That makes it possible to walk, bike, or roll from your neighborhood, or from wherever you park nearby.

Whenever it works for you, we encourage you to arrive car-free. It’s a great way to enjoy the evening and explore a new part of town.

Biking? Bike racks are available at each site. Space is limited, so we recommend arriving early or bringing a lock in case you need to secure your bike near the concert area.

Taking transit? Rochester Public Transit is a great option. Visit rptride.com for route and schedule info.

Each park has a free parking lot available for concert guests. However, space is limited and tends to fill quickly, especially at smaller neighborhood sites.

Reserved parking will be set aside near the concert area at each event for guests with mobility needs. These are standard-size spaces located as close to the stage as possible, but may not meet formal ADA requirements.

If you have mobility needs or access questions, visit our Accessibility page or contact us directly. We’re here to help.

We work to make every FORWARD concert welcoming and accessible to all. CART captioning is available at every show, and staff are onsite to assist with questions, wayfinding, or support.

To view real-time captions, scan the QR code in the park or visit this link. Bring a phone or tablet with internet access to follow along.

For more information on physical accessibility, sensory considerations, or parking access, visit our Accessibility page.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in the park during FORWARD events.

A rotating selection of local food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite starting at 5 p.m. Options vary by week and typically include meals, snacks, and craft beer.

You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drinks if you prefer.

FORWARD concerts are held rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, we recommend bringing a poncho instead of an umbrella to help preserve sightlines for others.

If lightning, high winds, or other unsafe weather conditions occur, concerts may be delayed, shortened, or cancelled. Event staff will monitor conditions closely and respond as needed.

For real-time updates, visit our Event Updates page, or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

Every FORWARD concert includes free drop-in activities that invite guests of all ages to move, learn, and connect in the park:

• Rochester Public Library Bookmobile: Books, take-home materials, and fun resources for all ages
• Parks & Recreation’s Mobile Rec Trailer: Sports gear, games, and space to get active

Stop by anytime throughout the evening. No registration needed.

The Art Stop is a hands-on creative space at each FORWARD concert where kids, families, and parkgoers can make art, experiment with materials, and follow their imaginations. Activities are free and open to all ages.

Created and presented by Rochester Public Music, The Art Stop launched in 2025 as a new arts activation at FORWARD.

The inaugural season received sponsorship support from the Office of the Mayor as part of the Mayor’s Year About Youth initiative.

We invite guests to share feedback during each FORWARD concert. Your input helps us improve the series and show public support for free community events.

Digital surveys are open from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on show nights. You can complete the survey:

• At the Public Music tent
• By scanning a QR code in the park
• Or by visiting our Event Surveys page

Each night, one survey participant wins a prize pack. Winners are notified after 7:30 p.m. and can pick up their prize at the Public Music tent that evening.

FORWARD concerts take place in public parks and are open to everyone. While these are public spaces, we ask that individuals and organizations refrain from campaigning, soliciting, or distributing materials during the event.

These are music-first gatherings focused on connection and community. Thank you for supporting that spirit.

We welcome collaboration with community partners whose work aligns with the spirit of FORWARD. Participation is selective and based on how well the proposed activity supports the event’s mission and adds value for attendees.

To be considered, partners must meet one or more of the following:

• Offer a free, inclusive activity that invites public participation
• Support the event through sponsorship, staffing, or logistical help
• Provide a facilitated experience that builds community, such as interactive art or games

FORWARD events are music-first gatherings focused on connection, not solicitation. So we don’t include info tables, promotional booths, on site during concerts.

Space is limited and participation is not guaranteed. If your organization is a good fit, email us at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov to start a conversation.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Visit our Supporters & Partners page to learn more.

Rochester Public Music coordinates food and beverage vending at all FORWARD concerts. If you're interested in joining us as a vendor, we'd love to hear from you.

To learn more or apply, visit our Get Involved page.